270. From Pensions to 401(k)s: Why Your Longevity Plan Might Be Broken

In this episode of Too Young To Be Old, Diane Gilman sits down with financial planner Shari Rash to ask the question nobody wants to think about but everyone needs to answer: if you actually live to 90 or 100… how are you going to pay for it? They break down what longevity really means for your bank account, especially if you’re a single woman, widowed, or simply the one who’s going to be solely responsible for your money at some point in life.

Diane and Shari unpack how retirement has completely changed: traditional pensions are disappearing, 401(k)s and similar plans put the responsibility on you, and many people in their 20s and 30s skipped saving because they “needed the money now.” They talk about what to do if you’re starting at 40, 50, or even 60 with very little saved, why even small automatic contributions matter, and how employer matches and pre‑tax benefits quietly work in your favor.

They also dive into women‑specific money issues that almost never get talked about:

• Why so many widows feel totally lost when their spouse handled everything
• How often women assume a partner is “better with money” and then get blindsided
• The lingering taboo around women talking about money, asking questions, or admitting they don’t understand the jargon
• How male‑dominated financial culture (CNBC, stock talk, “beating the market”) doesn’t match how most women actually think about money—what it does for their real life
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Shari puts annuities and retirement income in plain English: what it really means to put in a lump sum, why “guaranteed income” can be helpful but limited, and why an annuity should be one piece of a bigger plan, not the whole solution. Diane shares her own story of being great at making money but terrible at saving, going through “smoke and mirrors” advisors, and finally demanding simple explanations she can actually use to make decisions.

For women 50+, Shari gives clear, doable steps:

• Start talking about money—with your partner, friends, and professionals
• Stop prefacing every question with “this might be stupid”
• Make sure you know where your accounts are, who your contacts are, and what your options look like
• Focus on reducing debt so you need less income later, and build a plan so your money has a chance to last as long as you do
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If you’ve ever secretly worried, “What if I live a long time and run out of money?”, this conversation will make you feel seen, less alone, and more empowered to actually do something about it.

Shari Rash:

Website: www.gwawealth.com

Podcast is Everyone's Talkin' Money, you can find episodes everywhere: https://www.everyonestalkinmoneypodcast.com/episodes/

Special Offers & Resources Mentioned:

✨AMRA Supplements – Diane shares her discovery of this "miracle" supplement containing collagen, peptides, vitamins, and minerals that helps combat age-related nutrient absorption issues. It tastes like butterscotch and provides noticeable results in energy, skin, and hair health.

Special Offer: Get 15% off your first purchase with code DIANEGILMAN at tryarmra.com/DIANEGILMAN

Connect with Diane Gilman:

1. YouTube: @thedianegilman
2. Facebook: TheDianeGilman
3. Instagram: @thedianegilman
4. TikTok: @thedianegilman
5. Website & Mailing List: TheDianeGilman.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, subscribe, and share it with friends! Remember: age is just a number. Together, we’ll prove that we’re all Too Young to Be Old.

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