The Retirement Huddle
Mark Howard
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Financial and retirement planning guidance with Mark Howard of the Howard Financial Group in Savannah.
Mark has almost three decades of experience in the financial industry, has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, South Magazine and several other publications. He has also been featured on the Savannah Morning News.
In addition to clients in Savannah, Mark also serves Hilton Head, Bluffton, Statesboro, and the rest of the Low Country.
To get your own Financial Game Plan, contact Mark today at 888-511-PLAN (7526) or go to HowardFinancialGroup.com
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
Mar 16, 2023
Ep 73: Traditional vs. Roth
It seems that most people don’t have a clear picture of whether they should contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth. We are here to explain the difference between the two accounts and help you determine what account would be best for your financial goals.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
* What's the difference between a traditional and Roth? (1:12)
* Why do people tend to choose traditional over Roths? (2:10)
* Why is a Roth so powerful in financial planning? (5:42)
Want to get in touch with Howard Financial Group?
Web: https://retirementhuddle.com/
Email: mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 888-511-7526
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Mar 2, 2023
Ep 72: Financial Wisdom From Yogi Berra
Yogi Berra was a sports icon and one of the most quotable people to ever live. And when we look at some of his quotes through the right prism, they can teach us some lessons about financial planning.
Yogi loved to state the obvious in a funny, quirky way. From “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore,” to “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” we’ll explain what these sayings have to do with your financial future.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
* I never said most of the things that I said. (2:12)
* A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore. (4:19)
* When you come to a fork in the road, take it. (6:48)
Want to get in touch with Howard Financial Group:
Web: https://retirementhuddle.com/
Email: mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 888-511-7526
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Feb 16, 2023
Ep 71: Putting Those Old Accounts to Work
If you’re like most people, you probably have some financial accounts that you don’t give much attention. The statements are just collecting dust in your file cabinet, but they might actually be hidden gems that could be put to much better use.
Today we’ll talk about some of the accounts that people tend to ignore for too long and why you shouldn’t. With some proper planning, you can probably find a better use for that money.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
· Why you could be missing opportunities with your old 401ks. (1:09)
· What you can do with old life insurance policies. (3:38)
· What to do with money in savings accounts and CDs. (5:54)
Want to get in touch with Mark?
https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526
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Feb 2, 2023
Ep 70: Investing for Geniuses
People are always studying geniuses and highly intelligent people, trying to get an understanding of what makes them tick. Today we’re looking at some common characteristics of highly intelligent people that you should apply to your financial life.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
* Geniuses are highly adaptable. (1:23)
* Geniuses understand how much they don’t know. (3:32)
* Geniuses are able to learn from the experiences of others. (6:00)
Want to get in touch with Mark?
https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526
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Jan 19, 2023
Ep 69: Retirement Vacation Planning
Most people spend more time planning vacations than planning retirement. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s absolutely true.
Today, we’re going to trick you into planning for retirement by pretending to plan for a vacation. Ready? Let’s go!
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
* Where are you going to stay? (1:15)
* Where will you eat? (2:39)
* What will your hobbies be? (4:08)
Want to get in touch with Mark?
https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526
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Jan 5, 2023
Ep 68: The Desire to Retire
Different people have different levels of desire when it comes to finding their retirement date. Today we’re exploring these different levels of desire.
Which of these statements below sounds most like you and your retirement plan?
Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode:
* I don’t see myself ever retiring. I love what I do. (1:15)
* I could retire, but they pay me pretty well and I don’t hate it. (3:32)
* I want to retire, but I don’t know when I can. (4:43)
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Dec 15, 2022
Ep 67: Financial Planning and Disney World
Disney World is a fun place, but it can also teach us a lot about financial planning. For instance, you might enjoy riding Space Mountain in the dark, but when it comes to you retirement plan, you don’t want to enter it blindly.
Today we’ll talk about some of the most iconic rides at Disney and how they can relate to your finances.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode:
* Why Space Mountain’s dark ride is not good when related to finances. (1:05)
* Why Dumbo the flying elephant’s simple ride is what you should look for in finances. (3:38)
* Why “It’s a Small World” gets stuck in your head and how to avoid that with your money strategies. (6:13)
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Dec 1, 2022
Ep 66: Overrated Concepts in the Financial World
Many things in the financial world are critical to your future financial success. But not everything is all it’s cracked up to be.
For example, saving money on taxes is wonderful. You don’t want to pay Uncle Sam any more than you have to. But that shouldn’t be the primary advantage of an investment. From rates of return to emotions, we’ll explain the overrated concepts you need to know.
Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode:
* Why tax advantages are overrated and you need to consider whether spending money is even necessary. (0:57)
* Nobody is denying the power of compound interest over time. But placing too much emphasis on rate of return can be dangerous. (4:12)
* Why commission-based investment accounts are overrated. (6:26)
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Nov 17, 2022
Ep 65: Inheritance 101
Not everyone inherits money, but for those who do, there are some things you need to know. Today we’re answering some common questions we get about this topic.
From tax implications to common mistakes we see people make, we are here to make sure your current or future inheritances go smoothly. We’ll explain what steps you need to take, even if you don’t have a clue what to do.
What we discuss in this episode:
* What do you need to know about tax implications? (1:14)
* How will the SECURE Act impact your inheritance? (4:30)
* What are some common mistakes people make? (6:37)
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Nov 3, 2022
Ep 64: Retirement Planning With Mr. Miyagi
Do you remember the movie, The Karate Kid? Mr. Miyagi was the legendary Karate Kid mentor and famously said, “Wax on. Wax off.”
He helped the karate kid, but his advice can also help you with your finances. Today we’ll take a trip down memory lane and learn about money management at the same time.
What we discuss in this episode:
* Why different investment approaches could work for you. (1:22)
* Why you don’t need to know everything about the financial industry to be successful at investing. (3:38)
* Why trying to get rich quick with an investment choice is going to end in failure more often than not. (5:30)
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Oct 20, 2022
Ep 63: Mailbag: Money From Grandma and ETFs vs. Mutual Funds
We’re opening up the mailbag today to answer your questions. We got a lot of good feedback and had some interesting questions come in.
On today’s show, we’ll share whether you should have a budget when you retire and live on a fixed income, whether ETFs are better than mutual funds, and more.
What we discuss in this episode:
* Julie is planning to retire and wonders if she needs to start budgeting. (0:50)
* Tim wonders whether ETFs are better than mutual funds since the fees are lower. (3:17)
* Mac’s son just graduated from college. His grandmother gave him $10,000 to invest, and they need some advice. (7:10)
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Oct 6, 2022
Ep 62: Mental Blocks That Mess Up Your Finances
Many of us get mental blocks from time to time. But did you know these blocks can also impact your financial planning?
We’ll explain what IKEA and bikes have to do with optimism and pessimism and why you might be handling your finances the wrong way.
What we discuss in this episode:
* How the “IKEA-effect” causes us to place a higher value on things we partially created ourselves. (1:00)
* Why being extremely optimistic might be the wrong approach when it comes to your finances. (3:18)
* How extreme pessimists sometimes have their assets in cash instead of investments and why that’s not a great idea. (4:49)
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Sep 15, 2022
Ep 61: Financial Lessons From Financial Songs
What can we learn about financial planning from these song lyrics about money?
Whether it’s “bills, bills, bills” or “take the money and run,” we’ve got some song lyrics that hit home when it comes to your finances.
What we discuss in this episode:
* Does “Mo’ money,” in fact, mean “mo’ problems,” as the Notorious B.I.G sang? (1:09)
* How Steve Miller’s “Take the money and run” song lyrics can impact your financial decisions. (5:15)
* Imagine you are at a casino, and you win $10K…what would you do? (6:51)
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Sep 1, 2022
Ep 60: Mailbag: Short-Term Loans, Staying Conservative, and More
Today we’re diving into the mailbag to answer questions from listeners just like you. We’re taking questions about short-term loans, whether you should be a conservative investor and what’s a good withdrawal rate.
What we discuss in this episode:
0:51 – Cash for closing on house
4:41 – Conservative investor
8:29 – Withdrawal rate
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Aug 18, 2022
Ep 59: Personal Training & Financial Planning
There are a lot of principles from the personal training and fitness world that we can apply to retirement planning. Let’s explore some similarities and learn how to increase our level of financial fitness.
What we discuss in this episode:
1:35 – Reading a book
3:29 – Partners
5:36 – Certification
7:07 – Goals
8:48 – Bad habits
10:11 – Journey
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Aug 4, 2022
Ep 58: A Message For The Good Savers
So you’ve done a good job saving and investing over the years. You’ve lived on less than you’ve earned, kept yourself out of debt, and your investments have done pretty well. That means everything will be simple for you in retirement, right? Not necessarily.
What we discuss in this episode:
1:24 – Too much cash
3:48 – Too much risk
5:19 – Tax time bomb
6:50 – Scared to spend
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Jul 21, 2022
Ep 57: The Weaknesses in 401(k) Accounts
The 401(k) and other employer-sponsored retirement plans can be a great tool to save for retirement but they aren’t perfect. Identifying the weaknesses within these accounts will help you better invest for your future.
