Shows
Retirement RoadmapHow to Spend Confidently in RetirementHolistic retirement planning isn’t just about saving — it’s about knowing when and how to spend. One of the most common challenges we see is that people who have done a great job preparing for retirement often feel uncomfortable actually using their money.In this episode of Retirement Roadmap with MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks break down the psychology behind spending in retirement, how to build confidence in your financial plan, and practical strategies to balance enjoying life today while staying on track for the future.Send us Fan MailV...
2026-03-2424 minRetirement RoadmapWe Get Mail: Q&A Episode 2Retirement planning gets complicated quickly when you start asking the questions most people avoid. What happens if long-term care becomes necessary? Should you trust a pension payout or take control of the money yourself? And how much should Social Security really factor into your plan if the future feels uncertain?In this Q&A episode of Retirement Roadmap with Master Plan Retirement Consultants — “We Get Mail” Part 2 — Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks continue answering common retirement questions from clients and listeners, covering family financial habits, Medicare and Medicaid misconceptions, pension decisions, 401(k) strategy, and whether Social Security...
2026-03-1524 minRetirement RoadmapLandmark Ages in Retirement (50, 55, 59½, 62, 65, 67, 70, 73/75)Retirement has “landmark ages” — moments where the rules change on contributions, withdrawals, Social Security, Medicare, and RMDs. In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks walk through the retirement timeline and explain what each age unlocks — and what to watch out for before you pull the trigger.Send us Fan MailVisit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.https://masterplanretire.com/Catc...
2026-02-2724 minRetirement RoadmapWe Get Mail: Q&A EpisodeHolistic retirement planning isn’t a buzzword — it’s a framework for how real life actually works in retirement. Your investments matter, but they’re only one piece of a plan that has to coordinate income, taxes, healthcare, and legacy decisions (and the ripple effects between them).In this Q&A episode of Retirement Roadmap with Master Plan Retirement Consultants — “We Get Mail” — Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks answer some of the most common questions they hear from clients and prospects, from Roth conversion timing to early-retirement income access, and how to think about long-term care planning when tr...
2026-02-1925 minRetirement RoadmapHolistic Retirement Planning: The 3-Circle Plan (Money, Taxes, Legacy)Holistic retirement planning isn’t a buzzword — it’s a framework for how real life actually works in retirement. Your investments matter, but they’re only one piece of a plan that has to coordinate income, taxes, and legacy decisions (and the ripple effects between them).In this episode of Retirement Roadmap with Master Plan Retirement Consultants, Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks break down what “holistic” really means, why the old-school “buy and hold + check in once a year” model often falls short for today’s retirees, and how a truly comprehensive plan helps you avo...
2026-01-2925 minRetirement RoadmapPlaying It Too Safe in Retirement Can Be DangerousRetirement planning isn’t just about avoiding risk — it’s about understanding which risks actually matter.For many retirees and near-retirees, playing it “too safe” can quietly become one of the biggest threats to long-term financial security.In this episode of Retirement Roadmap with Master Plan Retirement Consultants, Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks discuss why overly conservative portfolios can struggle to keep up with inflation, how emotional reactions to market downturns can lead to missed recoveries, and how proper diversification and income planning can help your retirement last decades — not just years.Send us Fan Mail
2026-01-1125 minRetirement RoadmapDelay Retirement or Retire Now? Here’s How to DecideRetirement isn’t one-size-fits-all—and delaying retirement can be a smart move for some people and a mistake for others.In this episode of Retirement Roadmap with Master Plan Retirement Consultants, Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks walk through the most common reasons people work longer (financial security, purpose, flexibility) and the key tradeoffs you need to evaluate before you choose a retirement date.We cover:Why more people are delaying retirement (and even “unretiring”)The real retirement math: savings, timeline, and income planning (not a “magic number”)Social Security timing: why the “wait ti...
2025-12-2025 minRetirement RoadmapThe Truth About Social Security in Your Retirement PlanAre you treating Social Security like an on/off switch instead of a key part of your retirement income plan? In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Mark Fricks and Evan Fricks walk through how Social Security really works—and why the decision is about far more than just picking an age between 62 and 70. From misunderstood “full retirement age” rules to inflation, healthcare costs, and earned-income limits, they show how Social Security fits into the bigger picture of your retirement strategy.Drawing on decades of retirement-planning and Social Security experience, Mark and Evan explain why the program was never...
2025-12-1224 minRetirement RoadmapMajor 2026 Changes to 401(k)s, IRAs, and Roth Strategies ExplainedThe retirement planning landscape is changing again in 2026—and for many savers, especially higher earners, the rules are becoming more complex.In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks break down the most important 2026 changes affecting 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth accounts, and employer-sponsored plans. These updates create new opportunities to save more, but they also introduce new restrictions that could catch people off guard if they’re not prepared.We cover:New 2026 contribution limits for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457(b)s, and IRAsRequired Roth treatment for catch-up contributions for higher earn...
