Episode Companion Posts

Episode Companion posts go beyond the mic — offering context, takeaways, and reflections connected to the podcast. Have thoughts? Leave a comment or send me a message — I’d love to hear from you.

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Medicare Basics: Costs, Enrollment, and Advantage vs. Supplement Explained

 

Plain-English help for navigating Medicare decisions.

 

Now that Thanksgiving is over and we’re racing toward the holidays, one date sits quietly in the middle of it all: December 7.

Yes, it’s the anniversary of Pearl Harbor – a reminder of service, sacrifice, and how much we take for granted. It’s also the end of Medicare’s Annual Election Period (open enrollment). For a lot of people, that date comes and goes without a second thought… until something goes wrong.

Recently, I met a man whose friend is fighting cancer and running into problems with his Medicare Advantage plan. He’s always been on Advantage, but now – when he needs care the most – he wishes he were on Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement instead. Stories like his are why it’s worth understanding how Medicare really works and what your options are.

The four parts of Medicare (A, B, C & D)

Medicare is divided into four parts. Each has a different purpose and different costs.

Part A – Hospital Insurance (how they get paid)

Helps cover care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, hospice, and some home health care.

• For most people, Part A is premium-free because they (or a spouse) worked and paid Medicare taxes for about 10 years.
• You still have deductibles and coinsurance when you use services.

Part B – Medical Insurance (how your dr ‘s get paid)

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, preventive services, and some medical equipment.

• Part B always has a monthly premium. The amount is set each year and can be higher for people with higher incomes.
• For example, the standard Part B premium is $185.00 per month in 2025 and $202.90 per month in 2026 – a $17.90 increase.  
• Some people pay more because of an income-based surcharge called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), which is added to the standard Part B (and Part D) premiums.  

How much does Original Medicare actually pay?

Together, Original Medicare Part A and Part B generally pay about 80% of approved costs for covered medical services. The remaining share is paid out of pocket by you – or, for many people, by adding a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help cover those gaps. 

Part C – Medicare Advantage (think HMO)

These are private plans (HMOs, PPOs, etc.) that bundle your Medicare benefits.

• You must have both Part A and Part B to join.
• You still pay your Part B premium, and the Advantage plan may charge an extra premium on top.  
• In return, the plan manages your care through its own network, rules, and costs. Many include built-in drug coverage and extras like vision or dental.

Part D - Prescription Drug Coverage (the drugs you take that are prescribed)

Helps pay for prescription medications.

• You can get Part D either as a stand-alone drug plan with Original Medicare or built into many Medicare Advantage plans.
• Each plan has its own list of covered drugs, copays, and rules.

 

Your two main paths once you have Parts A & B

 

Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you generally choose one of two paths:

💡 Quick way to picture it:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) often feels like an HMO – lower cost, more rules, and you usually work through a primary care doctor and referrals (even though some Advantage plans are technically PPOs).
• Original Medicare + Medigap/Med Sup (A + B + D) feels more like a PPO – more freedom to choose doctors and hospitals, usually at a higher monthly cost.

In other words: more freedom and predictability (usually higher ongoing cost) vs. more restrictions and managed care (usually lower upfront cost). It’s really up to you and what matters most.

Path 1: Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

With this path:

• Original Medicare pays its share (usually 80% of approved amounts).
• You can add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy to help cover some or most of the remaining 20%, plus certain deductibles and coinsurance.
• You also add a stand-alone Part D drug plan for prescriptions.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) – what it does

Medigap policies are private insurance plans that sit on top of Original Medicare and help pay out-of-pocket costs.

Key features of Medigap plans

• Standardized benefits
  Medigap plans are identified by letters (A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N) and are standardized by the federal government. A Plan G has the same core benefits no matter which company sells it – only the premium differs.
  Plans C and F are only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020; people new to Medicare after that date can’t buy those two plans.  
• Works with Original Medicare (doesn’t replace it)
  Medigap supplements Original Medicare; it doesn’t replace it. You must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B to buy a Medigap policy.  
• Freedom of choice
  You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, without being locked into a specific network.
• Guaranteed renewable
  As long as you pay your premiums on time and gave accurate information, your policy can’t be canceled by the insurer.
• What Medigap doesn’t cover
  Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term care. You’ll need a separate Part D plan for medications and other coverage for dental/vision.

