In this episode Mark shares his comprehensive approach to a semi-annual financial review. Covering essential personal finance practices, Mark outlines steps for calculating net worth, tracking spending, evaluating annual achievements against the one-page financial plan, and preparing for future financial goals.

Mark provides insights on Roth conversions, social security benefits, and his personal experiences with major expenses. Additionally, he discusses the importance of regular updates to estate planning documents and beneficiary designations.

This episode is a deep dive into detailed financial oversight practices aimed at maintaining and enhancing financial freedom.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

The Financial Starting Line – Net Worth, 529 to Roth IRA and Q&A | Episode 003

New Year Financial Planning | Episode 039

Timestamps:

• 00:52 Semi-Annual Financial Review: Net Worth Calculation
• 08:38 Reviewing Your Spending
• 16:32 The Anti-Budget Approach
• 18:24 One Page Financial Plan: Mid-Year Check-In
• 23:15 Roth Conversions and Tax Strategies
• 29:13 Social Security Survivor Benefits
• 41:22 Estate Planning and Beneficiary Designations
• 43:00 Wrapping Up and Upcoming Events

In this episode Mark discusses significant updates to the Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards, affecting lounge access, benefits and annual fees.

He elaborates on how these changes will impact frequent travelers, comparing the benefits and drawbacks of both cards, and considers whether to keep or cancel these cards in light of the updates.

He also touches upon potential changes coming to the American Express Platinum card and discusses how he may proceed in navigating these changes.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

Capital One Set to Change Lounge Access Policies

Introducing the New Couponified Chase Sapphire Reserve

Timestamps:

• 00:52 Changes in Credit Card Rewards: Capital One Venture X
• 05:01 Navigating the Capital One Venture X Changes
• 11:20 Chase Sapphire Reserve: New Updates and Implications
• 15:26 Evaluating the Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits
• 23:21 American Express Platinum: Current and Future Considerations
• 40:42 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode Mark delves into his personal approach to post-retirement asset allocation, expanding on a discussion from his appearance on the BiggerPockets Money podcast. Mark shares his journey from a 100% equities portfolio during his accumulation years to his current 80% equity and 20% fixed income allocation.

He explains the rationale behind this transition, influenced by various strategies and personal research, while emphasizing the importance of understanding one's risk tolerance and risk capacity. Mark also explores the different components of his portfolio, including his preference for ETFs and the usage of short-term treasuries.

This episode aims to provide insight by example for those nearing or in retirement, while stressing the need for individualized financial planning.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

BiggerPockets Money Podcast | Life After Fire

Reply on Your Investment Policy Statement During Rocky Markets | Episode 040

Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins (Revised & Expanded 2025 Edition)

Early Retirement Now - Safe Withdrawal Rate Series

Retirement Answer Man podcast

Retirement & IRA Show - Our Retirement Philosophy and Approach, Condensed Version: EDU #2508

Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Letter 2013

Timestamps:

• 00:23 Asset Allocation Introduction
• 02:07 Pre-Retirement Investment Strategy
• 06:13 Transition to Post-Retirement Portfolio
• 09:09 Determining the 80/20 Asset Allocation
• 25:25 Detailed Breakdown of the 80% Equities
• 30:52 Fixed Income Strategy and Rebalancing
• 38:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Mark shares insights on achieving financial independence and preparing the next generation for financial freedom. Returning from his trip to French Polynesia and Hawaii, Mark delves into strategies for setting up children and the next generation for financial success using Roth IRAs, 529 plans and custodial accounts.

He also answers a listener's question about whether to contribute to a Traditional 401k, Roth 401k or Roth IRA. The episode concludes with Mark reflecting on Warren Buffett's retirement and the power of compounding growth.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

The Wonder of Compounding | Episode 011

Berkshire Hathaway 2025 Annual Meeting: Morning Session

Berkshire Hathaway 2025 Annual Meeting: Afternoon Session

Timestamps:

• 00:28 Recent Travels
• 01:54 Setting Up for Financial Independence
• 04:03 Funding College Education
• 06:49 Custodial Accounts for Nieces and Nephews
• 08:45 Roth IRA for Young Earners
• 24:31 Listener Question
• 32:14 Warren Buffett's Retirement

In this episode Mark discusses recent market volatility triggered by the administration’s tariff implementation and subsequent policy reversal, detailing a sharp drop and rebound in stock values.

Mark explains bear markets and corrections, referencing historical data on market crashes included in a recent Morningstar article. Key insights from Warren Buffet and the late Charlie Munger emphasize staying rational and adhering to a well-defined investment policy.

