Is retirement more like a sprint or a marathon? Turns out, it’s definitely a marathon, and the lessons from long-distance running might be exactly what your retirement plan needs. Certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers shares personal stories from his half-marathon in Duluth and relates them to practical retirement planning strategies. Listen in to learn how pacing, adaptability, and preparation apply just as much to your finances as they do on race day. Curious about working with Mark? G...
Jul 04, 2025•18 min•Ep. 36
Is the bucket strategy right for your retirement? The idea sounds simple: set aside a few “buckets” to manage your money in retirement. But is it really that easy or effective? Certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers takes a deep dive into the 2+ bucket strategy, a retirement income approach designed to balance predictability and growth. Listen in to learn how the right mix of income, emergency funds, and growth assets can give you peace of mind, why individual bonds may beat bond funds, a...
Jun 27, 2025•29 min•Ep. 35
Does cryptocurrency belong in your retirement account? Some say it’s the future of money. Others call it a digital tulip bubble. With all the hype, headlines, and heated opinions, it’s hard to know what’s signal and what’s noise. Certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the real risks and potential rewards of crypto in retirement. Listen in to hear why predictability matters more than performance, how Bitcoin compares to gold, and what to consider before putting even 3% of your ...
Jun 20, 2025•20 min•Ep. 34
What can a 29-year-old sailor with a cat teach us about retirement? More than you’d expect. When Instagram adventurer Oliver Widger, known as “Sailing with Phoenix,” quit his job, cashed out his 401(k), and set sail for Hawaii with nothing but grit and his cat, it raised eyebrows—but it also sparked some interesting ideas. Listen in as certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers shares what retirees can learn from Oliver’s unconventional story, including embracing imperfection, building resili...
Jun 13, 2025•22 min•Ep. 33
What if one purchase was enough to throw off your entire retirement plan? It starts small: a new couch, a dream vacation, upgraded luggage… Before you know it, your spending snowballs, and your careful financial planning starts to unravel. It’s called the Diderot effect, and it can lead even the most disciplined retirees into retirement lifestyle creep. Listen in as certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers shares why even the most frugal retirees are vulnerable to this sneaky psychological ...
Jun 06, 2025•22 min•Ep. 32
What are barrier notes? And should they have a place in your retirement portfolio? While barrier notes promise higher returns and some downside protection, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explains why these complex investments might be more trouble than they’re worth. Listen in as he breaks down how these products really work, what alternatives could serve you better, and how to ask the right questions before adding them to your retirement portfolio. You'll learn about potential ri...
May 30, 2025•19 min•Ep. 31
Are TDFs (Target Date Funds) right for you? While they’re marketed as convenient, “set it and forget it” solutions, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explains why these popular investment tools may not work for everyone—especially retirees. Many retirees (notably baby boomers) equate the “target date” with a pension-like guarantee, only to be blindsided by volatility and inflexible investment structures when it matters most. Don't let this happen to you—listen to this episode to lear...
May 23, 2025•25 min•Ep. 30
Could a simple mistake cost you thousands in Social Security benefits? The short answer is yes. Claiming too early, misjudging work penalties, or overlooking survivorship benefits can take a serious toll on your retirement income. So how do you avoid this? Tune in as certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the top three Social Security mistakes couples make—and what to do instead. You'll learn how to coordinate benefits for maximum lifetime value, how work income can reduce ear...
May 16, 2025•15 min•Ep. 29
Will your Roth IRA survive the SECURE Act? As the rules around wealth transfer keep shifting, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down what the SECURE Act means for your Roth IRA and, more importantly, for your heirs. Listen in as we explore why Roth IRAs are still a powerful tool, how new beneficiary rules could impact your estate plan, and why making informed—not fear-driven—decisions is critical. We’ll cover the differences between non-designated, designated, and eligible des...
May 09, 2025•20 min•Ep. 28
Will Social Security still be around when you retire? As fears about its future continue to rise, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers cuts through the noise with a grounded, facts-first approach to solvency, accessibility, and the threat of termination. Listen in as we talk about why full termination is highly unlikely, how accessibility issues have changed post-COVID, and what kinds of adjustments (like tax caps or delayed retirement ages) are on the table to help preserve the system....