What we discuss in this episode:
1:12 – Administrative costs
3:16 – Mainly mutual funds
5:24 – Limited asset classes
6:14 – Subpar conservative investments
8:45 – Withdrawals aren’t easy
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Jul 7, 2022
Ep 56: Challenging Conventional Wisdom in Finance
Conventional wisdom isn’t always so wise. Today we’re discussing a few examples where financial conventional wisdom might lead you astray.
What we discuss in this episode:
1:02 – Real estate
3:22 – Good debt and bad debt
5:33 – Relaxing in retirement
7:01 – Investments not doing well
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Jun 16, 2022
Ep 55: Planning Your Retirement Like a Vacation
It’s often said that the average person spends more time planning vacations than planning retirement. Today we’re going to plan for retirement by pretending like we’re planning a vacation.
What we discuss in this episode:
1:17 – Where to stay
2:42 – Where to eat
4:44 – Unexpected costs
7:14 – After you leave
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Jun 2, 2022
Ep 54: Money Lies We Tell Ourselves
We’re all guilty of telling ourselves money lies from time to time. The lies we tell can change the way we think and act when it comes to finances. Are you guilty of any of these specific money lies?
What we discuss in this episode:
1:30 - $1 million
3:40 – I deserve it
4:36 – Save more later
6:14 – Plenty of time to plan
7:33 – Good debt, bad debt
8:49 – Wanting more
9:53 – How to stop lies
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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May 19, 2022
Ep 53: DIY Financial Planning
People love do-it-yourself projects. There’s even a DIY Network where you can watch shows about home renovation, landscaping, or interior design and how to do those things without professional help. Today we're talking about the DIY mentality in retirement planning.
What we discuss in this episode:
1:22 – No financial advisor
3:10 – Triggers to visit an advisor
4:30 – Costly mistakes
7:48 – Common mistakes
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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May 5, 2022
Ep 52: Financial Wisdom From The Andy Griffith Show
What can we learn about financial planning from the Andy Griffith Show? We’ll share some quotes from the famous show and explain how they relate to you retirement.
What we discuss in this episode:
1:25 – Floyd
2:27 – Goober
6:07 – Sheriff Andy
7:29 – Otis
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Apr 21, 2022
Ep 51: Mailbag - Job Offer, Taxes, and Wedding Budgets
Should you take a job with a higher salary but worse health insurance? Is there a way to not owe the IRS so much in taxes each year? These are a few of the mailbag questions we’re answering on today’s show.
What we discuss in this episode:
1:00 – Career moves
4:10 – Taxes
6:45 – Marriage costs
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Apr 7, 2022
Ep 50: Are You Asking the Wrong Questions About Your Finances?
A lot of people have questions about their retirement plan, but you might be asking the wrong questions. We’ll share some common wrong questions and what better questions might be.
What we discuss in this episode:
0:57 – How much to save?
2:30 – Long-term care insurance
4:07 – Highest return
5:41 – Fees
7:27 – Taxes
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Mar 17, 2022
Ep 49: Do You Want to Retire Early?
Sometimes we have clients who want to retire early. But how much earlier do they mean, and is this a realistic goal? We’ll share some challenges they face and how to know if early retirement is for you.
What we discuss in this episode:
0:59 – How early?
5:21 – Realistic retirement?
6:20 – Challenges of retiring early
10:29 – How do you know?
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Mar 3, 2022
Ep 48: How Delayed Gratification Can Help Your Finances
Delayed gratification is a difficult skill to master and that’s just as true with financial matters as it is in the other areas of your life. Let’s talk about some instances where you might be faced with a choice of being satisfied now or satisfied later.
What we discuss in this episode:
2:09 – Budget vs. 401k match
4:22 – Tax deductions
6:33 – Social Security
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Feb 17, 2022
Ep 47: Financial Wisdom From Shaq
What can basketball star Shaquille O’Neal teach us about retirement planning? Quite a bit. Let’s examine some of his famous quotes and how they can apply to your life.
What we discuss in this episode:
0:46 – Seeing Shaq
5:05 – Excellence
7:15 – Taxes
8:59 – Stats
11:02 – Motivation
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Feb 3, 2022
Ep 46: First Steps of a Financial Plan
For some folks, the idea of putting together a financial plan can be overwhelming. But it’s less threatening if you just focus on the first step. Let’s talk about a few possible first steps that you could take.
