Category: Finance
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)

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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 Bonnie, who used a reverse mortgage to stop working, repair her home, and reconnect with family before passing, to strategic conversations about right-sizing homes and preserving equity, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating retirement planning.

Here’s what you can expect from part II of this episode:

  • How reverse mortgages help retirees live, not just survive
  • The emotional and financial power of staying in your home
  • Why right-sizing is better than downsizing
  • What happens to your reverse mortgage when you pass away
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

Connect with Mike Brouse:

About Our Guest: 

With 24 years of experience in the mortgage industry, including senior leadership roles, Mike has dedicated the past five years to specializing in reverse mortgages. His passion lies in helping retirees and older homeowners unlock financial stability and security through strategic home equity solutions.

Throughout his career, he has led teams, driven growth, and navigated the evolving mortgage landscape with a commitment to integrity and client-focused solutions. He believes in educating homeowners, financial professionals, and industry partners about the benefits of reverse mortgages, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions.

If you’re looking for a trusted resource in the reverse mortgage space—whether as a client, financial advisor, or industry peer—Mike welcomes the opportunity to connect and explore how he can help.

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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)

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Reverse mortgages carry a lot of baggage, misconceptions, fear, and outdated assumptions.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 of experience and a deeply personal story to the conversation. From working with his own in-laws to helping families across California, Mike breaks down what reverse mortgages are (and what they’re not) with clarity, humor, and heart.

You’ll learn why reverse mortgages are no longer a “last resort,” how they fit into a broader retirement strategy, and the truths behind the biggest myths, including who really owns the home, what happens when you move or pass away, and how the loan balance grows over time.

What to expect:

  • A breakdown of common reverse mortgage myths
  • How the product actually works, month-to-month
  • Why financial advisors are rethinking this strategy
  • The risks of ignoring home equity in retirement planning
  • And more!

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

Connect with Mike Brouse:

About Our Guest: 

With 24 years of experience in the mortgage industry, including senior leadership roles, Mike has dedicated the past five years to specializing in reverse mortgages. His passion lies in helping retirees and older homeowners unlock financial stability and security through strategic home equity solutions.

Throughout his career, he has led teams, driven growth, and navigated the evolving mortgage landscape with a commitment to integrity and client-focused solutions. He believes in educating homeowners, financial professionals, and industry partners about the benefits of reverse mortgages, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions.

If you’re looking for a trusted resource in the reverse mortgage space—whether as a client, financial advisor, or industry peer—Mike welcomes the opportunity to connect and explore how he can help.

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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)

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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, what to avoid, and how planning ahead can strengthen, not hinder, a couple’s relationship.

Yau debunks common myths (like “prenups are only for the wealthy”), offers real client stories, and explains the importance of legal consultation for both parties, especially in second marriages or blended family situations. The episode highlights how early and honest communication about finances and legacy planning can be a sign of trust and commitment, not conflict.

Yau discusses:

  • How to bring up a prenup in a way that builds trust instead of breaking it
  • What changes when couples bring unequal assets, children, or prior marriages into the equation
  • Why each partner needs their own legal counsel and what mistakes to avoid
  • How estate planning and divorce protection differ (and why both matter)
  • What a successful, respectful prenup process actually looks like from first conversation to signed agreement
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

Connect with Yau Lee

About Our Guest:

Yau Lee is a Partner and Mediator at Nachlis | Cohade | Lopez-Whitaker, LLP. She practices all aspects of Family Law. Though she is a fierce litigator, she finds that it is always a defining moment when she can settle cases without going to trial because she truly believes that it is in the best interest of her client in terms of cost and efficiency. Her dedication to this result has yielded 95 percent of her cases to be settled out of court. Her advocacy happens in the pleadings and negotiations with the opposing counsel. Laying out a thoughtful argument in writing is one of the strongest negotiating tools that she can use to convince the opposing counsel that it is more of a risk to take the case to court.

Yau understands that Family law matters are inherently emotionally charged, and it is important in her approach to not fire up more drama or tension. Emotions won’t get a case heard any better or keep it out of court. Instead, she focuses on how the case aligns with the law and crafts a creative agreement that jointly meets the needs of her clients and the opposing party. Although difficult, she is always honest with her clients about the strategic need to work with the opposing side. Her clients appreciate her strong interpersonal communication skills, responsiveness, and ability to actively listen.

