Keen On Retirement

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.

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.

According to recent data, 62 has become the new 65. This generation of healthier, more active, more connected seniors wants to start enjoying their Golden Years as soon as possible. But there's one reason why age 65 is still a major marker on a retirement timeline: Medicare eligibility. Early retirement can also trigger some critical decisions about the best time to start claiming Social Security benefits. Let's look at five items on Keen Wealth's early retirement checklist that we use to help seniors bridge the gap to Medicare and Social Security.

Figuring out "the perfect time" to retire is only partially a financial decision. After all, if the second half of your life was just about money, then no one would ever stop working and earning. But when your retirement timeline intersects with major economic uncertainty, it's understandable that the money side of the equation might start to feel a little more important. News headlines blaring words like DOWNTURN, INFLATION, and RECESSION can overwhelm plans you've been making for years, and the goals you've been dreaming about for decades. It's at these uneasy moments that the true value of a comprehensive financial plan shines through. Right now, most folks who are willing to stick with their plan and work closely with a trusted advisor should be able navigate some turbulence and stay on course for a secure retirement.