Saving With Silverman

It’s one of the most misunderstood numbers in personal finance, and yet it can shape everything from your mortgage rate to your insurance premiums. In this episode, Mark breaks down what your credit score actually measures, why it matters even if you're financially comfortable, and how small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📉 One er...

What do you do when life throws retirement curveballs, especially the ones you didn’t see coming? In this mailbag episode, Mark tackles three unique retirement planning questions from listeners like you. You’ll hear whether life insurance can make sense as part of an estate plan and what the 4% rule really means when it comes to dividends and interest. Mark also helps a listener assess the impact...

Not all financial advisors do the same thing and not all “plans” are made with your best interest in mind. In this episode, Mark walks through what a genuine financial planning process looks like from start to finish, and how to spot the difference between true fiduciary advice and a thinly veiled product pitch.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📞 What the first call with an advisor shoul...

Ever wonder what other people talk about with their financial advisors? A new survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors reveals the biggest concerns, challenges, and financial goals their clients are facing today. From retirement planning and healthcare costs to working longer than expected, we’re breaking down the key takeaways and how they compare to what we see in our own client conversations....

How do you build confidence in your retirement plan when so much feels out of your control? In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the noise and focusing on what really matters- the things you can control. From managing risk to planning for inflation and creating reliable income, we’ll share strategies that put you back in the driver’s seat.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 📊 Most peo...

What happens when the paycheck stops, but the bills don’t? In this episode, Mark cuts through the noise and gets real about why a true retirement income plan is your financial foundation. Spoiler: it’s not about picking the right annuity or hoping Social Security is enough. It's all about strategy, and there’s no silver bullet.   Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: 💸 Most people don’t have an...

A good financial plan considers the unique needs and views of both spouses. But let’s face it, couples often come to the table with different approaches to saving, spending, and planning for the future. So, how do you get on the same page and build a plan that works for everyone? In this episode, we’ll explore the challenges and strategies of financial planning for married couples. Here’s what we...

Arizona is a unique state in that parts of the state have harsh winters while other areas deal with extreme heat in the summers. Either way, it definitely drives retirees to consider taking up residence somewhere else in those months when the weather isn’t enjoyable. Is ‘snowbird’ life for you? Let’s talk about what motivates people to take up temporary residence elsewhere, where they go, and if i...

For many Americans, the 401k will be their biggest asset in retirement and will be a critical piece of the income they need to create. It’s no surprise that we get a lot of questions about the 401k and today we’re going to address some of the one that we get asked the most. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Is it a good idea to take advantage of a program your company offers to advise you on...

Today we’re going to tackle retirement planning through a fun game called ‘Two Truths and a Lie.’ Ron will present Mark with three statements, and he’ll have to tell us which two are true and which one is the lie. This episode is designed to help listeners better understand how various financial elements impact their retirement and overall financial health. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:...

If you’ve done any research on retirement and financial planning, you’ve probably seen the term diversification used quite a bit. But does what it mean to truly be diversified? The truth is that it can mean a lot of different things when it comes to your financial plan. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Diversification of stocks Diversification of asset classes Global diversification Diversi...

You wouldn’t necessarily expect Lindsay Lohan, Rosie O’Donnell or Mike Tyson to dispense valuable insights about financial planning matters. In fact, you’d probably expect the opposite. But with a little bit of creativity, we can get some financial planning pearls of wisdom from even the most unlikely of sources. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:  Not being your own worst enemy when it comes...

With pensions being a thing of the past, and Social Security looking like it might have some changes coming, retirement planning today is nothing like it was for your parents or grandparents. In the past, people often retired and only lived a few years beyond that, but today’s retirees could spend 20, 30, or even 40 years in retirement. And, unless you’re in one of the few jobs that still offer pe...

From fitness icon to actor to governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger has worn lots of different hats over the course of his incredible life. Is financial advisor the next one he’s ready to put on? Probably not, but in today’s episode, we’ll dive into some of Arnie’s most well-known quotes and see how they can apply to the financial world! Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: How investing changes as y...

In our fast-paced lives, we often find ourselves juggling multiple priorities, from maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensuring financial stability. But have you ever considered how these two seemingly distinct aspects of life might share common ground? In the latest episode, Mark highlights the intriguing parallels between weight loss and financial planning. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show...

Lots ​of ​people ​have ​questions ​about ​their ​retirement, but most ​people ​should ​be ​asking ​about things they don’t know about. In this episode, Mark will give you the questions that can significantly impact your financial future, which is essential for getting on the right track for retirement. Here’s what we discuss in today’s show: Figuring out how much you can withdraw from your savings...

When it comes to retirement planning, real estate often emerges as a popular topic of discussion. If this is something you’ve been curious about, this episode should be very helpful. We’re going to dive into the complexities of real estate and some of the factors you need to consider before making any final decisions. Join us to learn how to make smarter choices about your real estate investments...

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...