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Welcome! Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer talk introduce themselves and talk about why they started the channel, Friends Talk Financial Planning.
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Everything You Need to Know about the Social Security Fairness Act in 2025
The Social Security Fairness Act has been reintroduced in 2025 — and it could change retirement benefits for millions of workers. If...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
4 days ago
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Is It Worth Contributing to a Bad Employer 401(k) Plan? Here's What to Do!
In this video, we'll talk about how to decide whether contributing to a bad 401(k) plan is worth it. You’ll learn the key factors to...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Aug 12
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When is the Best Time to Take Your RMD Withdrawal in a Volatile Market?
When the market is up one day and down the next, it can be difficult to know when to take your required minimum distribution. In this...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jun 16
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How To Access Retirement Dollars Early Without Paying Penalties
In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, we discuss ways to access retirement funds before the usual age of 59½ without paying...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
May 23
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Will Social Security Benefits Be Cut? Should I Be Worried?
In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, we are joined by Denny Heywood, a former Social Security Administration (SSA)...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
May 4
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File Now To Claim Your Social Security Benefit - Don't Wait!
File now to claim your social security benefit - Don't wait, you could be owed thousands! In this episode of Friends Talk Financial...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
May 4
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How Do I Save For Retirement When I'm Self Employed?
How do I save for retirement when I'm Self Employed? What are the options for retirement plans? Join us this week as we discuss small...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Apr 1
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Tips To Maximize Your Spending In Retirement
Join us today for tips to maximize your spending in retirement when you saved more than you can possibly spend. I'm retired and I...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jan 25
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5 Signs You Are Not Spending Enough Money In Retirement - Don't Leave Too Much Behind!
Five signs you are not spending enough money in retirement. Typically we get the question - am I spending too much? However, it is just...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jan 11
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Maximize Your 401(k) With A Super Catch Up Contribution!
This week we discuss important changes to 401(k) contribution limits for 2025, particularly for individuals aged 60-63. In 2025, people...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Jan 11
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Retirement Planning For Inflation: 5 Reasons You Don't Need to Worry!
Retirement planning for inflation - Don't worry about inflation, be happy in retirement! Many people worry about how inflation will...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Dec 21, 2024
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Stress Free Retirement Planning: How To Estimate Your Future Expenses
In this episode of "Friends Talk Financial Planning," hosts John and Bridget dive into an important aspect of retirement planning:...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Dec 21, 2024
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Don't Panic! Catch Up On Retirement Savings - It's Not Too Late!
Catch up on retirement savings - it's not too late to start saving today! Do you struggle with saving money? Take responsibility for your...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Nov 28, 2024
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Do I Have Enough Saved To Retire? I Am Afraid I Am Not On Track!
I just turned 50. I have $100,000 saved. Do I have enough saved to retire? In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, hosts...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Nov 6, 2024
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Should You Do a Roth Conversion? Key Factors to Consider
Welcome back to Friends Talk Financial Planning! In today’s episode, Bridget and John discuss the strategic world of Roth conversions....
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Oct 27, 2024
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IRA Inheritance Rules Explained: What You Need to Know
Inheriting an IRA can be overwhelming, especially with the recent changes in tax laws. In this episode, Bridget and John break down the...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Oct 27, 2024
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Can You Afford to Retire with Credit Card Debt?
Welcome to FTFP! In this episode, hosts Bridget Sullivan Mermel and John Scherer dive into a critical topic: retiring with credit card...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Sep 30, 2024
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Navigating Health Insurance Before Medicare: Tips for Early Retirees
Are you considering retiring before age 65 and worried about covering healthcare costs before Medicare kicks in? You're not alone! In...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Sep 2, 2024
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Navigating Long-Term Care Insurance: Is It the Right Choice for You?
Are you considering long-term care insurance but feeling overwhelmed with all the options and details? Look no further! Join us, Bridget...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Aug 5, 2024
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When to Start Claiming Social Security?
In this episode of Friends Talk Financial Planning, Bridget and John dive into one of the most debated topics in personal finance: When...
Bridget Sullivan Mermel CFP(R) CPA
Aug 5, 2024
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