Hey! This is Carol Dewey I’m excited to be bringing you Navigating an Abundant Retirement. This show is going to be your GPS to the principles to create a more worry-free retirement with less stress…... In this podcast you will: 1. Get crystal clear on your destination 2. Identify the biggest retirement obstacles retirees now must overcome 3. Gain new mindset to retiring abundantly 4. Have new solution to retiring abundantly AFTER THE EMBRAER 176 touched down at Chicago O’Hare, I put the draft of the manuscript I was finishing on the seat and grabbed my bag from the overhead compartment. “Wow! That’s a wonderful goal,” said the woman in seat 3D. Her comment startled me, and I wasn’t exactly sure what she meant. Until I turned around. She was pointing at the title, Retire Abundantly. To the woman in 3D, the question of how to retire abundantly was a daunting challenge. It is for many people: “Retirement” is a subject that returns 241,000,000 Google results. Two hundred and forty-one million! Our three-legged retirement system, made up of Social Security, pensions, and personal savings, has changed a lot in the past 30 years. Social Security contributes less than it used to, pensions have become 401(k)s, and personal savings aren’t what they used to be, because people are living longer. And worse, traditional financial planning techniques can make this situation worse. Pat advice that doesn’t take into account your goals and situation can cause serious damage to the happiness you should enjoy in your retirement years. No wonder the woman in 3D was struck by my title. You want answers. This podcast can deliver some.
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August 14, 202612 min
The Questions Every Widow Is Afraid to Ask
Many widows carry questions they’re afraid to say out loud about money, making mistakes, trusting others, and what life looks like moving forward. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey brings those questions into the open and explains why being unfamiliar with finances does not mean being incapable. From fears about outliving your money to wondering whether it’s okay to enjoy life again, this conversation is about replacing silence and uncertainty with understanding and confidence. Key Takeaways Why being unfamiliar with finances is not the same as being incapable How fear of making a mistake can keep widows from moving forward What trust should look like when choosing financial and professional guidance The difference between worrying about outliving your money and planning for uncertainty Why enjoying life again does not mean leaving your spouse behind How asking difficult questions can create greater clarity and confidence The questions you’re afraid to ask may be the same questions other widows are carrying too. Fear grows in silence, but understanding grows through conversation. Listen & Connect Spotify – Navigating Abundant Retirement: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts – Navigating Abundant Retirement: Listen on Apple Podcasts Perpetual Wealth Financial on YouTube: Watch on YouTube
July 30, 202611 min
How Do I Know If I’m Going to Be Okay Financially?
For many widows, one question can quietly sit behind every financial decision: “Am I going to be okay financially?” In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey explores the difference between financial fear and financial reality—and why confidence doesn’t come from reaching one magic number. It comes from understanding how your income, expenses, investments, taxes, healthcare costs, and goals work together. Key Takeaways Why financial insecurity and financial reality aren’t always the same How uncertainty can make financial challenges feel bigger than they are Why confidence comes from understanding the entire financial picture The importance of preparing for market and healthcare uncertainty The difference between hoping you’ll be okay and knowing why you’ll be okay How organization, planning, and guidance can help turn fear into confidence The goal isn’t to eliminate every uncertainty. It’s to replace fear with understanding, guessing with planning, and isolation with guidance. Listen & Connect Spotify – Navigating Abundant Retirement: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts – Navigating Abundant Retirement: Listen on Apple Podcasts Perpetual Wealth Financial on YouTube: Watch on YouTube
July 16, 202610 min
Why Your Husband's Financial Plan May Not Be Your Financial Plan
The financial plan you and your husband built together may have been exactly right for the life you shared—but when life changes, your financial plan may need to change too. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey discusses why many widows hesitate to make financial changes after losing a spouse and why adapting your plan isn't about forgetting the past—it's about creating a future that reflects your current life, priorities, and goals. Key Takeaways: Why many widows feel frozen when it comes to financial decisions How grief and loyalty can make change feel uncomfortable Why a financial plan built for two people may no longer fit one life The importance of redefining your own goals and priorities How building financial confidence begins with small, thoughtful decisions Why honoring your spouse can also mean creating a plan that supports your future Your financial plan should support the life you're living today—not the life you were living yesterday. Moving forward isn't about leaving your spouse behind; it's about honoring what you built together while creating a future that's right for you. Resources & Links Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube
July 2, 202611 min
The Hidden Tax Traps Many Widows Never See Coming
In this episode of Navigating an Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey discusses the tax surprises many widows face after losing a spouse. While income may decrease, tax complexity can often increase because filing status, retirement accounts, Social Security, Medicare premiums, and asset sales may all be affected. Carol explains why widowhood can change the tax environment and why major financial decisions should not be made without understanding the potential consequences. From retirement account withdrawals to Social Security taxation and Medicare premium increases, this episode highlights the importance of asking better questions before taking action. The goal is not to become a tax expert. The goal is to avoid unnecessary surprises and make more confident financial decisions with the right planning and support. Key Topics Covered Why taxes may not automatically decrease after losing a spouse How filing status changes can affect tax brackets and deductions Tax considerations when withdrawing from inherited retirement accounts Why Social Security may become taxable How income decisions can impact future Medicare premiums Tax consequences of selling investments, property, land, or a home The difference between intentional patience and indefinite avoidance Why better questions can lead to better financial decisions Key Takeaway The biggest tax mistakes widows make are often not caused by bad decisions. They are caused by decisions made without enough information. Understanding the questions to ask before making major financial moves can help reduce surprises and create more confidence. If this episode was helpful, subscribe to Navigating an Abundant Retirement and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing it.
