Money decisions are never purely logical—especially after loss. In this thoughtful episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich explore the emotional side of financial decision-making after losing a spouse, and why even simple choices can suddenly feel overwhelming.

They unpack something many widows experience but rarely hear explained: grief literally changes how the brain processes information, often creating brain fog, fear, and uncertainty about making the "right" financial choices. That's why patience—and the right support system—matters more than rushing into big decisions.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• Why major financial decisions should often wait 6–12 months after loss

• The hidden tax planning opportunities many widows overlook in the year a spouse passes

• Why confidence with money doesn't happen overnight—and how to rebuild it

• The importance of creating a trusted advisory team so you're not navigating everything alone

• How shifting from fear-based decisions to values-based planning can help shape the next chapter of life

Plus, Catherine and Rachel share insights from their recent Her Financial Year workshop, where women explored money mindset, values, and even created financial vision boards for the future.

Because even after life changes dramatically, clarity, confidence, and a meaningful financial future are still possible.

Date Recorded: 2/26/26

Disclosure:

Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor

The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability.

savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

Losing a spouse is emotional. Making financial decisions during that time? Even harder. In this important episode, Catherine and Rachel walk through what really happens to your income after loss — and the surprises many women don't see coming.

From Social Security survivor benefits (and why you don't get to keep both checks) to pension elections that can dramatically impact long-term income, timing matters more than most realize. They also unpack the "widow's penalty" — how taxes can actually increase after a loss due to filing status changes, shrinking tax brackets, IRMAA Medicare surcharges, and required minimum distributions.

You'll also learn:

• When survivor benefits can begin (and remarriage rules to watch)

• Why the first year after loss may offer unique tax planning opportunities

• How Roth conversions, capital gains harvesting, and step-up in basis strategies can help

• Key pension and life insurance considerations before and after loss

This is a compassionate but practical conversation about protecting income, reducing taxes, and creating confidence during life's most difficult transition.

Download the Widow Income Transition Checklist here: https://savvyup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/widow_income_checklist.pdf

A practical guide to help you think through income replacement, tax changes, and next steps with clarity.

Date Recorded: 2/19/26

Disclosure:

Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor

The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability.

savvyup.com | 760.692.5700

When it comes to IRAs, one wrong move can cost you tens—or even hundreds—of thousands of dollars. In this Savvy Series episode, Catherine and Rachel break down the confusing world of spousal vs. non-spousal inherited IRAs, the 10-year rule, RMDs, Roth considerations, and why rushing into a rollover could trigger unintended taxes and penalties

If you're a widow, under age 59½, inheriting from a parent, or navigating multiple accounts "all over the place," this conversation is especially for you. The hosts share real client scenarios—from paperwork overload to missed rollover opportunities—and explain how grief, urgency, and bad advice can lead to costly mistakes.

They also unpack:

• How the SECURE Act changed the stretch IRA

• Why big withdrawals can spike taxes, Medicare premiums (IRMAA), and even Social Security taxation

• When Roth conversions might make sense

• Smart legacy strategies involving charities and step-up in basis

Bottom line? Don't rush. Pause. Plan. And understand your options before signing anything.

Plus, learn about the upcoming "Her Financial Year" workshop in Carlsbad.

Because getting savvy starts with slowing down.

Date Recorded: 2/12/26

Disclosure:

Savvy Women Wealth Management is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor

The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability.

savvyup.com | 760.692.5700