The Retirement Huddle

Hosted by Mark Howard

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155

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Financial and retirement planning guidance with Mark Howard of the Howard Financial Group in Savannah. Mark has almost three decades of experience in the financial industry, has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, South Magazine and several other publications. He has also been featured on the Savannah Morning News. In addition to clients in Savannah, Mark also serves Hilton Head, Bluffton, Statesboro, and the rest of the Low Country. To get your own Financial Game Plan, contact Mark today at 888-511-PLAN (7526) or go to HowardFinancialGroup.com

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60 recent

September 3, 202611 min

Retirement Truth Bombs: Your Biggest Financial Blind Spots

Some retirement beliefs sound reassuring simply because they've been repeated for years. Mark challenges several common assumptions and explains why successful retirement planning often requires a closer look at risk, taxes, behavior, and how your portfolio is actually built. Sometimes the biggest improvement comes from questioning what you thought you already knew. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 💣 Bond Reality: "Safe" needs more context 🧾 Tax Exposure: Future rates remain uncertain 🧠 Investor Behavior: Emotions influence decisions 🎓 Financial Expertise: Intelligence doesn't always mean specialization ⚠️ Hidden Risk: Diversification can often be misleading Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

August 20, 202611 min

Retirement Lessons from Betty White

Betty White may never have officially retired, but her humor and outlook offer several valuable lessons for anyone planning the next stage of life. Today, Mark explores why retirement readiness involves more than building an investment portfolio. A fulfilling plan should help you prepare for change while continuing to support the people, purpose, and experiences that matter to you. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: ❤️ Health and Retirement: Early habits shape later retirement experiences 🩺 Financial Planning: Poor health can redirect retirement spending 🤝 Social Connection: Relationships and purpose matter after work 😄 Humor and Aging: A positive outlook supports fulfilling retirement 🧭 Comprehensive Planning: Retirement requires more than an investment portfolio Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

August 6, 202612 min

The Real Reasons People Keep Working

For some people, continuing to work is a choice. For others, it is a necessity, or simply the result of not knowing whether retirement is truly possible. Mark explores the financial, social, and emotional reasons why more Americans are remaining in the workforce well into their 60s and 70s. Tune in to hear how a strategy can help you determine whether you need to keep working, want to keep working, or are finally ready to step away. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 💼 Working Longer: Purpose and connection keep retirees engaged 💰 Financial Necessity: Clear numbers reveal whether work continues 🔄 Life Adjustment: New routines ease the retirement transition 📋 Advisor Guidance: A complete plan builds greater confidence 📞 Next Steps : Review whether retirement is truly possible Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

July 16, 202610 min

Easy Ways To Ruin Retirement

Retirement is often treated like the finish line, but it's really the start of a brand-new phase of life. In this episode, Mark walks through a few common assumptions that can make retirement more difficult than expected and reminds us that retirement takes more than simply reaching a number in your portfolio. A thoughtful plan can help you think through what life may look like after work and how your financial decisions may need to change along the way. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏁 Finish Line: Retirement is just a beginning 🧠 Mindset Shift: Problems may still exist 💵 Spending Habits: Expenses can look different after retirement 🚶 Stay Active: Health shapes retirement, invest in it 📉 Risk Changes: Investing may need adjustment Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

July 2, 202613 min

Retirement Lessons Hidden in Famous Movie Quotes

Can classic movie quotes teach valuable retirement lessons? Mark uses memorable lines from iconic films like The Terminator and A Few Good Men to illustrate timeless financial planning principles. From preparing for market volatility and building a retirement income strategy to avoiding cookie-cutter investment plans, you'll discover that some of Hollywood's most memorable lines have surprising applications to retirement planning. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🌪️ Market Cycles: Preparing for bull and bear markets 👥 Personal Planning: Your retirement isn't your neighbor's ⏳ Future Planning: Preparing for whatever tomorrow brings ⚖️ Honest Advice : Why the truth matters in retirement 💬 Clear Communication: Understanding your financial strategy 🤝 Building Trust: Confidence through personalized planning Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

June 18, 202611 min

How To Travel Without Financial Guilt

In this episode, Mark explains why travel shouldn't be an afterthought in retirement; it should be part of the plan from the very beginning. From annual vacations to RV adventures and bucket-list trips, Mark shares how building a dedicated travel bucket can replace financial guilt with confidence. He also discusses why many retirees are redefining legacy as experiences and memories shared with loved ones today. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧳 Travel Bucket: Build vacations into the plan 🧮 Permission To Spend: Turn trips into line items 🕰️ Go-Go Years: Travel while health is highest 🛟 Financial Guardrails: Replace guilt with confidence 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Living Legacy: Create memories, not just inheritances Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

June 4, 20269 min

The Financial Reality of Losing a Spouse

Losing a spouse is one of life's most difficult experiences, and for many people, it also creates a wave of financial questions and uncertainty. Today, Mark discusses the challenges widows and widowers often face after the loss of a spouse, and things you can do to make the road feel a little less overwhelming. With comprehensive planning, a difficult transition can become much more manageable. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 💔 Initial Concerns: Fear, uncertainty, and overwhelming decisions 📖 Real Stories: How planning creates confidence 🧩 Comprehensive Planning: More than investment management 🛡️ Financial Stability: Regaining confidence after loss Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

May 21, 202610 min

Desire to Retire: Are You Really Ready?

Some people never want to retire. Others want to walk out tomorrow. Today, Mark breaks down the different "levels" of retirement desire and explains why each mindset requires a different planning conversation. Clarity and preparation can dramatically change the way people think about retirement, and this may help you figure out where you really stand. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎯 Retirement Desire: Different mindsets toward retiring 💼 Still Love Work: Planning still matters 🤔 Uncertain Timing: Lack of retirement clarity 📋 Customized Planning: Goals drive the strategy ⚠️ Emotional Decisions: Avoid rash retirement moves Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

May 7, 202612 min

Investing for Geniuses: How Smart Retirees Plan for the Unexpected

What does it really mean to invest like a genius? Mark breaks down the traits that actually matter, and it's not about being smarter than everyone else. Mark focuses on how successful investors think, and why the right strategy isn't about predicting the future, it's about being prepared for it. Because you don't need to be a genius… you just need the right approach. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔄 Stay Adaptable: Plans should adjust as life changes 📚 Learn from Others: Experience doesn't have to be yours 🧠 Know Your Limits: Confidence without ego matters 📉 Expect Volatility: Markets shift quickly 📊 Have a Plan: Strategy creates stability Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

April 16, 202615 min

The 5 D's of Retirement Planning

Retirement is a big journey, and navigating it successfully requires more than just a solid savings plan. Today, Mark reveals five game-changing principles that can make all the difference between a stressful retirement and a confident, fulfilling one. Mastering these "D's" will empower you to handle whatever comes your way, without losing sleep over market swings or unexpected costs. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 💼 Diversification in Retirement: Spread risk across assets to protect against market shifts ⏳ Duration: The length of time you'll need your portfolio to last plays a crucial role 🛡️ Downside Protection: Have strategies in place to protect from major market downturns 💸 Discretionary Income: Account for unexpected expenses that might affect your lifestyle ⚖️ Drag in Portfolios: Understand and minimize portfolio drag to improve returns Want to get in touch with Mark? https://retirementhuddle.com/ mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526