Saving With Silverman

In this episode, we look at finance through a bit of an unconventional, yet enlightening lens. Mark takes the timeless wisdom of Ernest Hemingway to draw parallels and impart valuable lessons for making smarter financial decisions. The great American novelist and journalist captured the hearts and minds with his adventurous lifestyle. During his 51 years on Earth, Hemingway left a lasting legacy a...

Calvin and Hobbes is one of the most timeless comic strips in American history, but is there anything we can learn from Bill Watterson’s masterpiece in the financial realm? Turns out there is, and Mark will draw on wisdom from the comic to highlight several quotes that offer valuable lessons for financial planning.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Preparing in advance for some of those fi...

Have you ever considered how the mundane tasks we do around the house can offer valuable lessons for managing our finances? In this episode, we’re going to expand on this intriguing analogy. From taking out the trash to cleaning out the fridge, Mark provides insightful advice on maintaining a well-diversified portfolio, updating beneficiaries, and the importance of periodic maintenance.   Here’s w...

Every individual will have a unique plan for retirement, but there are questions that every person should be able to answer before they make the transition. Am I prepared for increased tax rates in the future? What about if I live longer than I plan and I outlive my money? What do I want to happen with my money after I die? Today we’ll provide a comprehensive checklist that will help prepare you f...

Mark Twain is one of the most revered authors in American history, but what can we learn about finance from this legendary wordsmith? Join Mark Silverman as he takes a look at some of Twain’s most famous quotes and applies the lessons to financial planning.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:  Diversification and spreading out your risk to protect your portfolio. Not letting politics be an e...

Can you imagine how difficult it would be for a placekicker if the goalposts suddenly shifted just as they were about to kick? In the same sense, how can we expect to achieve our financial goals if we're constantly shifting the targets? Retirement goals can obviously change with the passage of time, but there can be some serious risk when it comes to your retirement if you shift the goalposts a li...

While you’ve probably heard of bonds before, do you really have a full understanding of how they work, especially when compared to stocks? Today we’ll dive deep into the world of bonds, breaking down their complexities and offering valuable insights.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: What are bonds, and how are they different from stocks? Bond funds v. individual bonds. What causes bond pr...

Have you ever glanced at your financial statements and felt overwhelmed by the numbers and jargon? You're not alone. Many people receive statements from their investment accounts every month or quarter but don't fully understand what they're looking at.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Some of the challenges when it comes to fees. What is cost basis and why is it important? What’s in the...

It’s been said that “the sales brochure giveth and the fine print taketh away.” In the financial world, glossy brochures and enticing sales pitches often conceal ugly hidden truths.  Let’s talk about some of the things we hear from people when they don’t pay enough attention to the fine print...   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: “I just got a big rate increase on my long-term care insuranc...

In the realm of personal finance, there's no shortage of advice- some of it good, some of it not so much. Being a good advisor isn’t about winning a popularity contest or just saying the same things that everyone else in the industry says. It’s about giving the best advice that you can for each individual situation. Let’s discuss some areas where Mark’s opinions might not be popular with other peo...

A recent study revealed that 19% of Americans over the age of 65 are still working, which is twice as high as it was 30 years ago. Today, we’ll explore some of the reasons behind this statistic.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:  Some people truly love their job A divorce can force someone into working longer than they originally planned Waiting for Social Security full retirement age Some...

In this episode of Saving With Silverman, we delve into the nuanced world of financial risk. Join Mark Silverman, CFP® and founder of Silverman & Associates, as he unpacks the complexities of risk tolerance in investing. Whether you're a thrill-seeker in the market or prefer a more cautious approach, understanding the risk you're comfortable with is crucial to achieving your financial goals. M...

We like to approach financial conversations from a creative angle here on the show. So, in today’s episode, we’re exploring the timeless wisdom of past presidents. Join Mark as he takes five famous quotes from influential figures such as George Washington and Ronald Reagan and shares how their wisdom applies to financial planning.   Here are the quotes we discuss in today’s show: “When only one si...

In today's uncertain financial landscape, it's easy to feel like you're rolling the dice when it comes to retirement planning. With rising costs and unexpected expenses to account for, leaving your financial future to chance isn't a risk worth taking. Join us on this episode as we dive into the importance of strategic retirement planning.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Understanding and...

Does retirement planning sometimes sound like Greek to you? Turns out, that's not always a bad thing. Join us as we take a step back in time and explore the timeless wisdom of Aristotle in today’s episode.   Here are the quotes we discuss in today’s show: “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” “Quality is not an act. It is a habit.” "The aim of...

Welcome back to the Saving with Silverman podcast! In today’s episode, Mark is going to answer some mailbag questions sent in by listeners like you. These episodes are a great way for you to learn from real-life financial scenarios while gaining valuable insights into managing your finances effectively.   Here are the questions we cover in today’s show: “Is financial expense insurance worth buying...

Welcome back to the Saving with Silverman podcast! This week, we’re going to see what home renovation projects can teach us about the world of retirement planning.  We’ll explore insightful lessons derived from the renovation process, such as understanding the “contractor's discount” and the importance of passing financial "inspections."   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: The financial adva...

In today’s episode, we’re going to cover some signs of good financial health. Listen in as Mark covers four essential areas that lay the foundation for a secure retirement. We’ll chat about the importance of spending less than you make, understanding the future tax implications of your savings, crafting a comprehensive retirement income plan, and more.   Here are the signs of good financial health...

Ever wondered when the next market crash will hit? Or what healthcare costs will look like 20 years from now? Unfortunately, these are questions that none of us have a crystal ball for. So, when it comes to financial planning, how can we be best prepared for the unexpected?   Here are the questions that we chat about in today’s episode: “When is the next market crash going to happen?” “What will h...

When you break it down to the most basic level, there are really three worlds of money that we utilize for financial planning: banking, insurance, and Wall Street. Each of these worlds has a distinct purpose and role in helping you prepare for retirement. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of each and how we use them to design a portfolio.   Here’s some of what we’ll discuss in this episode: The b...

Nearly everyone we know has seen the movie Forrest Gump, which hit movie theaters nearly 30 years ago. That’s really hard to believe, but it’s a film that still holds up today. Forrest might have been slow-witted, but it’s hard to find a more inspirational character. Believe it or not, there are even financial lessons we can glean from the movie and we’ll share those today.    Here’s some of what...

There are lots of financial decisions that people tend to push off to a later date. Usually, procrastination is not your friend, but in today’s episode, we’re going explore whether putting off certain financial matters is a good or bad strategy. Stay tuned as we chat about deferring taxes, eliminating debt, setting up legal and estate documents, and more!   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:...

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the journey that brought Mark to where he is today. Stay tuned as he reflects on the journey that led him to this point in his career and the influential figures who shaped his personal views on money and finance along the way. We’ll also discuss the importance of planning for retirement and the common frustrations people face when they haven't adequately...

Social Security is a complex system that impacts nearly everyone’s financial future. Despite its importance, there’s a lot that the average person doesn’t know or understand about it. Today we’re going to explore some of these lesser-known facts so that you can make the most informed decisions for your financial future.   Here’s some of what we discuss in today’s show: What are work credits, and h...

We’re back with another mailbag episode this week! We have an exciting lineup of topics to discuss today. Colleen asks how much money she should have in her emergency fund. Bonnie asks Mark to explain the basics of estate planning to ensure that her assets are passed on with minimal tax implications. Listen in as we tackle these questions more in today’s episode!   Here’s are the questions Mark an...