The Games of Life

When the market gets shaky, too many investors react without a plan—and that’s when mistakes happen. In this episode of The Games of Life Podcast, investment advisor representative, Ambar Reddekopp uses the childhood game “The Floor Is Lava” as a powerful metaphor for market volatility. She unpacks why volatility isn’t the enemy, how fear and headlines often cause more harm than market swings, and why a thoughtful, personalized strategy matters more than quick reactions. The conversation explores risk tolerance, time horizon, and the importance of planning a clear path forward—so investors don’t jump blindly when things feel unstable. Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if running your business feels productive—but you’re still guessing? Using Charades as the metaphor, this episode explores how business owners mistake activity for progress, miss critical signals, and make costly decisions without full clarity. The conversation breaks down blind spots that come from being too close to the work, why numbers are a form of communication, and how rapid‑fire decisions can send growth in the wrong direction. From pricing and hiring to marketing and mentorship, the episode highlights the value of slowing down, reading the signals correctly, and inviting outside perspective when the picture gets fuzzy. Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if a board game could explain why smart business owners still get stuck? Using Settlers of Catan as the framework, this episode breaks down how resource decisions, early positioning, and unpredictable forces mirror real-world business planning. The conversation explores why hoarding resources can stall growth, how strategic trades accelerate momentum, and why courage often matters more than perfect timing. From delegation dilemmas to market volatility, the episode reframes familiar challenges through a surprisingly practical lens. The takeaway isn’t about winning every roll—it’s about building flexibility, resilience, and options when outcomes aren’t fully in your control. Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When everything starts going wrong at once, the real damage often comes from the decisions made under pressure. In this episode of Games of Life, Ambar Reddekopp continues the Pandemic series by focusing on crisis planning and financial decision-making when life feels out of control. Using the game as a framework, she explores how stress, decision fatigue, and panic can trigger costly financial reactions—and why preparation simplifies choices when chaos hits. The conversation breaks down how emergency funds function as first responders, why pre‑deciding financial priorities matters, and how compassionate planning helps future you navigate inevitable crises with more clarity and less reaction.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if a board game could explain why most people are caught off guard financially? In this episode of Games of Life, Ambar Reddekopp uses the cooperative board game Pandemic to explore how financial preparedness really works. She draws clear parallels between managing a global outbreak and managing personal finances — where early preparation, boring but necessary steps, and the ability to absorb shocks make all the difference. The conversation centers on emergency funds, why they’re intentionally unexciting, and how mindset shapes our response when life changes suddenly. Through humor and relatable stories, Ambar reframes preparation as the foundation for resilience rather than a reaction to crisis. Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Setting goals is just the opening move—staying in the game and winning takes strategy, resilience, and adaptability. In this episode, Ambar Reddekopp digs into the psychology of goal setting, from playing the long game to spotting wild cards and learning from setbacks. Discover why discipline means choosing what you want most over what you want now, how to pivot when life blocks your path, and the importance of finding the right partner for your journey. Tune in for relatable stories, practical wisdom, and a fresh perspective on building success, one move at a time.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever played Sequence and thought it was just luck? Turns out, winning—at games and in life—is all about strategy, patience, and connecting the right moves at the right time. In this episode, Ambar Reddekopp reveals how goal setting for retirement and beyond mirrors the twists and turns of a board game. Learn why small, consistent steps beat giant leaps, how to adapt when life blocks your path, and why your financial journey is unique to you. Tune in for relatable stories, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on winning your own game.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scammers have a new secret weapon—artificial intelligence. In this episode, Amber Reddekopp reveals how AI is transforming fraud, from voice cloning and deepfakes to convincing chatbots and fake online deals. Discover real-life examples, learn why “trust but verify” is more important than ever, and get practical tips to protect yourself in a world where nothing is as it seems. If you’ve ever wondered how to spot scams or keep your money and identity safe, this episode is your essential guide to staying one step ahead.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the next person trying to scam you isn’t a stranger, but someone you know—or even a computer? In this episode, Amber Reddekopp exposes the most common frauds targeting retirees and families, from investment clubs and identity theft to romance scams and tech support traps. Learn how scammers use urgency, secrecy, and “too good to be true” promises to trick victims, and discover practical red flags to help you stay safe. Whether you’re protecting yourself or helping loved ones, awareness is your best defense in today’s world of deception.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when your Medicare decision locks you in—and your health takes a turn? In part two of the Games of Life Medicare series, Ambar Reddekopp unpacks the complexities of Medicare Advantage. From alphabet soup plans to hidden co-payments and county-specific coverage, this episode explores how your health history, budget, and location shape your options. Learn why timing matters, what long-term care isn’t covered, and how to avoid the buzzer in this high-stakes game of healthcare.