Could a simple mistake cost you thousands in Social Security benefits? The short answer is yes. Claiming too early, misjudging work penalties, or overlooking survivorship benefits can take a serious toll on your retirement income.

So how do you avoid this? Tune in as certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the top three Social Security mistakes couples make—and what to do instead. You'll learn how to coordinate benefits for maximum lifetime value, how work income can reduce early benefits, and why timing your claim isn't just about today’s cash flow, but about long-term security for both partners.

Curious about working with Mark? Go to:

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

Will your Roth IRA survive the SECURE Act? As the rules around wealth transfer keep shifting, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down what the SECURE Act means for your Roth IRA and, more importantly, for your heirs.

Listen in as we explore why Roth IRAs are still a powerful tool, how new beneficiary rules could impact your estate plan, and why making informed—not fear-driven—decisions is critical. We’ll cover the differences between non-designated, designated, and eligible designated beneficiaries, plus the tax traps and planning strategies you need to know.

Curious about working with Mark? Go to:

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

Will Social Security still be around when you retire? As fears about its future continue to rise, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers cuts through the noise with a grounded, facts-first approach to solvency, accessibility, and the threat of termination.

Listen in as we talk about why full termination is highly unlikely, how accessibility issues have changed post-COVID, and what kinds of adjustments (like tax caps or delayed retirement ages) are on the table to help preserve the system. Whether you’re nearing retirement or decades away, this episode offers practical insights to help you plan with confidence.

Curious about working with Mark? Go to:

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

Should you be making changes to your portfolio with a recession looming? Market volatility brings a lot of anxiety, especially when retirement is just around the corner. But reacting out of fear can do more harm than good.

Listen in as your certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the main difference between strategy and tactics, as well as why knowing the difference can help you stay the course. Using a simple road trip analogy, he explains how to stick with your long-term plan while still making smart, tactical moves when the market throws you a curveball. You'll learn when it makes sense to make changes and how to think about risk, detours, and staying on track.

Curious about working with Mark? Go to:

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

Confused by the Roth 5-year rule? If so, you’re not alone. The Roth IRA can feel like a financial enigma, and the 5-year rule is often misunderstood, leading to hesitation and missed opportunities. But today, we’re breaking down the mystery.

Listen in as your certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explains the different variations of the 5-year rule, when each applies, and why timing is key—whether you’re planning a Roth conversion, eyeing early retirement, or mapping out a tax strategy. You’ll learn how Roth IRAs grow tax-deferred, when distributions become tax-free, and why even starting with just $10 in a Roth can have major long-term benefits.

Curious about working with Mark? Go to:

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

Welcome to the latest episode of Healthy and Wealthy Retirement. Join host Mark Struthers as he explores the profound insights of Atul Gawande's book "Being Mortal." In this thought-provoking discussion, discover how the book's themes of quality of life, patient decision-making, and healthcare choices intersect with financial and retirement planning. Learn why it's crucial to be an active participant in your own life decisions, both medical and financial, to ensure a prosperous and fulfilling retirement.

Gain practical advice on understanding fears and hopes, evaluating trade-offs, and making informed decisions that align with your goals. Whether you're approaching retirement or supporting aging parents, this episode will provide valuable perspectives to help navigate the complexities of end-of-life care and financial security.

Curious about working with Mark:

https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l

www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA

Welcome to this episode of the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement with Mark Struthers, your certified retirement counselor. In this insightful discussion, Mark explores various models of managing retirement expenses, offering valuable strategies to ensure your financial stability in later years.

Learn about the five common models, including inflation adjustment, guardrails, and the floor and ceiling approach. Discover how these methods can help you make informed decisions for a financially secure and happy retirement. Delve into the advantages and drawbacks of each model, understanding their role in preserving your portfolio longevity and maximizing initial withdrawal rates.

Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge to maintain a healthy, wealthy, and fulfilling retirement. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes filled with financial wisdom and holistic retirement planning!

Curious about working with Mark:

https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l

www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.

Welcome to the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement, where Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers dives deep into the holistic aspects of retirement planning. This episode emphasizes the critical role of understanding expenses in securing a healthier, wealthier future.

Filmed in the beautiful Edina, Minnesota, today's discussion centers on how expenses change as you transition into retirement, highlighting the "Guardrails" approach. This method allows for adjustments based on market performance to enhance portfolio longevity.

The episode also explores various expense models, including inflation-adjusted spending, retirement spending smiles, and stages of retirement. Mark provides valuable insights into maintaining your standard of living while preparing for potential financial challenges during your retirement years.

Curious about working with Mark:

https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l

www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA

Join Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers on the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement YouTube channel as he delves into the often-overlooked topic of retirement expenses. Learn how understanding your spending before and during retirement is crucial for financial planning and how it influences your overall retirement well-being.

This episode introduces the concept of the "retirement spending smile," explaining how spending patterns shift throughout the retirement years. From initial excitement and increased spending to eventual decline, except for healthcare costs, discover how to model these changes accurately. Mark elaborates on five different models to help you plan your retirement finances effectively, ensuring your purchasing power is maintained despite inflation.

Expect practical advice on how to make informed decisions for a healthier, wealthier, and happier retirement journey. Don't miss out on these expert insights designed to empower you in planning for the retirement you desire.

Curious about working with Mark:

https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l

www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA

Welcome to the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement podcast, hosted by Mark Struthers. In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked topic of managing expenses in preparation for a financially secure retirement. Many approaching retirement are uncertain about their current and future spending habits, leading to potential challenges.

Mark discusses the importance of understanding your expenses and offers insights into various models for projecting retirement spending. From the inflation-adjusted approach to the "retirement spending smile," he highlights how inflation and changing lifestyle needs can affect your financial plan. Learn how to make informed decisions and avoid running out of money during your golden years.

Join us for valuable advice on making the most of your retirement savings and ensuring you enjoy a healthy, wealthy, and happy retirement journey. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights!

Curious about working with Mark:

https://www.videoask.com/fd9svtp2l

www.SonaWealthAdvisors.com

Disclosure:

Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document. 

This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.

This content has not been reviewed by FINRA