Golden Years: A Roadmap to Navigate Retirement

Is 65 no longer the right retirement age? In this episode, Mark Cordner explores how longer life expectancies are reshaping retirement planning, why Social Security faces growing demographic challenges, and the benefits of staying engaged later in life. He also discusses hidden fees inside many 401(k) plans, the importance of reviewing portfolio costs before retirement, and how guaranteed income s...

Could moving to a cheaper retirement destination end up costing you more than you expected? Mark Cordner explores the hidden factors behind retirement relocation, from healthcare access and support systems to taxes and quality of life. He also discusses the financial and emotional impact of long-term care, why many retirees underestimate future income needs, and the importance of assigning a purpo...

Hidden taxes in retirement can quietly dismantle even the best savings strategy. Mark Cordner breaks down how “phantom income” from 401(k) withdrawals can trigger higher tax brackets, Medicare surcharges, and additional Social Security taxes if spending isn’t carefully managed. He highlights the importance of pacing withdrawals, balancing lifestyle choices, and using financi...

That “magic number” for retirement might be misleading—and income could matter far more. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why retirement planning centers on reliable cash flow, not just savings totals. He explores income sources like pensions and annuities, the risk of portfolio drift, and why regular reviews are critical. The conversation also highlights overlooked chal...

What if your retirement paycheck doesn’t match your lifestyle? This episode breaks down how retirees actually spend—and why income, not assets, drives a successful plan. Mark Cordner explains how to evaluate Social Security, pensions, and savings to identify income gaps, while addressing overlooked costs like hobbies, healthcare, and inflation. The conversation also explores common 401...

That “set it and forget it” mindset could quietly derail your retirement. This episode unpacks how default financial habits—from target-date funds to outdated advisor relationships—may leave gaps as you approach retirement. Mark Cordner explains why automation works for savings but not always for investing, and why customization, tax planning, and second opinions matter mor...

Hidden fees and last-minute risks can quietly derail a retirement plan. This episode breaks down how investment fees often go unnoticed—and why understanding total costs matters as much as the value you receive. Mark Cordner also explores the temptation to “roll the dice” late in life to catch up on savings, and why that approach can backfire. Plus, a closer look at managing infl...

What hidden “germs” could be quietly weakening your retirement plan? Mark Cordner compares overlooked hotel bacteria to unseen risks inside investment portfolios, from overlapping funds to unnecessary fees. The conversation explores how headlines and bold predictions can distract investors, why long-term portfolio design matters more than market timing, and the importance of balancing...

Annuities have resurfaced in retirement conversations—and not by accident. Mark Cordner explains why more advisors are using annuities as anxiety rises around market volatility and dependable income in retirement. The discussion explores guaranteed income streams, preservation versus growth in retirement, emotional decision-making during market shifts, and how unintended tax consequences can...

When the markets bounce back but retirement still feels unstable, what should you actually focus on? On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why retirement planning isn’t about reacting to headlines, but managing risk over the long run. The conversation covers inflation anxiety, market volatility, rebalancing, shifting from accumulation to income, and why what got you to retirement won&rsq...

Most people reach retirement with big financial blind spots—and no one ever warned them. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why financial literacy matters more than ever, from understanding taxes in retirement to navigating annuities, guaranteed income, and long-term planning choices. The conversation covers common misconceptions, why many retirees feel overwhelmed, and how education&...

What if the same strategy that helped you build wealth could put your retirement at risk? Mark Cordner breaks down why retirement requires a different mindset than accumulation, especially during periods of market volatility. He explains the “two-pocket” strategy—balancing market-based assets with principal-protected money—to help manage risk, create flexibility, and avoid...

What if stretching your retirement dollars didn’t require cutting joy, but changing perspective? Mark Cordner explores why more retirees are considering everything from relocating abroad to finally enjoying the money they’ve worked decades to save. The discussion covers living overseas, healthcare considerations, cultural realities, and the emotional side of spending in retirement. Mar...

A phone call that sounds like your bank, a jackpot that feels too good to question, and a lifetime of savings gone in hours. On this episode, Mark Cordner unpacks how modern scams are targeting older Americans with alarming sophistication. From AI‑driven fraud to financial abuse within families, they share real stories, warning signs, and why isolation makes people vulnerable. The conversation als...

The stock market doesn’t smooth out just because you retire. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why volatility is a normal part of retirement and how mindset, planning, and guardrails can make market swings easier to live with. The conversation spans risk tolerance, guaranteed income options, annuity tax treatment, healthcare costs, and why couples must talk honestly about their visio...

Running out of money isn’t the only thing retirees worry about—and it’s rarely the most complicated. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down the real forces that shape retirement, from income planning and taxes to health care, longevity, and how our life experiences affect money decisions. The conversation explores why retirement planning isn’t one-size-fits-all, why sing...

A potential Social Security shortfall is moving closer—and that has real implications for retirement planning. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down what a projected trust fund depletion could mean, why relying solely on Social Security was never the intent, and how shifting demographics are changing the conversation. The discussion explores realistic expectations, personal responsibilit...

One percent feels harmless—until it quietly reshapes your entire retirement. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down how small investment fees can translate into millions over time, and why focusing only on cost can be a costly mistake. The conversation expands beyond numbers into the often‑ignored emotional side of retirement: purpose, identity, and what you’re actually retiring tow...

What really happens to your money—and your marriage—when retirement gets closer? This episode unpacks why many retirees move money out of 401(k)s, the trade‑offs of staying versus rolling over, and how earlier tax planning can change long‑term outcomes. The conversation turns personal as Mark Cordner explores “financial infidelity,” why secrecy around money erodes trust, an...

What if the biggest retirement risk isn’t a market crash—but how you’re positioned when it happens? On this episode Mark Cordner breaks down why retirement planning isn’t about chasing returns, but managing risk, income, and certainty over decades. From a “two-pocket” strategy that separates market and non-market money, to flexible, tiered spending plans that re...

Family silence can spark more chaos than any financial setback. On this episode, Mark Cordner explains why proactive conversations about estate plans, healthcare wishes, and end‑of‑life decisions can bring families closer and prevent emotional turmoil. Drawing from real stories, practical guidance, and decades of experience, he highlights the power of family meetings, readiness checkups, and writt...

What if the biggest retirement risk isn’t money — but waiting too long to live your life? On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why more Americans are retiring earlier than expected and how health, lifestyle goals, and shifting priorities are reshaping the modern retirement timeline. From “go‑go, slow‑go, no‑go” spending tiers to redefining inheritances as “time‑t...

Are you unknowingly setting yourself up for a stressful retirement? On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down the often‑missed financial conversations that can make or break your future—tax planning, RMD strategies, charitable giving, and the importance of keeping both spouses informed. You’ll hear real stories of families navigating loss, dementia, and financial transitions, plus a cl...

Retirement can feel like a maze — but the biggest danger may be the traps you don’t see coming. In this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down the red flags to watch for when seeking financial guidance, why guaranteed income brings peace of mind, and how to protect yourself from rushed sales tactics and market uncertainty. From real stories of costly missteps to practical strategies for pre...

A looming economic “tornado” sets the stage as Mark Cordner breaks down how retirees can stay resilient when inflation, uncertainty, and shifting expectations collide. From the risk of stagflation to the power of adaptable planning, Mark reveals why flexibility, responsibility, and creative financial tools matter more than ever. He explores staying in the workforce longer, navigating r...