Money Sense

Hosted by Ellenbecker Investment Group

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Money Sense is your trusted guide to building true wealth—beyond just money. Hosted by Karen Ellenbecker, founder and senior wealth advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), this weekly podcast helps you make confident decisions about your finances, health, and legacy. For over 35 years, Karen and the EIG Wealth Advisors have combined financial planning expertise with insights from economists, attorneys, authors, tax professionals, and other thought leaders. Each episode explores how to align your money with your values, create a life you love, and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re planning for retirement, navigating taxes, or simply looking for financial clarity, Money Sense delivers practical strategies and inspiring conversations to help you live with purpose. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now and start building wealth that makes sense—for your life and your legacy.

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August 10, 202631 min

7 Ways Grandparents Can Help Their Grandchildren Financially

Helping grandchildren financially is about much more than simply giving money. Thoughtful planning can create opportunities for education, encourage healthy financial habits, and establish a lasting family legacy that benefits future generations. This week on Money Sense, Nick Kibardin, MBA, CFP®, welcomes Sandy Miller, Wealth Advisor Associate at Ellenbecker Investment Group, for a conversation about seven ways grandparents can help their grandchildren. Drawing from both her professional experience and her role as a grandmother of seven, Sandy shares practical strategies for gifting, saving, investing, and passing along financial values that can make a meaningful impact for years to come. The discussion covers everything from cash gifts and Roth IRA opportunities for working teenagers to 529 plans, custodial accounts, trusts, direct tuition payments, appreciated stock gifting strategies, and the newly introduced Trump Accounts. Along the way, Nick and Sandy highlight the importance of financial education and how grandparents can use these tools not only to transfer wealth, but also to teach responsibility and stewardship. Episode Highlights: 1:20 | #1 Gifting cash and teaching financial responsibility 4:42 | Using earned income and Roth IRAs to build long-term wealth 5:43 | #2 Understanding the benefits of 529 college savings plans 9:41 | New flexibility for 529 plans, including Roth IRA rollovers 10:38 | #3 How custodial (UTMA) accounts can teach investing fundamentals 15:36 | #4 Using trusts to create a lasting family legacy 18:36 | #5 Direct tuition and medical payments as gifting strategies 20:42 | #6 The advantages and considerations of gifting appreciated stock 23:58 | #7 Exploring the new Trump Accounts and their potential benefits 28:15 | Educational resources available through Ellenbecker Investment Group 29:48 | Final thoughts on financial education, family values, and legacy planning 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 services for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable organizations. EIG's planning-first approach helps clients align their financial decisions with their values, goals, and long-term vision for the future. 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 specific products, services, legislation, or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group. Before making financial, tax, or estate planning decisions, consult with qualified professionals familiar with your individual circumstances.

August 3, 202642 min

Q3 2026 Bond Market Update

Markets are constantly balancing optimism and uncertainty. While headlines often focus on volatility, long-term success comes from understanding the forces driving investment decisions and maintaining a disciplined strategy aligned with your goals. This week on Money Sense, Jamie Williams welcomes Dick Schiller, CFA and Senior Wealth Advisor at Pavlic Investment Advisors, for a discussion on the current investment landscape. Together, they explore the ongoing bull versus bear market debate, the impact of artificial intelligence on corporate earnings and market performance, and what investors should be watching as economic conditions continue to evolve. The conversation also takes a deeper look at fixed income investing, including today's interest rate environment, the role of bonds in a diversified portfolio, and how thoughtful asset allocation can help investors navigate uncertainty. Dick shares insights on corporate bonds, market expectations for interest rates, and why maintaining a long-term perspective remains essential regardless of market conditions. Episode Highlights: 1:48 | Understanding bull and bear markets 5:29 | The bullish case for today's market 7:22 | How AI spending is driving earnings growth 10:25 | Potential risks investors should watch 14:47 | The current fixed income landscape 18:12 | Why "higher for longer" interest rates matter 21:23 | Federal Reserve expectations and market outlook 23:20 | Cash management and bond ladder strategies 30:10 | Why corporate bonds remain attractive 35:19 | Investor discipline during market uncertainty 38:04 | AI, productivity, and long-term market opportunities PAVLIC INVESTMENT ADVISORS Pavlic Investment Advisors is an independent investment management firm providing portfolio management, fixed income expertise, and investment consulting services for individuals, families, institutions, and financial advisors. The firm focuses on disciplined investment strategies, risk management, and customized portfolio solutions designed to help clients pursue their long-term financial goals. Website: pavlic.com ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUPPresenter of the MPC 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.comThis 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 or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

