PrairieFire Wealth Planning

06/17/2026

What if the best way to prepare for retirement isn't waiting for it to happen?

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Matt Meline introduces the "59½ Rebellion" — a practical approach to test-driving retirement before you leave the workforce. Learn why the transition from saving to spending can be more challenging than expected, and how small experiments today can help you build confidence for tomorrow.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150703/episodes/19336407

06/16/2026

Most people spend decades preparing financially for retirement—but far fewer prepare for what retirement will actually feel like.

In this video, we explore why retirement is about much more than your portfolio. From learning how you'll spend your time to becoming comfortable spending your savings and discovering purpose beyond your career, we discuss practical ways to "test-drive" retirement before making the transition.

If retirement is on your horizon, this conversation may help you approach your next chapter with greater confidence, clarity, and fulfillment.

▶️ Watch here:

Retirement isn’t just a financial transition—it’s a lifestyle trans...

06/01/2026

News cycles can make every market movement feel urgent.

Elections, global events, policy changes — they all create noise that can influence how we feel about investing. But emotional decisions often lead to short-term reactions that don’t align with long-term goals.

The challenge isn’t avoiding information — it’s knowing how to filter it.

A strong investment strategy is built to withstand uncertainty, not react to every headline.

Staying focused on long-term trends — instead of short-term noise — can make all the difference.

05/29/2026

College doesn’t have to mean paying full price - but most families never learn the strategies that can actually reduce costs.

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Will Schroeder walks through practical ways to make college more affordable, including:

✔ Scholarships (and how many families miss them)
✔ Financial aid appeals
✔ Community college and 3-year degree options
✔ Saving money on textbooks and materials
✔ Understanding true college costs before you commit

If you’re looking for real, actionable ways to reduce college expenses, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150703/episodes/19172401

05/27/2026

Market pullbacks are normal — but investor reactions often aren’t.

When markets dip, the instinct is to “do something.” But making reactive decisions during volatility can lock in losses and make it harder to recover when markets rebound.

History shows that corrections happen regularly — and they’re a natural part of long-term market growth. The challenge isn’t avoiding them, it’s staying invested through them.

Trying to time your exit and re-entry can be one of the most costly mistakes in investing.

Sometimes, the smartest move… is no move at all.

05/25/2026

The biggest retirement mistake?

It’s not saving too little.

It’s waiting too long to figure out how you actually want to live.

Retirement isn’t a switch you flip - it’s a transition that takes clarity, flexibility, and a bit of practice.

The numbers matter.
But so does your lifestyle.

What part of retirement feels most uncertain to you?

👇 Comment below - let’s talk about it.

05/22/2026

Markets don’t move in straight lines — but over time, trends matter.

One of the biggest challenges investors face is trying to time the perfect entry or exit point. In reality, missing just a few of the market’s strongest days can significantly impact long-term returns.

Momentum is powerful, especially when paired with a consistent investment approach. Staying invested during growth periods — even after setbacks — allows compounding to do its work.

The key isn’t predicting every move.
It’s positioning yourself to benefit from the overall trend.

05/20/2026

In investing, the goal isn’t to “win” every decision — it’s to stay consistent long enough for the strategy to work.

Too often, investors chase short-term wins or react to market volatility, which can lead to unnecessary risk and missed long-term growth. A well-structured portfolio is designed to weather different market cycles — not avoid them entirely.

The real advantage comes from discipline, diversification, and sticking with a long-term investment strategy that’s built to handle both bull markets and downturns.

The question isn’t “Did this perform perfectly today?”
It’s “Will this still work 10–20 years from now?”

05/18/2026

Retirement doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision.

In fact, some of the best transitions start with a test drive.

Whether it’s:
Taking time off…
Shifting to flexible work…
Or practicing your future income…

A little experimentation now can create a lot more clarity later.

Which of these would you try first?

👇 Comment below - we’d love to hear.

05/15/2026

College costs are rising fast - and for many families, figuring out how to pay for it feels overwhelming.

In this episode of Empty Nest Full Pockets, Will Schroeder breaks down what smart college planning actually looks like and why starting earlier than most people think can make a big difference.

You’ll learn how to:
✔ Set realistic expectations with your child
✔ Understand the true cost of college
✔ Think more clearly about ROI and long-term outcomes
✔ Build a more confident college funding strategy

If you’re trying to make sense of college planning without the stress, this episode will help you feel more prepared.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2150703/episodes/19172363