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling like Medicare is a game of Operation? One wrong move and—buzz! In this episode of Games of Life, host Ambar Reddekopp, president of Journey Financial Group, sits down to dissect the complexities of Original Medicare. From navigating Parts A through D to avoiding costly prescription pitfalls and understanding optional coverages like dental, vision, and hearing, this conversation is packed with insights that demystify the Medicare maze. Whether you're caring for a loved one or planning ahead, this episode offers clarity without the jargon.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp of Journey Financial Group discusses how she helps people better their credit scores. Ambar shares the different types of credit and how managing each properly can slowly raise the score, but also how closing and opening accounts too rapidly is a bad move. Ambar also explains the difference between having debt and using credit and how the latter is a great way for people to keep a good score. And Ambar describes situations where people should be more focused on closing credit lines than raising the overall scores.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook       Instagram       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp of Journey Financial Group discusses the moving target that is credit scores. Ambar shares how the way they are graded has changed over the years and is confusing and then she explains what comprises them. Then Ambar shares five factors that move credit scores and why paying one’s bills on time is the most important. Ambar also emphasizes that people should not feel guilt about carrying debt and that she works with people in all stages of debt management.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook       Instagram       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp of The Journey Financial Group explains the methodical process for people that want to get out of debt. Ambar discusses the agenda for meeting new clients and simply finding out how bad their debt is and what their APR rates are. Then she shares three different keys – debt rollup plan, consolidated debt, and bankruptcy – and how each affects one’s credit score and why a financial advisor is very important in helping someone through these processes. And Ambar assures people not to be ashamed of these, because extremely rich people also use these methods. And Ambar shares her love of comic-cons and the ones she will be attending soon.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook       Instagram       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp of The Journey Financial group relates being in an escape room to one of the most cumbersome and dangerous parts of people’s financial health: debt. Ambar explains how amortized debt is structured to make paying it off hard and for big companies to profit. She also defines the difference between APR and interest and shows how people can get stuck paying mostly APR and not principal. Ambar also talks about good debt and bad debt and has a great analogy for how debt is like fire. And Ambar discusses her “First Fridays” that are outdoors and tasty during the summer.   Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. Facebook       Instagram       See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp relates the strategy and duties of pieces in the game of chess to the trickiness and gravity of estate or legacy planning. She shares how one’s documents are like pawns – the first line of defense. And Ambar shares how wills, trusts, taxes, and the entire plan itself fit onto the chess board. She also shares how an advisor is like a football coach and a lawyer is like one of the players in the game of estate planning, each helping the other to achieve the best result. Ambar also recalls her days of playing competitive chess and how the game is much more fun with the pressure off. Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. https://www.facebook.com/journey4wealth https://www.instagram.com/thejourney4wealth/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp finishes up the game of Trouble in retirement with a discussion on long-term care. Ambar explains the who, what, when, where, and how of the subject. She shares examples of how the “when” – as in when to stop driving or to move out of one’s home – and the “how” – especially how to pay for this expensive care – can be very tricky to initiate. Ambar shows how advisors have resources that can show people their choices and arm them with the best information to make decisions. Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And, if you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s monthly First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office. https://www.facebook.com/journey4wealth https://www.instagram.com/thejourney4wealth/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp begins a two-part series on two major trouble spots in any budget, especially in retirement. She talks about the trickiness of taxes and the biggest lie told about taxes in retirement. Ambar explains how required minimum distributions can become a sneaky burden and why people should use a financial advisor for tricky maneuvers, such as Roth conversions. Click here to schedule your complimentary meeting with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team or call 720-677-1562. If you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office.  Follow us on social media: Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp talks about more facets in the retirement game of Risk. She explains what “comfy accounts” are meant for and the types of places to hold them. Then she explains “growth accounts” and how Journey Financial can help people determine the proper amount of risk with their money. Ambar also talks about how whacky Colorado weather is, as spring comes into full bloom. Click here to schedule your complimentary meeting with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team or call 720-677-1562. If you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office.  Follow us on social media: Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp discusses what people should consider when creating their retirement paycheck plans. Ambar talks about the importance of determining monthly needs and the sources to pay, along with filling the gap between what people have and what they need. She also talks about why money should have its job and stick to it. Click here to schedule your complimentary meeting with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team or call 720-677-1562. If you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office.  