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The Joyful Journey of Aging (Ep. 6)

The Joyful Journey of Aging (Ep. 6)

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Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about thriving. With the right strategies, aging becomes a celebration of purpose, growth, and financial stability.

This week on JubilAge, host Carol Chiarito reveals how creativity and connection can make financial planning approachable, engaging, and impactful. From hosting nostalgic events like “Party Like It’s 1959” to using tools like “Betty,” a 1959 camper, Carol’s innovative approach bridges the gap between financial advising and life’s transitions.

Seniors will find fresh perspectives on aging with confidence, while advisors will gain actionable strategies to build trust and connect deeply with their clients. With relatable insights and inspiring analogies, this episode empowers everyone to embrace aging as a vibrant and financially sound journey.

Key Highlights:

  • The Coxswain Analogy: Advisors guide clients like a coxswain steers a rowing team—steady, strategic, and adaptive
  • Interactive Events: Learn how creative themes like “Party Like It’s 1959” transform complex topics into unforgettable experiences
  • Financial Wins, Simplified: Discover how small, intentional moves could create meaningful long-term outcomes
  • Optimism in Aging: Turn aging into an opportunity for growth with the right financial team
  • Closing Gaps: Practical tips for engaging underserved or rural communities and fostering trust
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Carol Chiarito:

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Trusts, Taxes, and Teamwork with Drew Shumski (Ep. 5)

Trusts, Taxes, and Teamwork with Drew Shumski (Ep. 5)

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Retirement planning involves more than balancing spreadsheets—it demands coordination, trust, and holistic collaboration.

This week on JubilAge, Carol Chiarito is joined by Drew Shumski, an experienced financial advisor with over 20 years of experience and a military background. Together, they uncover the essential role of collaboration between financial advisors and attorneys in creating a stable and prosperous retirement.

Drew shares compelling stories from his career, highlighting challenges like unfunded trusts and outdated wills while offering practical strategies to safeguard assets, reduce tax burdens, and adapt to changing laws and life circumstances.

Whether you’re a financial advisor, client, or a senior preparing for the future, this episode provides actionable insights to keep your financial house in order.

Key Highlights:

  • The “General Contractor” Role: Advisors should orchestrate collaboration between financial, legal, and insurance professionals
  • Trusts Simplified: Learn how trusts can protect families in second marriages, special needs planning, and tax optimization
  • Stay Ahead of Change: Discover why updating documents like wills and trusts is crucial as laws and circumstances evolve
  • Ask the Right Questions: Key questions clients should ask about their advisors’ collaboration with legal professionals
  • Real-Life Wins: Hear how Drew’s proactive approach saved a client’s estate from potential legal pitfalls
  • Carol’s Wisdom: Build a strong “team on your boat” to ensure seamless financial and legal support
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Carol Chiarito:

Connect with Drew Shumski:

About Our Guest:

Drew Shumski is an Investment Adviser Representative for the Montgomeryville area, which is in the Philadelphia, PA Area. He was the Principal of Wealth Planners Group and merged with NetWorth Asset Management on November 15, 2012. 

He specializes in advanced estate, Business Planning, Investments and Insurance Planning, Debt Reduction, Taxation Strategies and Wealth Management.  Drew has a Series 7, Series 24, and Series 66 license and holds RFC and LUTCF professional designations.

He attended Montana State University (Finance) (ROTC) and served in the US Army Reserves.

Drew has been in the financial services industry since 1997 and has received numerous honors and awards from several different companies.  He has been a member of The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) since 2001 and is a Top of the Table member, as well as the Forum 400. He has served in various roles and task forces for MDRT and is also active with the MDRT Foundation, where he is an Excalibur Knight and served on various committees. Drew is currently serving on three national committees for the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and chairs the Annual 2021 Performance & Purpose Conference.

Drew is past President of the Lehigh Valley National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (NAIFA). Drew’s influences are Roger Hubley’s Zero Tax Planning Concepts and Tax Management Investing.

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Family Conversations on Aging Financially with Mike Stith (Ep. 4)

Family Conversations on Aging Financially with Mike Stith (Ep. 4)

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Aging gracefully involves more than health—it requires financial clarity and confidence.

This week on JubilAge, host Carol Chiarito is joined by Mike Stith, a retiree and hands-on caregiver for his 85-year-old mother-in-law. Together, they tackle the barriers seniors face in achieving financial peace, such as fear of market fluctuations and reluctance to involve family in financial decisions.

Mike shares his personal experience and introduces the “three buckets of money” framework—a simple but powerful tool for balancing long-term stability, emergency preparedness, and personal enjoyment.

Whether you’re a financial advisor, a family member, or a senior yourself, this episode provides actionable strategies to break the silence, address financial anxieties, and foster trust through inclusive conversations.

Key Highlights:

  • Master the “Three Buckets” Approach: Simplify resource allocation into retirement, emergency, and enjoyment funds
  • Build Financial Transparency: Strategies for breaking generational silence around money conversations
  • Empower Advisors: How financial professionals can create family-friendly environments to tackle long-term care and financial goals
  • Overcome Barriers: Addressing challenges like hearing impairments, market fears, and isolation in financial decision-making
  • Start Small, Think Big: Practical steps for families to introduce essential topics like wills, trusts, and care plans
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Carol Chiarito:

Connect with Mike Stith:

About Our Guest:

Mike Stith is a retired professional turned caregiver who offers firsthand insights into seniors’ financial challenges. His personal journey highlights the importance of compassionate, family-inclusive financial planning.