What we discuss in this episode:
1:05 – Retirement dreams
2:41 – Financial inventory
5:24 – Income plan
6:54 – Professional help
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
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Jan 20, 2022
Ep 45: Don’t Make These Excuses
We often hear people try to make excuses or explain away some of their questionable financial decisions. On today’s show we’ll explain why these excuses usually don’t hold water.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: http://retirementhuddle.com
What we discuss in this episode:
1:08 – Social Security
5:44 – Too much risk
8:06 – Too much cash
10:24 – No idea about investments
11:59 – Leaving an advisor
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Jan 6, 2022
Ep 44: How to Should You Handle Market Volatility?
Anytime the market is turbulent, people react in various ways. So, how should you handle rough periods in the market? We’ll share how to handle these tumultuous times
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-44-how-to-should-you-handle-market-volatility/878/
What we discuss in this episode:
1:04 – Over trading
3:48 – Panic
5:47 – Head in the sand
6:48 – Extreme confidence
8:07 – Market timing
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Dec 16, 2021
Ep 43: Rolling Over Your 401ks Into IRAs
We often talk about the importance of not leaving a 401k with your old company after you no longer work there. But what are the main benefits of rolling an old 401k into an IRA? We’ll explain on today’s show.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-43-rolling-over-your-401ks-into-iras/859/
What we discuss in this episode:
1:00 – Benefits of rolling 401k
4:08 – Tax implications
5:12 – Options while working
6:46 – Matching funds
7:30 – What investments?
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Dec 2, 2021
Ep 42: What We Wish You Knew About the Financial Industry
As financial professionals, there are things that we wish everyone knew and understood about the financial industry. Today we are going to share some of the tricks that sometimes get played and how to spot them.
Read and get additional financial information: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-42-what-we-wish-you-knew-about-the-financial-industry/841/
What we discuss:
1:01 – Financial marketing
4:16 – Fees
6:34 – Risk potential
9:04 – Tax implications
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Nov 18, 2021
Ep 41: Financial Wisdom from Mr. Rogers
Mister Rogers left us a treasure trove of inspirational quotes during his 31 years on TV. Did you know that a few of them have some solid financial and investing wisdom hidden inside?
Read and get additional financial information: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-41-financial-wisdom-from-mr-rogers/826/
What we discuss:
2:15 – Truth about ourselves
3:41 – Periods of losing
5:43 – At the beginning
7:10 – Time and choices
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Nov 4, 2021
Ep 40: How to Deal with Financial Stress in Retirement
Psychologists have determined that retirement is the 10th most stressful event that you can experience in life. Today we’re sharing some ways to proactively deal with that stress.
Read and get additional financial information: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-40-how-to-deal-with-financial-stress-in-retirement/814/
What we discuss:
2:58 – Lifestyle changes
4:58 – New challenges
7:03 – Keep options open
8:54 – Sense of perspective
10:17 – Contact Mark Howard
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Oct 21, 2021
Ep 39: Retirement Reality Check
Some people need a reality check when it comes to understanding their retirement. You might picture yourself retired on a beach or a boat, but it might be time to check your dreams.
Read and get additional financial information: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-39-retirement-reality-check/801/
What we discuss:
0:55 – Manage expectations
3:01 – Changing expenses
5:21 – Changing game plan
6:53 – Financial planning help
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Oct 7, 2021
Ep 38: Financial Tips for Empty Nest Syndrome
Right now, there are many parents who recently dropped their first kid off at college. Other parents just dropped their last kid off at college and are officially empty nesters. Let’s discuss some of the major financial issues to consider during this stage of life.
Read and get additional financial information: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-38-financial-tips-for-empty-nest-syndrome/788/
What we discuss:
1:24 – College expenses
3:05 – Kids retirement savings
5:35 – Save money yourself
6:29 – Transition of expenses
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Sep 16, 2021
Ep 37: Mailbag - Social Security, 401k Investments and Long-Term Care
Today, we’re answering your mailbag questions. Up first, Beth wants to know if it was a mistake to take Social Security early. We’ll also answer your questions about 401(k) investments and long-term care.
Read and get additional financial information: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-37-mailbag-social-security-401k-investments-and-long-term-care/681/
What we discuss:
0:51 – Social Security
4:05 – 401k investments
7:51 – Long-term care
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Sep 2, 2021
Ep 36: Retirement Questions You Didn’t Know to Ask
You likely have questions about your retirement, but there might be some questions that you didn’t know to ask. We’ll explain what those questions are and why the answers are so crucial to your financial future.
Episode Show Notes: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-36-retirement-questions-you-didnt-know-to-ask/619/
1:27 – Tax-deferred savings
4:18 – Savings
6:08 – Life insurance
7:40 – Medical coverage
8:51 – Fees
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Aug 19, 2021
Ep 35: Mailbag - Inheritance, Housing and Retirement Goals
Today we’re answering some mailbag questions about inheritance, housing prices and retirement goals.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-35-mailbag-inheritance-housing-and-retirement-goals/610/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:11 – Inheritance
6:11 – Selling house
8:33 – Retirement goal
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Aug 5, 2021
Ep 34: Retirement Readiness - Where Do You Stand?
