Market Swings, Medicare, and Marriage in Retirement

The stock market doesn’t smooth out just because you retire. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why volatility is a normal part of retirement and how mindset, planning, and guardrails can make market swings easier to live with. The conversation spans risk tolerance, guaranteed income options…

What Most Retirement Plans Don’t Account For

Running out of money isn’t the only thing retirees worry about—and it’s rarely the most complicated. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down the real forces that shape retirement, from income planning and taxes to health care, longevity, and how our life experiences affect money decisions. The co…

The Clock on Social Security Is Ticking—Now What?

A potential Social Security shortfall is moving closer—and that has real implications for retirement planning. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down what a projected trust fund depletion could mean, why relying solely on Social Security was never the intent, and how shifting demographics are ch…

How One Percent Can Cost You Millions in Retirement

One percent feels harmless—until it quietly reshapes your entire retirement. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down how small investment fees can translate into millions over time, and why focusing only on cost can be a costly mistake. The conversation expands beyond numbers into the often‑ignor…

What Your 401(k) Isn’t Telling You About Retirement

What really happens to your money—and your marriage—when retirement gets closer? This episode unpacks why many retirees move money out of 401(k)s, the trade‑offs of staying versus rolling over, and how earlier tax planning can change long‑term outcomes. The conversation turns personal as Mark Cordn…

The Retirement Risk Most People Don’t See Coming

What if the biggest retirement risk isn’t a market crash—but how you’re positioned when it happens? On this episode Mark Cordner breaks down why retirement planning isn’t about chasing returns, but managing risk, income, and certainty over decades. From a “two-pocket” strategy that separates market…

The Talk No One Wants—But Every Family Needs

Family silence can spark more chaos than any financial setback. On this episode, Mark Cordner explains why proactive conversations about estate plans, healthcare wishes, and end‑of‑life decisions can bring families closer and prevent emotional turmoil. Drawing from real stories, practical guidance,…

Are You Retiring Too Late?

What if the biggest retirement risk isn’t money — but waiting too long to live your life? On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why more Americans are retiring earlier than expected and how health, lifestyle goals, and shifting priorities are reshaping the modern retirement timeline. From “go‑g…

Are You Ignoring the One Financial Habit That Changes Everything?

Are you unknowingly setting yourself up for a stressful retirement? On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down the often‑missed financial conversations that can make or break your future—tax planning, RMD strategies, charitable giving, and the importance of keeping both spouses informed. You’ll hear…

Before You Hit ‘Retire’: What Could Cost You Everything

Retirement can feel like a maze — but the biggest danger may be the traps you don’t see coming. In this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down the red flags to watch for when seeking financial guidance, why guaranteed income brings peace of mind, and how to protect yourself from rushed sales tactics and…