The Wealth and Income Podcast

A friend told me her advisor said she only needed eight times her income to retire. I nearly spit out my drink. In this episode, we unpack the numbers behind this dangerously oversimplified advice—and walk through what it actually takes to retire without running out of money. From withdrawal rates to Monte Carlo simulations, we explore why conventional wisdom often falls short and what you need to do instead. Whether you’re aiming for $100K or $1M in annual income, this is the retirement math no one talks about—but everyone needs to hear.

Before you make a major financial (or life) move, how do you know if the dream is truly yours—or just a leftover memory? Or even outside influence? In this episode, Mary Lyons and Eric Alexander dive into the surprising value of test-driving your dreams. From sports cars to second homes to family goals, they unpack the difference between real desires and impulsive wants, and how to approach big decisions with clarity, strategy, and zero regrets. They also explore how couples with different visions can find middle ground, how to simulate financial decisions before you commit, and why modeling joy might be one of the most powerful things you do for the next generation.

What happens when your income doubles—but your stress does too? In this powerful real-world case study, we walk through the journey of “Bob and Sue,” a high-earning couple navigating family, rising income, and the toll of burnout. Instead of falling into lifestyle inflation, they took a radically different path—one that prioritized freedom, flexibility, and future-proofing their financial plan.  This episode dives into the psychology of money, the hidden cost of pressure-driven careers, and what it looks like to build a plan that lets you choose to work—not have to. If you’ve ever wondered how to make smart financial decisions in the peak earning years, avoid lifestyle creep, and set yourself up to slow down without stepping away—this is your blueprint.    Listen in to discover:  Why deferring income isn’t always the smartest tax strategy The mindset shift that changes everything about work and money What real financial freedom looks like for a high-income family If you see yourself in this story—you’re not alone. This is where strategy meets possibility. 

What if your dream life isn’t actually your dream? In this episode, we explore the powerful concept of test-driving your dreams before committing to big life changes. From buying lake houses to manual-transmission sports cars, our hosts share personal stories, client experiences, and honest realizations about what brings real joy, energy, and purpose. It's a thought-provoking dive into understanding what we truly want—and how to figure that out before we spend the money.

What does it really take to retire early—and still live fully today? In this episode, we dive into the financial strategy of a high-earning couple in their 30s determined to retire by 50—not to stop working, but to start living intentionally. Learn how they’re building wealth, avoiding lifestyle inflation, and designing a future filled with travel and creative pursuits.   If you're aiming for financial independence, this case study is packed with actionable insights on optimizing income, avoiding lifestyle creep, and aligning your spending with your long-term goals.

Markets got spicy—and not in the fun way. After a turbulent few days on Wall Street, Mary Lyons, The Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander break down what’s really happening in the markets—and what investors should keep in mind when fear kicks in. From circuit breakers to emotional decision-making, they explore how to stay grounded through market swings, manage portfolio risk, and keep your long-term strategy on track.

In this episode of the Wealth and Income Podcast, hosts Mary, Lyons, The Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander explore a critical but often overlooked aspect of financial planning: protection first—discussing why safeguarding wealth is just as essential as growing it. Learn how life insurance, financial security strategies, and the concept of "human economic value" can protect your loved ones and ensure long-term stability. Whether you're new to financial planning or reevaluating your strategy, this episode provides actionable insights to help you build a solid financial foundation. Tune in now to master the protection first mindset and achieve true financial peace of mind.

Join us as we review an article from Ernst and Young that demonstrates the power of a retirement plan focused on income and multiple asset classes coordinated together. E&Y Article: How insurance and investments can improve financial wellness

Mary Lyons, The Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander discuss key conversations to have with your significant other when it comes to money. Part financial education, part therapy, these points will help you avoid common pain points and provide tools to navigate disagreements to find alignment and eliminate a key source of stress for many couples. 

This week, we explore three essential questions you should be asking your advisor—are you leaving money on the table? Mary Lyons, The Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander reveal key financial oversights that many advisors miss, potentially costing you valuable income opportunities.