Retirement planning isn’t just about avoiding risk — it’s about understanding which risks actually matter.
For many retirees and near-retirees, playing it “too safe” can quietly become one of the biggest threats to long-term financial security.

In this episode of Retirement Roadmap with Master Plan Retirement Consultants, Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks discuss why overly conservative portfolios can struggle to keep up with inflation, how emotional reactions to market downturns can lead to missed recoveries, and how proper diversification and income planning can help your retirement last decades — not just years.

Send us a text

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.

https://masterplanretire.com/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events

Purchase Mark’s book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4fx94Al

Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants. The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

Retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all—and delaying retirement can be a smart move for some people and a mistake for others.

In this episode of Retirement Roadmap with Master Plan Retirement Consultants, Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks walk through the most common reasons people work longer (financial security, purpose, flexibility) and the key tradeoffs you need to evaluate before you choose a retirement date.

We cover:

• Why more people are delaying retirement (and even “unretiring”)
• The real retirement math: savings, timeline, and income planning (not a “magic number”)
• Social Security timing: why the “wait till 70” answer isn’t automatic anymore
• Healthcare timing (especially retiring before Medicare at 65)
• Market timing risk when you’re close to retirement
• Emotional readiness: purpose, routine, and what you’ll actually do day-to-day
• Family & social life after work (what changes when your schedule changes)

Before you decide, ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Why am I retiring? (new chapter or escaping something?)
2. What will I do every day? (purpose prevents boredom and aimlessness)
3. Can I live on my budget? (run a realistic retirement budget)

Send us a text

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.

https://masterplanretire.com/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events

Purchase Mark’s book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4fx94Al

Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants. The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

The retirement planning landscape is changing again in 2026—and for many savers, especially higher earners, the rules are becoming more complex.

In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Evan and retirement planner Mark Fricks break down the most important 2026 changes affecting 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth accounts, and employer-sponsored plans. These updates create new opportunities to save more, but they also introduce new restrictions that could catch people off guard if they’re not prepared.

We cover:

• New 2026 contribution limits for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457(b)s, and IRAs
• Required Roth treatment for catch-up contributions for higher earners over age 50
• What happens if your employer plan does not offer a Roth option
• “Super” catch-up contributions for ages 60–63
• Updated income phase-outs for Traditional and Roth IRAs
• SIMPLE and SEP plan increases for small business owners
• In-plan Roth conversions coming to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for federal employees
• Why these changes may signal a broader shift toward personal responsibility in retirement planning

We also discuss how concerns around Social Security, longer life expectancy, and future tax rates are shaping today’s retirement policy—and why having a coordinated plan matters more than ever.

Send us a text

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.

https://masterplanretire.com/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events

Purchase Mark’s book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4fx94Al

Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants. The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

Are you treating Social Security like an on/off switch instead of a key part of your retirement income plan? In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Mark Fricks and Evan Fricks walk through how Social Security really works—and why the decision is about far more than just picking an age between 62 and 70. From misunderstood “full retirement age” rules to inflation, healthcare costs, and earned-income limits, they show how Social Security fits into the bigger picture of your retirement strategy.

Drawing on decades of retirement-planning and Social Security experience, Mark and Evan explain why the program was never designed to replace your full paycheck, how today’s disappearing pensions and rising healthcare costs widen your “income gap,” and what it really means when people say Social Security is “in trouble.” They’ll help you see how timing, taxes, Medicare, and spousal benefits all connect—and why one-size-fits-all advice from Google or the “water cooler” can be dangerous.

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.

https://masterplanretire.com/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at
https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at
https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events

Purchase Mark’s book The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime on Amazon:
https://a.co/d/4fx94Al

Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants. The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

Send us a text

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.

https://masterplanretire.com/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events

Purchase Mark’s book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4fx94Al

Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants. The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

How do you build a retirement that actually feels meaningful, not just mathematically correct?
In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Mark Fricks and Evan Fricks break down why retirement planning isn’t only about "saving enough." It’s about aligning your money with what gives your life purpose in 2026 and beyond.

Drawing on decades of hands-on retirement planning experience, Mark and Evan explain how purpose, income planning, Social Security, healthcare costs, investments, and taxes all work together. When you shift from "What should I do?" to "What matters most to me?", your retirement decisions become clearer, calmer, and more intentional.

What you'll learn:

00:10 — Introduction & Purpose
01:06 — Rethinking Financial Success
03:05 — Step 1: Clarify Your Values
05:04 — Step 2: Prioritize Your Objectives
07:18 — Step 3: Define Your Legacy
10:24 — Step 4 & 5: Advisors + Family Conversations
12:58 — Steps 6 & 7: Annual Check-Ins & Red Flags
20:03 — Closing Thoughts for 2026

Send us a text

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.

https://masterplanretire.com/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events

Purchase Mark’s book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4fx94Al

Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants. The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

Do you believe an estate-planning myth? In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Mark Fricks and Evan Fricks break down the most common misconceptions that cause even “well-prepared” families to face chaos when it matters most. From outdated wills to unfunded trusts and missing powers of attorney, they expose the hidden gaps that can make your plan collapse when your family needs it most.

