In this episode, we dive into one of the most delicate yet essential discussions families need to have: aging and finances. It’s not just about planning for the future—it’s about ensuring clarity and peace of mind for everyone involved. Many parents assume their children are only interested in their inheritance, while adult children are more focused on logistics—whether their parents are financially secure, who will make decisions, and what kind of support will be needed.

At the same time, adult children often think their parents only want to talk about maintaining independence or that they’re unwilling to discuss financial matters. In reality, many parents want to share their wishes but struggle with how much detail to provide. Some are hesitant because they fear their preferences may be ignored or overridden. Others want to pass on their financial values, ensuring their wealth is used to support family members or causes they care about.

The key to bridging these communication gaps is to approach the conversation with curiosity rather than control. Keeping discussions casual and starting with shared goals—like ensuring the family is prepared—can help ease tension. If starting the conversation feels awkward, using a real-life example (or even a made-up one) can make it more natural. A financial professional can also be a valuable resource in facilitating these discussions, helping to clarify complex topics like estate planning and long-term care preferences. Amy explains how this might work.

A structured yet informal family meeting with a financial advisor can ensure that everyone understands the financial landscape, responsibilities, and expectations. Whether it’s deciding who will handle the bills, managing digital assets, or simply settling who gets a sentimental ceramic cat, these discussions help eliminate surprises and prevent misunderstandings down the road.

The bottom line: these conversations don’t have to be overwhelming. By starting small, approaching with curiosity, and focusing on shared goals, families can navigate aging and financial planning with confidence. And if it all feels too daunting, professionals like Amy Walls at Thimbleberry Financial are available to help guide the process.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

In this episode of ThimbleberryU, Jag and Amy delve into the benefits and functionality of virtual financial advising, a model that Thimbleberry Financial has embraced fully. Amy explains how their transition to a 100% virtual advisory model was initially born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since proven to be a more efficient and effective way to serve clients. Catering to their tech-savvy and healthcare-focused clientele, this approach has saved time and made financial planning more accessible.

Amy highlights the seamless integration of technology into their services. Through secure platforms like Microsoft Teams, they maintain interactive sessions where screen sharing and real-time guidance ensure clients remain engaged and understand every aspect of their financial plans. This virtual method also allows for greater flexibility, enabling clients to meet from home, work, or even while traveling within the U.S.

Despite initial misconceptions, Amy dispels the myth that virtual advising is less personal. She emphasizes that trust, communication, and understanding—not physical proximity—build connection. Clients still receive the same personalized care and attention, from initial consultations to ongoing check-ins. The virtual format even enhances convenience, as meetings can adapt to clients’ schedules without the burden of commuting.

Amy recounts how the virtual model benefits clients, particularly busy professionals, who appreciate the efficiency of hopping into meetings without interrupting their day. She also notes the technology’s role in maintaining client relationships even when they relocate, a challenge in pre-pandemic times.

For anyone hesitant about the virtual format, Amy assures listeners that technology simplifies the process without sacrificing the personal touch. Thimbleberry Financial’s approach is designed to integrate seamlessly into clients’ lives, helping them achieve their financial goals confidently and efficiently.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

In this episode of ThimbleberryU, we dive into a detailed case study centered on Stan and Jan, a fictitious couple navigating the complexities of retirement planning with a focus on creating income, simplifying finances, and leaving a meaningful legacy. With $5 million in assets—$3 million in qualified accounts like IRAs - and 403(b)s and $2 million in taxable accounts—they are financially secure but face challenges in optimizing their retirement strategy.

We begin by addressing their primary goal: replacing Stan’s paycheck as he retires. Given their modest spending of $100,000 annually, the focus is on balancing stability, flexibility, and efficiency. Strategies include leveraging Stan’s Social Security at age 70, drawing from qualified accounts to manage required minimum distributions (RMDs), and addressing the 10-year fixed distribution requirements from certain accounts. Consolidating multiple accounts into a single IRA for administrative simplicity is another point of emphasis.

Once income is stable, we explore aligning their investments with their goals. A mix of bond ladders, dividend-paying stocks, and liquid investments ensures consistent income while managing risk. We emphasize a conservative-to-moderate approach for near-term needs, with some growth-focused investments to combat inflation and support their longer-term financial stability.

Taxes play a significant role, and we discuss strategies like Roth conversions before Stan’s RMDs begin, allowing funds to grow tax-free for future needs. Charitable giving through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and donor-advised funds offer opportunities to support causes while reducing taxable income. For family, gifting up to $19,000 per year per recipient tax-free enables Stan and Jan to enjoy seeing their loved ones benefit from this money during their lifetime.

