We 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 penalty-free access opportunity
• Consider diversifying smartly beyond company stock and be aware of hidden mutual fund fees that may silently erode returns
• Your 401(k) doesn't have to be a standalone retirement plan but could be one component that integrates with other assets
• Watch time horizons - younger investors may consider being more aggressive while those approaching retirement may need more protection
• Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) often require careful planning, especially with multiple 401(k) accounts

For a complimentary consultation about your retirement plan, visit masterplanretire.com or call 770-980-9262. We'll analyze your current situation and provide a 10,000-foot view of your retirement strengths and weaknesses.

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes
Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays a

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.

The 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 benefits
• You can appeal IRMAA if you experience life-changing events like retirement or divorce using Form SSA-44
• Strategic planning between ages 59½ and 64 may be critical for minimizing IRMAA in retirement
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and donating appreciated assets directly to charity can reduce MAGI
• Tax laws affecting IRMAA change regularly, requiring ongoing review of your retirement strategy

Schedule your complimentary consultation at masterplanretire.com or call our office at 770-980-9262 to create a holistic retirement plan that addresses these hidden costs.

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes
Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events
Purchase Mark's

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.

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 ($11,250 extra)
• Are you planning for a potentially 30+ year retirement, as people are living longer but retiring earlier?
• Consider Roth accounts for tax-free growth - even opening one with minimal contributions starts the important 5-year clock
• Have you developed a tax strategy for retirement as most retirement savings are in tax-deferred accounts requiring future taxation?
• Are you prepared for healthcare costs averaging $165,000 per person during retirement?
• Have you ensured your estate planning documents are current and properly prepared?
• Is it time to rebalance your investment portfolios to match your risk tolerance and time horizon?

Schedule a complimentary consultation at masterplanretire.com or call 770-980-9262 to get comprehensive retirement planning reports that show if you're on track.

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes
Listen to Mark Fr

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.

Longevity 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 strategy with different "buckets" for different timeframes
• Consider how market volatility impacts your withdrawal strategy
• Plan for long-term care before you may need it, with 70% of people over 65 likely needing care
• Average nursing home costs can exceed $8,669 per month nationally
• Explore hybrid long-term care and life insurance options
• Consider part-time work or phased retirement for both financial and emotional transition

Schedule a complimentary consultation at MasterPlanRetire.com or call 770-980-9262.

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes
Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events
Purchase Mar

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.

Social 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 highest elder poverty rate among G7 countries
• Social Security Trust Fund projected to be depleted by 2032-2033
• Without congressional action, benefits could be cut by approximately 21%
• Women are especially vulnerable due to lower lifetime earnings and longer lifespans
• Healthcare costs continue to rise dramatically for retirees

Schedule a complimentary consultation at masterplanretire.com or call 770-980-9262 to discuss your retirement concerns and get a personalized analysis of your financial situation.

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes
Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3FM WFOM.
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 Excursio

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.

We explore eight common retirement planning myths that could potentially derail your financial future and explain why these outdated beliefs may no longer apply to today's retirement landscape.

• The 4% withdrawal rule from the 1990s has been updated to 2.8% by Morningstar research, meaning you need significantly more savings to generate the same income
• Social Security isn't going bankrupt, but its trust fund may be depleted by 2032-2034, potentially reducing benefits by about 20%
• Social Security was designed to replace only 40% of pre-retirement income, not the 70-80% many retirees depend on it for
• Keeping all investments in cash during market uncertainty may mean missing recovery periods and growth potential
• Modern long-term care planning offers alternatives to expensive traditional insurance through integrated financial tools
• Financial planning is a strategy for everyone, not just wealthy individuals, as those with modest savings can also need guidance to maximize resources
• Estate planning can apply to people at all asset levels, and outdated wills may not address digital assets or modern financial considerations
• It's important to review financial plans on a regular basis, as life circumstances, tax laws, and economic conditions evolve
• Many retirees don't drop to lower tax brackets due to required minimum distributions, loss of deductions, and potential tax increases

Visit masterplanretire.com to schedule your complimentary consultation where we'll run retirement outlook reports and stress test your plan, or call 770-980-9262. 

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.

We 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 their current homes, but retrofitting costs range from $3,000 to $50,000+
• Elder fraud and scams are increasingly sophisticated, targeting even financially savvy retirees
• Market volatility, tax changes, and inflation can significantly impact retirement security
• A comprehensive retirement plan should address all these potential financial shocks

Visit masterplanretire.com to schedule a complimentary consultation or call 770-980-9262 to see where your strengths and weaknesses in retirement planning may be.

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes
Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. EST on AM920 WGKA and 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.master

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.

Facing 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 come to us believing retirement is years away, only to discover they already have the resources needed to make the transition. The difference lies in having a comprehensive strategy that maximizes efficiency across all aspects of your financial life. From organizing your finances to rethinking your income sources, every decision can be critical.

Ready to explore your options and determine if retirement is already within reach despite this unexpected change? Contact us for a complimentary consultation at masterplanretire.com or call 770-980-9262. 

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes
Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. EST on AM920 WGKA and 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3FM WFOM.
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 Wor

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.

The 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 that may never recover
• Most 401(k) balances are pretax, meaning you must subtract 20-40% to account for taxes
• Creating a "bucket strategy" with different accounts for different purposes can provide stability
• Guaranteed income sources like properly structured annuities can replace the pension leg of retirement
• Consider using precious metals as "wealth insurance" that often performs well during market uncertainty
• Delay Social Security when possible in hopes of maximizing guaranteed lifetime income
• Work with a fiduciary who understands income planning, not just accumulation strategies

Call 770-980-9262 or visit masterplanretire.com to schedule a complimentary consultation to review your retirement income strategy.

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes
Listen to Mark Fricks on Satur

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.

What 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 advantages.

Whether you're intrigued by alternative retirement lifestyles or simply want to expand your thinking beyond traditional paths, this episode offers inspiration and practical considerations for creating a retirement uniquely suited to your dreams. 

Ready to explore what's possible? Schedule your complimentary consultation at masterplanretire.com or call 770-980-9262.

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or call 770-980-9262.

https://masterplanretire.com/
Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes
Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. EST on AM920 WGKA and 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3FM WFOM.
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

Send us a text

Visit 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/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
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: 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.