The Voice of EIG®
Since 1991, Money Sense has been helping listeners discover what true wealth means in their own lives. Hosted by Karen Ellenbecker and EIG Wealth Advisors, the podcast explores topics that contribute to a rich and meaningful life, including personal well-being, family, purpose, legacy, and financial matters.
New episodes every Tuesday.
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Featured Episode
De-Influencing in a "Swipe Now" Culture
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.
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Money Sense Episodes
Small Business Tips and Habits
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.
Planning Extraordinary Travel
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 Realities
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.
7 Ways Grandparents Can Help Their Grandchildren Financially
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.
Q3 2026 Bond Market Update
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.
The Psychology of Retirement
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.
The Difference Between Tax Preparation and Tax Planning
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.
Pet Care Costs, Planning, and Community Resources
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.
Q2 2026 Market Update
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.
Insurance Gaps, Liability Risks, Recommendations
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 in a Pay-for-Play Era
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.
EIG Behind The Scenes: Operations & Systems
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.
Why Delayed Gratification Matters for Investors
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.
Make Thoughtful Financial Decisions During Divorce
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.
How to Make Your Kid Rich on $1 a Day
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.
Author Spotlight: Jen Marr on "Lifting Up"
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.
Why Dividend Growth Matters in Today's Market
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.
Explore Our Other Podcast Series
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.
Since its debut in 1991, Money Sense with Karen Ellenbecker has been empowering listeners with meaningful insights and a deeper understanding of “true wealth.” Revisit episodes from 2018 onward in the archive featured here.
Meet Your Host
Karen Ellenbecker
Karen Ellenbecker is the Founder and Senior Wealth Advisor at Ellenbecker Investment Group. For more than 35 years, she has been a trusted voice in Southeastern Wisconsin, known for her holistic approach and her commitment to empowering individuals and families through education. She created Money Sense over three decades ago to share clear, accessible guidance that helps listeners make confident financial decisions and embrace true wealth.
Have Feedback? Interested in Being a Guest?
Have feedback for us or an idea you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s your thoughts on our episodes or a story you’d like to tell, we’re always looking for new voices and perspectives—and you might even be featured as a guest on our podcast. Please fill out the form below and we'll be in touch.
EIG believes in the importance of education, allowing people to gain the knowledge to feel confident in their personal decisions. Money Sense highlights the unique financial perspectives of its many guests, including economists, attorneys, book authors, business owners, and tax professionals. It is provided for general information purposes only and does not consider your particular investment objectives or financial situation and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. Before acting on information on this show strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial advisor. The opinions expressed on Money Sense do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Ellenbecker Investment Group employees and leaders.