Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home When it comes to retirement, there are certain realities you simply can’t ignore, no matter how much you might want to. In this episode, Mark takes a practical look at the challenges retirees face and how to prepare for them with confidence. The best way to be ready for a major life change is to learn as much as you can ahead of time so let’s make sure you know what’s coming. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: ⏳ Longer lifespans mean your money must last decades, not years 💊 Healthcare and long-term care costs rise faster than inflation ✈️ Enjoy active retirement early while health allows it 💸 Beware of high-commission products that promise easy fixes   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home We’ve all heard sayings like “real estate never fails” or “a mortgage is good debt.” But is conventional wisdom always wise? In this episode, Mark takes a closer look at some of the most common money beliefs and reveals where they can lead you astray, especially as you prepare for retirement. Don’t let outdated advice steer your retirement; learn what’s really true for today’s world. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🏠 Real estate isn’t always the “can’t lose” investment 📉 Why “good debt” like a mortgage isn’t always good 🕰️ Planning your time in retirement is just as vital as your finances 📊 Timing the market vs. time in the market 💡 Peace of mind often matters more than numbers on a spreadsheet   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home   In today’s mailbag, Mark answers three real listener questions. First, when it’s time to replace a car, is it smarter to use your emergency fund, pull from an IRA, or finance with a monthly payment? Next, a recent college grad asks how much she should realistically save each month toward retirement, a home, and future travel. Finally, a listener approaching retirement wonders if having less than a million dollars saved is enough to live comfortably. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🚗 Weighing options for buying a car in retirement 💰 Why emergency funds should always be replenished 📈 Starting small and increasing savings over time 🧮 Why “a million dollars” isn’t a magic retirement number 🛠️ How a financial plan adapts to your unique life   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home   What’s the risk if only one spouse handles the finances? What are the smartest ways to plan for long-term care costs? There are plenty of ways retirement plans can go off the rails. In this episode, Mark shares real-world “financial disaster” scenarios he’s seen and how to keep them from happening to you. These aren’t just market risks, they’re life events that can derail your savings, shake your confidence, and force you to make tough choices you never planned for. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 🗝 Keys to safeguarding your retirement income 🏥 Planning for long-term care without draining your savings 🏚 The risks of living solely on Social Security 🛡 Building a resilient retirement plan to weather life’s surprises 🏦 Protecting your nest egg from market volatility   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home Major life decisions (like taking a big trip or starting a business) can all have lasting effects on your financial future. The impact isn’t always obvious upfront, but without a solid plan, even a well-intentioned move can throw retirement off course. This episode, Mark talks about making smart choices before money becomes a source of stress. It’s not just about cutting back or saying no, it’s about understanding how each decision fits into the bigger picture. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💰 Turning $500K into reliable income 📉 The annuity pitch and why to think twice 🧾 Health insurance after leaving a full-time job ⚠️ Why entrepreneurship in your 50s requires extra caution 🏰 Can you afford Disney before you retire? Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home Wedding bells are ringing, but are the money talks happening? In this episode, Mark offers essential financial advice for newlyweds and remarried couples alike. If it’s your first time tying the knot or a second (or third) go-round, there are big financial questions to sort out, and ignoring them can lead to trouble. As you’ll see, it’s better to talk now than fight later. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💬 Why money talks should happen before marriage 💳 How financial history impacts your future 🔐 Why second marriages need extra estate planning 🎯 Joint or separate accounts? What works and why   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

You can have the perfect investment plan, but the wrong mindset can still derail your retirement. In this episode, Mark explores some of the most dangerous mental traps he’s seen people fall into during their financial journey, and how to avoid them. Tune in to discover what could quietly unravel even the strongest portfolios. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 😨 Fear-based choices that could derail your future 🚀 Overconfidence often leads to too much risk at the wrong time 🧠 How media negativity can cloud smart decision-making 💤 Does “set it and forget it” work?  🔍 Finding the right advisor   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

In the book The Five People You Meet in Heaven, a man arrives in heaven and encounters five different people who impacted his journey and gave meaning to his life. Today, Mark talks about the five people you should be meeting right before you retire. These are the people who can have a significant impact on your retirement and possibly even help give you a sense of purpose and direction as you enter into the next stage of life.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📚Why your financial advisor should be a planner, not just a salesperson 📜 How an estate planner helps protect your wishes 🛡️ The role of insurance in your long-term risk management 🏋️‍♂️ Why staying physically active is key to enjoying retirement 💬 How mentorship can bring meaning, structure, and fulfillment post-career   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

It’s one of the most misunderstood numbers in personal finance, and yet it can shape everything from your mortgage rate to your insurance premiums. In this episode, Mark breaks down what your credit score actually measures, why it matters even if you're financially comfortable, and how small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📉 One error that can drag your score down fast 💳 The 30% rule for smart credit card use 📊 How small habits affect your credit over time 🔐 Why closing that old credit card might backfire 🔎 Why it’s important to keep an eye on your credit score   Resources for this episode: Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

