Mark Fried

About Mark Fried

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December 17 2024

Episode 16: How to Retire Early and Secure Your Income for Life

Mark Fried Podcast 401(k) tax implications, Avoiding retirement tax mistakes, Early retirement planning, Financial planning for retirees, Retirement income strategies, Retirement lifestyle and income security, Social Security optimization, Sustainable retirement income, Tax planning for retirees, Tax-efficient retirement strategies

Episode Highlights

Retiring Early: Is It Possible?
Have you dreamed of retiring earlier than planned? Mark shares proven strategies to help you achieve financial independence sooner and design the life you’ve always wanted. Learn the steps to align your savings, investments, and spending habits with your early retirement goals.

Creating Sustainable Income in Retirement
Income stability is the cornerstone of a stress-free retirement. In this segment, discover how to generate steady, reliable income that lasts through your retirement years. Mark discusses key tools and strategies to ensure you never outlive your savings.

The 4% Rule and Why It Might Not Work
The traditional 4% withdrawal rule has long been a guideline for retirees, but is it still relevant? Mark explains why this strategy may not work in today’s economic climate and explores alternative approaches to safeguard your retirement funds.

Managing Future Tax Hikes
Future tax increases could significantly impact your retirement plans. Mark dives into potential risks posed by rising taxes and shares actionable ways to protect your income and savings against unexpected hikes.

Tax-Deferred Accounts: A Hidden Danger
Are your 401(k)s, IRAs, and other tax-deferred accounts really working in your favor? Mark uncovers the hidden tax traps of these accounts and how you can plan strategically to minimize tax burdens in retirement.

Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation
Many retirees confuse tax preparation with tax planning. Mark explains the critical differences and why proactive tax planning is essential for preserving your wealth and securing a comfortable retirement.

The Role of Social Security in Your Retirement Plan
Social Security is a key component of many retirement plans, but are you making the most of it? Learn how to optimize your Social Security benefits to ensure they complement your overall retirement strategy.

Avoiding Lifestyle Cuts and Downsizing
No one wants to sacrifice their lifestyle in retirement. Mark shares practical strategies to help you maintain your standard of living without worrying about downsizing or budget cuts.

How to Work with a Financial Advisor for a Custom Retirement Plan
Retirement planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Mark offers tips on selecting the right financial advisor and how to collaborate with them to create a customized plan tailored to your unique goals and circumstances.!

December 3 2024

Episode 15: Wealth Enhancement Unpacked: Strategies to Grow and Protect Your Retirement Savings

Mark Fried Podcast Emotional impact of money management, Fiduciary vs. stockbroker advice, Long-term financial planning, Managing spousal retirement goals, Retirement income growth, Retirement planning roadmap, Retirement Readiness Review, Tax-efficient retirement strategies, Wealth enhancement strategies

In this episode, Mark dives into the concept of “wealth enhancement” and explores how it goes beyond traditional investment portfolios.

Discover insights on managing differing retirement expectations between spouses and the emotional impact of past financial experiences on planning for the future. Learn about the financial phases of life—saving, investing, and withdrawing—and address key fears like, “Do I have enough money?” and “Will it last?”

Mark also shares actionable strategies, including tax-loss harvesting and Roth conversions, to help you save on taxes and grow your wealth. Plus, understand the importance of working with a fiduciary to align your financial goals with your personal values.

Retirement isn’t the end; it’s a new beginning. Start planning early to avoid stress and create a roadmap for a secure and fulfilling future. Tune in now for expert insights and practical tips tailored to retirees ready to take charge of their financial journey!

November 19 2024

Episode 14: Empowering Women in Retirement Planning: A Guide to Financial Independence

Mark Fried Podcast Empowering women in finance, Financial planning for retirees, Maximizing retirement savings, Personalized retirement plans, Retirement income strategies, Retirement Readiness Review, Secure your financial future, tax-efficient retirement planning, Transitioning to retirement

In this episode of The Road Rules for Retirement Show, hosts Mark Fried and Lisa Odoski bring their wealth of expertise to the table, offering actionable insights for retirees and those planning for retirement. Discover why having a comprehensive financial plan is essential for peace of mind and learn how personalized strategies can transform your retirement journey.