Common Medigap plans

• Plan F – The most comprehensive plan, paying virtually all Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs, including the Part B deductible. Only available if you were Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020.  
• Plan G – The most comprehensive plan for new Medicare beneficiaries. It’s similar to Plan F but does not pay the Part B deductible; you pay that once per year.  
• Plan N – Usually has lower premiums but requires small copays for some office and ER visits and doesn’t cover Part B excess charges.  

When to Enroll

Your best time to enroll is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This:

• Starts when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B, and
• Lasts for six months.

During this window, insurers can’t deny you coverage or charge you more due to your health. After that, you may face medical underwriting – meaning you could be charged more or even denied based on your health, unless you qualify for a special guaranteed-issue right. 

This is one of the biggest timing decisions people miss, especially if they’re thinking about leaving a Medicare Advantage plan later and want Medigap.

Path 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan

Instead of using Original Medicare + Medigap, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan:

• You still have Part A and Part B, but a private insurance company coordinates your benefits.
• Most plans include Part D drug coverage in the same card.
• Many offer extras like dental, vision, hearing, or gym benefits.
• Every plan has a yearly out-of-pocket maximum, which Original Medicare by itself does not have.  

Why some people like Medicare Advantage

• Often lower (or even $0) premiums compared with paying for Medigap plus a Part D plan.  
• Convenience of having medical and drug coverage in one plan.
• Extras like dental or vision can be attractive.

Trade-offs

• Many plans function a lot like an HMO: you pick a primary care doctor, use the plan’s network of providers, and often need referrals and prior authorizations for certain services. There are Advantage PPOs as well, but networks and rules still matter.  
• Going out of network can mean higher costs or no coverage at all, depending on the plan.
• If you develop serious health issues later and want to move back to Original Medicare + Medigap, getting a Medigap policy may be harder or more expensive outside your open-enrollment or guaranteed-issue windows.  

So the real comparison is:

• More freedom and predictability (Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D) – usually higher monthly cost, but fewer surprises and more choice,
  vs.
• More restrictions and managed care (Medicare Advantage) – usually lower monthly cost, but more rules about how and where you get care.

The basic cost building blocks

Whichever path you choose, the same cost terms show up:

• Premium – What you pay each month to have coverage, whether you use it or not.
• Deductible – What you pay out of pocket each year before Medicare or your plan starts paying for certain services (for Part B, $257 in 2025 and $283 in 2026).  
• Coinsurance – Your percentage of the bill (for many Part B services, Medicare pays 80% and you pay 20% after the deductible).  
• Copayment (copay) – A flat dollar amount you pay when you see a doctor or fill a prescription, like $20 per visit.

If you want a simple one-page summary of these terms and timelines, grab the Medicare Basics Cheat Sheet (PDF) right under this section.

Why December 7 really matters

Each fall, the Annual Election Period (open enrollment) runs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, people with Medicare can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or back the other way (subject to Medigap rules in your state).
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Join, drop, or switch Part D drug plans.  

Once December 7 passes, your choices usually lock in for the next calendar year, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Keep in Mind 

Medicare is complicated on purpose. Insurance companies, drug plans, and networks all have their own rules and moving parts. The goal of this page is to give you a clear mental picture so you can ask better questions and spot red flags – not to tell you exactly which plan to pick.

Reminder: This section is for education only. Medicare rules are detailed and personal, and they can change. Always confirm details at Medicare.gov, Social Security, or with a licensed Medicare advisor before enrolling or switching plans.

If you’d like a deeper dive, you can also listen to:

• EPS 9 – Medicare 101: Supplements vs. Advantage (and Why Part D Matters)
• EPS 34 – What Is a Dual Eligible Medicare Plan?

SEO TAGS

• medicare basics
• medicare costs 2025
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• original medicare
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• choosing a medicare plan
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• plain english medicare guide
• texas medicare help (if you want to lean local)

📅 Date: 4 December 2025

 

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Episode 47 Companion Post:

 

Don’t Be Intimidated: A Question Checklist for Your First Financial Advisor Meeting

 

1. How do you get paid for working with me?
• Commissions?
• A percentage of my investments (assets under management)?
• Flat fee, hourly, or some combination?
2. Are there any products you sell that pay you a higher commission than others?
• How do you make sure that doesn’t influence what you recommend?
3. What fees will I pay, all-in?
• Your advisory fee
• The internal costs of the investments (expense ratios, fund fees)
• Any account or platform fees
4. Can you give me a simple example in dollars?
• “If I invest $100,000 with you, about how much would I pay in total fees in a typical year?”
5. Do you receive any bonuses, trips, or incentives for selling certain products or reaching certain sales targets?