Yau is also an endurance athlete, having participated in more than 10 marathons and six half Ironman distance triathlons. Training for and racing these events has given her the fortitude to remain calm in stressful situations, think on her feet, make predictions, trust the process, and plan for success. Swimming in the open ocean with 14-foot swells or gunning down a hill on your bike at more than 40 miles per hour will give you nerves of steel.

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The Questions You Should Be Asking About Retirement (Ep. 7)

The Questions You Should Be Asking About Retirement (Ep. 7)

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When it comes to retirement, most people think they’re on the right track—until they’re faced with the big picture. 

In this episode of Beyond the Dollar Signs, Mark Taylan reflects on what he and his team learned after hosting eight retirement planning dinner workshops with over 200 families.

What stood out? Many attendees had been given fragmented advice, bits and pieces of financial strategies, but no comprehensive plan. Mark shares why it’s so important to look at the full picture: your assets, liabilities, income streams, expenses (yes, including takeout and travel!), and the risks like market volatility, inflation, taxes, and long-term care.

He also breaks down the Wealth Path Process, a step-by-step system he’s built over two decades to help families create a clear roadmap to retirement, and why conversations about legacy, lifestyle, and financial freedom can’t wait until it’s too late.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

  • Why fragmented financial advice falls short
  • The six factors every retirement plan needs
  • How to map your assets and expenses in detail
  • Why lifestyle choices matter as much as the numbers

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

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How to Prepare for Life Without a Spouse (Ep. 6)

How to Prepare for Life Without a Spouse (Ep. 6)

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Losing a spouse isn’t just an emotional blow; it’s a shift in everything you’ve known and planned for. 

In this episode of Beyond the Dollar Signs, Mark Taylan shares insights from his years of sitting across the table from couples, families, and individuals navigating the complexities of grief. 

It’s about allowing yourself to grieve, not rushing into decisions, and understanding that if you’ve planned, you can find some peace of mind. Mark walks through the key steps you need to take, both emotionally and financially, when a spouse passes: from understanding income changes and revisiting estate plans to knowing who your support system is. 

He shares why it’s critical to have these conversations before loss strikes, because when it does, it’s hard to think clearly. And for those stepping into his office for the first time after a loss, Mark offers steady guidance: take care of what’s immediate, breathe, and know there’s no rush. 

What to expect from this episode:

  • How to prepare for loss before it happens—practically and emotionally
  • What to focus on right now after losing a spouse
  • The importance of family conversations and identifying a support system
  • Why having a financial plan in place brings peace of mind
  • And more!

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

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Legal Must-Knows Before You Say ‘I Do’ with Yau Lee (Ep. 5)

Legal Must-Knows Before You Say ‘I Do’ with Yau Lee (Ep. 5)

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Think a prenup is just for the ultra-wealthy? Think again.

In this eye-opening conversation, family law attorney Yau Lee joins Mark Taylan to demystify the world of prenuptial agreements and why they matter for everyday couples. From legal must-haves to emotional landmines, this episode unpacks the realities behind one of the most misunderstood legal tools in relationships today.

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

  • Dive deep into the often mysterious ‘marriage contract’ and learn what it really entails [00:03:57] 
  • [00:06:03] Discover the importance of being curious and proactive about the financial rules you’re marrying into [00:06:03] 
  • Understand why having separate legal representation is crucial for a prenup [00:09:20] 
  • Explore discussions on family planning and the rights of future children regarding finances [00:16:01]
  • And more!

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

Connect with Yau Lee:

About Our Guest: 

Yau Lee is a Partner and Mediator at Nachlis | Cohade | Lopez-Whitaker, LLP. She practices all aspects of Family Law. Though she is a fierce litigator, she finds that it is always a defining moment when she can settle cases without going to trial because she truly believes that is in the best interest of her client in terms of cost and efficiency. Her dedication to this result has yielded 95 percent of her cases to be settled out of court. Her advocacy happens in the pleadings and negotiations with the opposing counsel. Laying out a thoughtful argument in writing is one of the strongest negotiating tools that she can use to convince the opposing counsel that it is more of a risk to take the case to court.

