The Retirement Huddle

What if your fortune cookie actually held financial wisdom? In this fun and insightful episode, Mark cracks open a few “financial fortune cookies” and translates their mysterious messages into practical retirement lessons. Mark shares how these bite-sized philosophies, like staying calm in a volatile market and knowing when to protect what you’ve built, can guide smarter decision-making.  Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📝 How having a plan removes emotion from investing ⚖️ When it’s time to shift from growth to preservation 🧘 “Accept what you cannot change” and focusing on what you control 🧠 Why logic beats emotion in financial planning 🏆 How having a trusted advisor keeps your plan on track Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

The first year of retirement is a major milestone, one that can feel both exciting and intimidating. In this episode, Mark unpacks what really happens once the paychecks stop and the portfolio withdrawals begin. For many retirees, those early “go-go years” are when the bucket list calls, travel, hobbies, and experiences you’ve been waiting decades to enjoy. But striking the balance between spending freely and protecting your nest egg is often harder than expected. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💸 The Psychology of First Withdrawals ⚖️ Avoid Becoming the “Richest Person in the Cemetery” 📅 Create your own “retirement paycheck” with purpose 🎯 Retire TO something, not just FROM something Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

It’s been 60 years since Beatlemania took America by storm. But beyond the screaming crowds and legendary performances, some of their lyrics still carry timeless wisdom, even when it comes to your financial life. In this episode, Mark takes a magical mystery tour through classic Beatles songs and uncover what they can teach us about retirement planning. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎸 Let It Be: avoid emotional moves when markets get volatile 🕰️ Why planning “yesterday” makes all the difference 🔄 Get Back: life setbacks happen, but you can return to your plan 👋 Hello, Goodbye: saying goodbye to work, hello to retirement 🤝 Retirement success means coming together with a strategy Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

Conventional wisdom sounds safe, but it can be deceiving. “You can’t go wrong with real estate.” “A mortgage is good debt.” “If your investments aren’t working, just try something else.” Sound familiar? In retirement planning, these rules of thumb can be misleading, or even dangerous. In this episode, Mark unpacks common money myths and shows how blindly following them could derail your retirement strategy. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Real estate is not always a guaranteed win 🏦 Paying off the mortgage vs keeping it 💤 Retirement without purpose can lead to boredom 📉 Why chasing new investments can backfire 🗺️ Custom planning beats one-size-fits-all advice Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526               

What do restaurants and retirement planning have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Mark uses memorable restaurant stories—from the days of smoking vs. non-smoking sections to “pick two” menu rules—to explain some of the most important lessons in investing. You’ll never look at a menu, or your portfolio, the same way again. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🚭 How “secondhand smoke” from one sector can damage your portfolio 📊 The trade-off between growth, safety, and liquidity—and why you can only pick two 🍱 What restaurant menus can teach about diversification 🧭 Why your investing style should change as you approach retirement 🥗 How a balanced “menu” of investments can give you clarity and confidence Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526                 

📱 Have questions about your retirement strategy? Connect with Mark to get personalized guidance: 👉 https://retirementhuddle.com/#contact Remember those high school superlatives? “Most Likely to Succeed” or “Best Hair?” Well, Mark is handing out his own class superlatives… for the financial world. In this episode, Mark names the best and worst performers when it comes to financial tools and strategies. He dishes on the “Most Underrated,” the “Most Likely to Disappoint” (sorry, variable annuities), and the “Most Overrated” (crypto fans, brace yourselves). Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎢 Crypto volatility 🍗 Target-date funds = the Costco rotisserie chicken of investing ⏳ Market Timing… where does it land on the list? 💸 The most underrated financial tool you need to know about 😂 Reunion moment: Mark’s real-life “Most Hair Lost” award Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526                 

📱 Have questions about your retirement strategy? Connect with Mark to get personalized guidance: 👉 https://retirementhuddle.com/#contact  You’ve heard them your whole life, classic proverbs like “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” or “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” But did you know these old sayings can teach you a lot about how to prepare for retirement? In this episode, Mark shares timeless truths and what they reveal about financial planning. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔍 Real diversification vs. Wall Street diversification 🌊 “A rising tide lifts all boats”—until it doesn’t 🧺 “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” (and why that basket may not be protected) 🪙 Custom financial plans > cookie cutters 🧠 Math, logic, and wisdom you can start applying today   Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526                 

Are you losing sleep over your retirement plan? You’re not alone, and this episode breaks down the most common financial pain points keeping retirees up at night. Mark shares the five biggest fears he sees in his own practice, from outliving savings to the crushing cost of long-term care. But more importantly, he offers clear, realistic strategies to turn worry into confidence and overwhelm into action. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🚫 Avoiding running out of funds in retirement 🧾 Smart tax planning = more money in your pocket 🏥 How long-term care could drain your savings 💲 The fear of walking away from a steady paycheck 📉 How market crashes can hurt your retirement (and what to do about it)   Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526               