2025-12-1225 minRetirement RoadmapHow To Build a Purpose-Driven Retirement for 2026How do you build a retirement that actually feels meaningful, not just mathematically correct?In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Mark Fricks and Evan Fricks break down why retirement planning isn’t only about "saving enough." It’s about aligning your money with what gives your life purpose in 2026 and beyond.Drawing on decades of hands-on retirement planning experience, Mark and Evan explain how purpose, income planning, Social Security, healthcare costs, investments, and taxes all work together. When you shift from "What should I do?" to "What matters most to me?", your retirement decisions become clearer, calm...
2025-11-2424 minRetirement RoadmapDon’t Fall for These 5 Estate Planning MythsDo you believe an estate-planning myth? In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Mark Fricks and Evan Fricks break down the most common misconceptions that cause even “well-prepared” families to face chaos when it matters most. From outdated wills to unfunded trusts and missing powers of attorney, they expose the hidden gaps that can make your plan collapse when your family needs it most.Drawing from decades of hands-on retirement and estate-planning experience, Mark and Evan explain why estate planning isn’t a one-and-done event or something only the wealthy need. They reveal how fast-changing laws, family...
2025-10-3025 min
Retirement RoadmapThe Tax-Free Retirement BlueprintWe tackle the often-overlooked issue of retirement tax liability and explore strategies to create tax-free income streams for a potentially more secure financial future.• Understanding the "mortgage" on qualified plans (401(k)s, IRAs) where the IRS owns an unknown percentage of your savings• The current "tax sale" has been extended but will eventually end with rates likely rising dramatically• Strategic Roth IRA conversions can move money from tax-deferred to tax-free status during this window of opportunity • "Super Roth" life insurance policies offer tax-free income, death benefits, and potential long-term care coverage• Tax location matters as...
2025-08-2124 min
Retirement RoadmapFrom Checkers to Chess: Mastering the Strategic Game of Retirement PlanningAre you playing retirement checkers when you should be mastering retirement chess? This episode unpacks a powerful analogy that demonstrates why traditional retirement planning often falls short.When approaching retirement, most people arrive with what amounts to a checkerboard and a bag of identical checkers—assets that have served a single purpose during working years: growth. But retirement demands a more sophisticated approach. Like chess pieces with their unique movements and capabilities, your retirement assets may need specialized roles to create a truly effective strategy.Mark and Evan walk listeners through the process of transforming th...
2025-08-1424 min
Retirement RoadmapTax Cuts Extended: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for RetireesThe new federal budget bill makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, creates a temporary senior deduction, and raises estate exemptions, but also adds $3.4 trillion to national debt while cutting social safety nets. We explore what these changes mean for retirement planning and identify strategies to maximize the limited window of opportunity created by today's low tax environment.• Tax cuts from 2017 now permanent, but historically "permanent" tax changes typically last only 8-12 years• New senior deduction of $6,000 (single) or $12,000 (couples) for those 65+ available for tax years 2025-2028• Estate tax exemption raised to $15M individual/$30M couples• $1 trillion...
2025-07-3124 min
Retirement RoadmapMaximizing Your 401(k): Hidden Strategies and Common PitfallsWe explore how to maximize your 401(k) balance and integrate it effectively into your overall retirement strategy.• 401(k) plans emerged in 1979, giving workers an automatic way to save for retirement without employer-provided pensions• Most Americans lack proper education on 401(k) investing, contributing blindly without understanding rules or optimal strategies • We discuss how to start with your employer match and gradually increase contributions, especially after receiving raises• Consider Roth 401(k) options for tax-free growth but recognize the immediate impact on take-home pay• Early withdrawals before 59½ trigger penalties, but leaving a job after age 55 may create a pen...
2025-07-2424 min
Retirement RoadmapAvoiding the IRMAA Trap: Strategic Income Planning for MedicareThe Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is a Medicare surcharge that can significantly increase your healthcare costs in retirement based on income from two years prior.• IRMAA affects both Medicare Part B and Part D premiums, potentially adding over $500 per month per person• The surcharge is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior• Income thresholds begin at $106,000 for individuals and $212,000 for joint filers• One-time income events like selling property or Roth conversions can trigger IRMAA• Higher premiums due to IRMA do not provide better coverage - everyone gets the same b...
2025-07-0324 min
Retirement RoadmapTime is Flying in 2025: Have You Caught Up With Your Financial Goals?We examine essential mid-year financial steps that could help you finish the year strong and brighten your financial future. Time flies by quickly, making it crucial to check in on your financial goals periodically rather than putting them off indefinitely.• Consider saving for retirement early, even if in small amounts, to harness the power of compound interest• Check your workplace retirement plans - many now offer automatic enrollment at 3%, but experts recommend aiming for 10-15% contribution rates• Consider taking advantage of catch-up contributions at age 50 ($7,500 extra in 401k) and the new higher limits between ages 60-63 ($...
