Money Sense

With Americans carrying over $1.27 trillion in credit card debt, understanding how credit actually works and how it impacts homeownership is more important than ever.

In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel, wealth advisor and director of client experience at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Ben Revak, senior loan advisor at ProVisor Inc., for a practical conversatio...

How can generosity fit seamlessly into your financial plan and maximize tax efficiency?

In this episode of Money Sense, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Heather Deaton explore how charitable giving can fit into a well‑rounded financial plan. They discuss how generosity can be both personal and strategic, while still supporting long‑term family and financial goals.

The conversation is g...

How do you raise kids who feel confident making money decisions?

In this episode, wealth advisors Kristina Schnuckel and Heather Deaton share how their own families have approached allowances, saving, and early financial decisions, alongside what they see working with clients and their kids.

00:00 Raising Money-Confident Kids
05:00 Allowances, Chores, and Teaching Kids Financial Responsi...

Mortgage rates may be higher than what many homeowners and buyers have grown used to in recent years, but thoughtful planning can still open the door to smart opportunities.

In this episode, wealth advisors Jamie Williams and Tammy Niemann explore today’s mortgage landscape and how it fits into your overall financial plan, drawing on Tammy’s deep lending background and Jamie’s planning‑f...

Early 2026 opened with optimism around AI, but rising oil prices and geopolitical tension quickly shifted sentiment. Mike Roth explains what changed, why rate cuts may be fewer than expected, and where volatility creates both risk and opportunity.

00:00 Welcome to Money Sense
02:04 Q1 2026 Market Overview
06:34 Why AI Is Driving Market Volatility
15:55 Iran, Oil Shocks & Global Market I...

Take the mystery out of legacy planning, no matter your age or stage. Estate planning attorney Erick Fabyan breaks down the conversations, documents, and decisions families should consider before they matter.

From wills and trusts to beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, family conversations, and end‑of‑life instructions, this episode offers a practical roadmap for beginning—or up...

Tax planning plays a critical role in financial success. In this episode of Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Sandra Geisler, Director of Tax Planning at Ellenbecker Investment Group, to explore how thoughtful tax decisions today can strengthen your retirement, reduce surprises, and help your money work smarter for you.

Karen and Sandra break down 2026 tax law changes, the imp...

If the mortgage process feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Wealth Advisor Kristina Schnuckel and Loan Officer Ben Revak join Money Sense to simplify rates, lenders, and the steps every buyer should understand before making an offer.

Together, they break down the key differences between purchases and refinances, why transparency from your lender matters, how rate locks actually work, an...

In a market where nothing seems available, this episode breaks down how people are still finding the right home and the strategies that make it possible.

Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Shorewest Realtor Beth Jaworski for a conversation about today’s housing reality: tight inventory, a shortage of condos, and the wave of apartment development that’s reshaping options for buyers and downs...

In this episode, wealth advisor Jamie Williams is joined by Dick Schiller of Pavlic Investment Advisors for a clear look at the fixed income landscape in early 2026.

Together, they break down how today’s bond ladders are structured, what yields look like across one‑ to ten‑year maturities, and why reinvestment and interest‑rate risk feel different than they did just a few years ago. Jami...

What if retirement felt more like a graduation rather than an ending? Host Karen Ellenbecker sits down with retirement transition expert Elizabeth Parsons to uncover why so many high achievers “fail” at traditional retirement and how to design a chapter filled with purpose.

In this episode, Elizabeth Parsons, author of "A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement", breaks down the e...

What happens when you’re named the trustee of a loved one’s estate? In this episode, wealth advisor Heather Deaton and estate planning attorney Phil Remmers break down the trustee’s role and explain how to navigate the responsibility with clarity and confidence.

Phil Remmers of Kramer‑Maltoff brings more than 25 years of estate planning experience to the conversation. Together, he and Hea...

In this episode of “Money Sense”, host Karen Ellenbecker is joined by her daughter, Julie Ellenbecker‑Lipsky, President and Senior Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group. Together, they open up about what generational wealth means today, how it differs across age groups, and why legacy is about far more than financial assets.

They discuss:

• Why legacy is less about numbers and...

Ever wondered how to turn money stress into financial strength? Join Karen Ellenbecker and Anne Lester as they delve into practical strategies for building a secure financial future.

In this episode, Anne Lester, a former JP Morgan executive and money mentor, shares her expert advice on transforming your relationship with money. Discover the five-step framework that can help you save for ...

What would happen if tomorrow you became the primary caregiver for a loved one? Most families think they have time, but the reality is caregiving crises hit fast and hard. Today, “Money Sense” host Karen Ellenbecker is joined by Annalee Kruger, founder of Care Right Inc., to discuss why planning ahead is essential.

Annalee shares insight from nearly 30 years of experience helping famil...

When it comes to retirement, few decisions carry as much emotional and financial weight as what to do with your home. Should you downsize, relocate, or stay put? On this episode of “Money Sense”, host Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Tammy Niemann, Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, to unpack the real estate crossroads many retirees face.

Tammy breaks down key consideration...

Ever make a financial decision and later wonder, why did I do that? Maybe it wasn’t logic that drove it—it was emotion.

In this episode, host Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Aja Evans, a board-certified therapist, speaker, and author specializing in financial therapy, to explore the deep connection between money, emotion, and mental health.

Aja shares insights from her own financial awa...

What makes a company culture thrive? Host Karen Ellenbecker, founder and senior wealth advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, sits down with Dave Molenda, owner of the consulting business Positive Polarity and bestselling author, to explore this question.

In this episode, they discuss the power of employee recognition and leadership dynamics. Learn how intentional values and team engag...

Host Jamie Williams, an EIG Wealth Advisor, delves into the intricacies of real estate and estate planning with Erick Fabyan, Attorney at Haight & Fabyan, S.C.

In this episode, they explore the vital role of real estate in financial and estate planning, discussing topics such as property ownership, trusts, and the impact of estate planning on family dynamics.

Whether you're a homeown...