Golden Years: A Roadmap to Navigate Retirement

Hosted by Mark Cordner

Business Investing Education

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Episodes

114

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

At Golden Years Financial, Mark Cordner and his team help Boomers transition into the “Third Age” (or chapter) of their lives, a time of increased personal meaning, self-realization, and success. Whether you're nearing retirement or already retired, "Golden Years" is your trusted resource for building a roadmap to a prosperous and fulfilling retirement. Subscribe today and embark on a journey toward the retirement you've always dreamed of. Your golden years are waiting – let Mark Cordner guide you there. If you live in the Las Vegas area and you’re ready to start your personalized roadmap, click here to schedule your first appointment. Follow on Facebook and LinkedIn .

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202617 min

The Retirement Myth: Why Your “Magic Number” Doesn’t Matter

That “magic number” for retirement might be misleading—and income could matter far more. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why retirement planning centers on reliable cash flow, not just savings totals. He explores income sources like pensions and annuities, the risk of portfolio drift, and why regular reviews are critical. The conversation also highlights overlooked challenges, including life structure after retirement, healthcare costs, and uncertainty around Social Security. With practical insights and real-life examples, the discussion focuses on aligning financial strategies with lifestyle needs and preparing for the realities that shape a sustainable retirement. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 9, 202617 min

The $5,300 Question: Can Your Retirement Cover Real Life?

What if your retirement paycheck doesn’t match your lifestyle? This episode breaks down how retirees actually spend—and why income, not assets, drives a successful plan. Mark Cordner explains how to evaluate Social Security, pensions, and savings to identify income gaps, while addressing overlooked costs like hobbies, healthcare, and inflation. The conversation also explores common 401(k) misconceptions and why relying on it alone can fall short. From budgeting realities to balancing safety and growth near retirement, this episode highlights the key decisions that shape long-term financial stability and quality of life. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 2, 202614 min

The Hidden Risk of “Set It and Forget It” Retirement Planning

That “set it and forget it” mindset could quietly derail your retirement. This episode unpacks how default financial habits—from target-date funds to outdated advisor relationships—may leave gaps as you approach retirement. Mark Cordner explains why automation works for savings but not always for investing, and why customization, tax planning, and second opinions matter more than ever. The conversation also highlights how retirement planning shifts from growth to preservation, and why regular reviews and open communication with an advisor can uncover costly oversights before they become permanent. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 27, 202614 min

The Hidden Costs in Your Portfolio You’re Probably Missing

Hidden fees and last-minute risks can quietly derail a retirement plan. This episode breaks down how investment fees often go unnoticed—and why understanding total costs matters as much as the value you receive. Mark Cordner also explores the temptation to “roll the dice” late in life to catch up on savings, and why that approach can backfire. Plus, a closer look at managing inflation, diversification, and the role of rebalancing to control risk. It’s a practical conversation about protecting what you’ve built and making informed decisions as retirement approaches. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 20, 202618 min

The Hidden Risks Lurking in Your Retirement Portfolio

What hidden “germs” could be quietly weakening your retirement plan? Mark Cordner compares overlooked hotel bacteria to unseen risks inside investment portfolios, from overlapping funds to unnecessary fees. The conversation explores how headlines and bold predictions can distract investors, why long-term portfolio design matters more than market timing, and the importance of balancing financial planning with purpose and connection in retirement. They also break down common Social Security misconceptions and key housing decisions retirees face, including downsizing, renting, and home equity strategy. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 12, 202615 min

Why Annuities Are Back in the Retirement Spotlight

Annuities have resurfaced in retirement conversations—and not by accident. Mark Cordner explains why more advisors are using annuities as anxiety rises around market volatility and dependable income in retirement. The discussion explores guaranteed income streams, preservation versus growth in retirement, emotional decision-making during market shifts, and how unintended tax consequences can quietly derail plans. Mark also covers required minimum distributions, Medicare surcharges, interest-rate timing, and why perspective matters most as retirees move from accumulation to preservation. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 5, 202616 min

When the Market Recovers but Retirement Still Feels at Risk

When the markets bounce back but retirement still feels unstable, what should you actually focus on? On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why retirement planning isn’t about reacting to headlines, but managing risk over the long run. The conversation covers inflation anxiety, market volatility, rebalancing, shifting from accumulation to income, and why what got you to retirement won’t necessarily keep you there. Mark also explains common retirement jargon—like RMDs, Roth conversions, and longevity risk—and why estate planning and risk awareness matter more as retirement approaches. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 28, 202617 min

The Financial Gaps Most Retirees Never See Coming

Most people reach retirement with big financial blind spots—and no one ever warned them. On this episode, Mark Cordner breaks down why financial literacy matters more than ever, from understanding taxes in retirement to navigating annuities, guaranteed income, and long-term planning choices. The conversation covers common misconceptions, why many retirees feel overwhelmed, and how education—not guesswork—plays a central role in building clarity and confidence. The discussion also explores work-optional lifestyles, staying engaged with your finances, and why understanding how money works is a responsibility that can’t be outsourced. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 21, 202616 min

Why Building Wealth and Protecting It Are Two Different Games

What if the same strategy that helped you build wealth could put your retirement at risk? Mark Cordner breaks down why retirement requires a different mindset than accumulation, especially during periods of market volatility. He explains the “two-pocket” strategy—balancing market-based assets with principal-protected money—to help manage risk, create flexibility, and avoid being forced to make decisions at the wrong time. From sequence-of-returns risk to inflation and confidence swings, this episode focuses on thinking differently as you transition into retirement. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 14, 202615 min

From Saving to Living: Rethinking What Retirement Can Look Like

What if stretching your retirement dollars didn’t require cutting joy, but changing perspective? Mark Cordner explores why more retirees are considering everything from relocating abroad to finally enjoying the money they’ve worked decades to save. The discussion covers living overseas, healthcare considerations, cultural realities, and the emotional side of spending in retirement. Mark also explains why careful planning can help ease the fear of running out of money and allow retirees to fully experience the opportunities they’ve already paid for. Retirement, he argues, isn’t just about saving—it’s about using your resources thoughtfully to support the life you want. Are You Ready to Embrace Your Golden Years? Schedule an Appointment Check out our Newsletter!  Social Media: Facebook  LinkedIn  YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.