Money on Your Mind

Believe it or not, most of us still make financial decisions based on perceptions of money that began forming back in our piggy bank days. Even as kids, we observed how money was handled by those around us, shaping our sense of “the right way” to manage it. You may not even realize how influential those beliefs are...until they clash with your romantic partner’s. In this episode of Money On Your Mind, financial planner Chris Davidson joins host Michael Leirsch to explore the “Money Scripts” running in the background of our psyche and where partners with different scripts tend to clash. You’ll learn how to identify your own Money Script, why this exercise is essential for couples (even when it feels thorny) and how to align decisions with your shared values for financial harmony at home. Frequent listener? Consider leaving the show a review so others can find it, too.Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman FinancialEngines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offerto buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does notguarantee future results. Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman FinancialEngines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational andguidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced May 2026. AM5460300.

While things feel volatile right now, history shows us that uncertainty in midterm election years isn’t unusual – it can actually bring new opportunities. As financial planner Aaron Kirkland tells his clients, it’s all about shifting your mindset. Just like a downhill mountain biker learns not to slam the brakes and wipe out, you can train yourself to approach a down market with control and foresight. In this episode, Aaron and Michael discuss how to avoid reacting with fear, the strategies you can consider in these times and some heartfelt advice about using your money to make more memories. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary. Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced April 2026. AM5436720

A special compilation episode featuring words of wisdom from Edelman Financial Engines financial planners. Forget detailed analysis and hypotheticals – here are your action items to consider right now. From kicking off your estate planning, to actually feeling confident in your retirement plans and reaching out for a trusted opinion, these are the tasks our financial planners wish you’d put at the top of your to-do list. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed in your financial planning journey, we hope you’ll hear at least one tip in this episode that reveals what you can do next. Even if taking the first step is the hardest, it might just make the biggest, most lasting impact. If you’re enjoying Money On Your Mind, please consider leaving us a rating to help others find the show, too.  Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced April 2026. AM5415087 

If estate planning is filed in your brain somewhere under “Stuff I should probably do” or “Things I’ll deal with later,” you need to hear this. Michael Liersch is joined by financial planner Ted Borowiak for an honest conversation about why estate planning is so easy to put off, what’s often missing when people finally get started and how to move forward without feeling ashamed or overwhelmed. Together, they talk about why people struggle to even think about it, why you need more than a will and why starting to make decisions, even imperfectly, can help you avoid stress and unintended consequences for the people you care about most. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.The information regarding estate planning should not be construed as tax or legal advice and is for general informational purposes only.Neither Edelman Financial Engines nor its affiliates offer tax or legal advice. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to seek advice from your qualified tax and/or legal professionals to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced April 2026. AM5391506

Will the delicate Iran ceasefire hold? When geopolitical tensions dominate the headlines, it’s hard not to wonder what it means for the future you’ve been planning. In this special episode, host Michael Liersch is joined by Edelman Financial Engines Chief Investment Officer Neil Gilfedder to help make sense of what’s happening and how it connects to the bigger picture. Together, they explore how markets have historically responded to geopolitical crises, why trying to predict the next move rarely works and what actually is within an investor’s control during volatile times. Because while you can’t influence global events, you’re in charge of your plan and how you respond when uncertainty shows up. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced April 2026. AM5381308

If you’ve ever looked back at a financial decision and thought, “Why did I do that?” — this episode is for you. Even smart, successful people make money moves they later question, and the reason has less to do with intelligence and more to do with being human. In this solo episode, host Michael Liersch breaks down five powerful behavioral finance concepts that quietly shape how we save, invest and react, especially during volatile or high stakes moments. He explains why these instincts can derail good intentions, and what actually helps counter them. Because understanding how your brain works with (and against) your money can be just as important as the numbers themselves.  Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman FinancialEngines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.Investing strategies, such as asset allocation, diversification or rebalancing, do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. All investments have inherent risks, including loss of principal. There are no guarantees that a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not engage in such strategies. Past performance does not guarantee future results.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced April 2026. AM5368948.

If you have a second home or rental property you’re ready to sell, listen to this first. Too often, people head into a sale focused on the payoff – only to get blindsided by the fine print later on. Financial planner Heather Vavra joins host Michael Liersch to unpack the “hidden gotchas” in this situation, including a tricky surcharge called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount that could impact your future Social Security benefits. Because while you might be ready to say goodbye to that family cabin (and all the maintenance), the financial ripple effect of selling can hit when you least expect it. Heather and Michael cover how to account for the taxes involved – and how to ask for help, even if it feels too late.Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced March 2026. AM5353436

Want to keep more of your money every year? Pay attention to how taxes impact your finances, especially if you’re within 10 years of retirement. Too many people treat tax planning as a once-a-year event every April, but it’s a year-round task. In this episode, Dr. Michael Liersch talks with financial planner Doug Ulrich to clear up this common misconception and explain why tax planning is so important during your peak earning years. Michael and Doug also cover common tax questions about traditional versus Roth 401k contributions, the three money buckets to know and how to get started with tax planning versus tax preparation.  Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced March 2026. AM5329133

An explosion in the availability of financial information has changed the way people are planning. Access to financial news and advice has made everyone more curious and engaged, but what are you supposed to do next? In this episode, Dr. Michael Liersch welcomes financial planner Kaliko Veiseh, who has decades of experience helping clients understand the first steps to developing their financial plan. Kaliko walks through the process of opening accounts and automating savings, coordinating investments for tax efficiency, estate planning, retirement strategies and who you can talk to for help pulling it all together.Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced March 2026. AM5309654