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Medicare Madness: Navigating the Complex World of Medicare with James Grabinski (Ep. 3)

Medicare Madness: Navigating the Complex World of Medicare with James Grabinski (Ep. 3)

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Medicare can feel overwhelming, but what if it didn’t have to be?

This week on JubilAge, Carol Chiarito sits down with Medicare professional James Grabinski to untangle the chaos of “Medicare Madness”—that critical time when seniors need to rethink their plans. 

With over 25 years of experience, Jim breaks down everything from Parts A, B, and D to Supplements and Advantage Plans, making it easier to understand. He also highlights key changes coming in 2025, like the $2,000 cap on prescription drug costs.

Curious how to obtain the right coverage now and for the future? 

Jim’s practical insights help seniors take control, whether it’s managing medications, traveling between states, or preparing for long-term care.

Key Highlights:

  • 2025 Medicare Changes: A $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs and the elimination of the “donut hole”
  • Understanding Medicare Plans: Clear breakdowns of Parts A, B, and D, and the benefits of Medicare Supplements versus Advantage Plans
  • Navigating Medicare’s Complexity: Why working with a local agent offers personalized support over call centers, especially when reviewing coverage
  • Top Tips for Seniors: How to prepare key details—medications, doctors, and current coverage—for a successful plan review
  • Special Considerations: Medicare tips for military retirees and “snowbirds” who travel between states and need nationwide coverage
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Carol Chiarito:

Connect with James Grabinski:

About Our Guest:

James Grabinski has been a dedicated insurance professional since 1999 and an Honor Roll Member of the Million Dollar Round Table. With designations like FICF, LUTCF, and FSCP, James and his team specialize in guiding seniors through the Medicare system, making it easier to navigate this complex landscape.  Licensed across multiple states, he brings a wealth of experience and insight, helping consumers understand the ins and outs of Medicare. Based in the scenic Hudson Valley of New York, wine and apple country, James shares his expertise from the heart of the region, home to Angry Orchard.

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Joyful Aging: Real Talk on Wealth, Family, and Caregiving (Ep. 2)

Joyful Aging: Real Talk on Wealth, Family, and Caregiving (Ep. 2)

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Aging isn’t just about preparing for the future; it’s about enjoying every moment while ensuring your financial well-being. 

But how can we balance quality of life, joy, and financial stability as we grow older?

What if aging could be more about living joyfully today while ensuring well-being for tomorrow?

With a unique threefold method, this week on JubilAge, Carol Chiarito helps financial advisors foster meaningful and forward-thinking conversations with clients and inspires seniors to plan their futures with optimism while encouraging families to build stronger relationships through honest discussions about elder care.

Key Highlights:

  • Transforming long-term financial planning by encouraging seniors to enjoy their wealth today
  • Navigating complex family dynamics and open conversations about elder care
  • Equipping financial advisors to lead vital “kitchen table talks” with clients and their families
  • Sneak peek of upcoming episodes featuring new perspectives on how advisors can support aging clients and their families
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Carol Chiarito:

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JubilAge: Transform Aging into Joy and Financial Wisdom (Ep. 1)

JubilAge: Transform Aging into Joy and Financial Wisdom (Ep. 1)

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Aging is a journey filled with joy, purpose, and financial considerations.

How can we ensure financial security while celebrating the beauty of life’s later stages? How do we support seniors in navigating their financial needs and aspirations?

In this inaugural episode of JubilAge, join host Carol Chiarito as she delves into the unique challenges and joys of aging, with a focus on integrating financial security and vibrancy into your later years.

Carol shares her journey from educating clients in their state retirement plans to becoming a passionate advocate for seniors, guiding both individuals and financial advisors on how to secure and enjoy every moment of retirement. 

Tune in and discover insights on educating clients, supporting elder care, and celebrating aging through engaging stories and expert advice!

Carol discusses: 

  • Carol’s journey from traditional finance to specializing in seniors
  • The launch and purpose behind JubilAge and its relation to the Senior Moments podcast
  • The concept of “leveling up” instead of just aging
  • The value of engaging in community events like “Party Like It’s 1959” to celebrate life’s milestones
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Carol Chiarito:

About Your Host:

Carol Chiarito is a seasoned financial advisor with a passion for educating and empowering seniors. She began her career in 2004, specializing in the Colorado State Retirement Plan, where she traveled extensively to help people understand their retirement options. Over time, her focus shifted to working with seniors, inspired by her experiences assisting her aging mother. This led her to sell most of her financial advisor book of business and concentrate on helping clients navigate through retirement.

Carol is also an educator at heart, having started her career as a teacher. She combines her teaching skills with her knowledge to provide valuable insights to both seniors and financial advisors. She is actively involved in her community, particularly through her work with Kiwanis, and enjoys spending time with her large family.

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JubilAge Coming Soon

JubilAge Coming Soon

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Welcome to JubilAge, the podcast where we explore and celebrate the joy of aging with a special focus on financial well-being! The name ‘JubilAge’ combines ‘jubilation’ and ‘age’ to reflect the beauty and excitement of life’s later stages. Join Carol Churrito Chiarito as she shares ideas, builds connections, and brings joy, purpose, and financial insights to the aging journey. Carol, who specializes in working with financial advisors, offers valuable perspectives that will captivate both professionals and seniors alike. Through lively conversations and expert guests, Carol transforms our approach to aging, ensuring every moment is financially secure, vibrant, and full of happiness. 

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