Savvy Women Talk Money

What if your inheritance could mean RETIRING EARLY—years sooner than you ever imagined?

An unexpected inheritance could open the door to more freedom, less work, and the retirement lifestyle you've been dreaming about. But before you hand in your resignation, there's one important question: Can you afford to retire early without putting your financial future at risk?

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine Magaña, CFP®, and Rachel Ivanovich, EA, MBA, explore how an inheritance could change your retirement timeline—and why having more money doesn't automatically mean you're ready to stop working.

You inherited an IRA. Now what? Before you take money out, there are some important rules you need to know—and one wrong move could lead to an unexpected tax bill!

Whether you're thinking about paying off debt, retiring early, or helping family, understanding inherited IRA rules could save you from costly financial surprises.

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich break down what happens when you inherit an IRA, the questions you should ask, and why the timing of your withdrawals matters.

In this episode, discover:

...

You just received an inheritance. Now comes the question you may not have expected: What should you actually do with it?

When you're nearing retirement, an inheritance can open new possibilities—but it can also create decisions about taxes, investments, retirement income, and when you can retire. And before making any big moves, there's an even more important question: "I Inherited What?"

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explore what to do after inheriting money near retirement and why the type of asset you receive can make a big dif...

You may know a Roth conversion can affect your taxes—but what about your Medicare premiums?

In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich break down the important connection between Medicare and Roth conversions. A Roth conversion increases taxable income, which could push you into a higher IRMAA bracket and increase what you pay for Medicare. And because Medicare generally looks back at income from two years earlier, the impact may not show up right away.

But does a higher Medicare premium mean you shouldn't convert? Not necessarily. The key is looking beyond one yea...

Would you ever choose to pay more in taxes today if it could put you in a better position tomorrow?

That's the question behind Roth conversion planning—and the answer isn't always as simple as "pay less tax now."

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explore what you should know about Roth conversion taxes and why looking beyond this year's tax bill can be so important. From changing tax brackets and retirement income to RMDs and Medicare premiums, a decision that looks expensive today may look very different when vie...

When it comes to a Roth conversion, the amount matters. Should you convert $25,000, $50,000, $100,000—or could converting too much at once create a bigger tax impact than you expected?

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich unpack one of the biggest questions surrounding Roth conversions: how much should you actually convert? The answer isn't as simple as picking a number. A conversion can affect your taxable income, Medicare premiums, and the amount of cash you'll need to cover the tax bill. And with Social Security, future RMDs, investments, and other income all entering the...

You've probably heard plenty about Roth conversions—but does doing one before retirement actually make sense for you? The answer depends on much more than simply moving money from one retirement account to another. Taxes, timing, future income, and your overall retirement plan all matter.

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explain how Roth conversions work, why taxes require timing, and what should be considered before making the decision.

You'll discover:

Why timing can make a difference with a Roth conversion

How partial and multi-year con...

Having millions doesn't automatically mean feeling confident about retirement. Even financially successful retirees can find themselves asking the same question: Will my money really last?

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explore why millions meet reality when the steady paycheck stops and retirement begins. From longer lifespans and rising costs to market uncertainty and unexpected family or healthcare needs, having wealth is only part of the retirement equation.

You'll hear insights on:

Why successful savers can struggle to become confident spenders

How inflation, longevity, and h...

Retirement changes more than your daily routine—it changes where your income comes from. After decades of receiving a regular paycheck, suddenly you're responsible for creating one yourself. So when that employer paycheck stops, what replaces it?

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich discuss one of retirement's biggest financial and emotional transitions: going from saving and accumulating wealth to relying on it for income. They discuss why your income changes in retirement and how multiple sources can work together to support the life you've planned.

You'll learn about:

•...

There's no magic number when it comes to retirement income. While rules like the 4% withdrawal rule can offer a starting point, your retirement deserves more than a one-size-fits-all formula.

In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explain why retirement income planning requires a personalized strategy built around your lifestyle, spending needs, Social Security, pensions, investments, taxes, healthcare costs, and long-term goals. They also explore how inflation, market volatility, and sequence-of-returns risk can affect how much income your portfolio can sustainably provide.

You'll discover why:

Investment performance and retirement income aren't the s...

When someone recommends a stock, crypto opportunity, or the latest hot investment, should that conversation become your next investment decision? More importantly, are you following your plan—or theirs?