July 21, 202630 min

The Psychology of Retirement

Retirement is one of the biggest life transitions we face, yet most retirement conversations focus solely on the financial side. In this episode of Money Sense, Senior Wealth Advisor Jean Range sits down with Dr. Jessica Fischer, Brown Deer Campus Director of Clinical Services at Rogers Behavioral Health, to discuss the emotional and psychological realities of retirement. Jean and Dr. Fischer discuss the stages of retirement, the importance of purpose and community, signs that loneliness or depression may be developing, and practical ways to prepare emotionally for this next chapter of life. They also share resources for retirees and families looking to support healthy aging and overall well-being. 00:00 Why Retirement Is More Than a Financial Decision 02:12 When Your Career Becomes Your Identity 07:08 Building Purpose, Routine, and Social Connection 09:32 The Stages of Retirement Adjustment 13:14 Recognizing Loneliness, Anxiety, and Depression 15:24 When One Spouse Retires Before the Other 19:34 Finding Activities That Fill Your Bucket 23:33 Creating a Happier, More Meaningful Retirement New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real-life decisions. #MoneySense #RetirementPlanning #RetirementLifestyle #Retirement #MentalHealth #HealthyAging #BehavioralHealth #LifeAfterWork #FinancialPlanning #PersonalFinance #FinancialEducation #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup 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 or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

July 14, 202638 min

The Difference Between Tax Preparation and Tax Planning

Taxes are often something people think about once a year. Gather the documents, file the return, and move on. But what if that approach is causing you to miss valuable opportunities? In this episode of Money Sense, Wealth Services Advisor Nik Kibardin sits down with Richard Wolosek, CPA and Tax Planning Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, to break down the critical difference between tax preparation and tax planning. While tax preparation focuses on reporting what already happened, tax planning helps shape what happens next. Nik and Richard explore how proactive tax strategies can impact every stage of life, from accumulating wealth and preparing for retirement to leaving a tax-efficient legacy for future generations. They also share real-world examples of how thoughtful planning can help reduce taxes, avoid costly Medicare premium increases, maximize charitable giving strategies, and create more flexibility throughout retirement. 00:00 Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning: What's the Difference?04:06 How Tax Planning Creates More Financial Options08:42 Tax Strategies During Your Working Years15:18 Retirement Tax Planning Opportunities20:22 Legacy Planning, Inheritance, and Taxes21:41 Real Client Stories33:20 Final Takeaways New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #TaxPlanning #TaxPreparation #RetirementPlanning #RothConversion #FinancialEducation #PersonalFinance #TaxStrategy #WealthManagement #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #EllenbeckerInvestmentGroup 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 or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group.

July 7, 202632 min

Pet Care, Costs, Planning, and Community Resources

Pets are family, but they also come with financial responsibilities that many owners don't fully anticipate. In this episode of Money Sense, Wealth Services Advisor Courtney Witthuhn is joined by Ellenbecker Investment Group Director of Marketing Sara McGuire to discuss the true cost of pet ownership, how to financially prepare for a pet, and the community resources available to help families keep their beloved companions healthy and at home. From pet insurance and emergency vet expenses to fostering, volunteering, and affordable care programs, this conversation offers practical guidance for current and future pet owners. Whether you're considering adding a pet to your family or looking for ways to better plan for your furry friend's future, this episode is packed with actionable insights. 00:00 Why Pet Planning Matters01:57 The Real Cost of Pet Ownership08:55 Preparing Financially for a Pet15:00 Budgeting, Pet Insurance & Emergency Expenses22:10 Alternatives to Ownership: Fostering & Volunteering25:58 Community Resources & Estate Planning for Pet New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #PetCareCosts #PetInsurance #FinancialPlanning #PetOwnership #WisconsinHumaneSociety #AnimalRescue #VeterinaryCare #PetBudgeting #EstatePlanning #PersonalFinance #FinancialWellness 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.

June 30, 202642 min

Q2 2026 Market Update

Markets rarely move in straight lines and Q2 2026 was a powerful reminder of that. In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker is joined by long-time market voice Mike Roth and Wealth Services Advisor Nik Kibardin to unpack a volatile yet resilient quarter. From geopolitical tensions and oil shocks to a remarkable market rebound, this conversation breaks down what really drove performance and what investors should pay attention to moving forward. The group explores the balance between strong economic fundamentals and headline-driven noise, and how both shaped investor sentiment. They also discuss inflation trends, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, the growing influence of AI, and how everyday investors can interpret what is happening through the lens of gas prices, rates, and portfolio decisions. 01:28 Q2 Market Resilience Explained03:00 Geopolitics, Oil Shock & Market Reaction06:15 Why Markets Rebounded (AI, CapEx & Confidence)15:40 Strong Economy & Consumer Spending Trends28:24 Inflation, Fed Policy & Market Outlook35:30 Elections, Market Cycles & What Comes Next New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #MarketUpdate #Q22026 #InvestingInsights #EconomicOutlook #InflationTrends #InterestRates #AIandInvesting #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #InvestorEducation #StockMarket #LongTermInvesting 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.