On this episode of The Retirement Huddle podcast, Mark Howard explains the questions you need to answer to see if you are ready for retirement.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-34-retirement-readiness-where-do-you-stand/597/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:07 – I have no idea if I can retire
3:24 – I think I have enough money to retire
5:00 – I know I have enough money to retire
7:13 – What to do before talking with Mark
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Jul 15, 2021
Ep 33: What Teachers Can Teach Us About Financial Planning
We like to look at issues faced by people outside the financial world and see what kind of retirement lessons we can learn. Today, we’re seeing what we can learn from teachers and the issues they face.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/episodes/
What we discuss on this episode:
2:02 – Everybody hates homework
4:54 – Standardized testing isn’t ideal
8:43 – Pros and cons
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Jul 1, 2021
Ep 32: Retirement Pop Quiz
What kind of score will you get on this retirement pop quiz? If you don’t know the answer to the majority of these questions, there’s a good chance that you’d be flunking a course on retirement planning.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/financial-planning/ep-32-retirement-pop-quiz/565/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:51 – Fund your lifestyle
5:22 – Net worth
7:11 – Parents
8:52 – News
9:41 – Nursing home
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Jun 17, 2021
Ep 31: Important Ages for Retirement Planning
There are some important ages when you’re thinking about retirement. Some of these ages start way before you retire. We’ll explain what they are and why they’re important milestones.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-31-important-ages-for-retirement-planning/525/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:22 – 50 years old
3:03 – 55 years old
4:00 – 59.5 years old
6:04 – 62 years old
7:53 – 65 years old
8:47 – 66 or 67 years old
10:21 – 72 years old
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Jun 3, 2021
Ep 30: Financial Planning With Grandma
Even if she wasn’t actually talking about money, Grandma said a lot of smart things that we can apply to financial planning. On this episode of The Retirement Huddle podcast, Mark Howard explains some of these classic Grandma sayings and how they relate to our financial lives.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-30-financial-planning-with-grandma/511/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:11 – When it rains, it pours
2:07 – You never know
4:26 – A bad apple
5:05 – From the horse’s mouth
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May 20, 2021
Ep 29: The Retirement Marathon
Getting through retirement is a lot like running a marathon. Are you prepared and ready to go? We’ll explain what you need to do.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-29-the-retirement-marathon/491/
What we discuss on this episode:
2:00 – Planning and preparation
4:59 – Diet
6:28 – Don’t start too fast
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May 6, 2021
Ep 28: Retirement Decisions That Can’t Be Undone
Some decisions you make are hard to go back to change, and some you can’t change at all. And there are many decisions in retirement planning that can’t be undone, so you want to make sure that you make the right call.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-28-retirement-decisions-that-cant-be-undone/475/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:59 – Social Security
3:47 – Spousal benefits
5:48 – Life insurance
7:02 – Retirement date
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Apr 15, 2021
Ep 27: Financial Acronym Salad
The financial world is full of acronyms that get thrown around for convenience, but the average person doesn’t necessarily know what they all mean. We’ll share what they are and what they mean.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/financial-planning/ep-27-financial-acronym-salad/456/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:28 – ETF
2:46 – RMD
5:23 – YTM
5:57 – CPI
8:02 – COLA
9:33 – FRA
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Apr 1, 2021
Ep 26: Agree or Disagree With These Financial Strategies?
Should you always pay off your house as soon as you can? Do you need life insurance when you retire? Find out if we agree or disagree with these financial strategies.
Read more and get additional financial resources: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-26-agree-or-disagree-with-these-financial-strategies/442/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:12 – Pay off your house
2:10 – Individual bonds vs. bond funds
3:37 – Life insurance
5:15 - Annuities
6:54 – Deferred taxes
8:07 – Credit cards
8:38 – Mutual funds instead of stocks
9:31 – Social Security
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Mar 18, 2021
Ep 24: The Jigsaw Puzzle of Retirement
To successfully complete a jigsaw puzzle, there are some strategies you’ll want to keep in mind, and many of those same strategies apply to retirement planning.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/financial-planning/ep-25-the-jigsaw-puzzle-of-retirement/424/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:40 – Look at the big picture
3:04 - Build a framework
4:30 – Sort by color
5:51 – Have an end-game in mind
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Mar 4, 2021
Ep 24: Why the Final Decade Before Retirement is Crucial
When you’re in the red zone in football, you need to capitalize on the opportunities and not make costly mistakes. The same thing goes when you’re in the red zone leading up to your retirement years. We’ll explain why.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/financial-planning/ep-24-why-the-final-decade-before-retirement-is-crucial/415/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:33 – Get healthy and stay healthy
3:32 – What will you do with free time?
