Retirement Roadmap

We explore strategies for optimizing your retirement plan with timely adjustments that can significantly impact your financial future. Spring cleaning your retirement plan involves reviewing multiple interconnected elements that work together to help secure your financial well-being.

• Roth conversion strategies while taxes are potentially at historic lows
• Evaluating tax brackets and timing conversions for maximum effectiveness
• Creating a comprehensive withdrawal strategy beyond Social Security
• Planning for healthcare costs averaging $300,000 per retired couple
• Understanding the 6% inflation rate on healthcare expenses
• Reviewing estate planning documents for state-specific compliance
• Checking beneficiary designations that override will provisions
• Reconsidering retirement timing based on current financial position
• Exploring phased retirement options for financial and emotional benefits
• Preparing psychologically for the transition to retirement
• Working with a holistic retirement planner to coordinate all aspects

Visit masterplanretire.com to schedule a complimentary consultation or call 770-980-9262 to start creating your comprehensive retirement roadmap.

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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 several strategies for spring cleaning your retirement plan. Retirement planning deserves regular attention and adjustments as your life circumstances and the economic landscape evolve.

• Reviewing retirement accounts regularly to check balances, investment allocations, and risk levels based on your age
• Considering contribution limits and ensuring you're at least capturing employer matches
• Examining your savings rate and finding ways to increase contributions by cutting unnecessary expenses
• Defining your retirement vision including lifestyle expectations to better estimate your financial needs
• Developing a comprehensive Social Security strategy that plans to maximize benefits for your situation
• Paying down high-interest debt before retirement while strategically managing low-interest obligations
• Implementing tax planning strategies like Roth conversions to help to minimize taxation in retirement
• Creating "buckets" of money specifically designed for retirement income rather than growth
• Consulting with a retirement planning professional to coordinate all aspects of your retirement 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 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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.

This episode dives deep into the current economic climate, focusing on how tariffs can affect the retirement landscape. We explore actionable steps to help secure your financial future amid rising costs and market volatility. 

- Understanding tariffs and their implications on consumer prices
- Historical context of tariffs versus the modern tax system
- How you can put your cash to work in during retirement
- Constructing a comprehensive retirement contingency plan 
- Diversifying your investments for a better chance at financial stability
- Health maintenance as a key factor to consider in retirement planning

To take a closer look at your retirement needs, schedule a complimentary consultation with our team at masterplanretire.com.

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.

Retirement is more than just a financial milestone—it's an emotional and physical transformation. As we share the story of Will and Jen Hagler, you'll hear how the COVID-19 pandemic prompted them to reassess their work-life balance and embark on an enriching retirement journey. Jen's poignant recollection of her father's unfulfilled dream to see the Grand Canyon serves as a powerful reminder to chase personal goals while we still can. Their experiences highlight the invaluable freedom and time retirement offers, inspiring you to consider your own aspirations and adventures during this stage of life.

Shifting from personal introspection to collective adventure, we dive into the remarkable experiences of a couple who chose to spend their retirement summers volunteering at national parks through volunteer.gov. From the trails of San Juan Island to the towering redwoods of California, their stories illuminate the transformative power of shared experiences and environmental stewardship. Our exploration of Redwood National Park further underscores its global appeal and the vital role of conservation. Join us as we celebrate adventures that await in retirement.

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.

This episode highlights seven crucial age milestones for effective retirement planning and the strategic decisions that accompany each. Listeners learn how these milestones—from catch-up contributions to Social Security eligibility—can shape a well-structured financial future.

• Age 50: Eligibility for catch-up contributions to retirement accounts 
• Age 59 1⁄2: Tax-free rollovers from 401(k)s to IRAs 
• Age 62: Considerations for collecting Social Security 
• Age 65: Eligibility for Medicare and healthcare planning 
• Ages 66-67: Achieving full retirement age for Social Security 
• Age 70: Timing for maximum Social Security benefits 
• Age 73: Required minimum distributions and associated rules

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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 episode delves into the implications of the Silver Tsunami as baby boomers begin retiring en masse, examining demographics, healthcare costs, and the wealth transfer that will impact future generations. Effective retirement planning is crucial to navigating the shifting landscape shaped by this demographic shift.

• Discussion on baby boomers and their retirement statistics 
• Examination of healthcare demands and long-term care needs 
• Impact on Social Security and Medicare funding 
• Exploration of long-term care insurance options 
• Insights into generational wealth transfer and legacy planning 
• Emphasis on proactive retirement planning strategies

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.

Federal employees face significant changes in retirement policies that can impact their benefits. Understanding FERS and TSP is crucial for effective planning, and proactive education is emphasized throughout the discussion.

• Overview of recent changes affecting federal employees
• Importance of understanding federal benefits for retirement
• Insight into FERS and its advantages
• Discussion of survivor benefits and their implications
• The role of TSP and investment strategies within it
• Caution regarding the mutual fund window and associated costs
• Encouragement for federal employees to seek education and guidance
Do you want to learn more about what your federal benefits include? Contact us to discuss your options.

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.

Understanding how much you can spend in retirement is complex, influenced by various factors including lifestyle, expenses, and resources. We provide insights into budgeting for retirement and highlight the significance of professional planning in your path toward financial security.

• Highlighting the uncertainty around retirement spending
• Importance of assessing current and future needs
• The dynamics of retirement spending phases
• Avoiding one-size-fits-all retirement savings guidance
• The significance of budgeting before and during retirement
• Addressing taxes and account diversification
• Engaging with professional advisors for customized plans

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.

When's the last time you reevaluated your relationship with your financial advisor? This episode discusses critical factors like communication issues, alignment of financial goals, fee transparency, and the importance of a fiduciary relationship.

• Importance of regular communication with your advisor
• Adaptability of your advisor in line with your changing goals
• Understanding fees and ensuring transparency
• Seeking new perspectives and ideas from financial professionals
• Addressing ethical concerns and prioritizing trust in the advisor relationship
• Recognizing the distinction between general financial advisors and retirement planners

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.

This episode explores the recent Social Security Fairness Act (HR 82), which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) that unfairly reduced benefits for many public servants. Listeners learn about the implications of these changes, how they will receive increased benefits, and the importance of staying informed about Social Security, alongside discussions of the overall sustainability of the Social Security system.

• Review of the Social Security Fairness Act and its implications
• Elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset
• Explanation of benefits for affected retirees
• Importance of updating personal information with the Social Security Administration
• Discussion on the financial sustainability of Social Security

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 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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.