June 18, 202612 min
What Happens Financially During the First Year of Widowhood
The first year after losing a spouse can feel overwhelming. Between paperwork, financial decisions, and the emotional weight of grief, many widows find themselves constantly reacting to responsibilities they never expected to face. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey walks through what typically happens financially during the first year of widowhood—from the first 30 days of stabilization, to the administrative challenges of months two through six, and ultimately the transition from reaction to planning. Key Takeaways: Why the first 30 days should focus on stabilization, not optimization What financial and administrative responsibilities typically arise during months two through six How to approach major financial decisions with clarity instead of fear Why progress doesn't need to be fast to be meaningful The transition from reacting to planning for the future How confidence gradually replaces fear during the healing process The goal of the first year is not perfection. It is not having every answer. The goal is to build enough clarity and confidence to believe that a good future is still possible—because it is. Resources & Links Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube
June 4, 202612 min
How to Organize Your Financial Life After Losing a Spouse
Losing a spouse often means inheriting a new set of responsibilities at a time when you're already carrying the emotional weight of grief. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey discusses why financial organization feels so overwhelming after loss and shares a simple framework for making the process more manageable. Key Takeaways: Why financial paperwork feels emotionally overwhelming after losing a spouse The difference between financial organization and financial perfection How the Four-Pile System can help simplify decision-making Why you do not need to become a financial expert overnight The importance of having the right guide to help coordinate the moving pieces How clarity creates confidence and confidence creates progress The goal is not to organize paperwork for the sake of organization. The goal is to create enough clarity and confidence that you can get back to living the life waiting on the other side of it. Resources & Links Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube
May 21, 202612 min
The First Financial Decisions a Widow Should NEVER Rush Into
After the loss of a spouse, many widows find themselves facing an overwhelming number of financial decisions at the exact moment they feel least prepared to make them. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey discusses some of the biggest financial decisions widows should never rush into—and why slowing down can often be the smartest financial move. From selling a home too quickly to making emotional investment changes, Carol shares practical guidance to help widows move from uncertainty and pressure toward clarity, confidence, and control. Key Takeaways Grief affects decision-making, confidence, and concentration Major financial decisions rarely need to be made immediately Pressure often comes from family, advisors, deadlines, and fear Slowing down creates space for better decisions Organization should come before action Understanding income and cash flow is essential before making major changes The right financial guidance provides clarity—not pressure Financial Decisions Widows Should Never Rush Into 🏡 Selling the Home Too Quickly Your home is more than a financial asset. It represents stability, routines, memories, and comfort. Before making a decision to sell, downsize, or relocate, take time to evaluate both the emotional and practical implications. 📈 Making Emotional Investment Changes Fear and uncertainty can lead to drastic investment decisions. Before moving assets, liquidating accounts, or shifting everything to cash, take time to understand what you own, how it works, and how it supports your long-term goals. 💰 Tax Decisions Without Understanding the Consequences The loss of a spouse often changes tax filing status, income thresholds, Medicare premiums, and distribution requirements. Understanding the ripple effects before making decisions can help prevent costly mistakes. 👨👩👧 Helping Family Too Quickly Many widows feel pressure to help adult children or distribute inherited assets immediately. Giving yourself time to stabilize your own financial situation first is not selfish—it is wise. 🤝 Trying to Handle Everything Alone Financial isolation can create unnecessary stress and confusion. The right support system can help you move forward with clarity and confidence during a difficult transition. What to Focus on First Instead of rushing into major decisions, focus on: 📋 Organization Gather and organize: Financial accounts Insurance policies Beneficiary information Income sources Legal documents 💵 Understanding Income Identify: Social Security benefits Pension income Survivor benefits Investment income Required distributions ⚖️ Legal & Tax Coordination Review: Wills Trusts Beneficiary designations Powers of attorney Healthcare directives Tax implications Core Message You do not need to become a financial expert overnight. You do not need every answer today. You simply need a process, a plan, and the right people to help guide you through the next step. Reflection Question What financial decision in your life right now might benefit from more clarity—and less urgency? LinkedIn-Friendly Takeaway One of the biggest mistakes widows make is believing they need to have everything figured out immediately. But confidence doesn't come from moving faster. It comes from understanding your options, slowing down when necessary, and making thoughtful decisions from a place of clarity—not pressure. Resources & Links Navigating Abundant Retirement – Spotify Navigating Abundant Retirement – Apple Podcasts 📺 Perpetual Wealth Financial YouTube Channel Episode Quote "There is no prize for making fast financial decisions while emotionally overwhelmed. The goal is not perfection. The goal is progress with the right support." — Carol Dewey
May 7, 20269 min
Where Do I Even Start? The First Financial Decisions After Losing a Spouse