Follow us on social media: Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp discusses retirement budgeting and planning enough income to last people for 30 years. She talks about “three territories” in retirement: steady paycheck, long term care, and legacy planning. And she talks about the differences between a paycheck account, a comfy account, and a growth account. Ambar also talks about her recent trip to Disney World – without kids. Click here to schedule your complimentary meeting with Ambar and the Journey Financial Group team or call 720-677-1562. If you’re in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group’s First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office.  Follow us on social media: Facebook | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp compares retirement to the strategy of Risk, especially in gaining control of territories. She explains the five psychological stages of retirement and how she and the Journey Financial Group team help people to come up with a strategy to get through each. Ambar also shares the four things retirees should plan for and how only one of them is finances. Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And if you're in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group's First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office.  Follow us on Facebook!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp and co-host Doug Turnbull talk about how people misunderstand and get discouraged when they are asked about how much they need to retire. Ambar explains why this indeed is the biggest question for retirement and why people are actually further along than they think in their savings. And she describes how one’s psychology about spending and saving really matters and how she and the team help people account for that. Ambar also shares about Journey Financial Group’s “First Fridays” where anyone can come in and have some complimentary food and drinks. Schedule your complimentary call with Ambar and the Journey Financial team at 720-677-1562 or go to Journey4Wealth.com. And if you're in the Johnstown, Colorado area, drop in for Journey Financial Group's First Fridays with complimentary food and drinks in the office.  Follow us on Facebook!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp talks about savings and shares how saving money can be a two steps forward/one step back game, much like Chutes and Ladders. And she explains how people need to revert back to the Payday game of giving their money a job to better tackle their savings. Ambar also defines short-term and long-term savings and how she and The Journey Financial Group team can improve someone’s approaches to both. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://journey4wealth.com/ to connect with Ambar and her team today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp discusses debt and defines what good and bad debt are and how good debt can be used as a tool of advantage. She compares debt to fire in both its usefulness and destruction and shares the way debt can easily become bad. Ambar also details the methods that The Journey Financial Group team can lead people in starting with small wins in paying debt and working up to larger financial achievements. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://journey4wealth.com/ to connect with Ambar and her team today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Games of Life podcast, Amber Reddekopp discusses the importance of financial literacy across all ages, particularly focusing on engaging young clients. She explores the fundamental jobs of money, practical strategies for managing finances, and the significance of understanding one's spending habits. The conversation emphasizes that financial management should be straightforward and accessible, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards better financial health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp talks about playing the money game - or getting played. Ambar walks through how marketing trains us to be consumers, but not good stewards of wealth. She describes how a financial advisor can break finances down to the granular levels, so people can play this game properly, based on their situation in life. Ambar also shares what she and her family did over Thanksgiving and the lengths to which she goes to give her clients some holiday cheer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp tells listeners what the five different jobs of money are: bills, lifestyle, servicing debt, short-term savings, and long-term savings. Ambar defines each and explains how achieving each one is very attainable. She also talks about her and her family's Thanksgiving plans and what her favorite Turkey Day food is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar Reddekopp mulls over people's backgrounds and postures and how those affect their attitudes about finances. Ambar also talks about the differences between The Spender and The Saver and how they ultimately want the same thing and can deploy similar methods to get there. She also breaks down Colorado's two main seasons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambar explains why she came up with “The Games of Life” as the podcast name. She shares how her and her Journey Financial Group team teach different clients different games: Payday Game, Twister – untwisting one’s savings, Escape Room – freeing one’s self from debt, Chess – estate planning, and more. And Ambar describes her and her wife’s love of TV baking shows and which of them is the (much) better cook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The retirement journey is one of the greatest and most fulfilling trips you’ll ever embark on, and proper preparation and strategy can help you maximize your current situation while building towards a future that is everything you’ve been dreaming of. Hosted by The Journey Financial Group president Ambar Reddekopp, The Games of Life Podcast aims to educate listeners on the many nuances of retirement planning. In a world where markets are always moving and nothing is a sure thing, having a strong backbone of financial education and information is key to feeling secure in the future you’re building for yourself. From growing your personal wealth, to managing your funds throughout retirement, The Games of Life provides insight that helps you be confident in the financial choices you make.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this series premiere, Ambar Reddekopp explains how she came from very meager beginnings to taking over her father’s firm and what she learned by working in other parts of the industry. Ambar also shares how her team serves people of all ages and about her love of comic books, her pets, and the outdoors in her home state of Colorado.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.