Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home

What does The Wizard of Oz have to teach us about smart financial planning? More than you might think! In this episode, Mark uses the timeless lessons of Dorothy and the Yellow Brick Road to explain why a clear financial plan matters- and why “winging it” rarely works. Just like the journey to the Emerald City, retirement planning requires direction, flexibility, and the ability to adjust when obstacles pop up along the way.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

🟡 Why every retirement plan needs a clear “Yellow Brick Road”

🧩 Financial planning is more than investing

🏡 The emotional vs. financial side of paying off your mortgage

🧠 Improving financial literacy and avoiding bad advice

🧙‍♂️ The importance of getting advice from qualified sources

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home

The doctor is in! Most people worry about small financial details while ignoring the big issues that can quietly derail retirement. In this episode, Mark introduces a series of “financial diseases” that show up when planning gaps go unchecked. You’ll hear how easy it is to miss these problems until they become expensive. The good news: once you can diagnose them, you can actually treat them.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

🧭 Risk Awareness: understanding time horizon and volatility

⚠️ Risk Apathy: ignoring portfolio risk until stress hits

⏳ Longevity Risk: inflation and living longer than expected

🏥 Care Costs: long-term care expenses catching families off guard

💸 Tax Exposure: Uncle Sam taking more than expected

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home

Step into a fairytale-inspired take on financial planning as Mark matches real-life money habits to the colorful personalities of the seven dwarfs. Gain fresh perspective and actionable wisdom for your own financial story, all while having a little fun along the way. Ready to discover which financial dwarf you might be? You might be surprised which one you relate to most.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

🧙 Seven Dwarfs & Money Habits: how timeless personalities show up in financial planning

😐 Managing “Grumpy” Clients: expectations, mindset, and choosing the right fit

🥱 Sleepy Investors: how disengagement affects long-term outcomes

🤒 Health Concerns & Planning: why “Sneezy” needs a different retirement timeline

🧠 Working With “Doc”: why intelligence doesn’t always equal good money decisions

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home

Planning for retirement has a lot in common with playing golf. In this episode, Mark uses the golf course as a metaphor for smart investing and retirement planning. Retirement has its own “hazards.” Unexpected healthcare costs, tax surprises, market downturns to name a few. The danger isn’t just in the risk, but in not seeing it coming. Good planning doesn’t just aim for the green; it identifies the bunkers and creeks in your way.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

⛳ Retirement & Investing: why consistency beats the search for a “hole in one” strategy

💸 Annuity Caution: understanding sales pitches that sound too good to be true

🎯 Right Club, Right Shot: how diversification helps you adapt to changing markets

🧾 Advisor’s Role: how an advisor acts as your financial caddy, guiding your full game plan

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home

Is downsizing right for you in retirement? For many retirees, the decision to downsize isn’t just about saving money; it’s about simplifying life. Mark reveals why moving to a smaller home isn’t always a money-saver, digging into costs like mortgages, HOA fees, and property taxes. He shares his personal perspective and explains how family needs and lifestyle goals play a role. Tune in for practical advice to help you weigh the real pros and cons before making this big move.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

🏡 Downsizing Decisions: understanding when a move makes financial and lifestyle sense

💵 Financial Planning Factors: how selling, buying, or renting affects your retirement budget

🧹 Maintenance & Upkeep: reducing home responsibilities without sacrificing comfort

💬 Emotional Shifts: preparing for the lifestyle changes that come with “less stuff”

🧭 Timing Matters: why market conditions and tax considerations should guide your decision

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home

When it comes to retirement, there are certain realities you simply can’t ignore, no matter how much you might want to. In this episode, Mark takes a practical look at the challenges retirees face and how to prepare for them with confidence. The best way to be ready for a major life change is to learn as much as you can ahead of time so let’s make sure you know what’s coming.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

⏳ Longer lifespans mean your money must last decades, not years

💊 Healthcare and long-term care costs rise faster than inflation

✈️ Enjoy active retirement early while health allows it

💸 Beware of high-commission products that promise easy fixes

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home

We’ve all heard sayings like “real estate never fails” or “a mortgage is good debt.” But is conventional wisdom always wise? In this episode, Mark takes a closer look at some of the most common money beliefs and reveals where they can lead you astray, especially as you prepare for retirement. Don’t let outdated advice steer your retirement; learn what’s really true for today’s world.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

🏠 Real estate isn’t always the “can’t lose” investment

📉 Why “good debt” like a mortgage isn’t always good

🕰️ Planning your time in retirement is just as vital as your finances

📊 Timing the market vs. time in the market

💡 Peace of mind often matters more than numbers on a spreadsheet

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

Want to get in touch with Mark? 👉 https://silverman-associates.com/home

In today’s mailbag, Mark answers three real listener questions. First, when it’s time to replace a car, is it smarter to use your emergency fund, pull from an IRA, or finance with a monthly payment? Next, a recent college grad asks how much she should realistically save each month toward retirement, a home, and future travel. Finally, a listener approaching retirement wonders if having less than a million dollars saved is enough to live comfortably.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:

🚗 Weighing options for buying a car in retirement

💰 Why emergency funds should always be replenished

📈 Starting small and increasing savings over time

🧮 Why “a million dollars” isn’t a magic retirement number

🛠️ How a financial plan adapts to your unique life

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832