Three-quarters of Medicare beneficiaries say choosing a Medicare plan is confusing, and nearly 7 in 10 (69%) Medicare beneficiaries have not compared their own source of Medicare coverage with other Medicare options offered in their area during past open enrollment periods, according to surveys. These actions can cost you money and limit your medication coverage and pharmacy access.

In this episode of Friends Talk Money, we unpack what you need to know about Open Enrollment and your plan options, diving into the pros and cons of Original Medicare plus a supplement and Part D plan versus Medicare Advantage. We explain what’s different this year, including the inconsistency around premiums and the discontinuation of Anthem standalone Part D plans.

Our special guest is Diane Omdahl, a nationally recognized expert in Medicare. She’s the creator of 65incorporated.com, which guides seniors in their Medicare choices, and author of the bestselling book, Medicare For You. She joins us to explain what steps you can take now to ensure your coverage is fully meeting your medical needs and isn’t costing you more than you need to spend in 2026.

• Medicare Beware! A Special Report (Terry Savage)
• Survey: 75% of Medicare Beneficiaries Say Selecting a Plan Is Confusing
• Nearly 7 in 10 Medicare Beneficiaries Did Not Compare Plans During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period

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Nearly 1 in 4 Americans over 50 are planning a job change this year, according to a new AARP survey—but here’s the surprising part: 65% haven’t taken any steps to prepare. In this episode of Friends Talk Money, hosts Terry, Richard, and Pam dig into what’s really driving career changes for people over 50, 55, and 60—and what older job seekers need to know to stay competitive in today’s market.

We cover:

• Why boomers and Gen Xers are rethinking retirement and launching second-act careers
• How to avoid the black hole of job applications and get results through networking and research
• Smart strategies for updating your resume and LinkedIn profile after decades in the workforce
• Using AI tools like ChatGPT (carefully) to improve your job search
• How to prepare for Zoom interviews and make a strong impression
• The realities of ageism in hiring—and how to position your experience as a strength
• Negotiating job offers: when to push, when to say yes, and how to show employers you solve their problems

Whether you’re worried about layoffs, craving more flexibility, or simply ready for a new challenge, this episode is packed with practical job search tips for older workers who want to thrive in today’s shifting economy.

Links:

Certified Age Friendly Employer Program (Age-Friendly Institute)
Employer Pledge Program (AARP)
Retirementjobs.com
Layoffs This Year Reach Highest Levels Since Pandemic, According to One Measure (Yahoo Finance)
Survey Shows a Sharp Increase in the Number of Older Americans Seeking a Job Change (AARP)
Best Ways to Prepare for a Job Search After 50 (Next Avenue)

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Generation X is often called the “forgotten middle child” between Boomers and Millennials, but with 65 million Gen Xers moving into their 50s and early 60s, they’re facing a massive financial challenge: skyrocketing healthcare costs.

In this episode of Friends Talk Money, Pam Krueger, Terry Savage, and Richard Eisenberg unpack why healthcare, not retirement savings, is now the #1 financial concern for Gen X. From high insurance premiums and long-term care to hidden out-of-pocket costs, we break down:

• Why Gen X is more worried about healthcare than retirement savings
• How rising costs are squeezing families still raising kids & saving for retirement
• What Medicare will and won’t cover
• Smart planning tools: HSAs, catch-up contributions & employer health benefits
• Why fee-only fiduciary advisors can help Gen Xers plan ahead and avoid surprises

If you’re Gen X (or love someone who is), this is a must-listen to help prepare for a healthier, more financially secure retirement.

Links:

• This is Generation X’s biggest retirement worry — and it’s not money (MarketWatch)
• Gen X Is Headed for Retirement Crisis: 5 Ways To Avoid Being Part of the Trend (GoBankingRates)
• Three Things You Should Do – And Not Do – To Prepare For Your Retirement (Wealthramp)
• Health Savings Account (Terry Savage)
• Want to Retire at 67? See if You Can Answer These Five Questions (Kiplinger)

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• Why older Americans are launching businesses in record numbers
• How Trump-era policy changes are shrinking access to critical SBA support
• Why tariffs and trade policy shifts are squeezing small business margins
• What this means for women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses
• What encore entrepreneurs need to do now to protect and grow their ventures

The 2025 Budget Bill — aka the “One Big Beautiful Bill” — is now law. But behind the headlines and hype, how does it impact your taxes, Social Security, Medicare, estate plan, and healthcare costs?

In this episode of Friends Talk Money, Pam Krueger, Terry Savage, and Richard Eisenberg break down what really matters — no politics, no spin, just the facts that can help (or hurt) your financial future.

• What the $6,000 senior tax deduction really does — and who qualifies
• Whether your Social Security will still be taxed
• Big changes to the SALT deduction and why it matters in high-tax states
• Updates to Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care planning
• New tax breaks on car loans, overtime, and tips (but only for some!)
• How the $15M estate tax exemption could affect your legacy
• A powerful HSA change most people haven’t noticed

Bottom line: If you’re retired or planning for retirement, this bill changes the game. Talk to your CPA, estate attorney, or fiduciary financial advisor now.

Resources:

• Verify Your Advisor - FINRA BrokerCheck
• NASAA - Investor Education
• What the Big Beautiful Bill Really Means for You Now, Pam Krueger (Wealthramp.com)