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6. What licenses and designations do you hold?
   (For example: CFP®, Series 7, 65, 63, insurance licenses, etc.)
7. How long have you been in the financial services business, and what kind of work have you done in that time?
8. Do you specialize in working with any particular type of client?
• Women
• LGBTQ+ clients
• Military families
• People nearing retirement
  …and so on.
9. Have you ever had any complaints, disciplinary actions, or regulatory issues?
• Where can I look you up (e.g., BrokerCheck, state insurance department)?

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10. What exactly do you help clients with?
• Investments only?
• Retirement planning?
• Insurance needs?
• Debt and budgeting?
• College planning?
• Social Security and pensions?
11. What don’t you do — and who do you refer clients to for those areas?
• Taxes / detailed tax planning
• Legal documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney)
• Property and casualty insurance (home/auto/umbrella)
12. How often will we meet or check in?
• Once a year? Twice a year? As needed?
• Is that a phone call, video, or in-person?
13. What does an ongoing relationship with you look like over the first year?
• What happens in the first 90 days?
• How often will I hear from you if markets are volatile?

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14. Are you part of a larger firm? How many clients and advisors are there?
15. Who custodies my assets?
• For example: Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard, etc.
• Are my investments held at a separate, well-known custodian?
16. If something happens to you (you retire, leave the firm, or pass away), what happens to me as a client?
• Is there a written continuity plan?
• Will another advisor step in?
17. How do you protect client accounts from fraud or unauthorized activity?

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18. How do you prefer to communicate — email, phone, video, in-person?
• What’s your typical response time?
19. What does a good client relationship look like to you?
• What do you expect from me as a client?
20. If I don’t understand something, how will you explain it?
• Are you comfortable explaining things more than once, in plain language?
21. Can you walk me through an example of advice you gave that helped someone in a situation similar to mine (without naming names)?
22. Would you be comfortable if I brought a friend, family member, or another professional (like a CPA or CFP) into our meetings?

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23. Do you work with many women as primary decision-makers, not just as spouses?
24. What do you do to make sure both partners (if there are two) understand and are included in the conversations?
25. If I prefer to work with a woman advisor, can you accommodate that?
• If not, how do you make sure women clients still feel heard and respected?
26. How do you handle it when a client feels overwhelmed, emotional, or embarrassed about their money situation?

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• Print this post or copy the questions into a note on your phone.
• Tell the advisor up front:

  “I’ve got a list of questions I like to ask everyone. I’ll probably take some notes as we go.”

• Give yourself an out:

  “I’m meeting with a couple of different advisors and I’ll make a decision after I’ve talked with all of them.”

• Remember:
  If it’s truly a good fit and a fair deal today, it will still be a good fit and a fair deal tomorrow. You do not have to sign anything on the spot.

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Disclaimer: This companion post and the Pink Money Podcast are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and are not individualized tax, legal, or investment advice. Always consult a qualified professional about your specific situation.

 

📅 Date: 2 December 2025

 

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Episode 46 Companion Post:

 

🎙️ Trust, But Verify: Advisor Misconduct, Credit Scores, and Protecting What’s Yours

 

Fraud doesn’t always announce itself with flashing lights. Sometimes it’s a smile, a title, and a well-crafted pitch. In this episode of the Pink Money Podcast, Jerry explores two topics that may seem unrelated — advisor misconduct and credit scores — and reveals how both are rooted in the same thing: trust.

 

Your money and your identity are connected by one thread — your vigilance. This companion post breaks down what to watch for, how to protect your credit, how to safeguard your Social Security information, and the key questions to ask before hiring a financial advisor.

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💳 How Your FICO Score Is Calculated

Understanding your score gives you leverage — not just when borrowing, but when defending your financial identity.

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🧾 How to Check Your Credit Report (the Right Way)

You can review your credit reports free once per year from each of the three major bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and Transunion www.annualcreditreport.com

Keep in mind:

• Your reports are free, but your scores may require a small fee unless offered by your bank or card issuer.

