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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.