Yau understands that Family law matters are inherently emotionally charged, and it is important in her approach to not fire up more drama or tension. Emotions won’t get a case heard any better or keep it out of court. Instead, she focuses on how the case aligns with the law and craft a creative agreement that jointly meets the needs of her clients and the opposing party. Although difficult, she is always honest with her clients about the strategic need to work with the opposing side. Her clients appreciate her strong interpersonal communication skills, responsiveness and ability to actively listen.

Yau served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Judge Monica F. Wiley, Judge Lillian K. Sing (retired), and Judge Ronald E. Alberts of the San Francisco Unified Family Court.  She received her Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies from the University of California, San Diego.

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The Sandwich Generation: “Caught in the Middle” (Ep. 4)

The Sandwich Generation: “Caught in the Middle” (Ep. 4)

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What does it really mean to be sandwiched between life’s responsibilities? 

Picture this: an adult trying to balance caring for aging parents with raising children or even grandchildren. 

Mark Taylan is diving into the lives of the ‘Sandwich Generation’—those navigators juggling their own life goals with family commitments.

Mark also highlights the complexities faced by these folks in managing long-term care, emotional stresses, and financial strains. Mark touches on the importance of setting boundaries and having open lines of communication to ensure family harmony.

Other key conversations in the episode include:

  • The reality of the sandwich generation [00:01:10]
  • Handling financial pressures from multi-generational living [00:08:49]
  • Planning for long-term care and stress testing finances [00:10:39]
  • Establishing boundaries and effective communication [00:14:03]
  • And more!

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

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The Retirement Blueprint: 5 Critical Principles You Need to Know (Ep. 3)

The Retirement Blueprint: 5 Critical Principles You Need to Know (Ep. 3)

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What does your dream retirement look like, and are you confident it’s achievable? 

This episode explores the real concerns and hopes that arise as we prepare for retirement. Mark Taylan tackles the heart of the matter: crafting a foolproof retirement plan that will last decades.

Join the conversation as Mark debunks myths surrounding the magic “number” for retirement. It’s not just about the savings but also about understanding and planning income streams post-retirement. 

Key discussions in this release include:

  • Common retirement fears and how to overcome them [00:01:04]
  • Prioritizing income protection and understanding retirement income [00:03:56]
  • The importance of creating a comprehensive budget before retirement [00:05:41]
  • Five critical risks to your retirement plan and how to mitigate them [00:08:13]
  • Roth conversions and tax implications for retirement planning [00:14:12]
  • Ways to establish a strong client-advisor relationship [00:16:31]
  • And more!

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

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The Story Behind Advisors360 (Ep. 2)

The Story Behind Advisors360 (Ep. 2)

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Ever felt like financial planning is more “dollar confusion” than “dollar clarity”? We’re diving into the unique story of Advisors360 with founder Mark Taylan, revealing how a genuine heart and an informed mind can transform financial advice into a journey of trust, clarity, and legacy-building.

Join your host, Mark Taylan, as he explores the origins of Advisors360, a firm born from Mark’s vision of offering comprehensive, unbiased advice. Tired of product-pushing in large corporations? Mark certainly was, and that’s why he established Advisors360, putting less focus on sales and more on genuinely understanding and guiding clients through life’s financial challenges.

Mark discusses: 

  • The origin story and mission of Advisors360 [00:01:18]
  • Understanding the Wealth Path process [00:05:02]
  • The commitment to family-focused financial advice [00:06:16]
  • Integrating new generations into wealth management [00:10:23]
  • Expectations for new clients [00:19:13]
  • And more

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

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Introducing Beyond The Dollar Signs: Financial Clarity (Ep. 1)

Introducing Beyond The Dollar Signs: Financial Clarity (Ep. 1)

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What makes a great financial advisor?

Join Mark Taylan on this inaugural episode of “Beyond Dollar Signs: Financial Clarity”. Explore Mark’s path from curious young adult to seasoned financial planner, highlighting his early experiences with life insurance and the pivotal role that meeting his first financial advisor played in sparking his career.

Mark discusses: 

  • The influences of early family dynamics on his communication skills [00:01:24]
  • The moment a financial advisor widened his perspective beyond banking [00:07:09]
  • His journey through education and a gratifying career with multiple licenses [00:09:36]
  • The philosophy of treating clients as family and the importance of holistic planning [00:11:37]
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Mark Taylan: 

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