Retirement isn’t just a financial transition, it’s a complete lifestyle transformation. It marks the beginning of a new chapter that should be filled with purpose, connection, and well-being. In this episode, Mark draws inspiration from The Five People You Meet in Heaven to highlight the five essential people you should meet before you retire. These aren’t just helpful contacts, they’re the difference-makers who can profoundly shape your experience in retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Why your advisor should offer more than just investment advice 📜 The estate planning checklist most retirees skip 🛡️ Health insurance gaps & the Medicare maze 🏌️‍♂️ The connection between movement, mood & meaningful aging 🤝 How mentorship can give your retirement purpose   Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526                 

Retirement is meant to bring peace of mind, but that’s hard to achieve when your plans are based on ideas that aren’t completely true. Too many people head into retirement relying on outdated assumptions they’ve heard for years, without realizing the risks they carry. These myths can create a false sense of security, leaving critical gaps in your plan you won’t notice until it’s too late. In this episode, Mark debunks some of the biggest retirement misconceptions that could quietly sabotage your financial future. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🦍 A zoo hoax becomes a metaphor for retirement myths 📄 Why bulky financial plans often mean less, not more 💔 The dangerous myth about surviving spouses needing less income 💊 Medicare’s hidden gaps 📉 Are stocks still right for you in retirement? Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

Most people approach retirement planning with a list of questions in hand, but what if you're asking the wrong questions? In this episode, Mark unpacks why traditional thinking about retirement often leads people astray. If you’ve ever fixated on your “magic number” for retirement or chased high returns, Mark will show you how those concerns might be holding you back and what to do instead.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Why a magic “retirement number” is a myth 🏥 Smarter ways to plan for long-term care 🧾 The one document your advisor should be asking for—but probably isn’t 🧠 Better questions to ask than “How much do I need?”   Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

In this mailbag episode, Mark tackles two listener questions from opposite ends of the retirement spectrum. One faces a potential layoff, and the other dreams of seeing the world. Different situations, same goal: a secure, flexible retirement. Mark shares clear, practical strategies for both, including how to build financial resilience, strengthen your emergency savings, and fund global adventures without derailing your long-term financial plans.    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🚨 What to do if forced into early retirement 📦 Building a financial cushion for career uncertainty ✈️ Creating a sustainable travel lifestyle in retirement 🧾 Why you need a written income plan   Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

In this listener Q&A episode, Mark answers some of the questions that keep people up at night, from long-term healthcare without the monthly drain to how much to actually have in your emergency fund. We walk through strategies like Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions, and alternative ways to cover long-term care costs, all with the goal of keeping more money in your pocket and building a retirement plan that works for your life.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 How to shrink your future RMD tax bill 💸 Emergency fund strategy: 3 months, 6 months, or more? 🛡️ Smarter alternatives to traditional long-term care insurance 🔍 Why your unique situation drives your financial strategy 🧭 Planning retirement with purpose and vision   Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

For many, the dream of retiring before the traditional age of 65 is appealing, but it comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. In this episode, Mark explores the nuanced challenges of early retirement, from financial preparedness to managing longevity risk and the often-overlooked emotional aspects of leaving the workforce. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏥 Healthcare before 65 is one of the biggest planning hurdles 📉 Sequence of returns risk can derail early retirees without proper planning 🎯 Retiring is one thing—staying retired with purpose is another 🔥 The F.I.R.E. strategy: How some retire in their 40s (frugal lifestyle and eating a lot of rice and beans) Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

Monopoly, Battleship, Risk, and even Candyland. All of these are board games that you may have played with your family or friends at some point or another. But did you know they also hold valuable lessons for your financial life? From avoiding emotional attachment to your investments to managing risk, these games can teach us a lot about making smart money moves. Tune in as Mark connects the dots between your favorite board games and a winning financial strategy!   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Not getting too attached to any one fund or stock in your portfolio. 📅Why comprehensive retirement planning is critical. 🤦️Avoiding the overconfidence that can lead to poor decision-making. 📉 Managing risk in your portfolio.   Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526                     

In ​retirement ​planning, ​there ​are ​a ​lot ​of ​things ​that ​are ​completely ​out ​of ​your ​control. ​Fortunately, ​the ​things ​that ​you ​can ​control ​allow ​you ​to ​deal ​with ​those ​things ​that ​you ​can't. With so many variables out of our control, it’s essential to focus on what we can manage to ensure a peaceful and financially secure retirement. This show will cover topics like market risks, lifetime income streams, tax strategies, and the role of Social Security in a comprehensive retirement plan. Join us to discover how to create a solid financial strategy that helps give you confidence for a long retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: We do an analysis of your portfolio to find out how much risk you’re taking. You can’t control longevity so how do you plan for income streams that will last? Managing your investments to control how much you’ll be taxed in the future. We want to treat Social Security as a playcheck rather than a paycheck so that you’re not really relying on it. Want to get in touch with Mark?  https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526                 

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