4:58 – Post-retirement career?
6:48 – Save more money
8:48 – Become debt free
9:18 – Reduce the risk in your portfolio
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Feb 18, 2021
Ep 23: How Home Renovation is Like Financial Planning
Do ever watch home renovation shows on TV? Well, renovation projects can also apply to your financial life. We’ll explain how.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-23-how-home-renovation-is-like-financial-planning/385/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:50 – Contractor’s discount
4:24 – Passing inspection
6:35 – Specialization
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Feb 4, 2021
Ep 22: What Basketball Can Teach Us About Retirement Planning
What can basketball teach us about financial planning? Surprisingly, they have a lot in common. We’ll explain how
Read more and get additional resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-22-what-basketball-can-teach-us-about-retirement-planning/374/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:48 – Shot clock
4:35 – Double dribble
7:05 – Personal fouls
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Jan 21, 2021
Ep 21: Financial Goals for 2021
“This is the year. I’m going to do (fill in the blank).” How many times have you heard people say that about New Year’s resolutions? Let’s talk about some good financial goals for the New Year and how to make them stick.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/financial-planning/ep-21-financial-goals-for-2021/356/
What we discuss on this episode:
2:12 – Understand new legislation
3:20 – Understand old legislation
4:36 – Gathering tax documents
5:32 – Adjusting to new income levels
6:26 – Reassessing overall retirement health
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Jan 7, 2021
Ep 20: Is Your Advisor Doing This?
Does your financial advisor look at your tax returns? What about the fees in your investments? We’ll explain how your advisor should be helping you.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-20-is-your-advisor-doing-this/340/
What we discuss on this episode:
1:28 – Reviewing tax returns
3:06 – Evaluating fees and costs in investments
4:36 – Discussing and planning retirement income
6:22 – Clarify target and goal for invested dollars
7:47 – Reviewing family goals and legacy plans
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Dec 17, 2020
Ep 19: Financial Lessons from Christmas Carols
This time of the year is very special. Christmas songs can get you in the mood for celebrating with your family. They can also be compared to retirement planning. On this episode of The Retirement Huddle podcast, Mark Howard explains how they are similar.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-19-financial-lessons-from-christmas-carols/319/
What we discuss on this show:
1:10 – I’ll be home for Christmas
2:16 – Do you hear what I hear?
3:39 – O, Little Town of Bethlehem
5:22 – What child is this?
6:07 – Blue Christmas
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Dec 3, 2020
Ep 18: How Overconfidence in Your Finances Can Lead to Destruction
On this episode of The Retirement Huddle podcast, Mark Howard explains how overconfidence in your financial life can sometimes lead to destruction.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-18-how-overconfidence-in-your-finances-can-lead-to-destruction/303/
What we discuss on this show:
1:06 – Overconfidence in the stock market or your ability to manage your portfolio
2:49 – Overconfidence in a certain amount of money
5:05 - Overconfidence in rules of thumb
6:47 - Overconfidence in your own understanding of how certain products work
8:45 - Overconfidence in your own decision-making process
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Nov 19, 2020
Ep 17: Are You Out of Tune Financially?
Even if you have a solid financial plan in place, things can quickly get out of tune if you don’t make adjustments from time to time. On this episode of The Retirement Huddle podcast, Mark Howard explains some of the areas where we often see people get out of tune in their financial plan.
Read more and get additional financial planning resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/financial-planning/ep-17-are-you-out-of-tune-financially/288/
What we discuss on this show:
1:21 – Future tax considerations
3:02 – Have the right amount of life insurance
4:42 – Having the right amount of cash in the bank
5:52 – Having the right amount of risk
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Nov 5, 2020
Ep 16: How to Spot Villains in the Financial World
Villains in the movies are usually pretty easy to identify, but villains in the financial world aren’t always so easy to identify. Here’s how to recognize them.
Show notes & financial resources: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-16-how-to-spot-villains-in-the-financial-world/270/
What we discuss on this show:
1:24 – Darth Vader
3:10 – Wicked Witch of the West
4:43 - Ivan Drago (Rocky IV)
7:13 – How to prepare for meeting with financial coach
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Oct 15, 2020
Ep 15: Are We Playing Chess, Roulette or Poker?
