What if retirement planning wasn’t just about accounts and allocations—but about clarity, peace of mind, and the freedom to live “gold”?

In this episode of the Make Life Less Taxing Podcast, host Daniel Hanzelka sits down with David Mares, founder of Socius Wealth Management, for a grounded and heartfelt conversation about what truly matters in retirement planning today.

David opens up about growing up in a blue-collar family without financial guidance, the moment he realized how deeply compounding interest shapes a lifetime, and why his mission centers on empowering retirees to live fully and live gold.

You’ll hear how he thinks about legacy, trust, rising healthcare costs, tax traps that surprise so many pre-retirees, and why the right advisor relationship feels more like partnership than transaction.

💡 In This Episode, You'll Discover:

Why most families never learn how money actually works

How personal experiences shaped David’s mission to educate and empower

Why “live gold” is different for every family—and why it matters

The emotional side of planning that spreadsheets alone can’t solve

The rising retirement risks most people overlook (and how to prepare thoughtfully)

The mindset shift every retiree needs: planning is personal, not one-size-fits-all

👤 About David Mares

David is the founder of Socius Wealth Management, a boutique advisory firm based in Phoenix, AZ. Known for his relational approach and calm clarity, David serves high-income professionals, business owners, and families seeking a more personal and values-aligned retirement strategy.

📍 Location: Phoenix, Arizona

🌐 Website: https://sociuswealthmgt.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mares-swm/

📞 Contact: 602-317-5332

🎧 About the Make Life Less Taxing Podcast

Hosted by Daniel Hanzelka, the Make Life Less Taxing Podcast goes beyond the spreadsheets to explore what truly creates freedom in life and in business. Authentic conversations. No hype. No product pushing. Just clarity, purpose, and wisdom for advisors, leaders, and everyday families.

🌐 More Episodes: https://makelifelesstaxingpodcast.com

📥 Be a Guest: https://makelifelesstaxingpodcast.com/apply

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