2025-06-1924 min
Retirement RoadmapLiving Too Long: The Financial RiskLongevity risk presents a significant challenge for retirees, with medical advancements potentially extending lifespans and creating decades-long retirements that require careful financial planning.• Running out of money in retirement is often feared more than death itself• Life expectancy now averages 79.5 years for men and 82 years for women• Most retirees now believe they need about $1.5 million to retire comfortably• Estimate your personal timeline based on health, family history, and lifestyle• Consider delaying Social Security to age 70 for up to 77% higher payments• Explore appropriate annuities for guaranteed lifetime income• Consider adopting a flexible withdrawal str...
2025-06-1224 min
Retirement RoadmapBeyond the Check: Reimagining Retirement When Social Security Isn't EnoughSocial Security has reached a milestone with the average check surpassing $2,000 monthly for the first time in June 2025, but this achievement highlights serious concerns about retirement security in America.• Maximum benefit for those claiming at age 70 will be $5,108 per month• Social Security was designed to replace only about 40% of pre-retirement income• Cost of living adjustments are designed to lag behind actual inflation rates• Nearly 90% of people over 65 receive benefits, with 40% relying on it for half their income• One in seven seniors depend on Social Security for over 90% of their income• The U.S. has the h...
2025-06-0524 min
Retirement RoadmapShockproofing Your Retirement: Essential SafeguardsWe explore the unexpected financial shocks that can derail even the most carefully constructed retirement plans and discuss strategies to help prepare for these challenges.• Healthcare costs average $315,000 for couples throughout retirement, yet most Americans estimate only $75,000• Medicare has significant gaps requiring additional coverage and costs that increase annually• 70% of adults who reach age 65 will need long-term care, with annual costs ranging from $47,000 to $131,000• Traditional long-term care insurance has become problematic, but alternative solutions exist• Home repairs and aging-in-place modifications can require substantial withdrawals from retirement accounts• 75% of Americans over 50 want to remain in th...
2025-05-2224 min
Retirement RoadmapWhen Career Plans Crumble: Strategic Options for Pre-Retirement LayoffsFacing a layoff when retirement is on the horizon can feel devastating. That carefully planned timeline suddenly collapses, leaving you wondering if your retirement dreams are still possible. But what seems like a crisis might actually be an opportunity—if you know how to navigate it.This episode dives deep into the strategies and considerations for those experiencing job loss within five years of retirement. Rather than making panic-driven decisions, we explore how to take stock of your situation, protect what you've built, and potentially discover that retirement is closer than you think.Many clients co...
2025-05-1524 min
Retirement RoadmapMarket-proof Your Retirement: Income Strategies for Any MarketThe traditional rules of retirement planning have changed dramatically in recent decades, calling for new strategies to generate plans for reliable income regardless of market conditions. Increased market volatility since 2000 has rendered the old "4% rule" obsolete, now reduced to 2.8%, while tax implications, sequence of returns risk, and the shift from pensions to 401(k)s create additional challenges.• Market volatility has increased significantly: 1980-1999 averaged 17.75% returns vs. just 6.06% from 2000-2020• The 4% withdrawal rule has been reduced to 2.8%, which means larger portfolios are needed to generate the same income• Withdrawing from market-based accounts during downturns locks in losses...
2025-05-0824 min
Retirement RoadmapUnconventional Retirement StrategiesWhat if your dream retirement looked nothing like the standard Florida condo and golf course scenario? Evan and Mark dive into wildly unconventional retirement strategies—some absurd, some surprisingly practical—that could transform how you envision your golden years.The conversation begins with AI-generated oddball ideas like starting hobby-based cults and living in haunted houses before evolving into legitimately viable alternatives many retirees already embrace. From converting school buses into solar-powered tiny homes to living year-round on cruise ships (which may actually cost less than nursing homes), these alternatives challenge conventional retirement wisdom while possibly offering unique adva...
2025-04-2424 min
Retirement RoadmapRetiring in Turbulent Markets: Is 2025 Still Your Year?Market volatility in 2025 doesn't have to derail retirement plans if you've properly structured your income sources and diversified your investments. Proper retirement planning involves creating stable income buckets that aren't totally dependent on market performance, allowing retirees to weather economic storms with confidence.• Sequence of returns risk can pose a significant danger when withdrawing from declining investments• Traditional retirement income approaches like dividend stocks or bonds may only yield 2-4% and can lack stability• Professional retirement planning should involve creating guaranteed income streams of 5-6% regardless of market conditions• Having income buckets prepared before retireme...
2025-04-1724 min
Retirement RoadmapWorking Beyond Retirement: The Benefits of Part-Time JobsWe explore the financial and emotional benefits of part-time employment during retirement, discussing how it can both extend retirement savings and provide a sense of purpose during this major life transition.• Part-time work provides social connections and purpose when transitioning from decades of career identity• Working in retirement can help extend retirement funds by supplementing income and reducing the need to deplete savings• Delaying Social Security through part-time income can increase benefits by 6-8% per year• Continuing to earn income allows for ongoing retirement account contributions rather than withdrawals• Working part-time may help improve So...
2025-04-0324 min