Keen On Retirement™

Just about all married retirees have seen "The Look" from their spouses. The "You're in my way" Look. The "Why are you doing THAT?" Look. The "I don't have time for this right now" Look. The "Are you really going to spend all day just sitting there?" Look. The "Maybe you shouldn't have retired" Look. When we see senior couples giving each other "The Look" during meetings at Keen Wealth, it's often because folks have been so wrapped up in planning the money side of retirement that they haven't given as much thought to how they'll spend their time. Discussing these common causes of Retired Hubby and Wifey Syndrome might help you and your spouse create space for each other and make the most of the moments you spend together.

Married couple "Mark" (62) and "Lisa" (60) want to retire together in the next year. They shared their financial plan and their goals with two financial advisors. One advisor said they could retire. The other said that they should keep working. So ... Who's right? On today's show, we try to split the tie and help Mark and Lisa set the best course for a successful retirement.

Sometimes, financial independence just isn't enough. Most folks who've built up a high net worth know, deep down, that they don't need to wait until they're 65 to retire. But they keep working anyway, because having money doesn't necessarily make you worry about money any less. And besides, you're "supposed" to wait until you're at least 65 to retire. Right? Think about it this way: you don't keep playing the game after you've already won! And if you have enough money to fulfill your sense of purpose and secure your needs for the rest of your life, then however old you are, you've won. Here's why the affluent should consider rethinking their retirement timelines.

If you're only judging based on what's happening in the world and the financial markets, there's never a "perfect" time to retire. But 2025 is throwing a bunch of extra variables at seniors that are adding more complexity to an already complicated decision. Businesses are changing. The rules around investing are changing. And, most importantly, your life is changing. Your financial plan has to be flexible enough to keep pace while also maintaining focus on the best path towards your personal long-term retirement goals. On today's show, we discuss two listener questions that touch on alternative investments and how to think about portfolio management at various stages of your life.

"I'm going to run out of money." That's the fear that stands between so many seniors and enjoying their Golden Years. That's the fear that delays retirement five years too long. The fear that causes new retirees to pinch every penny instead of buying a new car, joining their local country club, or travelling the world. The fear that leaves so many seniors thinking "Coulda ... Woulda ... Shoulda ..." at the end of retirement. In fact, according to a study by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement , 64% of Americans are more afraid of running out of money in retirement than they are afraid of death! Today, I'm going to try to bring one of those fears down to size. Because, unlike dying, your odds of running out of money in retirement can be reduced, if not eliminated, with hard work, diligent saving, and comprehensive financial planning.

Last week, I discussed how Keen Wealth's comprehensive planning process might assess a multi-million-dollar nest egg. I think these hypotheticals, including some back-of-the-napkin math, are useful in illustrating how retirement planning can work, and also the limits of focusing exclusively on your numbers. However, in the Keen Wealth offices, we don't work with hypotheticals. We work with real people, their real savings, their hopes, dreams, worries, and goals for the future. Every day, we help hardworking folks navigate complex financial issues that touch every part of their lives. We're honored that our clients have entrusted us with the responsibility of managing assets they've spent decades earning, and we want them to feel confident about their path to retirement. On today's show, we explore the Keen Wealth Advantage in action as we help a couple answer one of life's most important questions: Can we retire?