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 ...
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Are You Making These Rookie Mistakes When It Comes to Investing?
14:01
14:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:01
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What Can We Learn About Retirement Planning From Baseball?
14:01
14:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:01
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Are You Making Any Of These 401(k) Mistakes?
9:18
9:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:18
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Irreversible Decisions in Retirement Planning
10:24
10:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:24
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Moving Safely into Retirement: Lessons from the Moving Truck
13:17
13:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:17
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Financial Rules of Thumb: How Helpful Are They?
11:50
11:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:50
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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Retirement Planning with Winston Churchill
14:25
14:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:25
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How The Howard Financial Group Process Works
10:33
10:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:33
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What Can We Learn From Popular Christmas Songs?
9:40
9:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:40
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Financial Questions That Are Difficult To Answer
13:03
13:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:03
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.…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Unreasonable Retirement Planning Requests
13:06
13:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:06
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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, …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mailbag: What To Do After Paying Off Debt, And More
15:01
15:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:01
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mailbag: Getting Your Spouse on Board, Life Insurance, and More
13:56
13:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:56
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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? (…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 75: Mailbag: Write-Offs From Airbnb, And More
14:21
14:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:21
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 74: Financial Wisdom From Steve Martin
12:21
12:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:21
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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,”…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 71: Putting Those Old Accounts to Work
13:10
13:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:10
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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) …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 67: Financial Planning and Disney World
11:15
11:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:15
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 66: Overrated Concepts in the Financial World
12:47
12:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:47
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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 64: Retirement Planning With Mr. Miyagi
12:07
12:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:07
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 63: Mailbag: Money From Grandma and ETFs vs. Mutual Funds
13:36
13:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:36
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 62: Mental Blocks That Mess Up Your Finances
12:32
12:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:32
Many of us get mental blocks from time to time. But did you know these blocks can also impact your financial planning? We’ll explain what IKEA and bikes have to do with optimism and pessimism and why you might be handling your finances the wrong way. What we discuss in this episode: How the “IKEA-effect” causes us to place a higher value on things …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 61: Financial Lessons From Financial Songs
10:37
10:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:37
What can we learn about financial planning from these song lyrics about money? Whether it’s “bills, bills, bills” or “take the money and run,” we’ve got some song lyrics that hit home when it comes to your finances. What we discuss in this episode: Does “Mo’ money,” in fact, mean “mo’ problems,” as the Notorious B.I.G sang? (1:09) How Steve Miller’…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 60: Mailbag: Short-Term Loans, Staying Conservative, and More
13:21
13:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:21
Today we’re diving into the mailbag to answer questions from listeners just like you. We’re taking questions about short-term loans, whether you should be a conservative investor and what’s a good withdrawal rate. What we discuss in this episode: 0:51 – Cash for closing on house 4:41 – Conservative investor 8:29 – Withdrawal rate Read more and get …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Ep 59: Personal Training & Financial Planning
13:05
13:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:05
There are a lot of principles from the personal training and fitness world that we can apply to retirement planning. Let’s explore some similarities and learn how to increase our level of financial fitness. What we discuss in this episode: 1:35 – Reading a book 3:29 – Partners 5:36 – Certification 7:07 – Goals 8:48 – Bad habits 10:11 – Journey Read…
…
continue reading
So you’ve done a good job saving and investing over the years. You’ve lived on less than you’ve earned, kept yourself out of debt, and your investments have done pretty well. That means everything will be simple for you in retirement, right? Not necessarily. What we discuss in this episode: 1:24 – Too much cash 3:48 – Too much risk 5:19 – Tax time …
…
continue reading