• What a true estate plan is, and why a structured planning process matters as much as the documents themselves
• Why many estate plans fail in practice, and how proper education, coordination, and maintenance can prevent costly mistakes
• Wills vs trusts, and how probate and non-probate assets work together (or against each other) in real life
• The critical role of financial powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and MOLST forms in protecting autonomy and decision-making
• How elder law, taxation, asset protection, and long-term care planning intersect in today's legal landscape
• The risks of outdated or incomplete documents, and how they can create unintended consequences for families
• Why flexibility is essential to successful planning, and how to design a plan that evolves while still preserving your legacy
• How to get started, what to expect from a well-designed planning process, and the next steps toward confident, informed planning

• Five major factors that must be considered for deciding the optimal age to start Social Security benefits
• Understand exactly how your benefit is calculated
• Strategies to maximize your benefit payment
• Financial health of Social Security and whether benefits might be lowered or discontinued in the future
• Strategies for married couples on coordinating when and how to start benefits to maximize lifetime income
• Special rules for divorced and widowed spouses
• How much of your Social Security will be taxable
• Rules and penalties for working while taking benefits

• Learn precisely how much you need saved to retire
• Best strategies for turning your IRAs, 401ks, 403bs, TSPs, etc. into the maximum income possible
• 4% Rule explained and whether you can depend on it
• What’s the most you can withdraw from your investment portfolio without risking running out
• Strategies for protecting principal and guarding against stock market, interest rate, and inflation risks
• Pros and Cons of using annuities in your plans
• The new rules for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and strategies to minimize the tax impact

Mark Timmick, CRPC®, AIF®
 

Mark Timmick is Principal Advisor at Timmick Financial Group, a firm specializing in personalized, goal-based Financial Planning and Wealth Management. Mark has helped prepare and guide countless individuals into successful, secure and happy retirements, and he enjoys sharing his extensive experience and proven strategies with others. Known for his dynamic and engaging style, and his focus on teaching important concepts and principals, Mark is skilled at communicating complex financial information in understandable, layman’s terms.

Mark has worked in financial services for over three decades with prior experience at T. Rowe Price, Fannie Mae, Marriott, Thompson-Reuters and Path Capital Management. Mark is a frequent public speaker, has written columns for local newspapers, and crafted his own comprehensive thesis on Wealth Management and Investing for Retirement. Mark is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), a Registered Investment Advisor Representative, a Chartered Retirement Planning Consultant (CRPC®), and a licensed securities representative.
 

Stephen R. Elville, J.D., LL.M.
 

Stephen R. Elville is the President, CEO, and Managing Principal of Elville and Associates, P.C., a Maryland-based law firm recognized for its work in estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, tax planning, and asset protection. With decades of experience, Steve has built his practice around a clear philosophy: Planning for Life, Planning for Legacies—helping clients achieve clarity, confidence, and control at every stage of life.

Named to the Maryland Super Lawyers list 11 times and 10 consecutive years, Steve is known for his innovative, compassionate, and technically sophisticated approach to both proactive planning and crisis response. His work includes estate planning, elder law, Medicaid and long-term care planning, fiduciary representation, guardianships, and special needs planning.

A seasoned educator and communicator, Steve has offered hundreds of webinars and presentations over the years, translating complex legal concepts into practical, actionable guidance. Through his legal leadership, community service, and philanthropic work, Steve brings a thoughtful, values-driven perspective to planning—one that focuses not just on documents, but on people, purpose, and legacy.