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Customer story · Panic proof retirement

Mark Shama Achieved Retirement Income Security and Professional Portfolio Diversification

Mark Shama · Recorded 3/11/2026

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Share One · March 11, 2026
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Mark Shama reviewed Panic Proof Retirement, highlighting how Dan and his team transitioned his 401(k) into a professionally managed, diversified portfolio. Shama sought to move beyond conservative employer-sponsored funds to ensure his money would last until age 100, reporting that the firm fulfilled all obligations through personalized, local service and responsive communication.

At a glance

Primary Use Case
Transferring 401(k) funds to professional management for retirement.
Reported Result
Diversified investment strategy designed to last until age 100.
Service Quality
Responsive local office with in-person portfolio reviews.
I said, As long as I have enough money till I'm 100, I'll be good. And he said, Why don't you see the problem?
Dan seems to walk that tightrope to assure you that he'll diversify your investment.
I would recommend panic proof retirement only because he's local, and that is, I think is important when you're considering somebody to manage your lifelong investment.

The interview

How did you first learn about Panic Proof Retirement?

I accidentally came across Dan through YouTube, actually, and I was thinking about transferring all of my 401(k) money over to somebody who could manage it. After I listened to his audios and I seen him on TV, it kind of solidified the fact that maybe he's the guy to call and interview.

What was your experience interviewing Dan?

I interviewed him and he passed the interview. When you're working and you've got a 401(k), you have no choice of where to put your money; it just goes into the fund the company uses, which was very conservative. I needed somebody that was a professional, at the top of his game, to watch my money, make sure I didn't lose it, and make sure I made more than in previous years.

What was the initial meeting and onboarding process like?

When I called, his receptionist scheduled a meeting and said Dan would like to meet in person. I went in there, I brought all of my investments, and we went over them one by one. He told me what he could do and where it would lead me. He made the transition very easy.

What is your primary goal for your retirement funds?

I said, as long as I have enough money till I'm 100, I'll be good. And he said, 'I don't see the problem.' Dan seems to fulfill all those obligations.

How would you describe the firm's customer service and accessibility?

The next thing I like about Dan's office is when you call, somebody picks up. So you're never straddled. If you have a question, if they don't have the answer, then they do get back with you in a reasonable amount of time.

Why would you recommend Panic Proof Retirement to others?

I would recommend Panic Proof Retirement only because he's local, and that is, I think, important when you're considering somebody to manage your lifelong investment and make your money last. Dan seems to walk that tightrope to assure you that he'll diversify your investment.

Frequently asked

How do I know if a financial advisor is the right fit for my retirement?

Mark Shama suggests interviewing the advisor personally to see if they pass your 'gut feeling.' He notes that while some people want aggressive or conservative styles, Dan at Panic Proof Retirement successfully walks the tightrope to assure diversification.

Is it difficult to transition a 401(k) to Panic Proof Retirement?

According to Mark Shama, the firm made the transition very easy. He met with Dan in person, reviewed his investments one by one, and received a clear plan for where the new strategy would lead him.

What is the communication like at Panic Proof Retirement?

Mark Shama highlights that when you call the office, a real person picks up the phone. If they don't have an immediate answer, they get back to you within a reasonable amount of time, ensuring you are never 'straddled' with questions.

Full transcript

Speaker 0: Hi, my name's Mark Shama, and I am retired. Before panic proof retirement, I accidentally came across Dan through YouTube, actually, and I was thinking about transferring all of my $4.00 1 money over to somebody who could manage it. And after I listened to his audios and I seen him on TV, it kind of solidified the fact that maybe he's the guy to call and interview. Actually, I interviewed him and he passed the interview. When you're working and you've got a four zero one ks, you have no choice of where to put your money. It just kind of goes into the fund that the company uses for you, and it's a very, very conservative investment, which was good, you don't lose it, but you're not making what you should make. And after working all that time, I just didn't wanna make any more decisions. I needed somebody that was a professional, that was top of his game, that I watch my money and make sure I didn't lose it and make sure I made more than what I was making in previous years. And Dan seems to fulfill all those obligations. When I called, his receptionist scheduled a meeting and she said, Dan, we'd like to meet you in person. She said he scheduled the meeting. I went in there, I brought all of my investments and we went over them one by one. And he told me what he could do and where it would lead me. I said, As long as I have enough money till I'm 100, I'll be good. And he said, Why don't you see the problem? He made the transition very easy. The next thing I like about Dan's office is when you call, somebody picks up and leave it. So you're never straddled. If you have a question, if they don't have the answer, then they do get back with you. There's an abusable amount of time. And that's frustrating. I'd say it doesn't hurt. Why not interview, talk to them, and let your gut guide you? And if you don't feel comfortable, go somewhere else. Really, it's a gut feeling. Not everybody's for everybody. So many people are looking for somebody maybe more aggressive. Maybe somebody wants somebody more conservative, but Dan seems to walk that tightrope to assure you that he'll diversify your investment. Okay, I would recommend panic proof retirement only because he's local, and that is, I think is important when you're considering somebody to manage your lifelong investment and make your money last.

About Panic proof retirement

Panic Proof Retirement is an independent financial advisory firm specializing in retirement planning and income protection for individuals in Troy, Auburn Hills, and Bloomfield Hills, MI. They focus on helping clients transition from restrictive employer-sponsored plans to tailored solutions that secure their financial futures. By minimizing fears of market downturns, they provide clients like Mark Shama with clear plans to ensure their lifelong investments last throughout retirement.

Industry
Financial Services

Topics

  • retirement planning
  • financial services
  • retiree
  • portfolio diversification
  • 401k rollover

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