May 02, 2025•33 min•Ep. 27
Should you be making changes to your portfolio with a recession looming? Market volatility brings a lot of anxiety, especially when retirement is just around the corner. But reacting out of fear can do more harm than good. Listen in as your certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers breaks down the main difference between strategy and tactics, as well as why knowing the difference can help you stay the course. Using a simple road trip analogy, he explains how to stick with your long-term plan...
Apr 23, 2025•19 min•Ep. 26
Confused by the Roth 5-year rule? If so, you’re not alone. The Roth IRA can feel like a financial enigma, and the 5-year rule is often misunderstood, leading to hesitation and missed opportunities. But today, we’re breaking down the mystery. Listen in as your certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explains the different variations of the 5-year rule, when each applies, and why timing is key—whether you’re planning a Roth conversion, eyeing early retirement, or mapping out a tax strategy. ...
Apr 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 25
Welcome to the latest episode of Healthy and Wealthy Retirement. Join host Mark Struthers as he explores the profound insights of Atul Gawande's book "Being Mortal." In this thought-provoking discussion, discover how the book's themes of quality of life, patient decision-making, and healthcare choices intersect with financial and retirement planning. Learn why it's crucial to be an active participant in your own life decisions, both medical and financial, to ensure a prosperous and fulfilling re...
Feb 10, 2025•11 min•Ep. 24
Welcome to this episode of the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement with Mark Struthers, your certified retirement counselor. In this insightful discussion, Mark explores various models of managing retirement expenses, offering valuable strategies to ensure your financial stability in later years. Learn about the five common models, including inflation adjustment, guardrails, and the floor and ceiling approach. Discover how these methods can help you make informed decisions for a financially secure an...
Feb 03, 2025•7 min•Ep. 23
Welcome to the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement, where Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers dives deep into the holistic aspects of retirement planning. This episode emphasizes the critical role of understanding expenses in securing a healthier, wealthier future. Filmed in the beautiful Edina, Minnesota, today's discussion centers on how expenses change as you transition into retirement, highlighting the "Guardrails" approach. This method allows for adjustments based on market performance...
Feb 03, 2025•7 min•Ep. 22
Join Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers on the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement YouTube channel as he delves into the often-overlooked topic of retirement expenses. Learn how understanding your spending before and during retirement is crucial for financial planning and how it influences your overall retirement well-being. This episode introduces the concept of the "retirement spending smile," explaining how spending patterns shift throughout the retirement years. From initial excitement...
Feb 03, 2025•11 min•Ep. 21
Welcome to the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement podcast, hosted by Mark Struthers. In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked topic of managing expenses in preparation for a financially secure retirement. Many approaching retirement are uncertain about their current and future spending habits, leading to potential challenges. Mark discusses the importance of understanding your expenses and offers insights into various models for projecting retirement spending. From the inflation-adjusted ...
Feb 02, 2025•13 min•Ep. 20
Summary In this conversation, Mark Struthers discusses the 10 times rule for retirement savings, which suggests that individuals should aim to have 10 times their gross income saved by retirement. He explores the origins of this rule, its benchmarks, and its effectiveness in providing adequate retirement income. Struthers critiques the rule, arguing that it may be too conservative for many individuals, especially higher earners or those planning to retire early. He emphasizes the importance of p...
Dec 27, 2024•12 min•Ep. 19
Summary In this episode of Healthy and Wealthy Retirement, Mark Struthers discusses the recent market crash attributed to the Japanese carry trade, its implications for investors, and strategies to navigate financial uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of having an emergency fund, diversifying investments, and reviewing bond portfolios to ensure a healthier retirement. Takeaways -The holistic approach to retirement includes financial, social, physical, and emotional well-being. -The Japane...
Dec 27, 2024•12 min•Ep. 18
Welcome to "Healthy and Wealthy Retirement" with Mark Struthers, your certified retirement counselor, who introduces a holistic approach to navigating the complexities of retirement planning. In this episode, Mark dives into the intricacies of the three-bucket strategy for retirement funding, designed to balance risk and provide comfort for retirees. The episode sheds light on two main types of bucket strategies: one focused on time horizons and another on types of retirement spending. Discover ...