Are you one or two years out from retirement? This episode is for you. You’ve operated with a savings mindset for decades, but for many, approaching retirement means facing an entirely new world of financial and emotional challenges. And entering this next chapter with a positive attitude could be the difference between enjoying the rewards of your hard work – or worrying your way through it. In this episode, Dr. Michael Liersch and financial planner Mark Palmer talk about the mental muscles you need to train now to prepare for the future, how to prevent feeling anchored to the short term and why it’s essential for couples to make decisions as a team.Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced March 2026. AM5288387

We’re monitoring developments in Iran and the Middle East closely through market data and geopolitical reporting. In the meantime, our Chief Investment Officer Neil Gilfedder and Chief Investment Strategist Katie Klingensmith are addressing your concerns about what this headline event could mean for your plan, your portfolio and your personal economy. In this special episode, we’re covering how we expect the markets to react, the role of diversification in your portfolio right now and in the long-term and what (if anything) you should do in the short-term.Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only.  All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary. © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. [Produced MARCH 2026.]  AM5264648

Between headlines about tariffs, Bitcoin and gold – there’s a lot to digest right now. So, we’re trying something a little different this week. In this episode, Dr. Michael Liersch is joined by our Chief Investment Strategist, Katie Klingensmith, for her take on the topics making a lot of investors reconsider their plans. Here's Katie’s expert breakdown of what tariffs are, why you’re hearing a lot about precious metals and crypto and when it’s time to sit back versus make a big change.Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only.  All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. [Produced FEBRUARY 2026.]  AM5244955

You’ve seen the email: benefits deadline approaching, action required. Between meetings and family commitments, how are you supposed to know what to do – especially when stock is vesting, bonuses are coming and tax forms are piling up? In this episode, Dr. Michael Liersch talks with financial planner Ryan Cahill about the quiet overwhelm a lot of us are facing when it comes to this personal admin work. From 401(k) elections and Roth catch-up rules to restricted stock decisions and blackout periods, Ryan shares what his clients are asking – and his advice for making confident decisions that leave more time for what matters.  Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only.  All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. [Produced FEBRUARY 2026.]  AM5218771

Part two of our conversation with EFE Financial Planner, Laela Erickson. It’s tempting to become financially conservative in uncertain times – but you have other options, too. Laela shares the practical strategies she uses with her own clients, including the "bucketing approach" that matches your money to your timeline and helps you think of your finances as a tool, not a source of anxiety. Dr. Michael Liersch weighs in on the emotional traps that could lead to poor investment decisions and reveals what history teaches us about down markets (hint: they're not always bad news, even if you're still working). Plus, Laela offers a surprising perspective on generosity: Sometimes, the best way to loosen money's grip is to give some of it away.  Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing.Individual results may vary. © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. [Produced FEBRUARY 2026.]  AM5205002

Ever find yourself awake at 3 a.m., wondering what yourfinances really look like? Many of us carry the weight of financial stress in our heads, without ever putting the full picture on paper. In part one of this two-part episode, Dr. Michael Liersch, Chief Planning Officer at Edelman Financial Engines, sits down with EFE financial planner Laela Erickson toexplore how to break the cycle of “mental accounting” to give yourself better peace of mind. They discuss why understanding your real spending, planning for changing expenses over time and aligning your money with your values can help replace uncertainty with confidence – and turn financial planning into a tool for a more fulfilling life.Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman FinancialEngines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offerto buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by FinancialEngines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. [Produced FEBRUARY 2026.]  AM5181283

Clients are wondering how, in their financial planning, they can chart a path forward when the road ahead is foggy. In this episode, Dr. Michael Liersch, Chief Planning Officer at Edelman Financial Engines, sits down with EFE financial planner and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor™ Matt Hickes to address that unstable feeling – and how revisiting your tax strategy may be the way to better peace of mind. They'll talk about how tax planning can help you break free from analysis paralysis and how to think of money as a tool for enjoying life. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.Important Information About the Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor™, CMFC™ Designation: The CMFC™ provides candidates with a thorough knowledge of mutual funds and their various uses as investment vehicles. The case studies used throughout the course—presenting client scenarios and pointing out opportunities for candidates to make the most of these popular investments—provide insight into effective use of these investment vehicles. There is no prerequisite or experience required for this designation. Candidates must pass a final designation exam which is online, closed-book and proctored. In addition, a Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor™ must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years. © 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. Produced January 2026. AM5158224

Clients of all ages are still waiting for the next shoe to drop, hoping for a pre-2020 sense of stability. Many feel a growing disconnect between markets that keep rising and the everyday strain of higher prices. In this episode, Dr. Michael Liersch, Chief Planning Officer at Edelman Financial Engines, talks with EFE financial planner Jaci Iannello about why this disconnect is so common, how to make sense of financial uncertainty and how clarifying what “being okay” means for you could help reignite your confidence. Rather than abandoning your plan, they explore why adjusting it – and staying focused on the long term – may be the most powerful move you can make right now. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. [Produced JANUARY 2026.] AM5127177

Uncertainty is uncomfortable, especially when it affects your money. It hits the hardest when you don’t have a plan, or you’re unsure if your plan even works anymore. In this episode, Dr. Michael Liersch, Chief Planning Officer at Edelman Financial Engines, talks with EFE financial planner Ron Sisk about what’s causing uncertainty and worry among clients right now – including AI bubble fears, a recession – and how they’re tempted to respond. We’ll also talk about preparedness strategies, naming your worries and focusing on what you can control. Money on Your Mind is produced by Edelman Financial Engines and hosted by Michael Liersch. Information is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, insurance or tax advice. It is not an offer to buy or sell any product and does not represent an endorsement of third parties. All investments have inherent risks. Consult a financial advisor before investing. Individual results may vary.© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed. [Produced JANUARY 2026.] AM5122744.