Savvy Women Talk Money

Hosted by Savvy Women Wealth Management

Business Investing Education

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Jun 2026

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About the show

You've spent a lifetime using your strengths as a woman to make smart decisions about life. Isn't it time to apply those same strengths to making financial decisions and investing? Listen in and learn how to apply your natural strengths as a woman to managing your finances and investing so you can accomplish more with your money. Without giving up lattes, wine or mani-pedis. Hosted by Catherine Magaña, CFP® & Rachel Ivanovich, EA, MBA Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 9313 min

How Long Will Your Retirement Money Really Last?

Retirement can last 20, 30, or even 40 years—but how do you know if your money can keep up? The reality is that many retirees aren't worried because they're spending too much. They're worried because they don't know if they're spending too much. One extra vacation, helping a child through a difficult season, or tackling a major home project can suddenly raise a much bigger question: Am I still on track, or am I quietly putting my future at risk? In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine and Rachel explore the difference between real financial risk and retirement spending anxiety. They discuss why even financially successful retirees worry about running out of money, how inflation and healthcare costs can affect long-term plans, and why having a retirement strategy can help you spend with confidence instead of fear. You'll learn: Why retirement anxiety isn't always tied to how much money you have The difference between spending fear and actual financial risk How inflation can quietly affect your future lifestyle Common retirement spending mistakes that can derail a plan Why some retirees struggle to spend money they've worked hard to save How financial planning helps create confidence, not restrictions Because retirement isn't just about making your money last—it's about knowing you can enjoy the life you've worked so hard to build. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 6/04/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

June 3, 2026Episode 9212 min

NSOs And The Planning Advantage Most People Never Discover

Think Non-Qualified Stock Options are just a tax issue? Think again. In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine and Rachel explore the often-overlooked planning opportunities hidden inside NSOs. While many professionals focus on the immediate tax consequences of exercising stock options, the bigger question is how those decisions fit into a long-term financial strategy. You'll learn how NSOs can impact retirement planning, cash flow, diversification, Medicare premiums, Social Security taxation, and overall wealth accumulation. The discussion also covers common mistakes investors make when timing exercises, managing concentrated stock positions, and making decisions based solely on taxes. Whether you're approaching retirement, accumulating company stock, or simply want to make smarter decisions with your equity compensation, this episode will help you think beyond the tax bill and focus on what matters most—your financial future. Tune in to discover why the real advantage isn't just having NSOs—it's having a strategy for them. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 5/28/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

May 27, 2026Episode 9113 min

What Affluent Women Need To Understand About Risk!

Markets fluctuate. Inflation rises. Headlines create fear. But what if the biggest investment risk isn't the market itself… it's misunderstanding risk altogether? In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine and Rachel break down the different types of financial risk affluent women face — from market volatility and inflation to concentration risk, emotional investing, and retirement timing decisions. They explain why being too conservative can sometimes be just as dangerous as taking too much risk, and why understanding how your money is positioned matters more than ever right now. If you've ever wondered: "Am I taking too much risk?" "Am I being too cautious?" "Will my retirement plan actually hold up long term?" …this conversation is for you. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of how smart investors think about risk, how emotions can quietly impact long-term wealth, and what affluent women should be paying attention to before small financial decisions become costly retirement problems. Because risk isn't something to fear — it's something to understand. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 5/21/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

May 20, 2026Episode 9017 min

How High-Earning Women Can Avoid The Hidden Tax Traps Behind ISOs, NSOs, And Promotions

What happens when a promotion changes not just your paycheck—but your entire tax strategy? In this episode of Savvy Women Talk Money, Catherine and Rachel break down the hidden complexity behind incentive stock options (ISOs) and non-qualified stock options (NSOs)—and why many professionals accidentally create massive tax problems without realizing it. From Alternative Minimum Tax surprises to rising stock prices quietly increasing ordinary income exposure, this conversation uncovers the planning mistakes that can cost investors thousands. You'll learn: The real difference between ISOs and NSOs Why waiting too long to exercise can backfire How promotions can dramatically change your tax exposure The hidden danger of concentrated stock positions Why liquidity and diversification matter more than people think If you've ever thought "my stock went up, so I'm good," this episode may completely change how you think about equity compensation, taxes, and long-term wealth strategy. Because with stock options, timing isn't just important—it can determine how much wealth you actually keep. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 5/14/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

May 6, 2026Episode 8915 min

What Is Diversification And Why Portfolios Need It!

Your portfolio may look diversified on the surface—but is it really? In this Savvy Series episode, Catherine and Rachel unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in investing: diversification. Because owning "a little bit of everything" doesn't always mean your portfolio is actually protected. From concentrated tech positions and employee stock options to overlapping investments and hidden risk exposure, this conversation breaks down what true diversification really looks like—and why it matters more as you approach retirement. Here's what you'll learn: The real meaning behind "don't put all your eggs in one basket" Why multiple investments can still leave you overexposed The difference between sectors, asset classes, and investment styles How stock options and company stock can quietly increase risk Why diversification is about preparation—not prediction Common portfolio mistakes investors make without realizing it The takeaway: diversification isn't just an investing buzzword—it's a strategy designed to create stability, flexibility, and long-term confidence through changing markets. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 4/30/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

April 29, 2026Episode 8815 min

Hidden Cost Of Waiting And Timing Your Non Qualified Stock Options!