Many financial decisions can be compared to playing chess, roulette or poker. Some use skill and some use luck, and we will explain why.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-15-are-we-playing-chess-roulette-or-poker/256/
What we discuss on this show:
1:51 – Trying to time the market
3:02 – Deciding how much IRA money to covert to Roth
5:25 – Deciding when to retire
7:38 – Choosing the right pension option
9:12 – Picking stocks
10:33 – Determining when to start your Social Security
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Oct 1, 2020
Ep 14: What’s Your Spending Personality?
Are you an emotional spender or someone who loves to do research before making a purchase? No matter how you spend money, it’s helpful to know your personality type so you can best plan for retirement.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-14-whats-your-spending-personality/245/
What we discuss on this show:
1:17 – Emotional spender
2:31 – YOLO spender
3:42 – Savvy spender
5:03 – Miser
5:57 – How to contact Mark
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Sep 17, 2020
Ep 13: Financial Wisdom From Moms’ Favorite Sayings
In honor of all the wonderful mothers, let’s take some of their favorite sayings and apply them to financial planning.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-13-financial-wisdom-from-moms-favorite-sayings/229/
What we discuss on the show:
0:53 – Because I said so
2:21 – If you want to act like a child, I’ll treat you like one
4:39 – If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?
6:11 – One day, you’ll thank me
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Sep 3, 2020
Ep 12: Top 6 Retirement Google Searches
Mark breaks down the top six financial topics that people search on Google and what you should know about them.
Read more about this episode: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/221/221/
What we discuss today:
1:03 – Income taxes
5:13 – Insurance
7:36 – Mortgages
9:21 – Retirement accounts
11:52 - College expenses and estate planning
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Aug 20, 2020
Ep 11: Don't Make These Assumptions About Retirement
Are you making assumptions about your retirement and what it will look like? Mark breaks down some of the expectations people have and where you can go wrong.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-11-dont-make-these-assumptions-about-retirement/211/
On today's show:
0:55 – Thinking you’ll spend less in retirement
2:03 – Thinking your taxes will be lower when you retire
3:18 – Thinking you need to fund college before retirement
4:12 – Thinking you’ll never be able to retire
5:44 – Mailbag: How to help parents with long-term care
7:13 – Mailbag: Can I overcome a divorce this late in life
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Aug 6, 2020
Ep 10: 5 Types of Financial Risks
Most people don't know what types of risk they should guard against in their financial planning. We break down five risks and how to address them. Plus, Mark answers your mailbag questions.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-10-5-types-of-financial-risks/200/
On today's show:
0:51 – Market risk
2:41 – Interest rate risk
3:47 – Inflation risk
5:03 – Tax rate risk
5:54 – Longevity risk
6:55 – Mailbag: Judy in Savannah
8:15 – Mailbag: Anna in Bluffton
9:41 – Mailbag: Steve in Hilton Head
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Jul 16, 2020
Ep 9: 5 Classic Pre-Retiree Mistakes
Everyone gets tripped up by mistakes in retirement planning and sometimes they’re unavoidable. But many times we see pre-retirees make bad decisions that hurt their financial future and they could have steered clear of these with a little assistance. Let’s look at the classic mistakes that we see before answering a few mailbag questions.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-9-5-classic-pre-retiree-mistakes/179/
Today's show schedule:
0:59 – Investing at age 59 the same way you’re investing at 39.
2:42 – Starting Social Security without a plan.
3:58 – Focusing on tax preparation but not tax planning.
4:57 – Assuming that most of your retirement healthcare needs will be met by Medicare.
5:51 – Taking on additional risk to try and make up for lost time.
6:43 – Mailbag Question: Is it better to work with an advisor that charges an hourly fee or someone who charges a management fees based on per…
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Jul 2, 2020
Ep 8: Financial Forecast: How Planning is Like the Weather
Financial lessons can be found everywhere you look, even on The Weather Channel. Today we’re taking four common weather terms and finding the equivalent in retirement planning.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-8-financial-forecast-how-planning-is-like-the-weather/173/
Today's show schedule:
1:03 – What are the tornadoes of the financial world?
3:23 – The Jet Stream
4:39 – The Heat Index
6:18 – Black Ice
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Jun 18, 2020
Ep 7: The Challenges Facing Baby Boomers in Retirement
We work with many, many Baby Boomers so we see and hear the concerns they have heading into retirement. Let’s discuss what challenges are facing this generation and where mistakes often get made during the planning process.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-7-the-challenges-facing-baby-boomers-in-retirement/167/
Today's show schedule:
0:39 – What percentage of our clients are Baby Boomers?
1:45 – What unique financial challenges are Baby Boomers facing?
4:16 – The Sandwich Effect
4:44 – Two more challenges: pension funds and unfavorable market cycles
6:02 – One of the biggest financial fears we hear from Baby Boomers.
