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Financial and retirement planning guidance with Mark Howard of the Howard Financial Group in Savannah. Mark has almost three decades of experience in the financial industry, has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, South Magazine and several other publications. He has also been featured on the Savannah Morning News. In addition to clients in Savannah, Mark also serves Hilton Head, Bluffton, Statesboro, and the rest of the Low Country. To get your own Financial Game Plan, cont ...
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Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his accomplishments in bodybuilding, acting, and politics, but his quotes offer more than just entertainment. They can provide a unique perspective on financial planning, especially when it comes to retirement. In this episode, Mark Howard explores how the mindset of a champion can be applied to the world of finan…
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Whether you're considering downsizing now that the kids have moved out or weighing the benefits of paying off your mortgage, today's episode dives into how you can make informed, strategic decisions about your home that align with your broader retirement goals. As life changes and your household shrinks, many homeowners find themselves in large hou…
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When it comes to financial planning and saving for retirement, there’s a lot to know! For instance, what scares people the most about the idea of retiring? Not knowing if they have enough money to last them! Mark explains that this fear, known as longevity risk, can be mitigated through proper planning. By building a mathematical plan, you can ensu…
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We all make mistakes, but when it comes to investing, these errors can feel particularly daunting. Today, we delve into practical strategies to not only recover from investment mistakes but also to build a robust financial plan for the future. Tune in to see what you can learn from Mark today! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Identif…
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When it comes to retirement planning, financial advisors can be a huge asset as you work towards the next chapter of life. But that doesn’t mean every relationship with an advisor is perfect. In this episode, dive into the most common complaints people have about their financial advisors. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Making sure …
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Retirement is often compared to a marathon, and for good reason. Just like marathon training, retirement planning requires meticulous preparation, a diversified strategy, and a clear understanding of your goals. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the parallels between these two long-term endeavors and offer valuable insights on how to ensure a succe…
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Join Mark as he draws the parallels between popular quotes you might have heard your grandmother say and the financial decisions that need to be made during the planning process. This episode offers valuable insights into how age-old wisdom can apply to modern financial planning. By understanding and applying these timeless sayings, you can navigat…
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The timeless wisdom of Mark Twain is always worth a listen. Join us as we analyze some of Twain’s most famous quotes through the lens of a financial advisor! We’ll have a laugh at Twain’s quick wit and shed light on the complexities of retirement planning in today's unpredictable world. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Having a stead…
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Are you making rookie mistakes when it comes to planning for your retirement? Even those with strong experience in investing can make silly mistakes from time to time. Join Mark as he discusses some common things that can trip people up. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Making sure that your investments have a defined purpose. Unders…
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How can you walk off a winner into retirement? Listen in as Mark dives into the key areas of retirement planning through the lens of America’s pastime. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How having a solid retirement plan is a little bit like playing “small ball.” The “Moneyball” approach, avoiding emotional decisions and focusing on t…
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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 …
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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 come…
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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 Socia…
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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 bet…
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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. Her…
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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 …
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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 episod…
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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 Ch…
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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 d…
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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 dis…
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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 c…
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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 c…
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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.…
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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 t…
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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 pa…
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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, an…
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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 strate…
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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, …
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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 ar…
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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 …
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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…
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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 pr…
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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 car…
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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 …
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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 tou…
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There are financial lessons to be learned from almost every area of life. So, let’s see what we can learn about retirement planning from things that get discussed on the Weather Channel. Join us for a unique and insightful lesson on financial planning through weather-related analogies. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: What’s the to…
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How much do you know about your own finances? Do you know how much you spend, how much risk you have, and what you’re paying in fees? In today’s episode, we’ll challenge you to assess your financial competency by asking you these crucial questions and more. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: How much retirement savings do you have? (…
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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 pr…
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Steve Martin is a well-known American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and musician. As it turns out, we can learn a lot about retirement from some of his most famous quotes. In today’s episode, we’ll use his words to share wisdom about persistence, talent, choices, income planning, and more. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode, cour…
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It seems that most people don’t have a clear picture of whether they should contribute to a traditional IRA or a Roth. We are here to explain the difference between the two accounts and help you determine what account would be best for your financial goals. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: What's the difference between a traditiona…
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Yogi Berra was a sports icon and one of the most quotable people to ever live. And when we look at some of his quotes through the right prism, they can teach us some lessons about financial planning. Yogi loved to state the obvious in a funny, quirky way. From “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore,” to “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,”…
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If you’re like most people, you probably have some financial accounts that you don’t give much attention. The statements are just collecting dust in your file cabinet, but they might actually be hidden gems that could be put to much better use. Today we’ll talk about some of the accounts that people tend to ignore for too long and why you shouldn’t…
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People are always studying geniuses and highly intelligent people, trying to get an understanding of what makes them tick. Today we’re looking at some common characteristics of highly intelligent people that you should apply to your financial life. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: Geniuses are highly adaptable. (1:23) Geniuses unde…
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Most people spend more time planning vacations than planning retirement. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s absolutely true. Today, we’re going to trick you into planning for retirement by pretending to plan for a vacation. Ready? Let’s go! Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: Where are you going to stay? (1:15) Where will you eat? (2:39) …
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Different people have different levels of desire when it comes to finding their retirement date. Today we’re exploring these different levels of desire. Which of these statements below sounds most like you and your retirement plan? Here’s some of what you’ll learn on this episode: I don’t see myself ever retiring. I love what I do. (1:15) I could r…
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Disney World is a fun place, but it can also teach us a lot about financial planning. For instance, you might enjoy riding Space Mountain in the dark, but when it comes to you retirement plan, you don’t want to enter it blindly. Today we’ll talk about some of the most iconic rides at Disney and how they can relate to your finances. Here’s some of w…
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Many things in the financial world are critical to your future financial success. But not everything is all it’s cracked up to be. For example, saving money on taxes is wonderful. You don’t want to pay Uncle Sam any more than you have to. But that shouldn’t be the primary advantage of an investment. From rates of return to emotions, we’ll explain t…
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Not everyone inherits money, but for those who do, there are some things you need to know. Today we’re answering some common questions we get about this topic. From tax implications to common mistakes we see people make, we are here to make sure your current or future inheritances go smoothly. We’ll explain what steps you need to take, even if you …
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Do you remember the movie, The Karate Kid? Mr. Miyagi was the legendary Karate Kid mentor and famously said, “Wax on. Wax off.” He helped the karate kid, but his advice can also help you with your finances. Today we’ll take a trip down memory lane and learn about money management at the same time. What we discuss in this episode: Why different inve…
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We’re opening up the mailbag today to answer your questions. We got a lot of good feedback and had some interesting questions come in. On today’s show, we’ll share whether you should have a budget when you retire and live on a fixed income, whether ETFs are better than mutual funds, and more. What we discuss in this episode: Julie is planning to re…
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