Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey

Interview with Heather Clark (Part Two) Financial Advisor and Founder of Next Step Wealth Management

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, financial expert Heather Clark shares practical insights on one of the biggest retirement impacts many people face: the timing of when to start withdrawals. With more than 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate retirement planning, Heather breaks down how Social Security timing, pensions, taxes, and longevity planning all work together to impact your financial future. You’ll learn why Social Security should be viewed as a pension, how spouse benefits are affected by timing and work history, and why personalized retirement strategies matter more than one-size-fits-all advice. Heather also shares practical tools, including RMD calculators and online resources, to help you make more confident financial decisions. Whether you’re approaching retirement, supporting aging parents, or planning for long-term financial independence, this conversation offers valuable guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Key topics include: • Timing your Social Security benefits • How pensions impact retirement income • Tax implications in retirement • Longevity planning strategies • Benefit optimization tips • Using RMD calculators effectively Resources Social Security Administration [https://www.ssa.gov/]  Schwab RMD Calculator [https://www.schwab.com/ira/ira-calculators/rmd] Next Step Wealth Management [https://www.nextstep4you.com/]  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Interview with Heather Clark, Financial Advisor and Founder of Next Step Wealth Management

In this episode, Heather Clark shares practical, compassionate guidance on how to navigate financial planning for aging parents, without waiting for a crisis. From starting the often-avoided money conversation to building trust across generations, Heather breaks down how families can approach finances with clarity and confidence. We explore why early planning matters, how to address long-term care considerations, and what it takes to create a strategy that supports both aging parents and the next generation. Whether you're unsure how to begin or looking to strengthen your current plan, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you move forward. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to start the conversation about money with aging parents • Why trust and connection are essential in financial planning • Key considerations for long-term care planning • Strategies for intergenerational wealth transfer • How to take a proactive (not reactive) approach to aging finances This is the conversation every family needs—but few know how to start. Key Takeaways: • The best time to talk about money is before it’s urgent • Trust is the foundation of every successful financial conversation • Small, consistent conversations are more effective than one big talk • Planning for long-term care protects both finances and relationships • A clear plan reduces stress and prevents family conflict • Financial transparency supports smoother transitions across generations  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Clarity 02:37 Overcoming Financial Overwhelm 05:23 Finding a Trusted Financial Advisor 07:32 The Importance of Relationships in Financial Planning 10:24 Generational Financial Planning 13:08 The Reality of Social Security 15:02 Understanding Family Financial Dynamics 17:15 Simplifying Financial Management 19:36 Quality of Life and Financial Decisions 21:21 Planning for Future Care Needs 23:51 Engaging in Community Living 26:51 Navigating Family Conversations about Finances 33:43 Navigating Caregiver Overwhelm 36:01 The Importance of Open Conversations 37:01 Blind Spots in Aging and Caregiving 41:11 Starting Difficult Family Conversations 42:29 Understanding End-of-Life Wishes 47:25 Planning for Financial Longevity 53:14 The Need for Professional Guidance Resources Website: https://www.nextstep4you.com [https://www.nextstep4you.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextStepWealthManagement [https://www.facebook.com/NextStepWealthManagement] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherclarknextstep4you/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherclarknextstep4you/]  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Interview with Helen Burns of Naborforce

Many families assume caregiving means doing everything themselves, it doesn't. Sometimes the right support looks like a trusted neighbor showing up. In this episode, I sit down with Helen Burns from Naborforce to explore how neighborly support helps older adults stay independent, connected, and safe at home. We discuss how community-based assistance can ease the burden on family caregivers while improving quality of life for aging loved ones. Whether you're caring for aging parents, noticing early signs they may need extra help, or simply planning ahead, this conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance that you don't have to navigate this alone. In This Episode, We Discuss: *  The origin story of Naborforce and its mission  *  How neighbors are recruited, screened, and vetted  *  Services available to support older adults at home  *  The critical role of social connection in preventing loneliness  *  Signs it may be time to bring in additional support  *  How adult children can access and coordinate help for their parents Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Neighbor Force and Its Mission 02:06 Understanding Neighbor Force's Services 04:29 The Origin Story of Neighbor Force 07:22 Becoming a Neighbor: Recruitment and Safety 10:01 Neighbor Force's Geographic Reach 12:04 The Role of Adult Children in Caregiving 17:04 Navigating Caregiving Responsibilities 19:52 Identifying Signs for Extra Support 19:58 Recognizing Signs for Extra Help 22:11 The Loneliness Epidemic 26:29 Understanding Available Resources 29:07 Navigating Aging Conversations 30:58 The Importance of Decluttering Resources Naborforce Official Website [https://naborforce.com] - https://naborforce.com Guest Link LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-burns-bb85b448/  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Interview with Carly Ebenstein, Long- Term Care Insurance Expert