Ultimately, this case study highlights that retirement planning is about more than just numbers—it’s about aligning financial strategies with personal values and creating a fulfilling, stress-free retirement. Whether simplifying accounts, managing taxes, or crafting a legacy, thoughtful planning helps ensure a meaningful and secure future. Having "enough to retire" may only be the first piece of the puzzle.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

In this episode of ThimbleberryU, we dive into the financial uncertainty researchers are facing due to upcoming NIH funding changes. Many professionals in research and healthcare are dealing with shifting grant structures, including caps on overhead costs for already-funded projects. These changes create job security concerns and financial stress, so we focus on practical steps individuals can take to gain control over their financial situation.

The first step is assessing financial security. We discuss the importance of emergency savings—understanding how many months of expenses are covered in cash and adjusting based on job risk. Fixed versus variable expenses come next, distinguishing between unavoidable costs like mortgages and flexible spending like entertainment or dining out. Debt management is another key area, ensuring that individuals understand their obligations, interest rates, and potential flexibility in payments.

Beyond immediate financial security, we talk about the importance of understanding job stability. If layoffs or funding cuts are on the horizon, it’s crucial to be proactive—whether that means increasing savings, cutting non-essential spending, or exploring additional income sources like consulting or teaching. Healthcare coverage is another major consideration, and we encourage listeners to research COBRA, marketplace insurance, or partner coverage options before a crisis hits.

For those already facing job loss, prioritizing cash flow is essential. Cutting unnecessary expenses, filing for unemployment, negotiating with lenders, and leveraging professional networks can help mitigate financial strain. We emphasize the importance of staying connected—networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Finally, long-term financial planning remains critical. Maintaining a flexible budget, keeping emergency savings replenished, and ensuring retirement investments align with financial security goals all contribute to financial resilience. Having an updated resume and staying aware of career opportunities can make transitions smoother if funding cuts impact employment.

The key takeaway: focus on what you can control. By taking small, proactive steps each day, researchers and professionals can navigate uncertainty with confidence.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

Today, JAG interviews Amy Walls about her journey into financial advising and her work with tech and healthcare professionals. With over five years and 128 episodes together, Jag and Amy take the opportunity to reflect on Amy's "why"—the motivation behind her career at Thimbleberry Financial.

Amy shares that her early exposure to financial advising came from her father, who was a financial advisor until his passing when she was six. Although she initially strayed from the path, working in nonprofit management and fundraising, Amy became disillusioned with the inefficiencies she witnessed in the nonprofit space. This led her to soul search for a profession where she could have greater influence and deliver meaningful results. After years of self-assessment, Amy embraced her calling as a financial advisor, driven by a passion for empowering others with clear direction and support.

Amy specializes in tech and healthcare clients. and each group faces unique challenges. For tech clients, Amy emphasizes the complexity of equity compensation, tax implications, and the "noise" of unsolicited advice within the industry. These clients often need help navigating inconsistent income streams and making personalized financial decisions. In healthcare, professionals face challenges such as complex tax scenarios, underutilized employer benefits, delayed wealth accumulation due to extended education (and loans), and societal pressures to maintain a high-cost lifestyle. Amy highlights the importance of tailored financial strategies to address these multifaceted issues.

Amy's approach at Thimbleberry Financial focuses on educating clients, simplifying complex financial concepts, and creating plans that align with individual goals and values. Her team emphasizes trust, a judgment-free environment, and actionable guidance, enabling clients to feel confident and supported. Whether it’s saving a client from significant tax penalties, helping them navigate unexpected early retirement, or enabling tech clients to take self-funded sabbaticals, Amy finds deep fulfillment in making a tangible impact.

Amy concludes by sharing her ultimate goal for her clients: to feel confident, supported, and empowered in their financial journeys. Through trust, connection, and education, Thimbleberry Financial aims to provide clients with clarity and peace of mind, ensuring their financial plans align with their personal values and future aspirations.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

In this episode of ThimbleberryU, we dive into a critical financial planning misconception: using a HELOC (home equity line of credit) as a cash reserve. This approach can increase financial risk and reduce flexibility, and we offer smarter alternatives for financial security.

Amy begins by explaining what a HELOC is—a line of credit secured by the equity in your home that operates much like a credit card, but with a variable interest rate and lender-imposed limitations. Unlike cash in the bank, which is liquid and entirely within your control, a HELOC is borrowed money subject to lender discretion. Amy recalls the 2008 financial crisis when many lenders reduced or froze HELOCs due to economic downturns. If a HELOC were someone's sole cash reserve, they might find themselves without access to funds when they need them most.

