License To Spend

Hosted by Tim Whisler

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Latest episode

Jan 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Get ready to unlock your License To Spend with Tim Whisler from The Whisler Agency! Tune in for expert insights on financial strategies that will empower you to confidently navigate your way to retirement freedom. Embark on a personalized financial adventure where your goals, dreams, and legacy become the main event. Let’s navigate the complexities together and ensure your retirement is not just a destination but a rewarding journey.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

January 6, 202638 min

Estate Planning: The Gift Your Family Deserves (Ep. 18)

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s a way to protect loved ones, avoid unnecessary conflict, and honor your wishes. In this episode of License to Spend, Tim Whisler unpacks the importance of having clear legal documents in place before life’s unexpected events occur. From powers of attorney to trusts, Tim explains how these tools reduce stress, prevent family disputes, and keep your legacy intact. With relatable stories and practical steps, he shows why starting the conversation now is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. Tim discusses: Why estate planning is about caring for loved ones, not just dividing assets The essential roles of financial and healthcare powers of attorney How wills, trusts, and up-to-date beneficiaries work together to honor your wishes Real-life examples of how planning (or lack of it) affects families Tips for finding and working with the right estate planning attorney And more! Connect with Tim: (309) 291-0491 Email: Tim Whisler LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

June 4, 202538 min

Protect Your Retirement: Cybersecurity Tips with Kirk Hasty, CEH, MCSE (Ep. 17)

Are you aware of the invisible threat lurking in your retirement planning? Cybercrime isn’t only a menace to tech giants; it’s now a real risk for retirees and pre-retirees too. Tim Whisler sits down with Kirk Hasty, a seasoned professional in cybersecurity and a Certified Ethical Hacker, to discuss the emerging threats in the digital world and how they can impact your financial future. Kirk, with over 20 years in IT and cybersecurity, uncovers the intricate web of scams targeting retirees and shares practical steps to safeguard your identity and nest egg from cyber threats. With 12 industry certifications and a vast array of experience protecting large corporations, Kirk guides us through strategies to keep our data and finances secure. Dive into an enlightening discussion that breaks down complex cybersecurity concepts into actionable advice. Kirk and Tim discuss: The alarming trend of cybercrime targeting retirees Real-world examples of cybercrime and its impact on finances Importance of two-factor authentication and monitoring your accounts New and emerging threats to watch for, including phishing and deep fakes Steps to enhance your cybersecurity as part of retirement planning Resources: Consumer.FTC.gov AARP® SSA.gov Connect with Tim: Email: Tim Whisler 309-291-0491 LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call Connect with Kirk Hasty: LinkedIn: Kirk Hasty About Our Guest: With over 20 years of IT and systems administration experience, as well as cybersecurity expertise across diverse sectors, Kirk Hasty brings deep proficiency in Windows Server administration, Active Directory, VMware, cybersecurity, and network operations. His background highlights a strong track record in leading enterprise-level projects, including system migrations, security enhancements, and infrastructure optimizations. He has effectively managed teams, mentored junior staff, and implemented best practices to ensure high availability and system security. Kirk’s technical proficiency is supported by a solid educational foundation in computer networking, underscoring his commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. His career is defined by a dedication to technological innovation and a strategic approach to cybersecurity, focusing on defending against attackers and protecting critical assets and infrastructure in alignment with organizational objectives. Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

May 1, 202532 min

Empowering Women in Retirement: Navigating Unique Financial Challenges (Ep. 16)

Ladies, are you confident in your financial future? Whether married or single, being on top of your finances is crucial. Are you prepared for the unique challenges women face in retirement? Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® chats about the importance of women’s financial empowerment and understanding retirement planning. Delve into key areas like longevity concerns, the impact of career choices, and vital financial misconceptions that women often encounter. This episode offers a refreshing perspective, emphasizing proactivity and learning. Tim discusses: Unique challenges women face in retirement planning Misconceptions and common financial planning mistakes Effective strategies to overcome financial overwhelm Ways to optimize Social Security benefits And more! Connect with Tim: Email: Tim Whisler LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

April 22, 202526 min

Creating a Consistent Retirement Income (Ep. 15)

Are you ready to face the challenges of transforming your savings into a lasting income stream for your retirement years? This week, Tim Whisler explores the complexities retirees encounter when transitioning from earning a paycheck to generating a consistent income on their own. With valuable insights and practical strategies, he shines a light on the importance of having a written financial plan tailored to individual needs and goals. Key topics Tim discusses include: The fading three-legged stool of retirement: pensions, Social Security, and personal savings Why a written income plan is crucial to avoid overspending or underspending Understanding the pitfalls of the outdated 4% rule and market volatility The significance of a customized retirement roadmap and the role of a retirement income planner And more! Resources: License to Spend: A Retirement Plan Based on INcome as Opposed to IFcome by Tim Whisler Connect with Tim: (309) 291-0491 Email: Tim Whisler LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

March 18, 202531 min

Retirement Identity: Finding Purpose Beyond Work (Ep. 14)

What does a fulfilling retirement really look like? In this episode of License to Spend, Tim Whisler invites listeners to explore the psychological shift that accompanies retirement. Tim delves into the compelling story of Jim, a former executive, to illustrate common challenges retirees face and how finding purpose can lead to a fulfilling post-career life. You’ll discover strategies to combat the identity crisis that many retirees experience, learn the importance of structuring your days, and hear about ways to remain socially connected and active. Tim discusses: Insights from the “psychology of retirement” seen through Jim’s story Common phases of emotional cycles in retirement and how to navigate them Five practical steps to avoid an identity crisis and find purpose The significance of writing goals and planning for an enriching retirement And more! Connect with Tim: (309) 291-0491 Email: Tim Whisler LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

