The Retirement Huddle Mark Howard

Have you ever wondered why Mark works in the financial planning business? What drove him to start Howard Financial Group? In this episode, Mark opens up and shares his influences, dreams, and goals to help you get to know why he’s so passionate about what he does every day.
 
Hopefully that passion has come across in this podcast over many episodes, but we wanted to take a little time on the personal side of the business. It’s not a question we get every day but knowing who we are and what’s important to us will help us serve you better.
 
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: 
The impact his father had on his life and why his passing changed the trajectory of Mark’s career. Why Mark sold his ownership in a health club to move into the financial industry. What professional influences has he had since starting the business? What he considers to be the most gratifying and most frustrating parts of the job.  
Thanks for listening! We’ll be back for another show every other Thursday.
 
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526
              
 

Social Security is a big part of what we discuss with clients on a daily basis because the majority of us will rely on this retirement benefit for income after we’ve stopped working. Despite its importance to planning, there’s a lot that the average person doesn’t know about Social Security.
 
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
What are work credits and how many do you need? Some of the rules surrounding spousal benefits and who might benefit. The conditions for claiming benefits from your ex-spouse. What is the earnings test and how does it tie into your benefits? Your Social Security benefits can actually be garnished by the federal government.  
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526
              
 

Have you ever watched the hit TV show Parks and Recreation? The comedy show starring Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman ran from 2009 to 2015 and followed the antics of an Indiana town's public officials as they pursued projects to make their city a better place.
 
Believe it or not, you can learn a lot about retirement from the show, especially from the character Ron Swanson, played by Offerman.  
 
Check out today’s show if you want to hear more of Ron’s wisdom. As always, if you have any questions about retirement or investing, feel free to reach out to us for help.
 
Here’s is some of the wisdom we discuss in this episode: 
“There’s only one thing I hate more than lying: skim milk. Which is water that’s lying about being milk.” “I’d wish you the best of luck but I believe luck is a concept created by the weak to explain their failures.” “The whole point of this country is if you want to eat garbage, balloon up to 600 pounds and die of a heart attack at 43, you can! You are free to do so. To me, that’s beautiful.”  
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526
              
 

Late night comedian and host Johnny Carson could bring the funny, but his words also carried wisdom about financial planning. He famously said that people will pay more to be entertained than educated.
 
Check out today’s show if you want to hear more of Johnny’s wisdom. As always, if you have any questions about retirement or investing, feel free to reach out to us for help.
 
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode:
“I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex, and rich food. He was healthy right up to the day he killed himself.” “People will pay more to be entertained than educated.” “I work because I enjoy what I’m doing, and the fact that I make money at it is a fine-and-dandy side fact.”   
Web: https://retirementhuddle.com/
Email: mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 888-511-7526

It’s time for another mailbag episode! We have an exciting lineup of topics to discuss today. Listen in as we tackle some current questions from our listeners, and you’ll likely gain some invaluable insights to help you make informed financial decisions.
 
This episode could be very helpful if you’re looking to improve your financial situation and prepare for retirement. We will discuss what to do with extra money, how to have conversations about your will with your kids, and more. You don’t want to miss this one! If you have any questions about retirement or investing, feel free to reach out to us for help.
 
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: 
What should we do with extra money? (0:48) What’s the best way to keep my kids from being upset over a will? (4:25) How much should you save each year? (8:28)  
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526
              
 
 

On the list of dozens of retirement-related concerns, how high on the list does the potential need for long-term care rank for you? If you live long enough, chances are you will need extra medical help, and those expenses can add up quickly. On today’s show, we’ll share some questions you should consider when deciding whether you need long-term care insurance.
 
Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: 
Who needs long-term care insurance? (1:00) How realistic is it to self-insure against long-term care expenses? (2:05) Mailbag: It is common for children to help parents with long-term care? (5:53)  
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
https://retirementhuddle.com/
mark@howardfinancialgroup.com
888-511-7526