Mark talks about possible strategies during market declines, such as rebalancing portfolios or considering Roth conversions, and stresses the importance of emotional control in long-term investing.

The episode concludes with a note on tuning out market noise and maintaining focus on investment goals.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

What We’ve Learned From 150 Years of Stock Market Crashes - Morningstar

Reply on Your Investment Policy Statement During Rocky Markets | Episode 040

Charlie Munger’s Advice for Volatile Markets - CNBC

Timestamps:

• 00:23 Market Volatility in April 2025
• 02:54 Understanding Bear Markets
• 03:40 Historical Bear Markets Analysis
• 11:01 Investment Strategies During Market Declines
• 20:42 Charlie Munger's Wisdom on Market Volatility
• 35:21 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Plans

In this episode Mark discusses the importance of understanding market valuation to navigate the current financial landscape. Mark explains the differences between being a shareholder and a bondholder and dives deep into the concept of the Price to Earnings (PE) ratio and its significance in evaluating stocks.

He explains how to calculate the PE ratio of the S&P 500 Index and compares it historically. Mark also introduces the cyclically adjusted PE ratio (CAPE ratio) to account for market fluctuations and discusses the Earnings Yield compared to the 10-year Treasury yield.

He provides insights into various valuation models and their current relevance. Mark wraps up by sharing Warren Buffett's wisdom on market fluctuations and encourages investors to maintain a long-term perspective, particularly during market corrections.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

Reply on Your Investment Policy Statement During Rocky Markets | Episode 040

Current Market Valuation website

1997 Berkshire Hathaway Chairman’s Letter

Timestamps:

• 00:51 Understanding Share Ownership and Earnings
• 03:26 Valuing the Market: Price to Earnings Ratio
• 07:56 Historical Context and Market Valuation
• 10:36 Alternative Valuation Models and Treasury Yields
• 21:44 Warren Buffet's Wisdom on Market Fluctuations
• 26:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode Mark discusses the pros and cons of paying off a low-interest mortgage with Doug Cunnington from the Mile High FI podcast. They address a listener's question about whether to pay off a 2.5% mortgage or invest the money elsewhere.

The discussion includes various approaches, potential returns, and risk mitigation strategies. Mark and Doug also delve into scenarios related to market volatility, financial flexibility, and the psychological impact of mortgage debt.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

Mile High FI podcast

The Wonder of Compounding | Episode 011

Morningstar article: What We’ve Learned From 150 Years of Stock Market Crashes

Timestamps:

• 01:30 Listener's Mortgage Dilemma
• 02:39 Mark's Mortgage Insights
• 03:26 Financial Details Breakdown
• 08:55 Investment vs. Mortgage Payoff
• 09:55 Mark's Money Tree Analogy
• 17:13 AI's Financial Analysis
• 22:16 Mortgage Payoff vs. Investment Returns
• 22:56 Evaluating Net Worth and Stress Reduction
• 23:56 Securing Investments and Limiting Downside
• 26:19 Flexibility and Liquidity Considerations
• 27:13 Personal Experiences and Financial Insight
• 30:38 Market Trends and Historical Insights
• 36:41 Investment Strategies and Risk Management
• 39:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Mark co-hosts an episode of the Mile High FI podcast with Doug Cunnington where they explore the concept of loosening the purse strings in 2024. Recorded at Doug Cunnington's Basement Studio in Longmont, Colorado, the conversation delves into overcoming frugal habits within the financial independence community.

They discuss personal experiences, like Doug's indulgence in guitars, e-bikes, and travel as well as Mark's big-ticket purchases including cruises, a new car and house.

The episode offers insight into balancing financial prudence with enjoying the fruits of financial success, featuring practical tips and personal anecdotes to inspire listeners to adopt a more relaxed approach to spending after reaching Financial Independence.

If you would like your question answered on the show, please send an email to Mark@MarksMoneyMind.com and put “podcast question” in the subject line.

Episode Links:

Mark’s Money Mind YouTube Channel

Mile High FI podcast

Timestamps:

• 00:58 Welcome to Mile High FI Podcast
• 02:04 Discussing Non-Frugal Habits
• 03:04 The Fun Bucket Concept
• 13:08 Cruise Adventures and Upgrades
• 24:22 Guitar and Music Passion
• 30:00 Travel Upgrades and Airline Preferences
• 32:25 Frugality and Travel Hacking
• 38:32 E-Bikes and Amazon Purchases
• 41:49 New Car and House Purchases
• 52:39 Podcasting and Future Plans