In the book The Five People You Meet in Heaven, a man arrives in heaven and encounters five different people who impacted his journey and gave meaning to his life. Today, Mark talks about the five people you should be meeting right before you retire. These are the people who can have a significant impact on your retirement and possibly even help give you a sense of purpose and direction as you enter into the next stage of life.

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

📚Why your financial advisor should be a planner, not just a salesperson

📜 How an estate planner helps protect your wishes

🛡️ The role of insurance in your long-term risk management

🏋️‍♂️ Why staying physically active is key to enjoying retirement

💬 How mentorship can bring meaning, structure, and fulfillment post-career

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

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 error that can drag your score down fast

💳 The 30% rule for smart credit card use

📊 How small habits affect your credit over time

🔐 Why closing that old credit card might backfire

🔎 Why it’s important to keep an eye on your credit score

Resources for this episode:

Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

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 of leaving work earlier than expected and what steps to take next.

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

📊 What the 4% rule really includes

🏛️ Turning your investments into a meaningful legacy

📦 Evaluating your readiness for early retirement

📈 Why a comprehensive plan beats one-size-fits-all advice

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

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 should include

🧾 Red flags: product pitches in meeting one

🧠 Why planning should come before investing

📉 What makes a true fiduciary different

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

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.

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

📊 Survey insights from 400+ financial advisors

💰 Why retirement income is more than just savings

📉 How to avoid outliving your money

🏥 Health costs and caregiving pressures

🛠️ Real planning vs. product sales

Financial Advisor Magazine article:

https://www.fa-mag.com/news/retirement-planning-survey-2024-80450.html

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

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 people don’t understand how much investment risk they’re actually taking 🧾 You can’t control tax law, but you can control where your money is taxed 💡 Social Security is important, but it shouldn’t be your only income stream

💸 Tax on Social Security – is it going away?

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

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 income plan—they just have accounts

📉 Without a strategy, retirement income can be unpredictable

📊 Financial products ≠ financial planning

🧩 Coordinating Social Security, pensions, and savings is essential

📞 The first step is a conversation—not a sales pitch

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832

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 discuss in today’s show:

💰 Getting the saver vs spender on the same page in retirement planning

💬 Key conversations every couple should have before building a financial plan

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why it’s important for both spouses to be involved

🤝 How Mark helps couples create a retirement plan they can both agree on

Want to get in touch with Mark?

Web:

https://silverman-associates.com/home

Email:

mark@silverman-associates.com

Phone:

520.512.8832