February 19, 202530 min

Retirement Milestones: Key Birthdays That Shape Your Financial Future (Ep. 13)

We all age, but some birthdays mean more than just another candle on the cake—they’re critical for retirement planning. This week, Tim Whisler dives into the crucial ages that play a pivotal role in retirement planning, from critical decisions starting at age 50 to the implications of reaching 70 ½ and beyond. You’ll learn how these age milestones can influence your financial strategies, including the importance of catch-up contributions, understanding Social Security benefits, and managing required minimum distributions (RMDs). Tim discusses: The significance of turning 50 and utilizing catch-up contributions Accessing retirement funds penalty-free at age 59 ½ through in-service distributions Social Security strategies starting at age 62 and the impact of earnings on benefits The importance of 65 for Medicare and guidelines for required minimum distributions starting at age 73 And more! Connect with Tim: (309) 291-0491 Email: Tim Whisler LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

January 22, 202530 min

Preparing for Tax Changes: How the Expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Could Affect Your Retirement (Ep.12)

Changes to the federal tax code could significantly impact your financial planning and retirement strategies. What changes might be coming to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act? How can you prepare for potential tax increases? In this episode of Your License to Spend, Tim Whisler dives into the intricacies of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, exploring its impact on individuals and businesses and the uncertainties surrounding its expiration at the end of next year. Tim sheds light on proactive tax planning strategies in anticipation of legislative changes and helps listeners understand how to adapt their financial strategies in an evolving tax landscape. Tim discusses: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Its impact on tax brackets, standard deductions, and child tax credits Corporate Tax Benefits: How the Act provided tax cuts for corporations Future Tax Planning: The importance of planning for potential tax increases and legislative changes Retirement Strategies: Recommendations for maximizing 401(k) contributions and considering Roth conversions And more! Connect with Tim: 309-291-0491 Email: Tim Whisler LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

December 18, 202434 min

How Daily Money Managers Can Help You Maintain Financial Independence with Michelle Brown (Ep. 11)

Are you confident in your financial strategy for retirement? Have you ever wondered who can help manage your day-to-day finances when life’s challenges make it difficult to keep up? Tim Whisler is joined by Michelle Brown, a daily money manager from Advocate Money Management, who shares her insights on how daily money management can provide critical support, especially for seniors and those undergoing major life changes. Michelle discusses her personal journey of helping her parents through financial challenges, which led her to discover the importance and impact of daily money management. Tim and Michelle discuss: Michelle’s personal story of transitioning into daily money management to help her parents The role and services provided by daily money managers, particularly for seniors Real-life examples of how daily money management can address unexpected financial challenges The importance of hiring experienced, reputable professionals to safeguard your finances Connect with Tim: Email: Tim Whisler LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call Connect with Michelle Brown: LinkedIn: Michelle Brown Advocate Money Management About our Guest: Michelle Brown, with two bachelor’s degrees and a robust 27-year career at a Fortune 100 company, has gained extensive experience in budget management, large project execution, systems, and contract negotiations. She has earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification and held leadership positions for most of her career, leading highly engaged teams of up to 30 people. Additionally, she has successfully run her own profitable small business. As a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM), Michelle is background checked, insured, and adheres to their Code of Ethics, ensuring her work always prioritizes her clients’ best interests. Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

November 22, 202429 min

How Annuities Work; the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Ep.10)

Annuities often carry a bad reputation, but could they be the unsung hero of your retirement plan? In this episode, Tim Whisler breaks down the complexities of annuities, offering a comprehensive look at their various types and features. He explains how these financial tools can play a crucial role in generating retirement income. You’ll get a balanced perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of annuities, helping you make more informed decisions for your financial future. Tim covers: A breakdown of the four main types of annuities: immediate, fixed, variable, and indexed How each type functions and the potential benefits they offer A discussion on the often-overlooked fees associated with variable annuities Key questions to ask financial professionals when evaluating an annuity This episode will leave you with a clearer understanding of how annuities might fit into your retirement strategy. Connect with Tim: Email: Tim Whisler LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

October 16, 202438 min

How to Kickstart Your Financial Journey (Ep. 9)

Are you confident that you’ll have enough savings to last through retirement, or does the thought make you uneasy? Tim Whisler emphasizes the vital need for financial literacy early in life and explores how saving discipline and commitment can pave the way for a secure retirement. We discuss both the benefits and strategies for managing 401(k)s, IRAs, and the burgeoning significance of Roth accounts, ensuring you have the right financial plan set for the decades ahead. Tim discusses: Differences and benefits of traditional and Roth 401(k) plans. The importance of starting an IRA, both traditional and Roth. Managing Social Security concerns for future financial stability. The critical role life insurance plays in financial planning. And more   Connect with Tim: Email: Tim Whisler LinkedIn: Tim Whisler, CRPC®, CLTC® The Whisler Agency LinkedIn: The Whisler Agency Book a Call with Tim: Schedule a call   Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance, Consulting, and Education services are offered through The Whisler Agency. The Whisler Agency is a separate and unaffiliated entity from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.