The Retirement Huddle

Saving in your 401K can be an easy and painless way to build your retirement savings. But are you making the most of yours? Listen in as Mark breaks down the common pitfalls many people fall into with their 401(k) plans in today's episode.   Here are some 401K mistakes we'll discuss in this episode… Leaving money invested in a former employer's 401k plan Failing to rebalance often enough Sticking...

When it comes to retirement planning, one critical aspect that's often overlooked is the designation of beneficiaries. It's not just about who you want to inherit your assets; it's about making sure that your wishes are carried out smoothly and without legal complications. Let's talk about some of the common mistakes we see people make when it comes to the beneficiaries of their accounts…   Here's...

Conventional wisdom says you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. That is to say, once the deed is done, there's no taking it back. There are many decisions in retirement planning that can't be undone, and in today's episode, we're going to explore some of them.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Choosing the right time to take Social Security The irreversible nature of decisions...

Have you ever faced the daunting task of moving to a new home? The careful packing, the labeling of boxes, and the strategic loading of the moving truck are all important parts of a smooth transition. What if we told you similar principles apply to planning for your retirement? Listen in as Mark and Ron share some of the unexpected similarities between moving houses and financial planning in today...

There are certain rules of thumb in the financial industry, many of which you might've heard of. For example, the "Rule of 100" or the "4% Rule" might sound familiar to you. But how helpful are these rules of thumb in real-life planning? In this episode, Mark walks through 5 common financial rules and shares his thoughts as a financial advisor.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: The...

Welcome back to the Retirement Huddle podcast! In today's episode, we're exploring the timeless wisdom of Oscar Wilde. Celebrated as one of the English language's most quotable figures, he offers us a unique lens to explore financial wisdom.   Here are the quotes we discuss in this episode: "I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best." "Education is an admirable thing, but it...

One of the topics we discuss pretty frequently here on the show is life insurance. While it may not be the most exciting subject, there are several reasons why life insurance might be useful as part of your retirement plan. Stay tuned as we explore the diverse benefits of life insurance in this episode.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: The importance of life insurance in providing...

Today we're diving into the world of retirement planning through the lens of one of history's most iconic figures, Winston Churchill. While many of us know Churchill for his leadership during World War II, you might be surprised at how much his quotes resonate in the world of retirement strategy. Stay tuned as Mark shares his insights on some of Churchill's most iconic quotes and how they apply to...

Far too often, people aren't receiving the advice they truly need from their financial advisors. It's not uncommon for financial professionals to focus solely on managing investments, overlooking the broader context of clients' aspirations, dreams, and lifestyle goals. Tune in to discover what your advisor might be missing…   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Does your advisor talk t...

In today's conversation, we're going to focus on six key reasons why a Roth conversion might be a game-changer for your financial future. As the dreaded April 15 tax deadline approaches, Mark is here to share why this strategic tax approach makes sense for just about everyone and is a great retirement vehicle to consider.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: If you're expecting a high...

Have you ever wondered what happens when you decide to give us a call? In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain to give you an inside look at how we guide our listeners through the preliminary process at Howard Financial Group.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: What does the discovery phone call process look like? Some of the common concerns and life circumstances we frequen...

It's that time of the year when Christmas music is playing everywhere you go. We all have our favorites, and we also have songs we start getting tired of hearing. But for the most part, the music adds a wonderful soundtrack for one of the best times of the year and helps puts people in good spirits. But what can we learn from all of these holiday classics? Today we'll take four of the top Christma...

Welcome back to The Retirement Huddle podcast! In today's episode, Mark is going to tackle some of the unanswerable questions that often pop up when planning for retirement. From predicting market crashes to navigating the uncertain landscape of future taxes, stay tuned for insights on building a robust retirement plan that stands the test of time.   Here are the difficult questions we tackle in t...

What can our favorite cereals teach us about financial planning? Much like selecting cereal, choosing financial products involves a myriad of options, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. From healthy and sensible choices to the flashy and appealing, Mark and Ron draw parallels between cereal selection and financial decision-making in today's episode.   Here's some of what we discuss i...

In today's episode, we're going to discuss some of the unreasonable requests that can arise during the retirement planning process.   Tune in as we tackle some common misconceptions, dissecting why they may not be feasible, and provide valuable insights on what to expect instead. From desiring high returns with little to no risk to hoping to avoid paying taxes on your IRAs and 401ks, Mark will she...

The classic film, Forrest Gump, is filled with loads of memorable lines that many of us know and love. In today's episode, we're going to explore the unexpected financial lessons that are hidden within this iconic movie. Listen in as we discuss the importance of putting the past behind you, making informed decisions, planning for the unexpected, and much more.   Here are the quotes we discuss in t...

In this episode of "The Retirement Huddle," we're diving into the world of retirement income gaps. Mark shares his insights on the different types of gaps individuals may encounter during retirement and how to effectively prepare for them. From the paycheck gap to the widow's gap, we'll discuss the importance of having a comprehensive income strategy to ensure financial stability and peace of mind...

Have you ever wondered why Mark works in the financial planning business? What drove him to start Howard Financial Group? In this episode, Mark opens up and shares his influences, dreams, and goals to help you get to know why he's so passionate about what he does every day.   Hopefully that passion has come across in this podcast over many episodes, but we wanted to take a little time on the perso...

Social Security is a big part of what we discuss with clients on a daily basis because the majority of us will rely on this retirement benefit for income after we've stopped working. Despite its importance to planning, there's a lot that the average person doesn't know about Social Security.   Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode: What are work credits and how many do you need? Some of...

Have you ever watched the hit TV show Parks and Recreation ? The comedy show starring Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman ran from 2009 to 2015 and followed the antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursued projects to make their city a better place.   Believe it or not, you can learn a lot about retirement from the show, especially from the character Ron Swanson, played by Offerman.     ...

Late night comedian and host Johnny Carson could bring the funny, but his words also carried wisdom about financial planning. He famously said that people will pay more to be entertained than educated.   Check out today's show if you want to hear more of Johnny's wisdom. As always, if you have any questions about retirement or investing, feel free to reach out to us for help.   Here's some of what...

It's time for another mailbag episode! We have an exciting lineup of topics to discuss today. Listen in as we tackle some current questions from our listeners, and you'll likely gain some invaluable insights to help you make informed financial decisions.   This episode could be very helpful if you're looking to improve your financial situation and prepare for retirement. We will discuss what to do...

On the list of dozens of retirement-related concerns, how high on the list does the potential need for long-term care rank for you? If you live long enough, chances are you will need extra medical help, and those expenses can add up quickly. On today's show, we'll share some questions you should consider when deciding whether you need long-term care insurance.   Here's some of what you'll learn in...

It's time for another mailbag episode! We have an exciting lineup of topics to discuss today. Listen in as we tackle some current questions from our listeners, and you'll likely gain some invaluable insights to help you make informed financial decisions.   In this episode, we discuss what to do if your life insurance cash value is getting lower, how to get your spouse more involved in finances and...

Where some people see a crisis, others see an opportunity. Some of it has to do with your mindset, and some of it might have to do with the circumstances of your life. Whether you're navigating a market crash, have an empty nest, or get laid off, we'll explain the good and bad that can come from these life experiences. If you're going through a tough time, hopefully today's show will shed a little...