6:43 – What mistakes do Baby Boomers make with retirement planning?
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Jun 4, 2020
Ep 6: How to Ruin Your Retirement
After all of the hard work it takes to make it to retirement, why would you go and do anything to jeopardize your finances or your lifestyle? Unfortunately, it happens all too often for a number of different reasons. Today we’ll tell you about some of the most common mistakes people make and what you can do to avoid the same fate.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-6-how-to-ruin-your-retirement/156/
Today's show schedule:
0:55 – Treating retirement as the finish line.
2:21 – People believe retirement will solve their problems because they’re no longer working.
3:28 – Assuming that your monthly spending habits in retirement can be determined by your habits while working.
5:09 – People stop being active in retirement.
7:23 – Investing like you’re 35-years-old.
9:05 – Here’s what we do to help someone that calls us and wants to start the planning process.
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May 21, 2020
Ep 5: How the SECURE Act Impacts Your Retirement
The SECURE Act took effect to start 2020 and it’s the first significant retirement legislation in many years. Let’s look at the key changes to retirement planning and how it might impact your future.
Read more and get additional financial resources here: https://retirementhuddle.com/podcast/ep-5-how-the-secure-act-impacts-your-retirement/150/
Today's show schedule:
1:07 – RMD age moves from 70.5 to 72. There are some important points to know.
3:41 – There’s now no age limit on IRA contributions as long as you have earned income.
4:47 – Inherited retirement accounts now have to be distributed within 10 years.
7:46 – Penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts up to a certain amount for new parents.
8:54 – There are now more 401k options for small businesses out there.
9:44 – These are all great things to review with an advisor.
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May 7, 2020
Ep 4: What They Don't Teach You In School: Coronavirus Edition
A lot of us are in a rut right now. The state of the economy remains in limbo as unemployment rises and businesses struggle to remain open.
It can be overwhelming to completely rearrange your daily life while trying to balance your finances. We’re all dealing with this together and we’ll help each other get through this rough patch.
Without answers it might seem like the optimism is a long ways off, but let’s shake that feeling and take back control. On this episode of The Retirement Huddle, Mark Howard is going to provide a financial pep talk when we need it most. Let’s discuss the things they are teaching you in school but have a huge impact on your retirement mindset.
There will be good days and bad days as our country works to get the coronavirus health crisis under control, but we don’t have to predict the future to win this game of retirement planning. Keep that in mind every day. Hopefully this episode will help serve as motivation or inspiration during these uncert…
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Apr 16, 2020
Ep 3: Investing Like a Genius
When you think about what it takes to become a better investor, what do you imagine? Are you envisioning some big secret strategy or a hot stock tip that pushes you to another level?
The truth is you might not need any major changes. Often it’s just a mentality or a personality trait that can lead you to the results you hope for. Let’s take highly-intelligent people for example. When you think about the characteristics they possess that separate them from everyone else, many of those can be replicated by everyone. It just takes the ability to remain disciplined.
On this episode of The Retirement Huddle, let’s talk about what it takes to invest like a genius. How can we take those intelligence traits and apply them to financial planning to produce better results?
Mark Howard will explain why being highly-adaptable, acknowledging what you don’t know, and being willing to learn from other people’s experiences can give you a leg up on investing. It might not seem like a major…
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Apr 2, 2020
Ep 2: Choosing Between a Traditional vs Roth IRA
The traditional IRA has long been the popular retirement account for investors but the Roth is making up a lot of ground. Let’s explore the differences between the two and help you understand why you might choose one over the other.
Read more and get additional information here: http://howardfinancialgroup.com
Today's rundown:
0:50 – What’s the difference between a traditional IRA and a Roth?
3:30 – Why have people used the traditional IRA for so many years?
4:29 – Why is the Roth so powerful for most savers?
5:51 – Does Mark believe the Roth will be a popular tool as we move forward?
7:09 – Are there certain people that would be better fit for a Roth or traditional?
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Apr 1, 2020
Ep 1: Who We Are and Why We Chose a Podcast
Mark Howard has worked in financial planning for more than three decades and plans to bring that knowledge and experience to the world of podcasting. On this debut episode, we’ll tell you more about Mark, how the business began, and what we have in store for this show.
Learn more here: https://www.howardfinancialgroup.com/
Today's rundown:
1:55 – Mark explains how he got started in the business.
3:03 – The two reasons Mark decided to start his own business.
4:54 – What do you like best about the retirement planning process?
7:21 – The idea behind the podcast is education.
8:54 – Looking forward to the show. Here’s where you’ll find it every other week.
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