• Pull all three reports for a complete picture.

• Review for:

  • Accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize

  • Incorrect late payments

  • Wrong addresses or employers

  • Signs of identity theft

If something looks suspicious, dispute it immediately and consider freezing your credit to block new accounts from being opened in your name.

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🧑‍💻 Create and Protect Your Social Security Account

Fraudsters don’t just target your credit — they also target your Social Security identity.  Creating a personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/account is one of the best ways to safeguard your records and detect misuse early.

Why It Matters

Your Social Security number (SSN) can be exploited to:

• Open credit or loan accounts

• File for benefits under your name

• Redirect your direct deposit

• Impersonate you in financial systems

By setting up your account first, you prevent someone else from doing it in your name.

Prevent and Report Fraud

According to the Social Security Administrationfraudsters use many tactics — from stealing benefits or misusing direct deposits to impersonating SSA staff or selling services the provides for free.

You can report suspected fraud to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG):

• OIG.ssa.gov

• Phone: 1-800-269-0271

The OIG investigates all reports of fraud, waste, or abuse but cannot share specific details about any resulting action, due to federal confidentiality rules.

SSA Security Tools

To strengthen protection, you can request optional account blocks:

• eServices Block: Prevents anyone — including you — from viewing or changing your information online without calling SSA.

• Direct Deposit Fraud Prevention Block: Stops unauthorized changes to your address or banking details.

Protect Your SSN & Identity

• Don’t carry your SSN card daily or say your number aloud in public.

• Be alert to phishing calls, fake SSA letters, and “fee-for-service” scams.

• Visit IdentityTheft.gov if your SSN is misused or exposed in a data breach.

• Report representative payee fraud (someone misusing benefits on your behalf) immediately — it’s illegal under the Representative Payee Fraud Prevention Act of 2015.

For more information, visit:  ssa.gov/fraud

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💼 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Financial Advisor

Starting a financial relationship should feel collaborative, not intimidating.
Try opening the conversation with something like:

“I hope you don’t mind — in today’s world, I like to do my due diligence and ask a few standard questions before forming a financial relationship. Is that okay?”

Then, ask:

1. How are you compensated? (salary, commission, or fee-only?)

2. Are you a fiduciary at all times when advising me?

3. What licenses and registrations do you hold? (Series 7, 65, CFP®, etc.)

4. Have you ever had any instances of misconduct or regulatory action, and if so, can you explain what happened?

5. Who supervises or audits your work for compliance?

6. How often will we meet or review my plan?

7. What happens to my account if you leave the firm or retire?

These questions aren’t meant to corner anyone — they’re meant to clarify roles and establish trust.
A professional advisor won’t take offense; in fact, most will appreciate your thoroughness.
If an advisor hesitates, that’s a signal worth paying attention to.

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🧠 Why It Matters

When you ask clear, confident questions, you demonstrate that you’re an equal partner in your financial future. Advisors who value transparency will rise to that level of professionalism — and those who don’t will quietly disqualify themselves.

And when you regularly monitor your credit and Social Security accounts, you’re doing the same for yourself: protecting your identity, your reputation, and your peace of mind.

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✨ Final Thought

Trust is the foundation of every financial relationship — but trust doesn’t mean surrender.
By verifying before you commit, and by keeping tabs on your credit and Social Security, you give yourself something far more valuable than a great return: control.

Educate. Empower. Enlighten.
That’s how you keep your money — and your peace — exactly where they belong: with you.

📅 Date: 20 November  2025

 

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Episode 45 Companion Post: 

 

🌈 My Coming Out Story:  A Story About My Grandmother 

 

Sharing personal stories like this one is part of why I started the Pink Money Podcast — to connect life, identity, and finances through honesty and humanity. National Coming Out Day is a perfect reminder that authenticity, in every form, is where real strength begins.

National Coming Out Day always takes me back to when I came out nearly 45 years ago, right after graduating high school in 1981. I’ve shared this story a few times before, but it’s one that never loses its meaning — because it reminds me of how special my grandmother was.

At the time, I was still figuring out who I was. I’d been dating a girl through my junior and senior years, and things came to a head when we went to see the 1982 movie Making Love, starring Michael Ontkean, Harry Hamlin, and Kate Jackson.