Losing a spouse changes everything and for many women, it also means suddenly stepping into financial responsibilities they never had to manage before. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey walks through the emotional and financial realities that often follow the loss of a spouse and explains why the first step is not rushing into major financial decisions but creating clarity, stability, and protection first. Through the story of “Susan,” Carol shares the most common mistakes made during this vulnerable period and offers a calm, structured framework for moving forward with confidence. Key Takeaways Most major financial decisions should not be made immediately after losing a spouse Grief can affect decision-making and increase vulnerability to pressure Slowing down is often the smartest financial decision you can make The early focus should be on: Clarity Stability Protection You do not need to have everything figured out right away A trustworthy advisor helps you understand options—not pressure you into decisions What Matters Most in the Early Days 🔹 Clarity Understand: What accounts exist How assets are titled What income sources are available Your current financial picture 🔹 Stability Ensure: Bills are being paid Income continues uninterrupted Day-to-day financial life remains manageable 🔹 Protection Review: Beneficiaries Asset transfers Potential risks or gaps during the transition A Critical Reminder This is not the time to make permanent financial decisions based on temporary emotions. You do not need to: Restructure everything immediately Reinvest account quickly Sell major assets right away Rush into commitments You are allowed to slow down and think clearly first. Core Message The goal is not perfection. The goal is progress—with the right support, at the right pace. Reflection Question Are you making decisions from clarity—or from pressure to feel in control again? One of the biggest mistakes after losing a spouse is feeling pressure to “figure everything out” immediately. But clarity rarely comes from urgency. Sometimes the strongest financial decision is giving yourself permission to slow down, gather information, and move forward one thoughtful step at a time. Resources & Links 🎧 Spotify Show , Apple Podcasts , YouTube
April 23, 20269 min
Why Successful Business Owners Still Feel Out of Control Financially
Many business owners look highly successful from the outside—strong revenue, consistent income, and growing companies. But behind the scenes, many still feel financially disorganized, overwhelmed, or uncertain if everything is truly working together. In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey explains why success does not always create clarity. Often, financial lives are built by solving problems one at a time—hiring a CPA, working with an advisor, setting up legal structures—but without an overall coordinated strategy. Over time, this fragmentation can create hidden inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and the feeling that you are carrying everything alone. Key Takeaways Strong income does not automatically create financial organization Solving problems individually is not the same as having a coordinated strategy Separate advisors may do their jobs well, but still leave gaps between decisions Fragmentation can lead to higher taxes, missed planning opportunities, and income inefficiencies Financial pressure often comes from trying to connect all the pieces alone Clarity and confidence improve when decisions are aligned under one strategy Why It Feels Out of Control Many business owners have: A collection of accounts A CPA focused mainly on past taxes An advisor focused on investments An attorney focused on legal protection Each piece may function individually, but no one is asking: How does all of this work together? That disconnect creates friction over time. What Changes Everything Instead of trying to fix everything at once: Step back and review the full picture Identify gaps and inefficiencies Build a coordinated strategy Align business success with personal financial freedom Move from reacting to planning Core Message This is not about needing more advisors or making more money. It is about coordination. When your financial life is connected properly, decisions become clearer, confidence grows, and you stop carrying the burden alone. Reflection Question Are your financial decisions connected by a strategy—or just built one problem at a time? Resources & Links 🎧 Spotify Show 🍎 Apple Podcasts 📺 YouTube
April 9, 20268 min
The First 90 Days After a Major Financial Transition: What NOT to Do
In this episode of Navigating Abundant Retirement , Carol Dewey explores what happens in the first 90 days after a major financial transition—and why this period is often the most vulnerable for decision-making. When financial responsibility suddenly increases, whether due to a life event, business growth, or shifting roles, pressure builds quickly. Many feel the need to act immediately. But as Carol explains, the real risk isn’t the market or external factors; it’s making permanent financial decisions in a temporary emotional state. This conversation focuses on slowing down, creating space, and making thoughtful decisions that truly align with your life today, not your past circumstances. Key Takeaways Pressure rises faster than clarity during major financial transitions The biggest risk is making irreversible decisions too quickly Speed is not the same as clarity —and often leads to misalignment Not all advice is aligned with your best interest Your intuition matters , especially when something feels rushed Financial strategies should be reevaluated, not rushed What NOT to Do in the First 90 Days Don’t rush to move all accounts or restructure everything immediately Don’t make irreversible financial decisions without time to think Don’t assume all advice is aligned with your goals Don’t ignore internal hesitation or uncertainty A Better Approach Give yourself permission to pause Create space before making major financial decisions Seek education over pressure Work with someone who helps you move step-by-step with clarity Core Message Uncertain moments don’t require faster decisions; they require better ones. And better decisions only happen when you give yourself the space to think clearly. Reflection Question Are you making decisions based on clarity or reacting to pressure? Subscribe Spotify , Apple Podcasts , YouTube
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