The Secret Retirement Tool Hiding Behind Your House (Ep. 16)

The Secret Retirement Tool Hiding Behind Your House (Ep. 16)

When we think about retirement income, most people imagine 401(k)s, pensions, or downsizing, but what if the most powerful income stream was already sitting in your backyard? In this eye-opening episode, Mark Taylan explores Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a strategic financial planning tool. From boosting retirement income to supporting multigenerational living, ADUs offer creative, …

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How to Prevent Family Fallout After You’re Gone with Barbara Pretlove (Ep. 15)

How to Prevent Family Fallout After You’re Gone with Barbara Pretlove (Ep. 15)

When it comes to protecting your legacy, most families don’t realize how costly estate planning mistakes can be until it’s too late.  In this episode, Mark Taylan sits down with estate planning attorney Barbara Pretlove to unpack the real-world risks of skipping or mishandling your trust planning. From avoiding probate nightmares to understanding the difference …

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Money Is Emotional: Aligning Finances With What Matters Most (Ep. 13)

Money Is Emotional: Aligning Finances With What Matters Most (Ep. 13)

Money is never just about numbers. It is about emotions, values, and the stories that shape our financial choices. In this episode of Beyond the Dollar Signs: Financial Clarity, Mark Taylan explores why understanding the emotional side of money is essential to building clarity and confidence in financial decisions. He explains how emotions influence everything …

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Life Insurance Simplified: Protecting Your Assets and Loved Ones (Ep. 12)

Life Insurance Simplified: Protecting Your Assets and Loved Ones (Ep. 12)

Life insurance is a conversation many avoid, but it’s one of the most important tools for protecting your loved ones and the life you’ve built. In this episode, Mark Taylan sits down with Dorotea Tuzon, a State Farm Agent from Northern California, for a candid conversation on life insurance; how it works, why it matters, …

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Smart Tax Moves for High Earners Nearing Retirement (Ep. 11)

Smart Tax Moves for High Earners Nearing Retirement (Ep. 11)

You’ve worked hard, built wealth, and saved diligently, so why does retirement suddenly feel like a tax trap? In this episode of Beyond the Dollar Signs, host Mark Taylan breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning for high-income earners: the surprising tax implications of success. From pensions and Social Security stacking …

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What You’ve Heard About Reverse Mortgages Is Probably Wrong Part II with Mike Brouse (Ep. 10)

What You’ve Heard About Reverse Mortgages Is Probably Wrong Part II with Mike Brouse (Ep. 10)

When it comes to retirement, many homeowners feel stuck—either emotionally tied to their homes or financially strapped with limited options. In this powerful Part Two of the reverse mortgage conversation, Mark Taylan sits down again with reverse mortgage specialist Mike Brouse to go beyond the mechanics and into the impact. From the heartfelt story of …

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What You’ve Heard About Reverse Mortgages Is Probably Wrong Part I with Mike Brouse (Ep. 9)

What You’ve Heard About Reverse Mortgages Is Probably Wrong Part I with Mike Brouse (Ep. 9)

Reverse mortgages carry a lot of baggage, misconceptions, fear, and outdated assumptions.  But what if they could actually be a powerful financial tool to help you stay in your home, fund your lifestyle, or protect your retirement income? In this episode, Mark Taylan is joined by reverse mortgage specialist Mike Brouse, who brings two decades …

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Love, Legacy, and Legal Clarity: Why Every Couple Should Talk Prenups with Yau Lee (Ep. 8)

Love, Legacy, and Legal Clarity: Why Every Couple Should Talk Prenups with Yau Lee (Ep. 8)

Bringing up a prenup doesn’t have to kill the romance. It can actually create a stronger foundation. In this episode, Mark Taylan welcomes back Yau Lee, a family attorney based in San Francisco, to talk about the emotional, legal, and financial aspects of premarital agreements. They discuss how to approach the prenup conversation with compassion, …

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