Prepare yourself to gain a clear understanding of the often-confusing world of Medicare with the guidance of our guest, Buddy Friend, of Senior Benefits of Georgia. With over a decade of experience in Medicare insurance, Buddy unpacks the essentials of Parts A and B for you, detailing the ins and outs of hospitalization and physician coverage. Discover the cost structures, including when Part A is free and how income affects Part B premiums. Buddy's insights into Medicare's foundational elements will help you to know what to expect from your healthcare options.

What if a 50 basis point interest rate cut could significantly alter your financial future? Join us as we unpack the Federal Reserve's recent decision and its far-reaching implications with insights from Investment Advisor Representatives, Mark and Evan Fricks. From the subtle shifts in credit card interest rates to the more pronounced effects on auto loans and HELOCs, we break down how these changes might impact your everyday financial decisions. Our discussion extends to the broader economic landscape, examining the Fed's strategy to manage inflation without tipping the economy into recession. Discover how continued rate decreases could lead to substantial long-term savings and why it's crucial to stay informed. These interest rate adjustments ripple through retirement planning and investment strategies, and Mark and Evan Fricks are here to help you navigate the shifts.

Today, we discuss ideas and considerations in preparation for retirement at key points in your countdown- 10 years away, 5 years away, and one year from retirement. 

Have you thought about what you will do with your 401(k) once you retire? In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Evan and Mark Fricks unravel the complexities surrounding 401(k) and IRA options as retirement beckons. We dissect the advantages and limitations of maintaining a 401(k), from enticing company matches to frustrating investment constraints, and uncover the expansive opportunities IRAs can present, including investing in precious metals and real estate. With insightful discussions on converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs for potential tax-free benefits, this episode is packed with strategies that may refine your retirement savings approach for enduring financial health.

Ever wondered how to keep your retirement savings intact during the unpredictability of an election year? In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks guide you through the minefield of market volatility triggered by election cycles and share strategies that can help maintain a steady, long-term investment approach. They caution against knee-jerk reactions to media hype and market jitters, which can lead to detrimental portfolio moves, and advocate for a balanced retirement roadmap that leverages both growth and income strategies, utilizing modern tools like computer algorithms and AI to enhance your decision-making process.

 In this episode of Retirement Roadmap with Mark and Evan Fricks we look at what U.S. News and World Report lists as The 10 Biggest Regrets of Retirees. We share from our experiences in financial services how these common regrets can impact your retirement roadmap. 

Is December 31st or April 15th the most critical tax deadline for retirees? This episode of Retirement Roadmap explores this provocative question, guiding you through important end-of-year tax strategies. We'll uncover the nuances of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and how the Secure Act and Secure Act 2.0 have shifted the landscape, potentially impacting your tax bracket, Social Security, and Medicare premiums. By connecting tax strategies, Roth conversions, and legislative changes, we help you navigate the complex web of retirement planning.

Ever wondered how working before and after full retirement age affects your Social Security benefits? Curious about alternatives to traditional insurance? What about what it means to take a lump sum pension versus a monthly pension? Join us as we answer several questions that may better equip you to navigate the complexities of retirement income and maximize your financial security.

What if you could retire a decade earlier than you ever thought possible? On this episode of Retirement Roadmap with MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, we reveal powerful early retirement strategies that could transform your financial future. Hear examples that could help pave your way to financial freedom. Discover how you can maximize your income through hobbies, part-time work, additional education, and creating multiple income streams like rental properties or guaranteed income tools. Plus, we share effective budgeting tools and mindful spending habits to keep you on the path to early retirement.

Ready to unlock the secrets to early retirement and financial freedom? Drawing on insights from Jacob Schroeder's article in Kiplinger Magazine, How to Retire Early in Six Steps, we emphasize the importance of ongoing education and adapting to ever-changing regulations. You'll learn why setting a high savings rate of 10-15% is crucial and how some of these budgeting and spending tips may help you navigate your own retirement journey.

Today we discuss the retirement savings vehicle of the federal employee: the Thrift Savings Plan. What is it? How does it work for the retiree versus other retirement plans? Are there tax advantages? Find out all this and much more on today's show!

What's a FERS Pension? FERS is a retirement plan that provides benefits from three different sources: aBasic Benefit Plan, Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Two of the three parts of FERS (Social Security and the TSP) can go with you to your next job if you leave the Federal Government before retirement. The Basic Benefit and Social Security parts of FERS require you to pay your share each pay period. Your agency withholds the cost of the Basic Benefit and Social Security from your pay as payroll deductions. Your agency pays its part too. Then, after you retire, you receive annuity payments each month for the rest of your life. Join us as we discuss part one of our federal employee retirement benefits overview, the FERS pension.

What if your wealth could grow and stand the test of time? This episode reveals the secrets that wealthy individuals use to maintain and expand their fortune. We dissect a fascinating Business Insider article and share five pivotal strategies, including the significance of a comprehensive financial plan encompassing budgeting, insurance, legacy planning, tax planning, and investments. Plus, we highlight why finding the right financial professional and sticking to a hands-off investment approach can make all the difference.

Can you afford to ignore the future of tax policies on your retirement plans? Join us on Retirement Roadmap as we explore the critical uncertainties surrounding the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, set for December 31, 2025. Our conversation dives into the potential implications for personal income taxes, estate taxes, and the broader financial landscape shaped by government spending, national debt, and federal inefficiencies. Listen in to discover how these legislative changes could impact your financial planning.

Discover the essential keys to safeguarding your legacy with Sarah White, an esteemed estate planning attorney with over two decades of expertise. Sarah demystifies the critical components of estate planning, from wills and powers of attorney to healthcare directives. Highlighting unique considerations for Georgia residents, Sarah delves into the pros and cons of revocable living trusts versus standard wills, revealing the intricacies of probate and the strategic advantages of trusts. Misconceptions abound when it comes to estate planning, but Sarah sets the record straight, emphasizing the accessibility and necessity of professionally guided documents. Explore new provisions for digital assets in Georgia and understand how digital legacies fit into your overall plan. This episode underscores the value of holistic retirement planning, stressing the importance of collaboration among financial planners, tax advisors, and estate attorneys that will enable you to leave no stone unturned in your retirement and estate planning journey.

Today we have a special episode - we look at MasterPlan Retirement's approach to retirement planning and the phases we take our clients through in developing their personal retirement plan; how a retirement plan is created and how it travels with you through 30+ years of retirement.

Can a community truly transform the lives of its veterans? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of our client, Dan Hydrick, an Army veteran who dedicates much of his time to helping his fellow servicemen and women through the Cobb County Veterans Treatment and Accountability Court and Bravo Victor Fund. Dan shares his remarkable transition from military service to relentless community service, showing how the VATC and Bravo Victor Fund provide essential resources like housing, transportation, and furniture to veterans in Cobb County, GA.  Discover the power and impact of the "battle buddies" program, where veterans guide each other through challenging times, ensuring no one gets left behind, as well as the "vet pod, "a collaborative effort that provides incarcerated veterans with safer environments and better access to legal and VA services. Listen to the stories behind the community's role in these initiatives, from the Veterans Court to the We Care Fair, and learn about the incredible contributions of organizations like United Military Care. 

In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks illuminate the critical importance of up-to-date estate plans and guide you through the process of asset transition with compassion and clarity. We touch on how our clients use their Professional Record Organizer (PRO), an organization tool that helps your heirs have the essential information they need to honor your wishes and protect your life's work. We discuss various tasks, from organizing pet care to community memberships to digital platform instructions, with the hope of easing the burden on the people you care about most and working to safeguard your legacy. 

In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks discuss the critical decade before retirement, revealing strategies that may work to beef up savings, slash debts, and pivot investment tactics. If you're in your early 50s, it's high time to fine-tune your financial engine with your partner and contemplate life's big moves, such as downsizing or planting new roots. This episode is your roadmap to align your retirement dreams with concrete, actionable plans. Picture your life post-career—do you see a horizon filled with purpose and vitality? Transitioning from the daily grind to retirement's open-ended landscape can be more than just a monetary shift; it's a journey to rediscover your zest for life while keeping your finances and health in tip-top shape. Embrace the insights shared on the importance of maintaining social connections, considering part-time work, and the art of crafting a flexible, robust financial plan that can withstand the unexpected. We're here to guide you through this complex terrain. We discuss the often healthcare-intensive third decade of retirement. We address the necessities of home modifications, the vigilance required for estate planning, and strategies to counter the stealthy creep of healthcare inflation. With regular legal check-ups and a dynamic, comprehensive approach, your retirement plan can gracefully adapt and flourish. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that evolves with you—through every phase of retirement.

Are you prepared for the rising tide of retirement costs and the inevitable tax hikes that could erode your nest egg? That's exactly what we're unpacking today on Retirement Roadmap, with your hosts Mark and Evan Fricks. From the looming expiration of the 2017 Tax Cut Act to the sobering outlook on Social Security, we're giving you the straight talk on how these factors can significantly impact your golden years. Join us as we navigate these critical topics, aiming to fortify your retirement roadmap against the current economic climate's choppy waters.

In this episode, a continuation of The Clueless Retiree Part I, Mark and Evan Fricks tackle the thorny issues of tax misconceptions and legislative changes that could leave you adrift in a sea of confusion without a solid plan. The Secure Act 1 and 2 are dissected, revealing their hidden impact on retirement strategies and why Roth conversions might just be your lifeline. We delve deep into the importance of strategic planning in hopes of steering clear of unexpected tax burdens and the dreaded surge in Medicare Part B premiums and then anchor down on the daunting healthcare costs that loom over the retired horizon. Take the helm with us, and let's set sail toward a future where your golden years glisten with well-earned peace of mind.