Listen to inspiring client success stories, including how the Retirement Readiness Review bridges the gap between saving and spending. Lisa shares her mission to empower women in financial decision-making, while Mark highlights the importance of a second opinion to ensure your plan evolves with life’s changes.

Explore the emotional and practical sides of retirement beyond money, and see how a team-based approach to planning addresses the unique challenges of every retirement phase. Finally, learn how to take charge of your financial future with Mark’s exclusive masterclass. Whether you’re just starting to plan or seeking to optimize your existing strategy, this episode is packed with insights to help you secure your dream retirement.

November 5 2024

Episode 13: Retire Early or Keep Working? Understanding Today’s Retirement Trends

Mark Fried Podcast Customized retirement masterclass, Early retirement tips for remote workers, Financial advice for retirees, Inflation and retirement planning, IRA rollover vs. 401(k) for retirees, Personalized retirement plans, Retirement planning trends 2024, Retirement Readiness Review, Secure retirement income strategies, Tax planning in retirement

In this episode of The Road Rules for Retirement Show, host Mark Fried delves into the latest trends in retirement planning and the unique challenges and opportunities facing retirees today. Mark discusses the rising interest in early retirement among remote workers and explains how his Retirement Readiness Review helps clients make confident retirement decisions. From securing reliable income strategies to tax planning and inflation-proofing retirement funds, Mark shares actionable insights tailored to retirees. Plus, find out whether an IRA rollover is right for you and explore the benefits of a personalized retirement plan. Tune in to learn about retirement strategies that can help make your money last, including details on Mark’s new retirement masterclass designed to help you achieve a secure, confident retirement.

October 22 2024

Episode 12: Transitioning from Accumulation to Distribution: Mastering Your Retirement Strategy

Mark Fried Podcast Diversification in retirement, Financial planning for retirees, How to make money last in retirement, Investment strategies for retirement, Managing retirement risk, Retirement income strategies, Retirement planning for high net worth individuals, Tactical investing for retirees, Tax diversification in retirement, Tax-efficient IRA withdrawals

In this episode of The Road Rules for Retirement Show, host Mark Fried offers valuable insights into retirement planning, focusing on the critical transition from accumulation to distribution. Mark explains the difference between accumulation-focused advisors, who help grow savings, and retirement specialists, who ensure those savings last through retirement. He shares a real-life example of managing IRA withdrawals to avoid tax pitfalls, illustrating the importance of strategic planning.

Mark also delves into how diversification reduces risk, why it’s essential as retirement approaches, and common misconceptions about diversification and risk management. He introduces the concept of tactical investment strategies and highlights the importance of tax diversification in lowering tax burdens during retirement. Lastly, Mark discusses how to assess whether you’re taking on too much risk as you near retirement and provides actionable advice on developing a personalized retirement plan with professional guidance.

This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help retirees secure their financial future.

October 8 2024

Episode 11: Closing the Income Gap: How to Ensure Your Retirement Savings Work for You

Mark Fried Podcast Budgeting tips for retirement, Creating a retirement income gap plan, Estate planning for seniors, Investment strategies for retirees, Medicare and long-term care for retirees, Retirement income planning, Retirement savings protection, Risk management in retirement portfolios, Roadmap for financial security in retirement, Tax-efficient retirement withdrawals

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of retirement planning with Mark Fried, a financial expert passionate about helping retirees achieve financial security. Mark’s journey began with his own personal experiences, which fueled his mission to guide individuals through the often-complex process of retirement planning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Retirement Planning Mark breaks down the retirement planning process, starting with defining your goals and understanding your financial needs. This involves managing expenses, reducing debt, and preparing for the inevitable transition into retirement.

Understanding Your Income Needs A key element is calculating your income gap—the difference between your current income and what you’ll need in retirement. Mark shares strategies for evaluating investments to ensure they provide enough return without exposing you to unnecessary risk.

Risk Tolerance and Investment Strategy He emphasizes the importance of adjusting your risk tolerance as you shift from growth mode to preservation mode. This is crucial to maintaining financial stability throughout your retirement years.

