Money Sense

Latest Episodes:

Credit Scores, Debt, and Buying A Home Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

With Americans carrying over $1.27 trillion in credit card debt, understanding how credit actually works and how it impacts homeownership is more important than ever.

In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel, wealth advisor and director of client experience at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Ben Revak, senior loan advisor at ProVisor Inc., for a practical conversation about credit scores, consumer debt and buying a home.

They break down common myths around credit card debt, explain what truly affects a credit score, and discuss why having debt does not automatically disqualify someone from homeownership. The episode also explores the difference between good and bad debt, how to prepare financially before buying a home, and what buyers should consider when thinking about mortgage rates and timing the market.

00:00 Why Credit Scores Matter
01:40 Credit Card Debt & Homeownership Myths
07:33 What Really Makes Up a Credit Score
15:55 Good Debt vs. Bad Debt (Mortgages Explained)
20:35 How to Prepare for Buying a Home
30:15 Mortgage Rates, Timing the Market & What to Know Now

New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations about aligning your money with what matters most.

#MoneySense #Homeownership #CreditScoreTips #DebtEducation #MortgageBasics #FinancialWellBeing #FirstTimeHomebuyer #MoneySensePodcast #FinancialPlanning

ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Charitable Giving and Your Financial Plan Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

How can generosity fit seamlessly into your financial plan and maximize tax efficiency?

In this episode of Money Sense, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Heather Deaton explore how charitable giving can fit into a well‑rounded financial plan. They discuss how generosity can be both personal and strategic, while still supporting long‑term family and financial goals.

The conversation is grounded in the Five T’s of Philanthropy: time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony. Using real examples, they highlight the many ways individuals and families can give back beyond writing a check.

00:00 Why Philanthropy Is Core to the EIG Culture
03:40 Defining Your “Why” in Charitable Giving
07:30 The Five T’s of Philanthropy
12:45 Volunteering & Real‑World Impact
18:10 Securities, DAFs & Tax Efficiency
28:50 QCDs, RMDs & Retirement‑Based Giving
34:40 Legacy Giving, Estate Planning & Beneficiaries
41:20 Final Takeaways

#MoneySensePodcast #CharitableGiving #FinancialPlanning #Philanthropy #LegacyPlanning #TaxEfficientGiving #ValuesBasedPlanning

Setting Kids Up for Financial Success Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

How do you raise kids who feel confident making money decisions?
In this episode, wealth advisors Kristina Schnuckel and Heather Deaton share how their own families have approached allowances, saving, and early financial decisions, alongside what they see working with clients and their kids.

00:00 Raising Money-Confident Kids
05:00 Allowances, Chores, and Teaching Kids Financial Responsibility
09:15 Savings vs. Spending and Building Impulse Control
13:00 Teaching Kids About Charitable Giving and Family Values
14:10 Helping Kids Understand Money Through Cash Flow and Spending Awareness
26:00 Savings, Investing, and Financial Accounts for Kids
36:45 Launching Kids into Adulthood with Financial Confidence
#MoneySensePodcast #FinancialPlanning #MoneyLessonsForKids #KidsAndMoney #TeachingKidsAboutMoney #RaisingMoneyConfidentKids #FinancialParenting
ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Mortgage Planning in a High-Rate Environment Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Mortgage rates may be higher than what many homeowners and buyers have grown used to in recent years, but thoughtful planning can still open the door to smart opportunities.

In this episode, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Tammy Niemann explore today’s mortgage landscape and how it fits into your overall financial plan, drawing on Tammy’s deep lending background and Jamie’s planning‑first perspective.

Mortgage Lending Then vs. Now
Understanding Today’s Interest Rate Environment
Mortgage Options and Borrowing Strategies
Credit, Income, and Mortgage Approval
Specialized Lending: Second Homes, Construction, and Renovations
Home Equity Lines of Credit
Integrating Mortgage Decisions into Financial Planning

#MoneySensePodcast #MortgagePlanning #FinancialPlanning #RealEstateStrategy #FiduciaryAdvice #WealthPlanning #Homeownership #InterestRates #SmarterBorrowing #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup

Q1 2026 Economic Update & Outlook Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

Early 2026 opened with optimism around AI, but rising oil prices and geopolitical tension quickly shifted sentiment. Mike Roth explains what changed, why rate cuts may be fewer than expected, and where volatility creates both risk and opportunity.

00:00 Welcome to Money Sense
02:04 Q1 2026 Market Overview
06:34 Why AI Is Driving Market Volatility
15:55 Iran, Oil Shocks & Global Market Impact
21:03 The Fog of War: Headlines vs Reality
23:32 Interest Rates & Fed Cuts in 2026
24:46 AI Winners, Losers & Valuation Shifts
29:39 Understanding Private Credit
37:47 How Today’s Economy Affects Everyday Life

#MarketOutlook #EconomicUpdate #Inflation #InterestRates #FederalReserve #Geopolitics #OilPrices #AIInvesting #ArtificialIntelligence #StockMarket #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #PrivateCredit #MarketVolatility #MoneySensePodcast

Legacy Planning Made Simple for Every Family Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

Take the mystery out of legacy planning, no matter your age or stage. Estate planning attorney Erick Fabyan breaks down the conversations, documents, and decisions families should consider before they matter.
From wills and trusts to beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, family conversations, and end‑of‑life instructions, this episode offers a practical roadmap for beginning—or updating—your estate plan. Jamie and Eric also share real stories and clear examples that reveal why planning early matters, how to avoid common mistakes, and the small steps that provide major peace of mind.