Dec 27, 2024•18 min•Ep. 17
Summary In this episode of Healthy and Wealthy Retirement, Mark Struthers discusses the considerations for relocating to a low-tax state. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the total tax burden, including property taxes and social security taxation. Mark also highlights the significance of home affordability, quality of life, job opportunities, and healthcare costs when making such a move. The conversation aims to guide listeners in making informed decisions for a healthier, wealthier...
Dec 27, 2024•10 min•Ep. 16
Welcome to the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement podcast! In this episode, host Mark Struthers explores the concept of keystone activities and their pivotal role in fostering a fulfilling retirement life. Mark delves into how these activities can influence and enhance your social, physical, and emotional well-being, providing a foundation for a more connected and satisfying post-work life. Discover how choosing the right keystone activities can forge deeper relationships and create communities that...
Dec 27, 2024•11 min•Ep. 15
Welcome to the Healthy and Wealthy Retirement, where certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers explores the impact of inflation on retirees. In this episode, Mark discusses how the recent surge in inflation has heightened awareness and seriousness about planning for retirement. Mark explains how inflation erodes purchasing power over time, making it essential for retirees to have strategies in place to protect their financial well-being. He delves into the concept of compounding—both its won...
Dec 27, 2024•16 min•Ep. 14
Summary In this conversation, Mark Struthers discusses the multifaceted nature of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing various risks associated with retirement. He highlights the significance of holistic well-being, addressing not only financial aspects but also social, physical, and emotional factors. Struthers elaborates on different types of risks, including health, career, inflation, investment, and longevity risks, and offers insights on how to navig...
Dec 27, 2024•8 min•Ep. 13
In this episode of Healthy and Wealthy Retirement, certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers delves into the often-overlooked topic of 72T, a strategy for accessing funds within a traditional IRA without penalties. Mark explains the intricacies and challenges associated with Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP), highlighting how this approach compares to other methods like the Rule of 55 or Roth conversions. Mark provides insights into the three methods of calculating withdrawals, em...
Dec 22, 2024•13 min•Ep. 12
Join Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers on the 'Healthy and Wealthy Retirement' podcast as he sheds light on the complexities of permanent insurance, specifically focusing on Index Universal Life. Discover the hidden trade-offs and alternatives your insurance agent might not mention, as Mark guides you through making informed decisions. Understand the significance of asking essential questions and knowing what you're insuring so it aligns with your financial plan. Whether your aim is ...
Dec 18, 2024•17 min•Ep. 11
Welcome to the latest episode of The Healthy and Wealthy Retirement with certified retirement counselor, Mark Struthers. In this Thanksgiving special, Mark delves into the intriguing world of mortgage interest rates and their unexpected rise. He provides insights into how political events, particularly elections, can significantly impact financial markets, including mortgage and treasury rates. Mark discusses the surprising upward trajectory of mortgage rates following political developments, an...
Dec 04, 2024•22 min•Ep. 10
In this episode of "Healthier and Wealthy Retirement," host Mark Struthers delves into the pressing issue of the "Failure to Launch" phenomenon, inspired by a Bloomberg Wealth article. With U.S. parents spending an astounding $500 billion annually on their adult children, Mark explores the financial strain this places on retirement savings and the broader implications for both parents and their grown-up kids. Mark discusses the cultural and economic factors contributing to this trend, including ...
Nov 19, 2024•13 min•Ep. 9
Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Healthy and Wealthy Retirement" with your host, Mark Struthers. Join us as we explore the multi-faceted journey of retirement beyond financial planning, emphasizing holistic well-being. Mark shares his vision for the podcast, inspired by his extensive experience in the financial industry and personal insights into the broader aspects of a fulfilling retirement. In this episode, Mark introduces Alara Rosenberg, a holistic, non-financial retirement coach and fo...
Oct 31, 2024•46 min•Ep. 8
In this episode of "Healthy and Wealthy Retirement," certified retirement counselor Mark Struthers discusses the importance of recalibrating your approach to retirement in light of recent economic changes. With a focus on holistic well-being, Mark explores how the recent Fed conference and interest rate adjustments influence retirement planning. Mark delves into four key areas to recalibrate: mindset, portfolio, emergency fund, and use of debt. He emphasizes the need to shift your mindset regard...
Oct 03, 2024•17 min•Ep. 7