In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks zero in on the hazards that lurk for the clueless retiree when inflation and taxes are left out of the equation. They discuss the importance of a realistic lifespan estimate and the often missed step of strategic income planning. Listen to tips on 401(k) rollovers, loans, and the savvy moves to mitigate tax hits. Don't let common estate planning oversights, like hasty property transfers that could cost your heirs dearly, be a part of your financial plan. Tune in to fortify your future against common retirement faux pas and arm yourself with the knowledge to outsmart the pitfalls that may trip up the clueless retiree.

Many financial decisions that should be approached rationally are unfortunately made from a place of emotion. In this video, we discuss common fears for retirees and attempt to shed some light on these fears as well as provide potential solutions so that you may find your way to peace of mind.

Navigating the maze of Required Minimum Distributions just got easier thanks to our latest Retirement Roadmap episode. Evan and Mark Fricks are here to guide you through the recent updates to RMDs, now kicking in at 73 or 75 for those born in 1960 or later. Understand the necessity behind these withdrawals, the importance of hitting deadlines, and the tax implications of not managing your distributions effectively. Discover strategies aimed at weaving RMDs into a retirement plan that's not just about surviving but thriving.

Ever thought on how a well-structured plan can be the cornerstone of maintaining family harmony after you're gone? Join Mark and Evan Fricks of MasterPlan Retirement Consultants as they navigate the often-overlooked terrain of legacy and estate planning. This episode isn't just about numbers and legalities; it's a heartfelt look at how thoughtful preparation can be a gift that eases the burden on loved ones during trying times. We share personal stories and advice on why updating your will and healthcare directives is more than just a box to tick—it's a vital step in protecting your family's future, and ensuring your final wishes are met with the respect they deserve.

In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks demystify the role of precious metals, like gold, as a bastion against economic storms. We delve into the heart of why gold shines amidst market turbulence, drawing from its historical safe-haven status and recent price surges. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone eager to fortify their retirement portfolio with a time-tested asset.

Ever wondered how to shield your hard-earned legacy from the grip of tax burdens that potentially await your heirs? That's what Mark and Evan Fricks will unpack in this episode of Retirement Roadmap. We'll touch on strategies that may help your heirs navigate their inheritance with financial savvy and share stories that illustrate the potentially dire consequences of poor legacy planning. With the likelihood of looming changes to estate tax exemptions on the horizon, let's chart a course together that will may help you steer clear of the pitfalls that could endanger your financial legacy.

Instead of simply reporting your taxes, join us as we navigate how to plan your taxes, especially for your retirement, with the guidance of Mark and Evan Fricks. In this episode, we'll tackle the tough topics, from the impact of inflation to the nuances of required minimum distributions and the taxation of Social Security benefits. We believe a proactive financial plan is not just a good idea—it's an essential tool to help avoid the pitfalls that could diminish the retirement lifestyle you've worked so hard to achieve. As our country is amid political gridlock, the clock is ticking on strategic tax opportunities before the expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 

We like to think of ourselves as rational people, but often our actions can prove the opposite. Even with training, education, and experience, investors still make decisions that can go against their best interests. We may not be able to eliminate our emotional response to our personal finances and investing but we can be aware that these responses exist in all of us, recognize them, and make informed decisions based on our understanding. Today we discuss behavioral finance and how it affects our approach to investing and retirement prep. 

When it comes to retirement, the thought of an income gap can be daunting. In this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks of MasterPlan Retirement Consultants provide valuable insights to help you understand what a retirement income gap is and introducing you to investment tools that may better equip your plan for a stress-free retirement. MASTERPLAN RETIREMENT CONSULTANTS

How do you know when you are ready to retire? In this episode, we discuss many facets to consider as you prepare for your next stage of life.

With the beginning of 2024, we engage the onset of another presidential election year in the United States, and in this episode, Mark and Evan Fricks discuss how this unique season typically impacts the market and our client's investments according to historical data.  Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at info@masterplanretire.com or call 770-980-9262. Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events Purchase Mark's Book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime on Amazon.com https://a.co/d/4fx94Al Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants.  The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

In this video, we discuss a handful of major points in our pre-retirement checklist to consider as you prepare for your own retirement. Visit us online at https://masterplanretire.com/ Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/podcast Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. EST on AM920 WGKA Purchase Mark's Book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime on Amazon.com https://a.co/d/4fx94Al Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants.  The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

Many Americans’ largest asset is their 401(k), 403(b), traditional or Roth IRA but few know the details, rules, and intricacies of their accounts. When it comes to withdrawals from these accounts, you want to make sure you’re aware of applicable tax and plan-specific rules. In today’s episode, Mark and Evan Fricks will discuss some of these rules while also sharing some tips on how account holders could save money when making withdrawals. 

What's your retirement risk number? What is a risk number? Join Mark and Evan Fricks as they discuss risk numbers and how they can be used to tailor your financial retirement plan.

The new year is upon us and many are setting some resolutions and at the top of that resolution list should be a reevaluation of your current retirement plan. Time to look and see how the investments are performing, setting new goals to accomplish in the short and long term, and seeing whether your retirement fund is on target for retirement.