Drawing from decades of hands-on retirement and estate-planning experience, Mark and Evan explain why estate planning isn’t a one-and-done event or something only the wealthy need. They reveal how fast-changing laws, family structures, and digital assets can render old documents useless—and why routine updates are essential for keeping your plan effective.

You’ll learn:

• Why every estate plan must be reviewed at least every three years
• The difference between wills, trusts, and beneficiary coordination
• How to avoid probate mistakes and unfunded-trust disasters
• The importance of naming both short- and long-term guardians for minor children
• Why healthcare directives and powers of attorney are vital for every adult
• How communication and family meetings prevent conflict and confusion

The truth is simple: an outdated or incomplete estate plan can undo decades of careful saving and create unnecessary taxes, delays, and heartache. With clear planning and open communication, you can give your family the gift of preparation—not a legal mess.

Send us a text

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.

https://masterplanretire.com/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events

Purchase Mark’s book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4fx94Al

Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants. The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

As trillions of dollars shift hands over the next two decades, the question isn’t whether your wealth will transfer — it’s how. In this episode of Retirement Roadmap, Mark and Evan break down The Great Wealth Transfer—the unprecedented movement of assets from today’s retirees to their heirs—and show how to turn this generational shift into a thoughtful, tax-efficient family strategy.

Drawing from decades of real-world advisory experience, Mark and Evan explain why successful wealth transfers require more than a will or a trust. They unpack the key differences between estate distribution and beneficiary coordination, how taxes and timing can dramatically impact what your heirs receive, and the family conversations that prevent conflict before it starts. You’ll learn practical steps for reviewing beneficiary designations, reducing lifetime taxes through Roth conversions, protecting heirs with trust planning, and aligning your estate documents with your broader retirement goals.

The reality is sobering: poor coordination can lead to avoidable taxes, delays, and disputes that undermine decades of careful saving. Mark and Evan share the most common pitfalls they see—out-of-date documents, mismatched beneficiaries, and missed opportunities for tax-smart wealth transfer—along with a clear roadmap for keeping your plan current as laws and life evolve.

The takeaway? Don’t let your legacy be decided by chance. With proactive planning and open communication, you can preserve more of what you’ve built and ensure it’s passed on with purpose.

Send us a text

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.

https://masterplanretire.com/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events

Purchase Mark’s book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4fx94Al

Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants. The aforementioned are affiliated companies.

Planning for your golden years without considering elder law is like building a house without a roof – leaving you exposed when storms hit. Attorney Miles Hurley, one of only twelve certified elder law attorneys in Georgia, reveals the crucial differences between basic estate planning and comprehensive elder law on this eye-opening episode of Retirement Roadmap.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience with family members' end-of-life journeys, Miles shares how his grandfather's nursing home experience sparked his dedication to helping seniors maintain dignity while aging. He clarifies that while estate planning focuses on what happens after death, elder law addresses the more complex challenge of managing declining functional capacity during life – specifically finding, getting, and paying for quality long-term care.

The financial reality is sobering. Private nursing home rooms can exceed $90,000 annually, with costs multiplying when additional care providers are needed. Miles debunks dangerous misconceptions, particularly the belief that families can manage without proper legal documents. Without a power of attorney, loved ones face expensive court proceedings to gain decision-making authority when capacity is lost. Equally harmful is the misconception that qualifying for Medicaid requires complete impoverishment – Miles explains how proper planning can protect a healthy spouse from financial devastation.

The most valuable takeaway? Don't wait for crisis. Only about 10% of Miles' clients plan proactively, while the vast majority scramble for solutions after a stroke, fall, or dementia diagnosis severely limits their options. Review your elder law and estate planning documents at least every three years, or whenever significant life events occur – because comprehensive retirement planning should include provisions for maintaining both financial security and personal dignity throughout your later years.

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation. Call 770-980-9262 to speak with someone directly about your retirement planning needs.

To learn more about Hurley Elder Care Law, visit https://hurleyeclaw.com/

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at info@masterplanretire.com or call 770-980-9262.

Send us a text

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call 770-980-9262 to speak directly with someone about your retirement planning needs.

https://masterplanretire.com/

Catch all episodes of our podcast at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/resources/episodes

Listen to Mark Fricks on Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. on XTRA 106.3 FM WFOM.
Sign up for one of our upcoming events at https://www.masterplanyourretirement.com/events

Purchase Mark’s book, The Road Less Traveled: Turning Your Retirement Worries Into an Excursion of a Lifetime, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4fx94Al

Advisory services offered through MasterPlan Retirement Consultants, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Georgia. Insurance, tax and commodities services offered through Fricks and Associates, Inc. dba MasterPlan Retirement Consultants. The aforementioned are affiliated companies.