Are you financially prepared for the next chapter of your life?
We spend so much time caring for our families, managing our health, and planning for everyone else's future. But what about our own financial security?
In this empowering episode of the Wise Divine Women Podcast, Dana Irvine welcomes Marcia Mantell, retirement planning expert, author, and Social Security and Medicare specialist, for an honest, practical, and surprisingly fun conversation about women's financial independence.
Whether you're in your 40s, approaching retirement, already retired, or navigating life after the loss of a spouse, Marcia shares why it's never too early—or too late—to take ownership of your financial future.
Together, they explore retirement planning, rising healthcare costs, financial literacy, estate planning, and preparing financially for a longer life.
7 Essential Financial Planning Steps for Women
- Start saving now. Automate retirement contributions and build consistent savings habits.
- Protect your financial identity. Understand your credit history, account ownership, and access to household finances.
- Schedule financial check-ins. Review savings, investments, and future goals at least twice yearly.
- Know your retirement milestones. Understand Social Security, Medicare, and important retirement decisions.
- Prepare for rising costs. Plan for healthcare, inflation, housing, and living into your 90s.
- Organize your estate documents. Review wills, powers of attorney, beneficiaries, and family wishes.
- Create your Freedom Fund. Build a personal financial account that supports your independence.
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Financial Awareness for Women
05:26 – Starting Your Retirement Planning Journey
10:01 – Economic Challenges and Organization
14:18 – Creating Your Retirement Checklist
19:13 – Important Retirement Age Milestones
24:43 – Healthcare Costs and Inflation
27:02 – Marcia's Books and Resources
27:53 – Understanding Social Security
30:40 – Planning for Longevity
34:06 – Communication and Financial Legacy
38:21 – Estate Planning and Life After Loss
41:58 – Protecting Credit and Retirement Planning
46:17 – Financial Independence and Your Freedom Fund
Connect with Marcia Mantell
Website: Marcia Mantell
Books: What's the Deal with Retirement Planning for Women?
This episode primarily discusses U.S. retirement programs. Canadian listeners should consult Canadian financial planning resources.
Connect with Dana Irvine
Dana Irvine, FDNP, is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, breast health educator, and host of the Wise Divine Women Podcast, supporting women with hormone health, metabolism, breast health, and whole-body wellness.
Functional Wellness: https://danairvine.com
Wise Divine Women: https://wisedivinewomen.com
Subscribe to the Wise Divine Women Podcast and share this episode with a woman who deserves greater financial confidence!
For educational purposes only. Not individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.