What do you do when life throws retirement curveballs, especially the ones you didn’t see coming? In this mailbag episode, Mark tackles three unique retirement planning questions from listeners like you. You’ll hear whether life insurance can make sense as part of an estate plan and what the 4% rule really means when it comes to dividends and interest. Mark also helps a listener assess the impact of leaving work earlier than expected and what steps to take next.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📊 What the 4% rule really includes 🏛️ Turning your investments into a meaningful legacy 📦 Evaluating your readiness for early retirement 📈 Why a comprehensive plan beats one-size-fits-all advice   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

Not all financial advisors do the same thing and not all “plans” are made with your best interest in mind. In this episode, Mark walks through what a genuine financial planning process looks like from start to finish, and how to spot the difference between true fiduciary advice and a thinly veiled product pitch.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📞 What the first call with an advisor should include 🧾 Red flags: product pitches in meeting one 🧠 Why planning should come before investing 📉 What makes a true fiduciary different   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

Ever wonder what other people talk about with their financial advisors? A new survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors reveals the biggest concerns, challenges, and financial goals their clients are facing today. From retirement planning and healthcare costs to working longer than expected, we’re breaking down the key takeaways and how they compare to what we see in our own client conversations.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📊 Survey insights from 400+ financial advisors 💰 Why retirement income is more than just savings 📉 How to avoid outliving your money 🏥 Health costs and caregiving pressures 🛠️ Real planning vs. product sales   Financial Advisor Magazine article: https://www.fa-mag.com/news/retirement-planning-survey-2024-80450.html   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

How do you build confidence in your retirement plan when so much feels out of your control? In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the noise and focusing on what really matters- the things you can control. From managing risk to planning for inflation and creating reliable income, we’ll share strategies that put you back in the driver’s seat.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📊 Most people don’t understand how much investment risk they’re actually taking🧾 You can’t control tax law, but you can control where your money is taxed💡 Social Security is important, but it shouldn’t be your only income stream 💸 Tax on Social Security – is it going away?   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

What happens when the paycheck stops, but the bills don’t? In this episode, Mark cuts through the noise and gets real about why a true retirement income plan is your financial foundation. Spoiler: it’s not about picking the right annuity or hoping Social Security is enough. It's all about strategy, and there’s no silver bullet.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💸 Most people don’t have an income plan—they just have accounts 📉 Without a strategy, retirement income can be unpredictable 📊 Financial products ≠ financial planning 🧩 Coordinating Social Security, pensions, and savings is essential 📞 The first step is a conversation—not a sales pitch   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

A good financial plan considers the unique needs and views of both spouses. But let’s face it, couples often come to the table with different approaches to saving, spending, and planning for the future. So, how do you get on the same page and build a plan that works for everyone? In this episode, we’ll explore the challenges and strategies of financial planning for married couples. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💰 Getting the saver vs spender on the same page in retirement planning 💬 Key conversations every couple should have before building a financial plan 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why it’s important for both spouses to be involved 🤝 How Mark helps couples create a retirement plan they can both agree on   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

Arizona is a unique state in that parts of the state have harsh winters while other areas deal with extreme heat in the summers. Either way, it definitely drives retirees to consider taking up residence somewhere else in those months when the weather isn’t enjoyable. Is ‘snowbird’ life for you? Let’s talk about what motivates people to take up temporary residence elsewhere, where they go, and if it’s worthwhile. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: What our clients usually do when they choose to become ‘snowbirds.’ Where do people usually go to live when they leave? What do you need to consider before deciding to take up two residences? The ways that technology has given more flexibility with work and travel.   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

For many Americans, the 401k will be their biggest asset in retirement and will be a critical piece of the income they need to create. It’s no surprise that we get a lot of questions about the 401k and today we’re going to address some of the one that we get asked the most. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Is it a good idea to take advantage of a program your company offers to advise you on your 401k? Should you contribute as much as you can or just enough to get a company match? Should you use target date funds? Is it okay to take out a 401k loan to pay for major expenses? When is it a good time to rollover a 401k into an IRA? Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

Today we’re going to tackle retirement planning through a fun game called ‘Two Truths and a Lie.’ Ron will present Mark with three statements, and he’ll have to tell us which two are true and which one is the lie. This episode is designed to help listeners better understand how various financial elements impact their retirement and overall financial health. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Do stocks, bonds, or gold typically do better in inflationary periods? Rising interest rates will hurt borrowers, but rising interest rates don't hurt savers. Your emergency fund should be growing or it should be liquid. A market crash right after you retire can be very problematic. What’s the truth behind the future of Social Security? Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

If you’ve done any research on retirement and financial planning, you’ve probably seen the term diversification used quite a bit. But does what it mean to truly be diversified? The truth is that it can mean a lot of different things when it comes to your financial plan. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Diversification of stocks Diversification of asset classes Global diversification Diversification of strategies Diversification of future tax liability   Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832

You wouldn’t necessarily expect Lindsay Lohan, Rosie O’Donnell or Mike Tyson to dispense valuable insights about financial planning matters. In fact, you’d probably expect the opposite. But with a little bit of creativity, we can get some financial planning pearls of wisdom from even the most unlikely of sources. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:  Not being your own worst enemy when it comes to investing Taking what you hear on TV or social media with a grain of salt Having a game plan but being flexible with that plan as things change Want to get in touch with Mark?  Web: https://silverman-associates.com/home Email: mark@silverman-associates.com Phone: 520.512.8832