Non-qualified stock options can be powerful, but only if you understand what actually happens to your taxes when you exercise. In this Savvy Series episode, Catherine and Rachel break down the hidden tax trap behind non-qualified stock options—and why timing matters more than most investors realize. It's common to wait for a higher stock price before acting, but timing plays a larger role than most people expect. Here's what you'll uncover: • Why the "spread" can quietly explode your tax bill • How waiting can turn potential gains into higher-taxed income • Real examples showing six-figure tax differences from timing alone • The mistake of treating stock options like an investment decision—not a tax strategy • Key factors to evaluate before exercising (income, timing, diversification, cash flow) Plus, insider insights on W-2 surprises, under-withholding risks, and how to avoid accidental double taxation. The takeaway: It's not just about when your stock peaks—it's about when your strategy is most efficient. Because the real advantage isn't chasing a higher price… it's making smarter decisions before the tax bill catches up. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 4/23/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

April 22, 2026Episode 8715 min

What Is A Mutual Fund And When Should You Actually Use One?

Mutual funds are one of the most widely used investments—yet many investors hold them without fully understanding how they work, what they cost, or how they fit into a bigger strategy. In this Savvy Series episode, Catherine and Rachel go back to basics to break down the structure, purpose, and common misconceptions around mutual funds—so you can make more informed, confident decisions. From how funds are built to how they're managed, this conversation is designed to give you clarity on what you actually own. Are you truly diversified—or just spread across investments that look different on the surface? Key takeaways: • What a mutual fund actually is • Active vs. passive investing • Why diversification isn't always what it seems • Hidden fees that impact returns • How mutual funds are taxed • Where mutual funds fit within a broader financial plan Bottom line: It's not just about owning investments—it's about understanding how they work, what they cost, and how they support your long-term strategy. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 4/16/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

April 15, 2026Episode 8617 min

What Is A Bond And How Does It Create Income?

How do bonds actually generate income—and are they as "safe" as you think? In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine and Rachel go back to basics to break down one of the most commonly owned—but least understood—investments: bonds. They explain how bonds really work, why they're often considered the "stable" part of a portfolio, and how they generate income through interest payments. But here's the key: bonds aren't as simple—or as "safe"—as many people assume. Interest rates, risk, and timing all play a role in how they perform. Here's what you'll learn: What a bond is—and how you act as the lender How bonds create income through interest payments The key risks investors often overlook How bonds fit into a long-term investment strategy The takeaway: Bonds aren't just about stability—they're a powerful tool for generating income when used with intention. Because when you truly understand what you own, you make better, more confident decisions—no matter what the market is doing. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 4/09/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

April 8, 2026Episode 8518 min

What Is A Stock And How It Really Works

What if the thing most investors own… is the thing they understand the least? In this Savvy Women Talk Money episode, Catherine and Rachel break down one of the most fundamental building blocks of investing: stocks—and why understanding them can completely change how you react to the market. Inside this episode: What a stock really represents (hint: it's ownership, not a ticker symbol) Why thinking like a business owner can transform your investing mindset The two ways stocks create wealth: growth and income What history shows about market corrections—and why panic often backfires The real reasons stocks move (and why headlines don't tell the full story) Common mistakes investors make—like emotional decisions and overconcentration How stocks fit into a larger, well-designed financial strategy The key takeaway? Price is not the same as value—and short-term movement doesn't equal long-term meaning. Because when you truly understand what you own, you make better, more confident decisions—no matter what the market is doing. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 4/02/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

April 1, 2026Episode 8416 min

Stock Options In A New Job: What Most People Get Wrong And How To Get It Right

Stock options can feel like a reward… until tax season tells a different story. In this episode of the Savvy Series, Catherine and Rachel break down what stock options and RSUs really mean for your financial life—and why so many high earners get caught off guard. From hidden tax traps to costly planning mistakes, this conversation uncovers what most people don't realize until it's too late. Inside this episode: The key differences between ISOs, NSOs, and RSUs—and why it matters How the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) can create "phantom income" Why employer withholding is often not enough (and what to do instead) The risk of paying taxes twice if your strategy isn't coordinated How concentration in company stock can quietly increase your risk Smart timing strategies for exercising options and managing tax brackets The big takeaway: equity compensation isn't just a bonus—it's a planning opportunity. And without the right strategy, it can turn into an expensive surprise. If your compensation includes stock, this is a must-listen before you make your next move. Click on the following link to schedule a free consultation. https://savvyup.com/consultation/ Date Recorded 3/26/26 Disclosure: Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. savvyup.com | 760.692.5700