There's also the unpredictable nature of HELOCs. Factors like interest rate variability, declining home values, or personal credit score changes can make repayment more expensive or render the HELOC inaccessible. Relying on this type of borrowing creates new debt, adds to monthly financial burdens, and can even endanger your home if you're unable to make payments.

Amy emphasizes the importance of building a liquid cash reserve as the cornerstone of financial planning. She advises saving three to six months' worth of living expenses in a savings or money market account. This cash reserve acts as a financial "life jacket," offering immediate access to funds during emergencies without incurring debt or lender restrictions.

While a HELOC should not serve as a cash reserve, Amy acknowledges it can have a place in a financial plan. For example, it can be a useful tool for home improvement projects, provided it is used strategically and repaid responsibly. A cash reserve is like a life jacket and a HELOC is like a paddle—both valuable, but with distinct purposes.

You should approach emergency funds with a clear purpose. Start small, save consistently, and remember that a solid cash reserve is the foundation of financial stability. A HELOC, while useful in certain scenarios, is not a replacement for cash.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

In this episode of ThimbleberryU, we dive into actionable strategies to make 2025 a banner year for financial growth. We focus on practical, often-overlooked habits that can help listeners tackle common hurdles in financial planning, like maximizing contributions, handling stock options, estate planning, and finding a healthier work-life balance.

Amy Walls begins by discussing the challenges of maximizing tax-advantaged contributions. She emphasizes the importance of building habits, likening it to brushing your teeth or exercising. A gradual increase—like raising 401(k) contributions by 1% each month—can make these adjustments manageable and sustainable. Small, consistent actions build financial momentum.

Next, we tackle stock options and RSUs, particularly for those in the tech sector. Amy recommends diversifying holdings to avoid placing all financial eggs in one basket. Planning how to reinvest proceeds from selling stock in advance can help manage the emotional hurdles of timing sales. She advises consulting trusted individuals with relevant experience and reframing decisions as part of a larger financial strategy.

For those with excess cash flow, Amy suggests breaking large decisions into smaller, less intimidating steps. Like planting a garden, starting small with investments and building over time allows for control and adaptability. Monthly transfers, for example, can help build confidence without feeling overwhelming.

Estate planning is another key area where procrastination reigns. Amy advises creating annual check-ins and starting small—like updating beneficiary designations—to make progress feel less daunting. Life changes happen frequently, making regular updates essential to ensure alignment with current goals.

We also explore the art of meaningful giving, whether to charities or family. Simplifying the process—such as focusing on a few causes or using donor-advised funds—can make giving more impactful and less stressful. Transparent family conversations around financial goals can further reduce misunderstandings.

Finally, we discuss achieving better work-life balance by prioritizing personal goals with the same importance as professional ones. Amy shares her own experience of scheduling personal tasks, like watering plants, alongside work obligations. She emphasizes making vacation planning and funding non-negotiable and leveraging delegation to minimize stress.

The overarching message is that financial success in 2025 depends on small, consistent changes, intentional planning, and balancing priorities. For personalized support, we encourage you to connect with Thimbleberry Financial, below.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.

In this episode of ThimbleberryU, we continue our conversation about teaching kids financial responsibility, focusing on debt, budgeting, generosity, and investing. Jag and Amy Walls provide practical strategies for helping children understand money in an age-appropriate way.

We start by tackling the sensitive topic of debt. Amy shows us her “suitcase” analogy to explain tailoring financial discussions to a child’s age and capacity. Younger children benefit from relatable examples like borrowing toys or Halloween candy trades to grasp the basics of borrowing and repayment. For older kids, it’s about introducing concepts like credit cards, interest, and student loans while sharing real-life stories to provide context.

Next, we cover budgeting, where Amy suggests turning it into a game. She shares how activities like shopping for a food drive or handling a pretend shopping trip can teach kids about choices and trade-offs. By guiding children through small financial goals and allowing them to make mistakes in a controlled way, they learn the value of planning and accountability.

Amy also emphasizes the importance of generosity. She explains how encouraging kids to give, whether through charitable donations or thoughtful gift-giving, can foster a sense of responsibility and connection. She suggests matching their contributions to amplify the impact and reinforce positive habits.

When it comes to investing, Amy recommends starting with simple concepts. For example, using well-known companies like Disney or Apple can make stocks relatable. Analogies, like planting a tree to illustrate the slow growth of investments, help demystify the process. However, she stresses the importance of having a solid cash reserve before diving into investing.

Jg and Amy reflect on how money conversations were often avoided in previous generations. By fostering open discussions and age-appropriate financial lessons, parents can better prepare their children for a healthy financial future.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.