What We Cover:
✅ Why every adult needs basic estate planning documents
✅ The difference between wills and trusts (and why most families benefit from a trust)
✅ How beneficiary designations work—and the pitfalls to avoid
✅ Choosing powers of attorney for financial and medical decisions
✅ Keeping your documents current and aligned with your wishes
✅ Planning for funeral expenses and ensuring liquidity
✅ How to structure family conversations that prevent conflict
✅ Digital legacy planning (passwords, online accounts, phone access & more)

Whether you're planning for your own future or helping aging parents, this conversation will help you take the next right step with confidence.
#EstatePlanning #LegacyPlanning #FinancialPlanning #EndOfLifePlanning #TrustsAndWills #BeneficiaryDesignations #PowersOfAttorney #FamilyFinances #FinancialWellbeing #MoneySensePodcast #EIG #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup #FinancialEducation
ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com/
This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Tax Planning as a Cornerstone of Financial Wellness Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Tax planning plays a critical role in financial success. In this episode of Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Sandra Geisler, Director of Tax Planning at Ellenbecker Investment Group, to explore how thoughtful tax decisions today can strengthen your retirement, reduce surprises, and help your money work smarter for you.
Karen and Sandra break down 2026 tax law changes, the importance of planning ahead, and the strategies retirees often overlook. They also share how to strategically manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), use Roth IRAs and tax‑efficient accounts to your advantage, and apply gifting rules to protect your estate and support the causes you care about.
Why does this matter? Because without proactive planning, you risk higher taxes and a less efficient path toward the legacy you hope to leave.
#TaxPlanning #TaxStrategy #RetirementPlanning #TaxAdvice #SocialSecurityPlanning #RMDPlanning #QCDs #2026TaxChanges #WealthManagement #MoneySensePodcast
ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Mortgages Made Simple for Today’s Homebuyers Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

If the mortgage process feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Wealth Advisor Kristina Schnuckel and Loan Officer Ben Revak join Money Sense to simplify rates, lenders, and the steps every buyer should understand before making an offer.
Together, they break down the key differences between purchases and refinances, why transparency from your lender matters, how rate locks actually work, and the questions every borrower should ask to avoid last‑minute stress at closing. Ben also shares his educational approach, the importance of selecting the right loan officer, and the biggest mistakes he sees homebuyers make, plus how to prevent them.
Connect with Ben Revak at Ben@ProVisor.com or provisor.com/team/ben-revak.
#MortgageEducation #HomebuyingTips #MortgageAdvice #MoneySensePodcast #EIG
ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: https://www.ellenbecker.com/
This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Finding the Right Home in Any Market Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

In a market where nothing seems available, this episode breaks down how people are still finding the right home and the strategies that make it possible.
Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Shorewest Realtor Beth Jaworski for a conversation about today’s housing reality: tight inventory, a shortage of condos, and the wave of apartment development that’s reshaping options for buyers and downsizers alike. Beth explains what’s driving the shortage and why so many would‑be sellers feel “stuck,” then shares practical ways to create flexibility like using a home‑equity line of credit to buy first and sell second, staging for maximum return, and timing your move to reduce stress.
You’ll learn what buyers prioritize today, the simple updates that make the biggest difference, and the offer strategies that help you compete in a fast‑moving market. We also talk about building the right team, from decluttering support to contractors and lenders, and why preparation is the key to successful buying and selling in any season.
Connect with Beth Jaworski at bjaworski@shorewest.com or visit bethjaworski.com for additional resources and listings.
#RealEstateTips #HousingMarket2026 #HomeBuyingAdvice #DownsizingJourney #WisconsinRealEstate #MoneySensePodcast #EIG #HomeSellingTips
ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

Q1 2026 Bond Market Update Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, wealth advisor Jamie Williams is joined by Dick Schiller of Pavlic Investment Advisors for a clear look at the fixed income landscape in early 2026.

Together, they break down how today’s bond ladders are structured, what yields look like across one‑ to ten‑year maturities, and why reinvestment and interest‑rate risk feel different than they did just a few years ago. Jamie and Dick also highlight how the broader market backdrop supports the case for high‑quality bonds and how a thoughtful allocation can help protect five to six years of income needs.

They discuss:

Current yield ranges across one‑ to ten‑year investment‑grade corporate bonds
Why bond ladders help stabilize plans in a shifting rate environment
How reinvestment risk affects CDs and money markets
The difference between individual bonds and bond funds
How to evaluate quality when selecting fixed income holdings
How fixed income supports a balanced allocation as volatility returns

Register for our March 12th webinar on travel insurance here: bit.ly/4ccSKga
ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP
Presenter of the Money Sense Podcast. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable foundations.
Website: ellenbecker.com
This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to companies do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

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