We’re excited to bring a new mailbag episode to the show! We have two great questions to tackle in today’s episode. First up, Becky asks if it would be crazy to buy a bigger house in retirement to accommodate her kids and grandkids and what factors she should consider before making that decision.

Next, Donovan asks what he should focus on now at 45 to prepare for retirement at 60, given that his primary investment is his business and he doesn't have a 401(k). Tune in to hear Mark discuss these important retirement planning questions and offer valuable insights!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• The financial and practical impact of upsizing a home before retirement
• Assessing your lifestyle goals in retirement
• How a small business owner can prepare for retirement without a 401(k) plan

Want to get in touch with Mark?

https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526

Today we’re going have a little fun by playing a game of Overrated, Underrated, or Rightly Rated. We’re going to present some financial products or ideas and Mark will tell us which category he thinks they fall into.

Join us as we discuss the importance of financial planning for retirement, including the benefits of setting up a Roth IRA and making consistent contributions. We’ll also explore the overrated and underrated aspects of various financial concepts, such as tax refunds, mortgage payoff strategies, and variable annuities.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Why getting a tax refund is overrated.
• What does Mark think about the movie ‘Gone With The Wind?’
• Should you pay your mortgage of early or wait?
• Why Mark feels like variable annuities are overrated.
• The opinions on Roth IRAs can swing in both directions.

Want to get in touch with Mark?

https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526

Today we’re going to have a little fun on the show by tackling the risks and realities of retirement planning by playing a game called ‘Two Truths and a Lie.’

We’ll challenge common beliefs about inflation, interest rates, and emergency funds by explaining what’s true and what is actually a myth.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Bonds don’t do as well in an inflationary environment.
• Rising interest rates actually help savers.
• You don’t want to have any risk when it comes to your emergency fund.
• Market crashes can present great buying opportunities.
• Will Social Security ever just go away?

Want to get in touch with Mark?

https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526

At times in life, we are presented with tough situations. While we can’t always control the situations that are handed to us, we can control how we respond to them. Today, we’ll discuss some challenging financial situations- such as market crashes, capital gains taxes, and even job loss- and instead of dwelling on the negatives, we’ll focus on finding the silver linings!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• What opportunities can exist in the event of a market crash
• Capital gains taxes mean you made a lot of money
• How interest rates work in two different directions
• Finding yourself and taking a moment to reset after losing a job

Want to get in touch with Mark?

https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526

You never know where good advice will come from, which is what you’ll find out today. Mark is exploring unexpected sources of financial wisdom from unlikely figures like Lindsay Lohan, Rosie O'Donnell, and Mike Tyson. Discover how recognizing your own emotional barriers, avoiding blanket financial advice, and having a flexible plan can lead to a successful retirement strategy.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• In investing, we can be our own worst enemy at times.
• Tuning out some of the noise that comes from 24 hour financial news channels.
• Building a plan that allows you to roll with the punches.

Want to get in touch with Mark?

https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526

When it comes to planning for retirement, many people focus on the obvious questions like how much money they need to save or when they should start drawing from their retirement accounts. However, there are several crucial questions that often go unasked but can significantly impact your quality of life during retirement. In this episode, we’ll explore these overlooked aspects of retirement planning.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• When will your life be downsized?
• How does the ‘widow’s tax’ impact your decisions in retirement?
• Challenges when you lose the ability to drive.
• Do you know who will be taking care of you late in life?

Want to get in touch with Mark?

https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526

Planning for retirement is, at its core, about creating a reliable income plan. In order to enjoy the retirement you’ve dreamed of, you need to have a clear plan for covering your day-to-day expenses. In this episode, Mark will break down some of the key aspects of income planning for your retirement.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Adjusting your perspective on planning so you don’t outlive your money
• How Social Security is like a fine wine
• Don’t assume that bonds will be a primary source of retirement income
• Making sure that you are taking inflation into account

Want to get in touch with Mark?

https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his accomplishments in bodybuilding, acting, and politics, but his quotes offer more than just entertainment. They can provide a unique perspective on financial planning, especially when it comes to retirement.

In this episode, Mark Howard explores how the mindset of a champion can be applied to the world of finance. From visualizing success to marching to the beat of your own drum, Arnold's words offer a fresh take on achieving financial clarity and confidence.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• How investing when you’re younger differs greatly from investing as you get near retirement.
• Using visualization as a tool to help achieve your retirement goals.
• In certain situations, you don’t always want to be going in the same direction as everyone else.
• The value of being consistent and intentional in building your wealth.

Want to get in touch with Mark?

https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526