Saving With Silverman

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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 Don’t let outdated advice steer your retirement; learn what’s really...

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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 ...

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What’s the risk if only one spouse handles the finances? What are the smartest ways to plan for long-term care costs? There are plenty of ways retirement plans can go off the rails. In this episode, Mark shares real-world “financial disaster” scenarios he’s seen and how to keep them from happening to you. These aren’t just market risks, they’re life events t...

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Major life decisions (like taking a big trip or starting a business) can all have lasting effects on your financial future. The impact isn’t always obvious upfront, but without a solid plan, even a well-intentioned move can throw retirement off course. This episode, Mark talks about making smart choices before money becomes a source of stress. It’s not just ab...

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

Wedding bells are ringing, but are the money talks happening? In this episode, Mark offers essential financial advice for newlyweds and remarried couples alike. If it’s your first time tying the knot or a second (or third) go-round, there are big financial questions to sort out, and ignoring them can lead to trouble. As you’ll see, it’s better to talk now than...

You can have the perfect investment plan, but the wrong mindset can still derail your retirement. In this episode, Mark explores some of the most dangerous mental traps he’s seen people fall into during their financial journey, and how to avoid them. Tune in to discover what could quietly unravel even the strongest portfolios.

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

😨 Fear-based choices that could derail your future

🚀 Overconfide...

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.

H...

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 f...

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 expect...

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 pit...

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...

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 inves...

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 account...

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...

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 it’s worthwhile.

Here’s what we disc...

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 your 401k?
• Should you contrib...

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:

• Do stocks, bonds, or gold typi...

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
• Diversification of strategies
• 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 to investing
• Taking what you ...