In this insightful interview, Carly Ebenstein shares her expertise on long-term care insurance, clarifying common misconceptions, discussing optimal timing for purchasing coverage, and emphasizing the importance of planning ahead for aging and caregiving. This conversation provides practical advice for families to make informed decisions and start vital conversations about aging and care. Key Takeaways * Timing for long-term care insurance purchase * Differences between Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance  * Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and cognitive health in care needs * Flexible benefits of hybrid long-term care policies * Planning conversations and legal documents for aging * How long-term care insurance can save your family from crisis Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Long-Term Care Insurance 01:43 Carly's Journey into Long-Term Care 03:59 Understanding Medicare vs. Long-Term Care 09:18 The Importance of Planning for Long-Term Care 10:29 When to Consider Long-Term Care Insurance 13:31 Protecting Options for the Future 16:45 The Role of Caregivers in Long-Term Care 19:03 Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance 20:27 The Importance of Home Care Options 21:27 Navigating Benefits and Payment Structures 24:37 The Role of Caregivers in Long-Term Care 25:14 Creating a Plan for Care 26:25 Resources and Educational Offerings 27:40 Challenging Assumptions About Long-Term Care 29:38 Starting the Conversation About Care Plans Resources Carly Ebenstein's Website [https://cjbins.com] Long-Term Care Start Here Webinar [https://cjbins.com/webinar] San Francisco Library Event [https://sfpl.org/events/2026/04/17/presentation-long-term-care-start-here] CJB Insurance Services YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@CJBInsuranceServices] Cost of Care Calculator [https://cjbins.com/cost-of-care-calculator/] Printable Plan of Care Document [https://cjbins.com/plan-of-care/] Carly Ebenstein's LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-ebenstein-cltc-cpcc-1b327b/]  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Interview with Dr. David Ajibade, Physician, Brain Health Pioneer, Global Health Leader, Founder, Brain and Body Foundation

In this powerful and practical conversation, Dr. David Ajibade shares a hopeful, prevention-focused approach to brain health and aging. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, he encourages individuals and families to take early, proactive steps to support cognitive health through nutrition, lifestyle choices, and targeted medical testing. Dr. David explains the deep connection between the brain and the rest of the body—highlighting how gut health, vitamin levels, hearing, and social engagement all play a role in maintaining cognitive function. He challenges common myths about aging and dementia, offering science-backed strategies that can help reduce risk and support long-term brain vitality. Listeners will walk away with actionable guidance on the key tests to request from their doctor, the role of nutrient-dense foods like eggs and red meat, and why addressing issues such as hearing loss and vitamin deficiencies early can make a meaningful difference. Most importantly, this episode reinforces a message of hope: there are steps we can take today to protect brain health and age with intention. Key Takeaways *  Brain health is deeply connected to overall body health—including nutrition, gut health, and hearing.  *  Early testing for vitamin and metabolic levels can help identify risks before symptoms appear.  *  Nutrient-dense foods and targeted supplementation may support cognitive function and reduce dementia risk.  *  Social engagement, sunlight exposure, and physical activity are essential components of brain health.  *  Prevention is possible—and individuals have more influence over their cognitive future than they may realize. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brain Health and Aging 01:07 Dr. David's Journey into Brain Health 02:51 Understanding Brain Needs and Dementia 03:52 Preventing Dementia: Key Insights 07:50 Framework for Dementia Prevention 13:05 The Importance of Gut Health 17:22 Nutrition and the Laws of Life 19:27 The Nutritional Power of Red Meat 21:55 The Importance of Supplements 25:08 Understanding Nutraceuticals 27:39 The Impact of Hearing on Brain Health 31:06 Hope and Agency in Dementia Care Resources Dr. David Ajibade's Website - https://drdavidajibade.com Brain and Body Foundation - https://brainandbodyfoundation.org Guest Links Website - https://drdavidajibade.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/drdavidajibade Facebook - https://facebook.com/drdavidajibade  © 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.