How can you tell whether a financial planner is genuinely credible, or whether you're being pushed into a decision you may regret? In this episode, we explore two sides of financial planning that can have a big impact on how confidently you use your money and choose professional advice. We start by looking at how our memories of the past can influence today's spending decisions, why we can become anchored to what things used to cost, and how putting expenses into the context of your current income can change your perspective.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn

Insurance is one of those parts of financial planning that most people would rather not think about, but getting it wrong can have a much bigger impact than choosing the wrong investment. It's not particularly exciting, and ideally you'll never need to use it, but the right coverage can provide the foundation that allows the rest of a financial plan to work as intended. In today's episode, we're dissecting the role insurance plays in financial planning with Broc Buckles, co-founder of BC Brokerage. Listen in to learn how umbrella liability coverage works, why disability insurance costs vary based on occupation and risk, how underwriting can differ for military and other higher-risk professions, and how the long-term care insurance market has changed.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Broc Buckles: LinkedIn
• BC Brokerage
• FEFP: Why Federal Employees Can't Afford to Ignore Insurance with Broc Buckles (EP98)
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn

When should you claim Social Security, and how do you know if the "optimal" strategy actually fits your retirement plan? In this episode, we react to a White Coat Investor article exploring whether Social Security should be claimed early and invested or delayed for a larger guaranteed benefit. You'll learn why Social Security optimization is about more than a simple break-even calculation, how delaying one spouse's benefit to age 70 can create higher lifetime and survivor income, and why federal employees may have more flexibility because of their pensions and other guaranteed income sources.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Federal Survivor Benefits eBook
• Refer a Friend
• Webinar Registration
• Episode 73: Maximizing Social Security with Elaine Floyd
• Social Security Shake-Up: What Proposed Changes Mean for Federal Employees
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn