Money Sense

Markets rarely move in straight lines and Q2 2026 was a powerful reminder of that.

In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Karen Ellenbecker is joined by long-time market voice Mike Roth and Wealth Services Advisor Nik Kibardin to unpack a volatile yet resilient quarter.

From geopolitical tensions and oil shocks to a remarkable market rebound, this conversation breaks down what really drove performance and wh...

Insurance is something many people have, but not always something they revisit or fully understand.

In this week’s episode of Money Sense, Amy Bremmer, Wealth Services Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, sits down with Jody Leonhardt, Accounts Manager and Agent at American Advantage Insurance, to walk through the basics of property and casualty insurance in a clear and practical way.

Together, they talk...

College athletics is evolving fast. What used to center on scholarships and school pride now includes contracts, branding deals, and real income before athletes even step on campus.

In this episode of Money Sense, Heather Deaton sits down with Chellee Siewert, Founder and President of Capture Sports Entertainment, to unpack what the pay-for-play (NIL) era means for athletes, families, and the future of college sports. From building...

“EIG Behind the Scenes” is a new Money Sense series designed to highlight the people and perspectives behind Ellenbecker Investment Group. In this first episode, Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Brett Engelking, Director of Operations and Systems, to explore what it really takes to build and sustain a boutique firm.

Karen reflects on her more than 40 years in the industry and the intentional decisions behind bu...

What if the hardest part of investing is not finding the right strategy but sticking with it?

In this episode of Money Sense, Kristina Schnuckel sits down with fellow Wealth Advisor Nik Kibardin to explore how behavioral finance shapes the way we save, spend, and invest. From the classic marshmallow experiment to real world market cycles, they break down why delaying gratification can be one of the most powerful decisions an invest...

Making thoughtful financial decisions during divorce starts with understanding your options.

In this episode of Money Sense, Julie Ellenbecker sits down with Susan Hansen, collaborative attorney and mediator at Hansen & Hildebrand, to walk through how to approach divorce thoughtfully from the very first steps through long-term financial impact.

They emphasize the importance of education and choosing the right process for your s...

What if just $1 a day could set your child up for long-term wealth?

In this episode of Money Sense, Amy Bremmer, Wealth Services Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Faith Reiter from the EIG Marketing Team, who is expecting her first child, to break down a simple but powerful strategy built on the time value of money.

Together, they explore how small, consistent contributions, whether from parents, grandparents, o...

What does it mean to show up as a leader, especially in times of crisis, uncertainty, and burnout?

In this special #AuthorSpotlight episode of Money Sense, we’re joined by Jen Marr, founder and CEO of Showing Up and author of Lifting Up. Through the “showing up” framework, Jen breaks supportive leadership down into clear, actionable behaviors leaders can apply in real time to reduce burnout, strengthen trus...

How can portfolios pursue growth while managing volatility and generating reliable income?

In this episode of Money Sense, wealth advisor Jamie Williams sits down with Mary Brown, president and portfolio manager at Campbell Newman Asset Management, to explore why dividend growth investing continues to play a critical role in long‑term portfolio construction.

Mary shares the history behind Campbell Newman and explains how dividend‑g...

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 conversation about credit scores, consumer debt and buyi...

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 grounded in the Five T’s of Philanthropy...

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 Responsibility
09:15 Savings vs. Spen...

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‑first perspective.

• Mort...

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 Impact
21:03 The Fog of War: He...

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 updating—your estate plan. ...

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 importance of planning ahead, and the st...

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, and the questions every borrower ...

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 downsizers alike. Beth explain...

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. Jamie and Dick also highlight how the broad...