Keen On Retirement

I believe that The Keen Wealth Advantage helps folks feel more confident about comprehensive financial planning and their road to retirement. I also believe wholeheartedly in the consumer being as educated as possible on their various options before entrusting their planning and investing to any financial advisor. This is one of the key reasons we are now in our 10th year of producing this podcast and blog, answering listener questions and giving listeners a candid “look behind the curtain” on all things personal financial planning. When you're meeting with professionals who could be managing your life savings for the rest of your life, there has to be more than just a personality fit. While personality is important, you also need to know what questions to ask and what warning signs to look for. Do they have a disciplined process and the depth and breadth of experience and resources to undertake this most serious responsibility? Are you able to confidently discern what your overall client experience will look like and know that they take the appropriate steps to ensure your confidential information is protected and that rules and regulations are being complied with? On today's show, we answer two discerning listener questions that should help you have more productive meetings with potential advisors.

2025's complex economic picture took on another dimension over the weekend as the U.S. waded into tensions in the Middle East. Setting aside the important humanitarian and security issues I know we're all concerned about, it's understandable that investors might worry about more disruption to their financial plans, especially if they're retired. The good news, from this very narrow perspective, is that the markets have responded well to the potential ceasefire between Israel and Iran. But issues around war, as well as the supply, demand, and production of oil, are always factors that could make Wall Street jittery. Given that we're also still staring down potential tariffs against China, uncertain inflation and interest rates, and deep political divisions at home, should folks be preparing for a bear market? The short answer is yes, because investors should always be prepared to manage the inevitable peaks and valleys of the markets. But rather than making predictions right now, I think it might be helpful to break down the differences between bear and bull markets. A little extra perspective might give you some added peace of mind as you think about your financial planning. To set the stage, when I entered the financial services industry in the early 90’s the Dow Jones Industrial Average was around 3,000. Today it sits at 43,000. The wealth-building opportunities in the capital markets can be very powerful over time if understood accurately. Although, it’s important to note that the returns do not come in a straight line.

At Keen Wealth, we don't just want seniors to make it to retirement -- we want them to set themselves up to enjoy it! And achieving that all-important goal takes more than just hitting a "number" or buying the perfect beachfront condo. According to a recent study by Fidelity, 72% of retirees say that their retirement is "going as planned." These seven practical, actionable steps will help you join their ranks when you're ready.

As we wrap up graduation season, I know parents and grandparents are dealing with a whole bunch of emotions: pride, excitement, sadness, relief, hope, and concern. And as you experience all these feelings, you may feel moved to do what you've always done throughout that child's life: help. But whether we're talking about major life milestones or financial market volatility, that intersection of emotion and money can be a very tricky place to navigate. Today's generosity could have significant long-term consequences that might hold your adult child back from real adulthood and dent your retirement plans. Make sure you and your spouse discuss these issues and work out a plan that will truly support adult children without sacrificing your other financial goals.

By the time it works through Congress to President Trump's desk, The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will probably have a few different details, and a different name. But the version of the bill that recently passed in the House gives us a fair indication of where tax policy could be headed for the next few years. On today's show, we discuss the current version of the 2025 tax bill, potential changes that Congress might make, and potential ways this bill could affect your financial plan.

As we discussed on a recent podcast, converting money from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA could be a beneficial move this year due to ongoing market volatility. But that's not an automatic decision. Everyone's retirement plan and goals are different. Everyone's situation in life is different. And while a well-timed Roth conversion can help folks save money now and build wealth in the future, you shouldn't be thinking about a conversion as a lifesaver that's going to support you through some turbulence all by itself. In fact, here are several scenarios where a Roth conversion could hurt your retirement plan more than it helps.