In a nutshell, it tells the story of a man coming to terms with his sexuality — falling in love with another man and finding the courage to come out to his wife so he could live authentically. I didn’t know that’s what the movie was about until we were sitting there in the theater. And let’s just say … the full weight of that realization hit me hard.

Not long after that, I was living with my grandmother for a short time. Every morning, I’d sit on the porch with the newspaper — something I really miss these days — and she’d join me for a little chat. It became our quiet ritual.

Then one morning, she looked at me and said very bluntly,

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Well sure,” I said.

“Are you gay?”

I almost choked to death. I hadn’t even fully accepted it myself — and certainly didn’t expect my grandmother of all people to be the one to call me out! It wasn’t shame I felt, exactly; it was the shock of suddenly being seen.

I asked her not to tell anyone yet because I wanted to tell my three sisters and my mom in my own time, in my own way. But … my grandmother was a bit of a gossip. She ended up doing the heavy lifting for me and told everyone before I did. All I had to do was confirm it.

Looking back, it’s bittersweet. Painful at times, yes, but also filled with gratitude. Those porch talks became a lifeline. She was my sounding board, my confidant, and my safe place to land while I was finding myself.

Things did get harder afterward — when I came out to my mom, we didn’t speak for about three years, maybe longer. She couldn’t accept it, and I couldn’t accept her not accepting it.

But fast forward to today: my mother is 86, I’m married (four years, together ten), and we all get along wonderfully. I’m grateful for my husband, my mother, and the life we share. Because I know that one day, like my grandmother, she’ll be gone too — and life will feel a little emptier. But that’s just part of loving deeply and living honestly.

So on National Coming Out Day, I hope this story inspires someone else to take their first step — or their next step — toward being their truest, most authentic self.

As I said in my most recent episode:

“It’s the best way to be.”

xx — Jerry

 

📅 Date: 10 October 2025

 

 

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Episode 43 Companion Post: 

 

Building Abundance on Your Own Terms with Gregory True

 

In this episode of the Pink Money Podcast, Jerry Williams, MS-PFP, sits down with Gregory True — author of Proud Wealth: Building Abundance on Your Own Terms.

Gregory’s book offers a compassionate, step-by-step approach to building financial stability and growing wealth, with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re working on paying off debt, improving your credit, investing for the first time, or preparing an estate plan, Gregory helps break down intimidating financial concepts into clear, doable steps.

Through the lens of his own personal journey — including the heartbreaking loss of his husband — Gregory shares how to move from surviving to thriving while honoring your values and your authentic self.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Financial basics, demystified: Gregory’s approachable guide makes tackling credit, debt, and investing less overwhelming.
• Planning for the future: The book emphasizes the importance of estate planning, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
• Resilience through loss: Gregory’s personal story highlights the importance of taking action and being prepared, even in difficult times.
• Empowerment through knowledge: The episode encourages listeners to take ownership of their financial journey and make confident, informed choices.

🎧 Listen Now

🔗 Play Episode 43 on Buzzsprout

Or find it on your favorite platform — Apple, Spotify, or just ask Alexa to “play episode 43 of the Pink Money Podcast.”

📌 Tags: LGBTQ, Financial Planning, Wealth Building, Personal Finance, Estate Planning, Financial Literacy, Podcast Interview

 

📅 Date: 15 September 2025

 

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Episode 42 Companion Post: 

 

🛡️ Life Insurance: 

 

Why This Matters

Life insurance can feel complicated, even intimidating. In Episode 42 of the Pink Money Podcast (“My Life Insurance Experiment”), I shared my personal experience applying for coverage — the surprises, the frustrations, and the lessons I walked away with. This companion post is here to go deeper.

Lessons Learned 

• Underwriting isn’t transparent. Companies don’t tell you exactly what they’re looking for, but every health detail, prescription, or test can affect whether you’re accepted or rated higher.
• Insurance is about risk — not fairness. Companies want to collect as many premiums as possible before paying a claim. It’s business, not personal, even if it feels like it.
• The right policy does its job. If it pays your beneficiaries when they need it most, then the policy worked — regardless of how many years of premiums you paid.

Key Takeaways 

✅ Apply sooner than later. Age and health changes make coverage harder and more expensive.

✅ Be prepared for the medical questions. Prescriptions, doctor visits, even past issues may come up.

✅ Don’t assume one company is the same as another. Get quotes, compare underwriting approaches, and consider working with someone independent.

