Saving With Silverman

Every investor hopes they'll stay calm during a market downturn. History suggests otherwise. Today, Mark explores some of the most significant "Black Swan" events in modern financial history and explains what investors can learn from each event. While no one can predict when the next Black Swan event will arrive, having a thoughtful financial plan can help you navigate uncertainty with confidence and avoid costly mistakes when fear...

It’s a Mailbag episode, and Mark’s tackling three real questions from listeners. He shares straightforward guidance designed to help you think through common concerns, so you can make more confident choices with your money. Different situations, same goal: making smart decisions that hold up over time.

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

🏦 Loan vs Gift: Put agreements in writing to avoid tax and family ...

Everyone talks about setting financial goals, but not everyone stops to ask if those goals actually make sense. Mark walks through how to define what really matters and build a plan around it. Because the goal isn’t just dreaming big, it’s making sure those goals hold up in the real world. A solid plan gives you clarity, confidence, and a path forward no matter what happens.

Here’s what we discuss in today’s...

We like to think our financial decisions are logical, but money decisions are rarely purely logical. Fear, anxiety, overconfidence, and even headlines can influence choices in ways we don’t always recognize. And when emotions take over, even a solid plan can get thrown off track. Today, Mark breaks down how emotions impact financial decisions and why having a disciplined plan, along with the right advisor, can keep you ground...

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It’s easy to think retirement mistakes come from bad investments, but more often, they come from behavior. Overconfidence, comparison, emotional reactions, and chasing returns can quietly derail even a solid financial plan. The challenge isn’t just knowing what to do; it’s avoiding the habits that pull you off track. Today, Mark walks through...

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Choosing a financial advisor isn’t just about credentials or performance, it’s about trust, communication, and fit. In this episode, Mark sheds light on what really matters when deciding who to work with and why early impressions can be just as important as technical knowledge. Not every advisor is right for every person, and that’s okay. The...

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Bold financial opinions are everywhere, and they’re often delivered with total confidence. Mark takes a more discerning look at popular money advice, and why it can sound smart while missing important context. The problem isn’t that these takes are always wrong, it’s that they’re often applied without considering real people, real timel...

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In this mailbag episode, Mark responds to listener concerns that highlight the uncertainty many people feel as retirement gets closer. These are the kinds of moments where hesitation, assumptions, or bad timing can have lasting consequences. Before making a move, it’s worth slowing down, because big decisions deserve more than guesswork.

Here’s wha...

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Most people focus on saving more but overlook how much power they already have. Mark walks through the major financial assets many people take for granted and explains why ignoring them can quietly limit retirement confidence.

Tune in to make sure your biggest resources are working together for you, not against you.

Here’s what we discuss in today’...

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Clutter isn’t just a problem in your garage, it creeps into your finances, too. In this episode, Mark talks through the habits, products, and decisions that weigh down your money without adding real value. Discover how to clean up your finances and invest confidently for the future. If your finances feel messy or inefficient, this is a smart place to sta...

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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 directio...

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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 y...

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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 rel...

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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 ...

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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 nee...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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 a...

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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...