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explore why even intelligent investors can be influenced by social proof, fear of missing out, and the confidence of others. Learn why disciplined investors don't ignore new ideas—they evaluate them through the lens of their financial plan before taking action.

Whether the conversation starts at a barbecue, on the golf course, or over coffe...

Every year, countless employees unknowingly walk away from one of the most valuable workplace benefits available. The surprising part? Many are busy chasing investment returns while overlooking an opportunity that could have an immediate impact on their retirement savings.

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine and Rachel explain why your employer match should be one of the first building blocks of your retirement plan. They discuss why this often-overlooked benefit deserves priority before speculative investments, how small decisions today can compound into meaningful wealth over time, and the costly mistake that could quietly reduce your future...

It seems like there's always a new "must-own" investment making headlines. But is it truly right for you, or are you just feeling the pressure to keep up?

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine and Rachel explore how the fear of missing out (FOMO) can quietly influence investment decisions—and why following the crowd isn't always the path to long-term success.

 You'll discover:

• Why investment hype can cloud good judgment. 

• How to recognize when emotions are driving your decisions. 

• The difference between following a trend and following a financial p...

A great company doesn't automatically make a great investment. Join Catherine and Rachel as they reveal how smart investors evaluate valuation, expectations, and long-term fit to determine whether an IPO is truly worth it.

With new IPOs regularly capturing investors' attention, it can be difficult to separate opportunity from excitement. Learn why successful investors focus on a disciplined investment process rather than chasing headlines, and discover how asking the right questions can lead to more confident, informed decisions.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why a popular IPO isn't automatically a smart investment.

High-profile IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) often generate excitement, headlines, and fear of missing out—but does buying on day one really make sense?

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine and Rachel explore when an IPO actually becomes a good investment and why patience can sometimes be one of an investor's greatest advantages. Learn how IPO investing differs from long-term investing, why many newly public companies experience early volatility, and what questions every investor should ask before buying.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why IPOs create so much excitement—and why that can be r...

Most families don't realize the true cost of passing down a home until years after the decision has been made.

In this episode of Savvy Women, Catherine and Rachel explore the hidden cost of passing down a family home and why some of the most well-intentioned decisions can create unexpected financial consequences for future generations.

Many families focus on what feels right emotionally—but overlook what could happen financially.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why adding a child to a home's title may have unintended consequences

The hidden tax is...

Retirement is supposed to be the season of life when you finally have the time and freedom to enjoy the experiences you've been putting off for years. But how do you make travel a meaningful part of retirement without jeopardizing your financial future?

In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explore why so many retirees struggle to balance their desire for adventure with concerns about spending, market volatility, and making their money last. They discuss how intentional planning can help transform travel from an occasional expense into a purposeful part of a well-designed retirement.

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 re...

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...

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 taki...

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 e...

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...

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

• Re...

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 differ...

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 wha...

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 abou...

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...

Tax season isn't just about filing — it's a window into your entire financial life. In this episode, Catherine and Rachel break down what your tax return is really telling you… and what most people completely miss.

With the deadline fast approaching, they unpack why reviewing your return can reveal hidden planning gaps, costly surprises, and opportunities to get ahead this year — not just react to last year.

Inside this episode:

Why your tax return tells a deeper story about your income, investments, and habits

The real reason high earners get hit with u...

That old 401(k) you've been meaning to deal with? It might be one of the most overlooked—and expensive—decisions you'll make.

In this episode, Catherine and Rachel uncover what really happens when you leave a job and why a simple rollover isn't always so simple. Behind the scenes, there are tax traps, missed opportunities, and strategic windows that most people never see coming.

They break down your three core options—but more importantly, reveal what smart planning looks like before you touch anything. From forgotten accounts and hidden Roth dollars to powerful strategies like NUA fo...

A job change can feel exciting, stressful, or sometimes unexpected—but financially, it's one of the biggest transition points people experience. In this Savvy Series conversation, Catherine and Rachel break down why the first 90 days after a job change matter far more than most people realize.

A new role doesn't just mean a new paycheck. It can trigger shifts in taxes, benefits, risk exposure, and long-term financial planning. The question isn't simply "What's my new salary?"—it's whether your entire financial strategy still works with this new chapter.

In this episode, the discussion walks through the...

Money decisions are never purely logical—especially after loss. In this thoughtful episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explore the emotional side of financial decision-making after losing a spouse, and why even simple choices can suddenly feel overwhelming.