Healthcare and Tax Efficiency Mark also discusses the often-overlooked aspect of healthcare costs, from understanding Medicare to preparing for long-term care. In addition, he offers tips for tax-efficient retirement strategies, ensuring you reduce your tax burden and maximize your retirement savings.

Finally, Mark drives home the importance of having a comprehensive retirement plan to avoid the risk of running out of money and to enjoy a secure, comfortable retirement.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about securing your financial future with Mark Fried’s expert advice!

September 24 2024

Episode 10: Navigating the Emotional and Financial Side of Retirement

Mark Fried Podcast

In this episode of Road Rules for Retirement, Mark Fried shares his expertise on financial planning for retirees. He addresses the most common question: “Can I retire?” and offers practical tips to assess retirement readiness. Mark discusses the emotional and financial challenges that arise when one spouse retires before the other, the importance of having a purpose in retirement, and why planning goes beyond just money. Learn the crucial difference between having a lump sum of cash and turning it into sustainable income, how to navigate market volatility, and explore different types of annuities. Mark also emphasizes the need for personalized financial strategies to secure a comfortable retirement.

September 10 2024

Episode 9: The Retirement Red Zone: Planning for Life’s Big Decisions

Mark Fried Podcast 401(k) maximization tips, estate planning in retirement, financial planning for women, IRA inheritance rules, Retirement income strategies, Retirement Red Zone, Roth conversion strategies, tax-efficient retirement planning, working with a fiduciary advisor

In this episode of The Road Rules for Retirement Show, host Mark Fried discusses the value of working with a fiduciary financial advisor and how Mark’s firm integrates charitable giving, such as supporting Toys for Tots, into their philosophy. They highlight the importance of client relationships and offer insights into educational events like Coffee Talks and Lunch & Learns on Medicare and estate planning. Mark explains the critical concept of the “Retirement Red Zone,” emphasizing the need to start planning five years before retirement to ensure a sustainable income stream. He also touches on the adaptability of retirement plans, the benefits of Roth conversions during market volatility, and the impact of new IRS rules requiring IRAs passed to children to be withdrawn within 10 years.

August 27 2024

Episode 8: Navigating 401(k) Decisions: How to Make the Most of Your Retirement Savings

Mark Fried Podcast

In this episode of the Road Rules for Retirement show, Mark Fried covers essential topics that are crucial for a secure and fulfilling retirement. They start by discussing the importance of involving both spouses in the retirement planning process, emphasizing how differing perspectives between partners can impact their financial future. Mark highlights the unique challenges women face in retirement due to their longer life expectancy, advocating for women-specific financial planning to ensure their security.

The episode also delves into the history and evolution of 401(k) plans, explaining how they became a primary tool for retirement savings. Mark offers practical advice on maximizing 401(k) contributions, including taking full advantage of company matches and exploring the benefits of the Roth option. He stresses the importance of regularly rebalancing your 401(k) portfolio to keep your investments aligned with your retirement goals.

Additionally, the pros and cons of target date funds are examined, with a cautionary note on understanding these investments before diving in. For those with multiple 401(k) accounts from past jobs, Mark advises consolidating them into a single IRA to maintain control and optimize your retirement strategy. He also discusses how 401(k)s have replaced traditional pensions and the importance of translating your savings into a reliable income stream for retirement.

The episode further explores the significance of working with a fiduciary, someone legally obligated to act in your best interest, and provides tips on selecting a financial advisor who aligns with your values and goals. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make informed decisions about their retirement and ensure their financial security in the years to come.

August 13 2024

Episode 7: Avoiding Costly Retirement Mistakes

Mark Fried Podcast

In this episode of The Road Rules for Retirement show, wealth expert Mark Fried discusses critical aspects of retirement planning. They explore the Retirement Readiness Review, a four-step process that helps retirees assess their income, manage risks, and ensure their savings last. Key topics include the penalties for early Social Security withdrawal, strategies to maximize benefits, and the importance of timely Medicare enrollment to avoid costly penalties. The episode also covers 401(k) and IRA withdrawal rules, the tax advantages of Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) for company stock, and the severe consequences of missing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Throughout the discussion, Mark emphasizes the value of personalized financial advice and long-term planning to secure a comfortable retirement.