Podcast
Retire Today
Hosted by Jeremy Keil · EN
In the Retire Today podcast, Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA® shows you how to turn your retirement savings into retirement income. Listen in as Jeremy and his guests guide you towards making smarter retirement, investment, and tax planning decisions. Get free resources and learn how to have Jeremy and his team develop your own Retire Today income plan at 5stepRetirementPlan.com. For important disclosures, see www.keilfp.com/disclosures Keil Financial Partners may utilize third-party websites, including social media websites, blogs, and other interactive content. We consider all interactions with clients, prospective clients, and the general public on these sites to be advertisements under the securities regulations. As such, we generally retain copies of information that we or third parties may contribute to such sites. This information is subject to review and inspection by
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7 Retirement Lessons from Real Retirees with Jesse Cramer
2d ago00:54:35Tap to summarizeJesse Cramer and Jeremy Keil detail 7 real world lessons learned from working with hundreds of retirees. There’s a big difference between studying retirement… …and actually sitting across the table from retirees for years. This week I sat down with Jesse Cramer and instead of doing a typical “Retire Today” interview, we decided to compare notes from working with hundreds of retirement clients and shared the lessons that rarely show up in textbooks or headlines. Experiences often speak louder than theory, so let’s dive into the 7 main lessons. Lesson #1: Most Retirees Don’t Have a “Purpose Crisis” If you spend time searching YouTube or Amazon for retirement advice, you’ll likely come across the “retirement purpose crisis.” In our real-world experience working with retiree, this doesn’t seem to show up the way financial media suggests. Yes, some retirees need time to adjust. But most aren’t spiraling into an identity crisis after leaving work. Why? Because many workers weren’t necessarily emotionally attached to the structure of their jobs—they were looking forward to having control of their time again. A lot of retirees quickly find purpose in: Family Grandkids Community Travel Hobbies Freedom itself The bigger adjustment often isn’t purpose. It’s learning how to structure time differently. Lesson #2: Most People Start Planning Too Late One of the clearest themes in the conversation was timing. Many people first show up to retirement planning webinars only months before retirement—or even after they’ve already retired. That creates problems. Important decisions around: Social Security Investments Pensions Healthcare Spending levels Taxes …all work better when there’s time to think through options. Jesse’s recommendation was simple: Start seriously planning at least 12 months before retirement—and ideally earlier. Not because every detail must be finalized years in advance, but because retirement works best when decisions are intentional instead of rushed. Lesson #3: Couples Need to Get on the Same Page Retirement isn’t an individual decision when you’re married. But many couples approach it that way. We find it is common for spouses to have completely different views on: Retirement timing Spending Investment risk Social Security Lifestyle expectations Sometimes one spouse wants maximum security. The other wants maximum freedom. And if those conversations don’t happen early, conflict can show up later. I’ve seen couples who struggle with spending expectations and pension decisions because both people weren’t fully involved in the planning process. The takeaway was clear: Retirement planning works better when both spouses understand the plan—even if only one person enjoys the financial details. Lesson #4: Social Security Can Be Flexible One of Jesse’s most interesting ideas was describing Social Security as a “pressure release valve.” Instead of viewing Social Security as a rigid decision with one perfect claiming age, retirees can think about it more dynamically. For example: Delay benefits while markets are strong But turn benefits on earlier if market declines create stress on the portfolio That flexibility can help reduce sequence of returns risk—the danger of withdrawing heavily from investments during a market downturn early in retirement. The key insight? Retirement planning isn’t static. Good plans adapt. Lesson #5: Too Much Stability Can Become a Risk Many retirees focus heavily on avoiding losses. That’s understandable. But Jesse shared a cautionary example of a retiree with roughly 90% of investable assets in annuity products because she wanted maximum stability. The problem? Over-emphasizing one risk can create others. Oftentimes retirees “over-index” against market risk while unintentionally increasing: Inflation risk Liquidity risk Longevity risk Safety itself can become risky if growth disappears entirely. Lesson #6: One Big Mistake Can Change Retirement Forever I once had a client who wanted 10% retirement income and concentrated his entire portfolio into one high-dividend bank stock. Within days: The dividend disappeared The stock collapsed Half the retirement savings vanished It was a reminder that retirement success often comes less from finding perfect strategies… …and more from avoiding catastrophic mistakes. As Jesse referenced through Charlie Munger’s thinking:Sometimes the smartest retirement planning question is: “What should I absolutely avoid doing?” Lesson #7: Retirees Often Need Permission to Spend This may have been the most emotional lesson in the episode. Many retirees struggle to switch from saver to spender—even when the math clearly says they can afford it. I once worked with a widow with more than $1 million saved who refused to withdraw money to visit her grandchildren because emotionally she couldn’t bring herself to spend her savings. That’s where framing matters. As Jesse summarized:You’re not changing identities from “saver” to “spender.” You’ve always been a retirement planner. Earlier in life, prudent planning meant saving. Now, prudent planning may mean spending intentionally on things that matter. The Bottom Line Retirement planning isn’t just math. It’s behavior.It’s psychology.It’s communication.It’s flexibility. And many of the most important lessons aren’t learned from spreadsheets. They’re learned from real retirees living real lives. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps BestInterest.blog Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors – Jesse Cramer’s podcast Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consu...
