Retirement Roadmap

What if a 50 basis point interest rate cut could significantly alter your financial future? Join us as we unpack the Federal Reserve's recent decision and its far-reaching implications with insights from Investment Advisor Representatives, Mark and Evan Fricks. From the subtle shifts in credit card interest rates to the more pronounced effects on auto loans and HELOCs, we break down how these...

Has your estate plan become a dusty relic? In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks discuss legacy planning and how to make it a part of a robust roadmap that reflects your current wishes and complies with ever-changing laws. Discover how Advance Directives can be essential, especially if you live across state lines, and how they can possibly prevent court battles while honoring your healthcare decis...

Ever wondered why more than half of Americans fear retirement more than death? Join us on Retirement Roadmap with MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, as we unravel this startling statistic with the guidance of Evan and Mark Fricks. We confront eye-opening realities, like the fact that 20% of Americans aged 50 and older haven’t saved a penny for their golden years. Our conversation highlights the po...

Have you thought about what you will do with your 401(k) once you retire? In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Evan and Mark Fricks unravel the complexities surrounding 401(k) and IRA options as retirement beckons. We dissect the advantages and limitations of maintaining a 401(k), from enticing company matches to frustrating investment constraints, and uncover the expansive opportunities IRAs ca...

Ever wondered how to keep your retirement savings intact during the unpredictability of an election year? In this episode Mark and Evan Fricks guide you through the minefield of market volatility triggered by election cycles and share strategies that can help maintain a steady, long-term investment approach. They caution against knee-jerk reactions to media hype and market jitters, which can lead...

Is December 31st or April 15th the most critical tax deadline for retirees? This episode of Retirement Roadmap explores this provocative question, guiding you through important end-of-year tax strategies. We'll uncover the nuances of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and how the Secure Act and Secure Act 2.0 have shifted the landscape, potentially impacting your tax bracket, Social Securi...

Curious about whether an annuity is the right choice for your retirement plan? Join us as we sit down with Mark Fricks, who breaks down the benefits and potential pitfalls of annuities and other common questions Mark receives from his listeners. This episode will touch on topics like Social Security, pension planning, ex-spousal benefits, federal employee benefits and more. Mark shares insights an...

Ever wondered how working before and after full retirement age affects your Social Security benefits? Curious about alternatives to traditional insurance? What about what it means to take a lump sum pension versus a monthly pension? Join us as we answer several questions that may better equip you to navigate the complexities of retirement income and maximize your financial security. Have a topic o...

In this episode of Retirement Roadmap with Mark and Evan Fricks we look at what U.S. News and World Report lists as The 10 Biggest Regrets of Retirees . We share from our experiences in financial services how these common regrets can impact your retirement roadmap. Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at info@masterplanretire.com or call 7...

What if you could retire a decade earlier than you ever thought possible? On this episode of Retirement Roadmap with MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, we reveal powerful early retirement strategies that could transform your financial future. Hear examples that could help pave your way to financial freedom. Discover how you can maximize your income through hobbies, part-time work, additional educa...

Ready to unlock the secrets to early retirement and financial freedom? Drawing on insights from Jacob Schroeder's article in Kiplinger Magazine, How to Retire Early in Six Steps , we emphasize the importance of ongoing education and adapting to ever-changing regulations. You'll learn why setting a high savings rate of 10-15% is crucial and how some of these budgeting and spending tips ma...

What if your wealth could grow and stand the test of time? This episode reveals the secrets that wealthy individuals use to maintain and expand their fortune. We dissect a fascinating Business Insider article and share five pivotal strategies, including the significance of a comprehensive financial plan encompassing budgeting, insurance, legacy planning, tax planning, and investments. Plus, we hig...

Can you afford to ignore the future of tax policies on your retirement plans? Join us on Retirement Roadmap as we explore the critical uncertainties surrounding the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, set for December 31, 2025. Our conversation dives into the potential implications for personal income taxes, estate taxes, and the broader financial landscape shaped by government spendi...

Discover the essential keys to safeguarding your legacy with Sarah White, an esteemed estate planning attorney with over two decades of expertise. Sarah demystifies the critical components of estate planning, from wills and powers of attorney to healthcare directives. Highlighting unique considerations for Georgia residents, Sarah delves into the pros and cons of revocable living trusts versus sta...

Can a community truly transform the lives of its veterans? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of our client, Dan Hydrick, an Army veteran who dedicates much of his time to helping his fellow servicemen and women through the Cobb County Veterans Treatment and Accountability Court and Bravo Victor Fund. Dan shares his remarkable transition from military service to relentless community servi...

In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks illuminate the critical importance of up-to-date estate plans and guide you through the process of asset transition with compassion and clarity. We touch on how our clients use their Professional Record Organizer (PRO), an organization tool that helps your heirs have the essential information they need to honor your wishes and protect your life's work. We...

In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks discuss the critical decade before retirement, revealing strategies that may work to beef up savings, slash debts, and pivot investment tactics. If you're in your early 50s, it's high time to fine-tune your financial engine with your partner and contemplate life's big moves, such as downsizing or planting new roots. This episode is your roadmap...

Are you prepared for the rising tide of retirement costs and the inevitable tax hikes that could erode your nest egg? That's exactly what we're unpacking today on Retirement Roadmap, with your hosts Mark and Evan Fricks. From the looming expiration of the 2017 Tax Cut Act to the sobering outlook on Social Security, we're giving you the straight talk on how these factors can signific...

In this episode, a continuation of The Clueless Retiree Part I, Mark and Evan Fricks tackle the thorny issues of tax misconceptions and legislative changes that could leave you adrift in a sea of confusion without a solid plan. The Secure Act 1 and 2 are dissected, revealing their hidden impact on retirement strategies and why Roth conversions might just be your lifeline. We delve deep into the im...

In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks zero in on the hazards that lurk for the clueless retiree when inflation and taxes are left out of the equation. They discuss the importance of a realistic lifespan estimate and the often-missed step of strategic income planning. Listen to tips on 401(k) rollovers, loans, and the savvy moves to mitigate tax hits. Don't let common estate planning oversight...

In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks navigate true fiduciary responsibility versus the suitability standards in financial advice. Discover why MasterPlan embraced the fiduciary standard, where we are committed to transparency and your best interests. This episode explores why it might be best to partner with an advisor whose success is measured by yours on your roadmap to a secure and prosperous...

Navigating the maze of Required Minimum Distributions just got easier thanks to our latest Retirement Roadmap episode. Evan and Mark Fricks are here to guide you through the recent updates to RMDs, now kicking in at 73 or 75 for those born in 1960 or later. Understand the necessity behind these withdrawals, the importance of hitting deadlines, and the tax implications of not managing your distribu...

Ever thought on how a well-structured plan can be the cornerstone of maintaining family harmony after you're gone? Join Mark and Evan Fricks of MasterPlan Retirement Consultants as they navigate the often-overlooked terrain of legacy and estate planning. This episode isn't just about numbers and legalities; it's a heartfelt look at how thoughtful preparation can be a gift that eases...

In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks demystify the role of precious metals, like gold, as a bastion against economic storms. We delve into the heart of why gold shines amidst market turbulence, drawing from its historical safe-haven status and recent price surges. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone eager to fortify their retirement portfolio with a time-tested asset. Have a...

Ever wondered how to shield your hard-earned legacy from the grip of tax burdens that potentially await your heirs? That's what Mark and Evan Fricks will unpack in this episode of Retirement Roadmap. We'll touch on strategies that may help your heirs navigate their inheritance with financial savvy and share stories that illustrate the potentially dire consequences of poor legacy planning...