Social Security: One of the Most Important Retirement Decisions You’ll Make

In this episode of The Clear Cut, Claire Hollander unpacks Chapter 5 of her book, A Clear Path Forward, and explores why Social Security may be one of the most misunderstood aspects of retirement planning. Moving beyond the common question of when to file, Claire explains how Social Security fits into a broader retirement income strategy and why the timing of your decision can have a lasting impact on your financial future. She discusses full retirement age, delayed claiming strategies, spousal and survivor benefits, and common mistakes that may reduce lifetime income. 

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Taking Back Control of Your Day: How to Protect Your Focus, Energy, and Time

In this episode of The Clear Cut, Claire Hollander continues her exploration of attention, productivity, and cognitive performance, building on insights from an executive leadership program at UC Berkeley Haas and a lecture from neuroscientist Dr. Sahar Yousef. Claire examines why procrastination, multitasking, and constant interruptions may be undermining focus and draining valuable mental energy. She introduces practical concepts such as Most Important Tasks (MITs), focus sprints, energy management, and batching communication to help listeners become more intentional with their time and attention. Through actionable strategies and thought-provoking reflections, Claire shares how protecting cognitive capacity can lead to greater productivity, presence, and control over how each day is spent. 

 

This episode discusses productivity, attention, and technology habits inspired by executive education coursework and publicly discussed behavioral research. The content reflects general educational concepts and personal experiences and is not intended as medical, psychological, or professional advice. 

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Your Brain Is Leaking Energy (And You Don’t Even Realize It)

In this episode of The Clear Cut, Claire Hollander explores the hidden ways modern technology may be draining focus, energy, and cognitive capacity throughout the day. Inspired by an executive leadership program at UC Berkeley Haas and a lecture from neuroscientist Dr. Sahar Yousef, Claire breaks down concepts like “brain leaks,” Zoom fatigue, smartphone addiction, and constant overstimulation—and how they may be affecting productivity, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Through practical examples and actionable strategies, she shares simple ways to create healthier boundaries with technology, reclaim attention, and become more intentional with how mental energy is spent.

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Divorce and Dollars: Reclaiming Financial Independence After 50

In this episode of The Clear Cut, Claire Hollander unpacks Chapter 4 of her book A Clear Path Forward, tackling the rising trend of Gray Divorce and its financial impact. From dividing assets with after-tax value in mind to navigating Social Security, pensions, and the family home, Claire shares strategies for protecting your future. Through reflective Q&A, she offers guidance on building the right advisory team, avoiding common pitfalls, and taking steps to move forward with clarity and confidence.

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Family, Finances & Health: Planning Ahead Before Crisis Hits

In this episode of The Clear Cut, Claire Hollander dives into Chapter 3 of her book A Clear Path Forward, exploring the powerful link between physical health and financial health. From the emotional challenges of starting hard family conversations to the practical need for organizing vital documents, Claire unpacks why waiting until a crisis strikes can create unnecessary chaos. Through real client stories and reflective Q&A, she shares strategies for preparing loved ones for the realities of aging, long-term care, and estate planning. Tune in to learn how proactive planning can ease burdens, protect relationships, and truly become the ultimate gift to your family.

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From Courtroom to Celebrations: Tiffany Klein on Designing Unforgettable Events

What does it take to transition from a career in civil litigation to building a thriving luxury event planning business? In this episode of The Clear Cut, Claire Hollander sits down with Tiffany Klein, owner of Rosecrest Special Events, to explore her remarkable journey. Tiffany shares how her background as a litigator shaped her approach to timelines, contracts, and problem-solving—and how those skills now fuel her creativity in crafting extraordinary events. From intimate milestone celebrations to show-stopping productions featuring world-class talent like Chris Stapleton, Tiffany reveals what goes into designing experiences that guests will never forget. Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, creativity, and the art of gathering with intention.

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Rethinking Debt and Investing: A Clearer Path to Financial Confidence

This episode of The Clear Cut continues the journey through Claire Hollander’s book, A Clear Path Forward, focusing on tackling debt and exploring intentional investing. Claire offers insights into managing common forms of debt, adjusting spending habits, and approaching investment decisions with clarity. She also discusses how generational perspectives on money are evolving and introduces ideas like diversification and values-based investing. This conversation is designed to help you reflect on your current approach and explore what might align better with your goals.

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The Confidence Gap: Why Women Undervalue Their Financial Strength

In Claire Hollander’s first solo episode inspired by her new book A Clear Path Forward, she explores a powerful paradox: despite being natural planners and strong long-term investors, many women still lack confidence when it comes to money. From the impact of the pay gap to social narratives around finance, Claire breaks down why this happens, and how to change it.

You’ll learn how to identify your own money superpowers, take simple steps to boost financial confidence, and start meaningful conversations with your partner about shared goals and future planning. This episode also features self-reflection prompts to help you move from financial uncertainty to clarity, one small step at a time.

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Discipline, Diagnostics, and the Heart of Financial Planning with Matthew del Junco

In this episode of The Clear Cut with Claire Hollander, we sit down with Matthew del Junco, Director of Financial Planning and Senior Wealth Advisor II at Liberty Wealth Management. LLC., to explore the mindset and meaning behind true financial wellness. Matthew shares how his athletic background as an NCAA gymnastics champion shaped his approach to teamwork and resilience, and how he brings that same focus to guiding clients through some of life’s most important financial decisions.

We discuss what makes a financial plan comprehensive, how procrastination can quietly erode your financial future, and why building trust goes far beyond investment returns. From legacy conversations to handling volatility with grace, Matthew reveals the value of reflection, intention, and listening—both in life and in leadership.

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Navigating Divorce with Clarity and Confidence with Chris Olofson

In this episode of The Clear Cut with Claire Hollander, we sit down with Chris Olofson, founder of DIVEE Financial, to explore how she’s helping clients take control of their financial futures during one of life’s most difficult transitions: divorce. With a background in accounting, banking, and real estate, Chris shares how her personal experiences and professional expertise inspired her to build a practice focused on empowering individuals—especially women—through financial education and planning.

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