Have you ever wondered how scammers exploit technology to deceive even the most vigilant among us? This episode of The PrairieFire Podcast reveals the latest schemes—from fake QR codes to romance scams—and equips you with simple, effective ways to protect yourself. Join Matt Meline and Will Schrader as they share tips from a financial crime expert on recognizing red flags and staying one step ahead. Don’t miss this vital discussion to safeguard your finances and peace of mind.

If you encounter a scam, here are the steps and websites to report it:

1. IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
Website: www.ic3.gov
The IC3, run by the FBI, allows individuals to report cybercrimes, including phishing, identity theft, and online fraud.

2. FBI Resources
Website: www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety
The FBI provides educational resources on scams and has links for reporting various crimes.

3. Local Law Enforcement
Contact your local police department to report scams, especially those involving financial or identity theft.

Episode highlights:
(1:17) Scam prevention
(3:04) Insights from Detective Ryan on financial crimes
(5:06) Bank employee imposters and fake calls
(9:12) Romance scams and warning signs
(12:04) Social engineering and fear tactics
(14:32) QR code safety tips
(16:15) Smishing scams and red flags
(18:12) Work-from-home, identity thief, and charity scams
(20:33) Reporting scams and available resources
(22:37) Outro

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I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: info@pfwplanning.com

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

How can you support aging parents while keeping your peace of mind? In today’s episode, Matt Meline connects with senior living expert Jennifer Voigt to share tips on starting tough conversations, planning, and exploring home health care. From recognizing signs of needed changes to managing family dynamics and finances, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions for your loved ones.

Jennifer Voigt is an expert in senior living and real estate. She has years of experience helping families navigate the challenges of elder care and housing transitions. Jennifer combines her industry knowledge with a compassionate approach as a former general manager for a leading independent living provider and now a licensed real estate broker. She is dedicated to empowering families with practical solutions and resources, making her a trusted guide in senior care decisions.

Episode resources:

• Support Associations and Organizations - https://bit.ly/4gKJGye

Connect with Jennifer:
Website: https://sellingsenior.com/about
Email: jennifer@jennsenior.com
Email: jennifer.voigt@svn.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-l-voigt-cship-0002a416/

Episode highlights:
(2:04) Who is Jennifer Voigt?
(4:23) Jennifer’s career journey in senior living
(9:49) Recognizing ADLs and IADLs as care indicators
(16:55) Starting conversations with aging parents
(18:22) Benefits and limits of home health care
(20:47) The role of real estate in funding care
(26:27) How to prepare for parent care
(31:29) Outro

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I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: info@pfwplanning.com

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM

What happens when the roles reverse, and you become your parent’s caregiver? In this episode, Matt Meline and longtime friend Becky Pratt share a deeply personal journey through caregiving’s emotional and financial challenges. Becky reflects on her family’s experiences, from managing shared real estate to helping her mother transition into assisted living. She also shares practical tips for fostering family communication and solving challenging problems creatively. Becky’s insights will inspire and guide you whether you’re starting this journey or deep in it.

Becky Pratt, CRCM, QRD®, is a seasoned leader in audit and banking with extensive experience as a Chief Risk Officer and Qualified Risk Director®. She has successfully guided teams through financial recovery and served on various boards, committees, and advisory roles. As Founder of Mattan Pratt Consulting, LLC, Becky specializes in strategic risk management, governance, and organizational design. She also coaches executive leaders and delivers impactful talks on board dynamics, governance, and leadership. Becky’s board service includes Wheatsfield Grocery, where she has contributed to a 30% revenue growth.

Episode highlights:
(2:01) Who is Becky Pratt?
(6:21) Early caregiving experiences and family dynamics
(8:22) Discovering and managing a complex family situation
(11:55) Transitioning a parent to assisted living
(13:54) The importance of communication and collaboration
(17:02) Resolving financial and real estate challenges
(20:13) Handling complicated parental relationships and decisions
(22:21) Outro and disclaimer

—

I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for being a part of our podcast journey. If you haven't already, please subscribe to stay updated with the latest episodes. Your subscription means the world to me!

I’d love to hear from you; here are some ways to connect:

Web: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

Email: info@pfwplanning.com

Get a copy of my book: Empty Nest, Full Pockets: How to Emotionally and Financially Prepare for Your Family’s Future at https://amzn.to/3PovUWM