Fall marks the open enrollment period for many employer-sponsored health insurance plans as well as the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, which is especially critical for Americans who don't have access to health insurance.

It is essential to recognize how indulging in harmful substances like alcohol, illicit drugs, and tobacco can affect our health. During the pandemic, alcohol consumption increased as a means of coping with stress for many people, and this trend has continued for certain populations. On this podcast episode, Al and Mihaela outline tips to avoid harmful substances in order to improve our physical and mental health and well-being – and ultimately, prepare ourselves for longer, healthier lives.

On this episode, Al Waller and Catherine Collinson explore the main takeaways from Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies’ new eye-opening report on the middle class.

With so much of our days spent indoors glued to computer screens and mobile devices, we are depriving ourselves of the rejuvenating benefits of spending time in nature.

Just about everyone is familiar with the old adage, “Your health is your wealth.” Many quotes, proverbs, meditations, cautionary tales, and even songs have contemplated this theme. On this episode, Al Waller and Catherine Collinson explore the intersections of health and financial well-being by offering explanations, sharing examples, and inviting listeners to adopt a new mindset in their daily decision-making that could enhance their lives.

Are regular health check-ups really worth it? Absolutely! These screenings are super important for catching any health problems early on, so you can deal with them before they become a big deal. Despite this, a recent survey by the Transamerica Institute revealed that only 46% of the general population is getting regular physicals and recommended health screenings on a consistent basis. On this episode, Al Waller and Mihaela Vincze chat about why health check-ups are so important for staying healthy as you get older.

Al and Catherine discuss The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 and provisions including the Saver’s Match, employer matching contributions for student loan repayments, catch-up contributions, emergency savings, and more. SECURE 2.0 is packed with dozens of provisions to address many of the most pressing issues and opportunities within our current retirement system, ranging from expanding access to workplace retirement plans to increasing ways people can grow and protect their savings. Some of the new law’s provisions have already rolled out while other provisions are slated to roll out next year and in the coming years.

Burnout can occur when individuals feel emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and unable to meet the demands of daily life. A recent survey by Transamerica Institute and its Center for Retirement Studies found that 42% of workers say that they often feel unmotivated and overwhelmed-- which could be symptoms of burnout. On this episode, we'll be focusing on recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive measures to prioritize self-care and seek support.

People have the potential to live longer than ever before. But the question is how are you going to prepare yourself for a long and fulfilling life?

In today's fast-paced and connected world, finding the right balance between work and personal life can feel like a constant juggling act. On a brighter note, a recent survey by Transamerica Institute and its Center for Retirement Studies found that employers feel a strong responsibility to help their employees achieve work-life balance.