Mark takes a more discerning look at popular money advice, and why it can sound smart while missing important context.

Mark walks through the major financial assets many people take for granted and explains why ignoring them can quietly limit retirement confidence.

What does The Wizard of Oz have to teach us about smart financial planning? More than you might think! In this episode, Mark uses the timeless lessons of Dorothy and the Yellow Brick Road to explain why a clear financial plan matters- and why “winging it” rarely works. Just like the journey to the Emerald City, retirement planning requires direction, flexibility, and the ability to adjust when obstacles pop up along the way.

The doctor is in! Most people worry about small financial details while ignoring the big issues that can quietly derail retirement. In this episode, Mark introduces a series of “financial diseases” that show up when planning gaps go un-checked.

Step into a fairytale-inspired take on financial planning as Mark matches real-life money habits to the colorful personalities of the seven dwarfs. Gain fresh perspective and actionable wisdom for your own financial story, all while having a little fun along the way. Ready to discover which financial dwarf you might be? You might be surprised which one you relate to most.

In today’s mailbag, Mark answers three real listener questions. First, when it’s time to replace a car, is it smarter to use your emergency fund, pull from an IRA, or finance with a monthly payment? Next, a recent college grad asks how much she should realistically save each month toward retirement, a home, and future travel. Finally, a listener approaching retirement wonders if having less than a million dollars saved is enough to live comfortably.

In this episode, Mark shares real-world “financial disaster” scenarios he’s seen and how to keep them from happening to you.

In the book The Five People You Meet in Heaven, a man arrives in heaven and encounters five different people who impacted his journey and gave meaning to his life. Today, Mark talks about the five people you should be meeting right before you retire

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.