Saving With Silverman

Credit Scores: How They Work & Why They Matter

It’s one of the most misunderstood numbers in personal finance, and yet it can shape everything from your mortgage rate to your insurance premiums. In this episode, Mark breaks down what your credit score actually measures, why it matters even if you're financially comfortable, and how small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
📉 One error that can drag your score down fast
💳 The 30% rule for smart credit card use
📊 How small habits affect your credit over time
🔐 Why closing that old credit card might backfire
🔎 Why it’s important to keep an eye on your credit score
 
Resources for this episode:
Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com
 
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832

Mailbag: Life Insurance, Dividends & Retirement Worries

What do you do when life throws retirement curveballs, especially the ones you didn’t see coming? In this mailbag episode, Mark tackles three unique retirement planning questions from listeners like you. You’ll hear whether life insurance can make sense as part of an estate plan and what the 4% rule really means when it comes to dividends and interest. Mark also helps a listener assess the impact of leaving work earlier than expected and what steps to take next.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
📊 What the 4% rule really includes
🏛️ Turning your investments into a meaningful legacy
📦 Evaluating your readiness for early retirement
📈 Why a comprehensive plan beats one-size-fits-all advice
 
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832

What a Real Financial Plan Looks Like (and What It Doesn’t)

Not all financial advisors do the same thing and not all “plans” are made with your best interest in mind. In this episode, Mark walks through what a genuine financial planning process looks like from start to finish, and how to spot the difference between true fiduciary advice and a thinly veiled product pitch.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
📞 What the first call with an advisor should include
🧾 Red flags: product pitches in meeting one
🧠 Why planning should come before investing
📉 What makes a true fiduciary different
 
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832

Inside the Advisor’s Office: What People Are Actually Concerned About

Ever wonder what other people talk about with their financial advisors? A new survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors reveals the biggest concerns, challenges, and financial goals their clients are facing today. From retirement planning and healthcare costs to working longer than expected, we’re breaking down the key takeaways and how they compare to what we see in our own client conversations.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
📊 Survey insights from 400+ financial advisors
💰 Why retirement income is more than just savings
📉 How to avoid outliving your money
🏥 Health costs and caregiving pressures
🛠️ Real planning vs. product sales
 
Financial Advisor Magazine article:
https://www.fa-mag.com/news/retirement-planning-survey-2024-80450.html
 
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832

Retire Smarter: Control What You Can & Thrive in Any Market

How do you build confidence in your retirement plan when so much feels out of your control? In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the noise and focusing on what really matters- the things you can control. From managing risk to planning for inflation and creating reliable income, we’ll share strategies that put you back in the driver’s seat.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
📊 Most people don’t understand how much investment risk they’re actually taking🧾 You can’t control tax law, but you can control where your money is taxed💡 Social Security is important, but it shouldn’t be your only income stream
💸 Tax on Social Security – is it going away?
 
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832

From Chaos to Clarity: Building a Solid Income Plan for Retirement

What happens when the paycheck stops, but the bills don’t? In this episode, Mark cuts through the noise and gets real about why a true retirement income plan is your financial foundation. Spoiler: it’s not about picking the right annuity or hoping Social Security is enough. It's all about strategy, and there’s no silver bullet.
 
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
💸 Most people don’t have an income plan—they just have accounts
📉 Without a strategy, retirement income can be unpredictable
📊 Financial products ≠ financial planning
🧩 Coordinating Social Security, pensions, and savings is essential
📞 The first step is a conversation—not a sales pitch
 
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832

Financial Planning For Couples: Getting On The Same Page

A good financial plan considers the unique needs and views of both spouses. But let’s face it, couples often come to the table with different approaches to saving, spending, and planning for the future. So, how do you get on the same page and build a plan that works for everyone? In this episode, we’ll explore the challenges and strategies of financial planning for married couples.
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
💰 Getting the saver vs spender on the same page in retirement planning
💬 Key conversations every couple should have before building a financial plan
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why it’s important for both spouses to be involved
🤝 How Mark helps couples create a retirement plan they can both agree on
 
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832

The Snowbird Retirement: Is a Seasonal Move Right for You?

Arizona is a unique state in that parts of the state have harsh winters while other areas deal with extreme heat in the summers. Either way, it definitely drives retirees to consider taking up residence somewhere else in those months when the weather isn’t enjoyable. Is ‘snowbird’ life for you? Let’s talk about what motivates people to take up temporary residence elsewhere, where they go, and if it’s worthwhile.
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
What our clients usually do when they choose to become ‘snowbirds.’
Where do people usually go to live when they leave?
What do you need to consider before deciding to take up two residences?
The ways that technology has given more flexibility with work and travel.
 
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832

Answering the 401k Frequently Asked Questions

For many Americans, the 401k will be their biggest asset in retirement and will be a critical piece of the income they need to create. It’s no surprise that we get a lot of questions about the 401k and today we’re going to address some of the one that we get asked the most.
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Is it a good idea to take advantage of a program your company offers to advise you on your 401k?
Should you contribute as much as you can or just enough to get a company match?
Should you use target date funds?
Is it okay to take out a 401k loan to pay for major expenses?
When is it a good time to rollover a 401k into an IRA?
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832

Two Truths and a Lie

Today we’re going to tackle retirement planning through a fun game called ‘Two Truths and a Lie.’ Ron will present Mark with three statements, and he’ll have to tell us which two are true and which one is the lie. This episode is designed to help listeners better understand how various financial elements impact their retirement and overall financial health.
Here’s what we discuss in today’s show:
Do stocks, bonds, or gold typically do better in inflationary periods?
Rising interest rates will hurt borrowers, but rising interest rates don't hurt savers.
Your emergency fund should be growing or it should be liquid.
A market crash right after you retire can be very problematic.
What’s the truth behind the future of Social Security?
Want to get in touch with Mark? 
Web:
https://silverman-associates.com/home
Email:
mark@silverman-associates.com
Phone:
520.512.8832