Senior Resource Contributors

Ben has been in the financial services industry for nearly two decades. He has worked alongside thousands of families and individuals while owning and operating Taatjes Financial Group, a retirement planning firm in west-central Minnesota. While Ben loves to work with retirees, his passion extends far beyond the numbers. This passion led to the publishing of his first book, Repurposed: The Untold Story of Retirement in America in 2017 as well as co-founding Retire Repurposed in 2019.

Bob Carlson is the editor of the monthly newsletter and website Retirement Watch, the monthly video series, Retirement Watch Spotlight, and a weekly free e-letter, Retirement Watch Weekly where he provides independent, objective research covering all the financial issues of retirement and retirement planning.

Bryan has been serving the real estate needs of his clients since 2003. Working with both home buyers and home sellers, he ranks in the top ½ of 1% of all Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agents nationwide. Bryan specializes in guiding seniors who are transitioning from their homes and into smaller homes or senior communities.

Destiny Clarkson is a writer from Knoxville, Tennessee with a love for country music, poetry, and dancing in the rain.

Don Hawkins, D. Min. is the Chief Content Officer for the Master Life Coach Training Institute and the President/CEO of Encouragement Communications. He hosts the Saturday evening call-in program “Encouragement Live,” and has authored over 25 books including Master Discipleship Today, Friends in Deed, and Never Give Up.

Greta Crank has a background in social work and real estate. Her passions are antiques, piano, flower gardening, and all things Christmas. Married to the love of her life for thirty-two years, she enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children.

After spending 12 years as a TV meteorologist, Jerrid changed careers and moved into the financial services industry in 2014. Jerrid has a heart for teaching and continues to utilize his broadcasting background to inspire people to live with more purpose, impact, and freedom. Besides being the co-founder of Retire Repurposed, Jerrid is the Director of Business Development for Taatjes Financial Group.

Jim Miller is the creator of Savvy Senior, a syndicated information column for older Americans and their families that is published in more than 300 U.S. newspapers and magazines. Jim is also a contributor to NBC’s “Today” show and KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, and is the author of The Savvy Senior, The Ultimate Guide to Health, Family and Finances for Senior Citizens. Jim is frequently quoted in articles about issues affecting senior citizens and has been featured in numerous national publications, including Time magazine, USA Today and The New York Times. In addition, he has made multiple appearances on CNBC, CNN, Retirement Living Television and national public television.

Dr. Joseph Casciani has a decades-long history in long-term care as a psychologist and manager of mental health practices. He was awarded the first contracts from the California Department of Aging in 1982 to develop mental health training for the state’s nursing homes. For 16 years, he was the clinical lead for a large mental health practice where he oversaw mental health programs to patients in hundreds of nursing homes, in eight states. He is the past President of Psychologists in Long-Term Care, and a former Board Member of a national consortium of geropsychology training programs. In addition, he is the author of the Handbook of Health and Behavior, along with an online program on reducing anti-psychotic medication in nursing homes, and other publications. Formerly, he managed psychology group practices for nursing homes, and is now a consultant, public speaker, and trainer. Concept Healthcare (also known as CoHealth) were his multi-state practices, named to emphasize the importance of behavioral health concepts in the care of older adults.

Lena Armuth, M.Ed., Candidate for CFP® certification is an Advisor with Sensible Portfolios and host of Retirement for Real, an investment podcast helping retirees make sensible financial decisions in retirement.

Lori La Bey is a passionate and inspiring keynote speaker and the founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks, a Minnesota-based advocacy group and media outlet making an international impact by providing education and support for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Meredith Chen is an AFAA-certified personal and group fitness trainer and the host of the popular YouTube channel and podcast, Senior Fitness with Meredith. She has been training for over 15 years, has been endorsed by healthcare professionals and physical therapists, and has shadowed top industry experts to continuously create the best and safest content for her viewers and participants.

Robert Fowler is a retired blogger, previously the President of Retirement Media Inc. He has visited numerous 55+ Active Adult Communities over the years, sharing his experiences along the way with readers.

Suzanne Newman is the founder and CEO of Answers for Elders and host of the Answers for Elders podcast, supporting and assisting families in finding the best independent solutions in the world of aging.

Toni King is an author, columnist, and radio and TV personality who specializes in Medicare, Social Security, and long-term care planning. Toni has devoted her life and career to putting Medicare into “people terms” with the help of her books, consultations, workshops, and website.

Carl is the producer and host of Hollywood 360, a 5-hour nationally syndicated nostalgia radio show heard each week on hundreds of radio stations. Carl is an 8-time Audie winner and has produced several award-winning, fully dramatized audio productions including The Twilight Zone Radio Dramas, The Word of Promise Audio Bible, The Word of God Audio New Testament, The Truth & Life Catholic Audio New Testament, The New Adventures of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer and Fangoria’s Dreadtime Stories Radio Dramas.

Lisa is the co-host of Hollywood 360. Lisa interviews actors, writers, producers, and directors in her “Celebrity Interview” segment, plays entertainment trivia contests with listeners during “Beat The Host” and offers the latest in showbiz and celebrity news with “Star Gazing”. Lisa was a cast member in a professional musical theater company for 14 years before making the transition into print, commercials, television, film and voice-overs.