Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast cover art

Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast

Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast

Written by: Matt Meline CFP
Listen for free

About this listen

The Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast is designed to explore the financial and emotional issues of life's second half. From paying for college to dealing with aging parents, empty nesting, navigating careers, dealing with taxes, and getting ready for retirement, we share experiences, ideas, and a platform to celebrate what we believe is one of the most exciting periods of your life.



Registered Representative of Sanctuary Securities Inc. and Investment Advisor Representative of Sanctuary Advisors, LLC. Securities offered through Sanctuary Securities, Inc., Member. SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sanctuary Advisor, LLC., an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. PrairieFire Wealth Planning is a DBA of Sanctuary Securities, Inc. and Sanctuary Advisors, LLC.

© 2026 Empty Nest Full Pockets Podcast
Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Maximizing Your Retirement: Tax Strategies for a Secure Future
    Jan 9 2026

    In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of retirement income planning, focusing on the strategic order of asset withdrawals to optimize tax efficiency. We discuss the common philosophy of withdrawing from taxable accounts first, followed by tax-deferred and tax-free accounts, and explore the benefits of Roth conversions for long-term tax savings. We also touch on the importance of understanding Social Security benefits and the mindset shift needed to embrace a "permission to spend" approach in retirement.

    Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/

    00:00:00 - Understanding Taxable, Tax-Deferred, and Tax-Free Accounts

    00:02:06 - The Benefits of Roth Conversions

    00:05:18 - Required Minimum Distributions and Their Impact

    00:06:10 - Planning Your Tax Strategy for Retirement

    00:07:46 - Assessing Your Financial Buckets

    00:08:59 - Maximizing Social Security Benefits

    00:10:02 - Adopting a Prairie Fire Mindset for Retirement Spending

    00:11:27 - Offering a 20-Minute Consultation for Retirement Planning

    I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!


    I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

    Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

    Email: info@pfwplanning.com


    Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM


    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Building Your Retirement Paycheck: The Power of Financial Guardrail
    Dec 26 2025

    In this episode, Matt Meline, a certified financial planner and founder of Prairie Fire Wealth Planning, delves into the intricacies of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of shifting the focus from the anxiety of running out of money to establishing a structured spending plan. He introduces the concept of "guardrails," which provide retirees with a clear framework for their financial future, allowing them to navigate market fluctuations without panic.

    Digital Asset: Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/

    00:00:00 - Introduction to Retirement Planning

    00:01:36 - The Concept of Guardrails

    00:02:07 - Meet the Speaker

    00:02:48 - Complimentary Guardrail Plans

    00:03:42 - Addressing Retirement Anxiety

    00:04:44 - Insights from "Die With Zero"

    00:06:40 - Defining Guardrails in Retirement Planning

    00:07:14 - Case Study: Mike and Sarah

    00:10:04 - Projecting Future Income

    00:11:36 - Establishing Upper and Lower Guardrails

    00:13:00 - Market Corrections and Spending Adjustments

    00:14:45 - Flexibility in Spending Plans

    00:15:38 - Conclusion: Developing a Guardrail Plan

    I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!


    I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

    Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

    Email: info@pfwplanning.com


    Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM


    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Spending Strategies and Confidence in Retirement
    Dec 12 2025

    In this episode of the Empty Nest Full Pockets podcast, we join financial planner Matt Meline as he guides listeners through the essential strategies for achieving financial freedom in retirement. We explore key topics, including managing healthcare costs, navigating inflation, and understanding the importance of tax planning. Matt emphasizes the need for a solid spending plan and encourages listeners to embrace their newfound freedom while ensuring they are prepared for any financial surprises. Join us as we help you turn this life transition into your next great chapter!

    Digital Asset:
    Download Our Empty Nest Success Checklist - https://prairiefirewealth.com/areas-of-focus/empty-nest-planning/

    Episode Highlights:

    00:00:00 - Introduction to Living Free in Retirement
    00:01:24 - Navigating Post-Childhood Financial Concerns
    00:02:28 - Long-Term Care and Healthcare Planning
    00:03:41 - Understanding Inflation and Market Risks
    00:04:34 - Building a Three-Year Financial Plan
    00:05:49 - Spending Flexibility in Retirement
    00:06:40 - Tax Considerations in Retirement
    00:08:38 - Roth Conversions and Charitable Giving
    00:10:45 - Legacy Planning and Family Conversations
    00:12:51 - Reassessing Your Financial Mindset
    00:14:16 - Key Takeaways for a Successful Retirement
    00:15:40 - Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Quote


    Join Us for our LIVE webinar on Dec 10: "Build Your Retirement Paycheck: Spending Guardrails for Empty Nesters.". Register HERE: https://prairiefirewealth.com/webinar/

    I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!


    I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

    Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

    Email: info@pfwplanning.com


    Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM


    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
No reviews yet