The third quarter brought no shortage of market-moving headlines, from rising energy prices and inflation concerns to shifting Federal Reserve policy and continued AI-driven growth. On this week's Money Sense, Nik Kibardin is joined by Mike Roth of Stark Investments to discuss the key trends shaping the markets, the outlook for investors, and why discipline and diversification remain essential in uncertain times.
 
 

This week on Money Sense, Nik Kibardin, CFP®, and Amy Bremmer, CFP®, Wealth Advisors at Ellenbecker Investment Group, discuss how to prepare for retirement on your own terms rather than being forced into it by circumstances beyond your control. They explore four common reasons people may leave the workforce earlier than planned and how today's retirement can look very different from previous generations.

In this installment of Behind the Scenes at EIG, Brett Engelking, Director of Systems, Operations and Investments at Ellenbecker Investment Group, and Kristina Schnuckel, Wealth Advisor and Director of Client Experience share how technology can create efficiencies while human connection and collaboration remain at the center of EIG's client experience.

In this installment of a new Money Sense series, Behind the Scenes at EIG, Brett Engelking, Director of Systems, Operations and Investments at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Kristina Schnuckel, Wealth Advisor and Director of Client Experience. Together, they pull back the curtain on the EIG client experience, from determining whether a client and advisor are the right fit to developing a holistic financial plan before investment recommendations are made.

A 401(k) can be one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth, yet many investors aren't taking full advantage of everything it has to offer. In this episode, we explore practical strategies for maximizing your retirement savings, from employer matching contributions and investment selection to Roth versus pre-tax options, while highlighting common mistakes that can derail your progress and the steps you can take to build a more confident retirement future.

In today's digital world, shopping has never been easier. With targeted advertising, social media influencers, one-click purchasing, and endless sales promotions, it's easy to make purchases before we've had time to consider whether we truly need them. While these conveniences can save time and introduce us to useful products, they can also lead to overspending, clutter, financial stress, and unintended environmental consequences.

Building a successful business takes more than passion and determination. Long-term growth requires financial clarity, strategic decision-making, and the ability to balance profitability with sustainability. For entrepreneurs, understanding key financial metrics, building the right support team, and protecting their own well-being are all essential components of lasting success.

Travel is often one of the most rewarding goals people build into their financial plans. Whether it's exploring a bucket-list destination, creating lasting memories with children and grandchildren, or immersing yourself in a new culture, travel has the power to enrich life in ways few other experiences can. But today's travel landscape requires thoughtful planning, flexibility, and expert guidance to make the most of every adventure.

Retirement is one of life's biggest transitions, and while financial preparation is essential, the emotional, social, and practical realities of retirement are just as important. From finding purpose and maintaining relationships to navigating health care costs and changing travel plans, retirement often looks different than people expect.

Helping grandchildren financially is about much more than simply giving money. Thoughtful planning can create opportunities for education, encourage healthy financial habits, and establish a lasting family legacy that benefits future generations. Nick Kibardin, MBA, CFP®, welcomes Sandy Miller, Wealth Advisor Associate at Ellenbecker Investment Group, for a conversation about seven ways grandparents can help their grandchildren.

Markets are constantly balancing optimism and uncertainty. While headlines often focus on volatility, long-term success comes from understanding the forces driving investment decisions and maintaining a disciplined strategy aligned with your goals. Jamie Williams and Dick Schiller explore the ongoing bull versus bear market debate, the impact of artificial intelligence on corporate earnings and market performance, and what investors should be watching as economic conditions continue to evolve.

Retirement is one of the biggest life transitions we face, yet most retirement conversations focus solely on the financial side. In this episode of Money Sense, Senior Wealth Advisor Jean Range sits down with Dr. Jessica Fischer, Brown Deer Campus Director of Clinical Services at Rogers Behavioral Health, to discuss the emotional and psychological realities of retirement.

Taxes are often something people think about once a year. Gather the documents, file the return, and move on. But what if that approach is causing you to miss valuable opportunities? Nik Kibardin and Richard Wolosek, CPA break down the critical difference between tax preparation and tax planning.

Wealth Services Advisor Courtney Witthuhn is joined by Director of Marketing Sara McGuire to discuss the true cost of pet ownership, how to financially prepare for a pet, and the community resources available to help families keep their beloved companions healthy.

Karen Ellenbecker is joined by long-time market voice Mike Roth and Wealth Services Advisor Nik Kibardin to unpack a volatile yet resilient quarter. From geopolitical tensions and oil shocks to a remarkable market rebound, this conversation breaks down what really drove performance in Q2.

Amy Bremmer sits down with Jody Leonhardt of American Advantage Insurance to walk through the basics of property and casualty coverage, highlighting common gaps, liability risks, and practical recommendations to help you stay protected.

College athletics is evolving fast. Wealth Advisor Heather Deaton sits down with Chellee Siewert, Founder and President of Capture Sports Entertainment, to unpack what the pay-for-play (NIL) era means for athletes, families, and the future of college sports.

In our newest series "EIG Behind the Scenes", Karen Ellenbecker sits down with Brett Engelking to explore what it really takes to build and sustain a boutique firm. They also discuss how technology supports human connection and what the rise of AI could mean for the future of the industry.

What if the hardest part of investing is not finding the right strategy but sticking with it? Kristina Schnuckel sits down with fellow Wealth Advisor Nik Kibardin to explore how behavioral finance shapes the way we save, spend, and invest.

Navigating divorce starts with understanding your options. Attorney and Mediator Susan Hansen joins the conversation to share guidance on the process and explain a new Wisconsin law that allows couples to finalize a divorce without ever stepping into a courtroom.  

What if just $1 a day could set your child up for long-term wealth? Wealth Serices Advisor Amy Bremmer is joined by an expecting parent to explore how small, consistent contributions can grow over a lifetime. From UTMA accounts to Roth IRAs, she explains how early investing can turn into generational wealth. 

What does it mean to show up as a leader, especially in times of crisis, uncertainty, and burnout? In this special #AuthorSpotlight episode, Jen Marr shares clear, actionable behaviors leaders can apply in real time to reduce burnout, strengthen trust, and improve team connection.

In this episode of Money Sense, wealth advisor Jamie Williams sits down with Mary Brown, president and portfolio manager at Campbell Newman Asset Management, to explore why dividend growth investing continues to play a critical role in long‑term portfolio construction.

Ready for more conversations from Ellenbecker Investment Group? Explore our other podcasts Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community and The Wealth Seed to learn, grow, and stay connected to what matters most.