They unpack something many widows experience but rarely hear explained: grief literally changes how the brain processes information, often creating brain fog, fear, and uncertainty about making the "right" financial choices. That's why patience—and the right support system—matters more than rushing into big decisions.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

Why major financial decisio...

Losing a spouse is emotional. Making financial decisions during that time? Even harder. In this important episode, Catherine and Rachel walk through what really happens to your income after loss — and the surprises many women don't see coming.

From Social Security survivor benefits (and why you don't get to keep both checks) to pension elections that can dramatically impact long-term income, timing matters more than most realize. They also unpack the "widow's penalty" — how taxes can actually increase after a loss due to filing status changes, shrinking tax brackets, IRMAA Medicare surcharges, and required minimum distributions.

Y...

When it comes to IRAs, one wrong move can cost you tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars. In this Savvy Series episode, Catherine and Rachel break down the confusing world of spousal vs. non-spousal inherited IRAs, the 10-year rule, RMDs, Roth considerations, and why rushing into a rollover could trigger unintended taxes and penalties

If you're a widow, under age 59½, inheriting from a parent, or navigating multiple accounts "all over the place," this conversation is especially for you. The hosts share real client scenarios—from paperwork overload to missed rollover opportunities—and explain how grief, urgency...

In this tender and deeply important episode, Catherine and Rachel walk through what really matters in the first 90 days after losing someone you love. When everything feels urgent, they gently remind listeners that very little actually is.

They break down what needs attention right away—death certificates, cash flow, Social Security, pensions, life insurance—and what can (and should) wait. From avoiding impulsive decisions like selling a home or liquidating investments, to understanding the hidden tax traps around inherited IRAs and Roth accounts, this conversation is both practical and compassionate.

You'll hear:

Why grie...

What does real independence actually look like—and how do you protect it as life evolves?

In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich dive into the often-overlooked financial decisions that quietly shape your freedom, confidence, and control. From being "house-rich and cash-poor" to the risks of outdated estate documents, this conversation shines a light on the difference between wealth on paper and money you can truly access when it matters most.

You'll hear real-life stories, thoughtful questions, and practical insights around:

Liquidity and emergency access to cash

Estate planning as...

The start of a new year isn't about chasing the hottest investment or obsessing over last year's returns—and in this episode, that truth gets a spotlight. The conversation explores how wealthy women approach money with intention, strategy, and clarity, asking smarter questions like "Is my plan still aligned with the life I want?" rather than "Did I beat the market?"

You'll hear why diversification, risk alignment, and tax efficiency matter more than reacting to headlines—and how emotional investing can quietly derail. The episode also dives into designing life first, then aligning money to support health, fami...

Money conversations don't have to be awkward—but avoiding them can be expensive. In this Savvy Series episode of Savvy Women Talk Money, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich dive into the financial conversations women tend to avoid—and why January is the perfect time to finally have them.

From talking money with a spouse or partner, to navigating aging parents, adult children, and your own long-term security, this episode unpacks where discomfort comes from and how silence can quietly cost you opportunities, confidence, and peace of mind. The discussion blends practical insights with real-life examples, offering appro...

The start of a new year can feel loud—big resolutions, bold promises, endless to-do lists. In this Savvy Women episode, Catherine and Rachel turn down the noise and focus on what actually lasts: intentional goals, a meaningful word of the year, and the mindset behind every financial decision.

You'll hear how revisiting core values can reshape goals that truly fit this season of life from family time and fitness to career growth and personal fulfillment. The conversation gets personal (and practical) as they share real examples: planning memory-making trips without breaking the budget, setting financial goals th...

As the year comes to a close, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and reset, without the pressure of resolutions. Instead, it's about recalibrating confidence around money and stepping into the next chapter with clarity and intention.

In this conversation, Catherine and Rachel explore why so many accomplished, successful women still second-guess their financial decisions and how confidence with money is not a personality trait, but a skill that can be learned. They discuss the role education plays in building trust in your choices, why having a plan matters more than perfect timing, and how mindset—sc...

As the year winds down, it's the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and ask a bigger question: Is your money actually supporting the life you want to live? In this Savvy Series episode, Catherine and Rachel dive into Life by Design. A thoughtful conversation about aligning wealth with what truly matters in the year ahead.

From family and relationships to travel, career fulfillment, philanthropy, and legacy, this episode explores how intentional planning turns "someday" goals into real-life experiences. You'll hear practical ways to plan meaningful travel (without guilt), give generously with purpose (and smart tax strategies), and...