Financial Independence

Mailbag: RMD Strategy, Emergency Funds and Long-Term Healthcare

April 17, 2025

In this listener Q&A episode, Mark answers some of the questions that keep people up at night, from long-term healthcare without the monthly drain to how much to actually have in your emergency fund. We walk through strategies like Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions, and alternative ways to cover long-term care costs, all with the goal of keeping more money in your pocket and building a retirement plan that works for your life.

Financial Planning Pop Quiz

October 3, 2024

When it comes to financial planning and saving for retirement, there’s a lot to know!
As we go through our multiple-choice quiz, Mark shares more of his insight and expertise regarding common fears and concerns retirees often have. Find out if you answer the quiz the same way Mark does and learn more about how you can be mindful and strategic about your financial future.

The Retirement Huddle

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

Waiting until tax season to think about taxes is often too late. Many of the best opportunities require planning before the calendar year ends.

In this episode, Mark breaks down several strategies that may help reduce taxes over time, including donor-advised funds, SEP IRAs, HSAs, withholding adjustments, RMD planning, and qualified charitable distributions.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💝 Bundle Giving: Donor-advised funds can improve charitable deductions

💼 Use SEP IRAs: Self-employed income may open another tax-saving opportunity

🧾 Check Withholding: Avoid giving the government too much all year

🏥 Use the HSA: Triple tax benefits can be powerful

📆 Plan RMDs Early: Don’t wait until December

Want to get in touch with Mark?

https://retirementhuddle.com/mark@howardfinancialgroup.com 888-511-7526

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5 Tax Strategies to Consider Before Year-End

October 1, 2026

Mark Howard