June 23, 202644 min

Insurance Coverage Gaps, Liability Risks, and Recommendations

Insurance is something many people have, but not always something they revisit or fully understand. In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Amy Bremmer, Wealth Services Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, sits down with Jody Leonhardt, Accounts Manager and Agent at American Advantage Insurance, to walk through the basics of property and casualty insurance in a clear and practical way. Together, they talk through how coverage works, how to think about protecting what you’ve built, and why regular check-ins matter as life evolves. From auto and homeowners insurance to umbrella policies, this conversation offers helpful perspective for making more informed decisions about your coverage. 00:00 Why Understanding Your Coverage Matters 02:05 Agent vs Broker and Finding the Right Fit 05:10 Auto Insurance Basics and Coverage Limits 09:15 Aligning Coverage with Your Assets 12:40 Homeowners Insurance and Shared Risk 17:55 Replacement Cost vs Actual Cash Value 22:30 Everyday Liability Risks at Home 27:40 Umbrella Insurance and How It Works New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #InsurancePlanning #FinancialEducation #WealthProtection #RiskManagement #PersonalFinance #HomeownersInsurance #AutoInsurance #UmbrellaPolicy #FinancialPlanning #LiabilityProtection 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.

June 16, 202630 min

College Athletics in a Pay-for-Play Era

College athletics is evolving fast. What used to center on scholarships and school pride now includes contracts, branding deals, and real income before athletes even step on campus. In this episode of Money Sense, Heather Deaton sits down with Chellee Siewert, Founder and President of Capture Sports Entertainment, to unpack what the pay-for-play (NIL) era means for athletes, families, and the future of college sports. From building a trusted team to navigating contracts, taxes, and personal branding, this conversation explores both the opportunities and the risks. They also zoom out to examine how NIL is reshaping team dynamics, recruiting, and the long-term landscape of college athletics. 00:00 The Shift to Pay-for-Play in College Sports02:12 What NIL Really Means for Athletes Today04:05 Building the Right Team Around an Athlete06:45 Early Deals, Contracts, and Hidden Risks08:58 Schools Paying Athletes Directly Explained11:30 Athletes as Brands: Identity Beyond the Game15:00 Financial Planning and Managing Sudden Income18:10 Team Dynamics, Transfers, and Recruiting Changes22:05 What Comes Next: Rules, Risks, and the Future of NIL New episodes of Money Sense drop weekly. Subscribe for more conversations that connect financial education with real life decisions. #MoneySense #CollegeAthletics #NIL #PayForPlay #StudentAthletes #FinancialEducation #WealthPlanning #SportsBusiness 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.

June 9, 202638 min

EIG Behind The Scenes: Operations & Systems

“EIG Behind the Scenes” is a new Money Sense series designed to highlight the people and perspectives behind Ellenbecker Investment Group. In this first episode, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Brett Engelking, Director of Operations and Systems, to explore what it really takes to build and sustain a boutique firm. Karen reflects on her more than 40 years in the industry and the intentional decisions behind building a firm grounded in personalized service, long-term relationships, and thoughtful growth. Brett shares how operations and systems work behind the scenes to bring that vision to life while adapting to an increasingly complex, fast-moving environment. They also discuss how technology supports, but never replaces, human connection, and explore what the rise of AI could mean for the future of the industry. 0:00 EIG Behind The Scenes Introduction 1:50 How the Industry has Evolved Over 40 Years4:30 What Operations and Systems Actually Do7:30 From Manual Processes to Modern Technology11:30 What “Boutique” Really Means Today15:30 Relationships, Trust, and Legacy Planning21:30 Technology, AI, and Risk Awareness29:30 The Future of Advice and The Firm #MoneySensePodcast #EIGBehindTheScenes #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #ClientExperience #FinancialEducation #BoutiqueFirm #InvestingInsights #LegacyPlanning #AIinFinance #BehindTheScenes 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

June 2, 202629 min

Why Delayed Gratification Matters for Investors

What if the hardest part of investing is not finding the right strategy but sticking with it? In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel sits down with fellow Wealth Advisor Nik Kibardin to explore how behavioral finance shapes the way we save, spend, and invest. From the classic marshmallow experiment to real world market cycles, they break down why delaying gratification can be one of the most powerful decisions an investor makes. They unpack market timing, the temptation to chase short term wins, and offer practical strategies to help investors stay grounded, disciplined, and focused on long term goals. You will also hear a compelling side by side example that shows how time in the market can matter more than timing the market. 00:00 Why Behavioral Finance Matters 02:15 The Marshmallow Test and What It Teaches Investors 05:10 FOMO, Market Highs, and the Risk of Chasing Returns 08:30 Why Market Downturns Feel So Much Worse 11:40 The Power of Compound Growth with a Real Example 16:20 Time Horizon, Risk, and Smarter Decision Making 21:45 Why You Cannot Time the Market 24:30 Building Habits, Diversification, and Staying Invested New episodes of Money Sense drop every Tuesday. Subscribe for more conversations about aligning your money with what matters most. #MoneySense #BehavioralFinance #DelayedGratification #InvestingWisely #FinancialPlanning #LongTermInvesting #WealthBuilding #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: 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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