✅ Know your “why.” Whether it’s protecting your spouse, kids, or estate, clarity helps you choose the right amount and type of policy.

Closing Thought

Life insurance isn’t about betting against yourself. It’s about protecting the people you love. My hope is that by sharing my own process, you’ll feel more empowered to explore what’s right for the full story on Episode 42: My Life Insurance Experiment.

insurance isn’t about betting against yourself. It’s about protecting the people you love. My hope is that by sharing my own process, you’ll feel more empowered to explore what’s right for you.

🎙️ Listen to learn more on Episode 42: My Life Insurance Experiment.

📌 Tags: insurance, estate planning, LGBTQ, financial planning

📅 Date: 1 September 2025

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The Perils of Procrastination: What Waiting Is Really Costing You

We all put things off — especially when they feel complicated, overwhelming, or uncomfortable. But when it comes to your finances, procrastination doesn’t just cost time. It can cost opportunity, peace of mind, and real money.

In Episode 40 of the Pink Money Podcast, we dive into the emotional and financial toll of waiting — whether it’s writing a will, paying down debt, or finally opening that retirement account.

💡 One key takeaway? Every delay has a price — but so does every decision. Doing something imperfectly now is often better than doing nothing at all.

👉 Want to take action today? Download our LGBTQ+ Financial Wellness Checklist (PDF) and get started on your own financial wellness journey.

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**Tags:** procrastination, financial planning, estate planning, LGBTQ

📅 Date: 18 August 2025

 

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Episode 40 Companion Post: 

 

Don’t Put Things Off: Financial Steps to Take Today

 

We all procrastinate — it’s human nature. But when it comes to your money, waiting too long can cost you time, stress, and serious dollars down the road. In Episode 40 of the Pink Money Podcast, I shared why putting things off is one of the most expensive financial habits — and what you can do to avoid it.

Here’s a simple checklist you can use right now to get moving in the right direction:

✅ Financial Steps to Take Today

1. Create or Update Your Will & Estate Documents

• Draft a will and power of attorney.
• Review every few years or after major life changes.
• Especially critical for LGBTQ+ couples — don’t rely on marriage laws alone.

2. Review Your Insurance Coverage

• Homeowner’s insurance: make sure your home is properly valued.
• Car insurance: check liability limits, not just premiums.
• Flood/disaster insurance: consider risks specific to your area.

3. Start (or Restart)

• Saving Today. Even $50/month grows big with time on your side. 

• Automate contributions to a savings or investment account.

• Remember: waiting costs more than starting small now.

4. Protect Loved Ones with Proper Planning

• If caring for aging parents, review income streams and annuities carefully.
• Always add beneficiaries where possible to avoid losing value.
• Get advice from trusted professionals — not just “word of mouth.”

5. Work with the Right Professionals

• Choose reputable financial advisors and law firms with staying power.
• If possible, seek out advisors familiar with LGBTQ+ issues.
• Don’t delay meeting with a professional — it saves stress later.

Quick Action Tip

Pick one item from this list and tackle it this week. Even a small step forward beats standing still — and your future self will thank you.

✦ Listen to the full episode here: [Link to Episode 40]

✦ Want more? Explore resources, episodes, and tools at PinkMoneyPodcast.com.

 

🌀

 

So why the hiatus?

Honestly? Life.

Real, unfiltered, beautifully challenging, messy life.

Behind the mic, I’m not just a financial professional — I’m also a spouse, a caregiver, and someone who’s been navigating personal challenges, including health, recovery, and reconnection. There were moments of burnout, moments of doubt, and even moments where I wondered if the podcast still mattered.

But deep down, I knew it did.

I created Pink Money because our community deserves honest, smart, and accessible conversations about money — and we deserve them from someone who gets what it means to walk through life as queer, as complex, and as powerful as we are.

Why I’m back now

Because there’s more to say. More stories to tell. More tools to share. And more moments where someone out there might hear an episode and feel seen, capable, and empowered.

Whether you’re just tuning in or you’ve been here from the beginning — thank you.

Thank you for your patience, your support, and your belief in this mission.

Pink Money is back, and I’m more focused than ever on making it matter.

Let’s keep growing together.

With gratitude,

Jerry Williams

Host, Pink Money Podcast

Date: July 2025