Keen On Retirement™

Feeling happy? That could be because spring has finally sprung here in the Midwest. Or, more specifically, it could be because you're part of the Keen Wealth audience right here in Overland Park! A recent report by WalletHub ranked the 182 "Happiest Cities in America." The researchers evaluated 29 “key indicators of happiness, including depression rates, income growth, and average daily leisure time.” Fremont, California topped the list, and half of the top ten were cities in sunny California and Arizona. But the Midwest had a strong showing, too. Bismarck and Fargo, North Dakota both made the top five. And coming in at number six was ... Overland Park, Kansas! While it's certainly gratifying to see well-deserved recognition for our city, I've always felt grateful to be living and working here. Yes, the reasonable cost of living, centrality for travel to other parts of the country, and variety of outdoor activities are all wonderful. But the sense of community here is really special. My team at Keen Wealth experienced that firsthand recently when the Keen Wealth Foundation and Charitable Impact Committee, led by my wife Carissa, had the honor of serving as the entertainment sponsor for "Kids Night Out," a massive gala that raised $3.5 million for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Taking care of each other, in our communities and in our homes, is one of the most direct ways that a financial plan can boost your spirits. On today's show, we answer questions from two listeners who are thinking about how different generations of Americans can help each other enjoy more security and happiness in retirement.

The perfect Thanksgiving meal requires planning, balance, patience, and a generous guest list. At Keen Wealth, our comprehensive financial planning process uses a similar blueprint to help folks cultivate wealth for retirement. And while the prep can feel like it's taking forever, when you're sitting down at that beautiful, bountiful table, surrounded by your loved ones, the wait is almost always worth it. As you begin setting goals for the year ahead, use this five-step process to infuse your financial planning with a spirit of Thanksgiving.

In many ways, the holiday season is a mirror of what life in retirement can be like. Folks are off work, if only for a few extra days. Schedules tend to revolve around the people we love and the things we enjoy doing, especially cherished family traditions. And even though there can be some stress around prepping meals and crossing items off your shopping list, there are also pockets of quiet where we can enjoy good company and a warm beverage while we reflect on what matters the most. As you celebrate the holidays and prepare for the New Year, consider ways that you can incorporate some of the season's fellowship and good cheer into your 2024 retirement plan.

Being grateful can be hard work. The media bombards us with so much bad news, and our lives are so full of everyday stresses that it's easy to lose sight of all the good things we have going for us. And when we're really low, gratitude might even feel a little out of reach. However, as we discuss on today's show, intentionally incorporating gratefulness into your daily routine can create a positive mindset that improves all aspects of your life, from your health and your relationships to your financial planning.

Is your brain getting the workout it needs to keep you mentally sharp in retirement? Medical science has established a pretty clear link between physical and mental health. According to Harvard Medical School, a variety of mental stimulation, paired with regular exercise and a healthy diet, can create new neural connections in your brain, regenerate new brain cells, and even protect the brain against the loss of cells in the future. The Mayo Clinic says that same mix of healthy living and thinking can lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. And CogniFit Research recommends “brain fitness” as a means to maintain working memory, planning ability, focus, and the speed at which we process information. Consider mixing some of these brain-boosting activities into your retirement wellness routine.

Even for those of us who are looking forward to big celebrations with our loved ones, the holidays can be full of conflicting emotions. You might be feeling pressure to plan and host the "perfect" holiday party. Baking and shopping for everyone on your Nice List can be stressful. You might be worried about making it through just one family gathering without an argument. And if you are spending your holidays away from loved ones, loneliness could have you feeling less-than festive. One of these activities might help you beat those holiday blues, experience the joy of the season, and spread that goodwill to other people.