Transcribe →Retiring in the Next 12 Months? Answer These 3 Questions First
1w ago00:20:02Tap to summarizeJeremy Keil walks through three critical questions future retirees can answer before their paycheck stops Most people spend decades preparing for retirement by focusing on one number: How much have I saved? But retirement isn’t really about the size of your portfolio. It’s about whether you can turn that portfolio into reliable income that supports the life you want. That transition—from saving money to living on it—is where retirement planning becomes real. And if you’re retiring within the next 12 months, there are three questions you can answer before your paycheck stops. Question #1: How Much Monthly Income Do I Actually Need? Unfortunately, this is where many people start with the wrong approach. Most retirees try building a budget from scratch. They estimate utilities, groceries, gas, dining out, subscriptions, and dozens of other categories. The problem? Those budgets are almost always wrong. They tend to assume: Nothing unexpected happens You never spend impulsively You never travel more than expected You never have major one-time expenses Instead of trying to build a perfect budget from zero, Jeremy recommends a simpler and often more accurate approach: Look at what already happened. Specifically:What actually went into your checking account over the last 12–24 months? Because in most households, what goes into checking eventually gets spent. That “take-home pay” becomes a much better starting point for estimating retirement income needs. But there are a few important adjustments. Don’t Forget These Costs Your paycheck today already has several things removed before it hits your checking account: Taxes Health insurance Retirement savings contributions Once you retire: You may stop saving for retirement Your health insurance costs may change Your tax situation will likely change That means your gross salary is not the same as your retirement income need. Many find it valuable to separate out: Mortgage costs Annual expenses (property taxes, insurance, vacations) Large one-time expenses Pre-65 vs. post-65 healthcare costs Retirement spending isn’t just monthly bills. It’s the full picture. Question #2: When Should I Take Social Security? Most people already have an answer to this question before they ever run the numbers. And often, that decision is emotional. Maybe a parent died young. Maybe a friend claimed at 62. Maybe someone simply wants to “get their money.” But what if you about Social Security differently? Not as an investment. As insurance. The official name of the program is Old-age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance. That framing matters. Social Security exists to help: If you live longer than expected If one spouse dies earlier than expected If inflation remains high If markets struggle during retirement In other words, Social Security is there to protect against things not going according to plan. That’s why filing decisions shouldn’t be based only on “break-even” calculators. The better question is:What role does Social Security play in protecting your retirement? Question #3: How Should I Adjust My Investments Before Retirement? One of the biggest mistakes retirees make is treating retirement like a light switch. They assume:Growth before retirement.Income after retirement. But markets don’t work on your timeline. Jeremy shared a powerful example from 2020:People planning to retire within a year stayed fully invested in stocks because markets had been performing well. Then COVID hit. Markets dropped sharply, and many panicked—selling near the bottom because they suddenly realized they needed that money soon. The issue wasn’t just the market drop. It was that their investments weren’t aligned with their time horizon. Your Investments Should Be Ready Early Get your investments ready to retire three years before retirement. Why? Because roughly half of retirees stop working earlier than expected. If your investments are prepared ahead of time: Market volatility becomes less stressful You have short-term money available if needed You’re less likely to panic during downturns You gain flexibility if retirement comes sooner than planned But there’s balance here too. Retirement doesn’t mean abandoning long-term growth entirely. If retirement could last 25–30 years, some money still needs long-term growth potential. The key is having: Short-term money for near-term needs Long-term money for future growth Not all one or all the other. The Bottom Line Retirement isn’t just about stopping work. It’s about replacing a paycheck with a plan. And before your paycheck disappears, you should know: What your lifestyle actually costs What role Social Security plays in your plan Whether your investments are prepared for retirement realities Because when those three pieces work together, retirement becomes much more than a date on the calendar. It becomes sustainable. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “Retiring in the Next 12 Months? Answer These 3 Questions Before Your Paycheck Stops” – by Jeremy Keil, Kiplinger Magazine 5StepRetirementplan.com Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services a...
Transcribe →What Happens to Your Retirement Plan When Your Advisor Retires? With Tyson Ray
2w ago00:35:41Tap to summarizeAuthor, podcaster and financial advisor Tyson Ray explains the importance of knowing your financial advisor’s succession plan and what happens to you when they retire. “If something happens to you, what happens to me?” It’s a simple question. But it’s one most people don’t ask. When you hire a financial advisor, you’re not just hiring a strategy. You’re hiring a relationship. Someone who understands your goals, your family, your history, and your financial life. But what happens when that person is no longer there? This week on the “Retire Today” podcast I sat down with Tyson Ray and we explored a topic that doesn’t get enough attention: advisor succession planning—and why it matters for your retirement. The Reality Most Clients Don’t Think About At some point, every advisor will step away from their business. It might be planned. It might be unexpected. But it will happen. As Tyson pointed out, a large portion of the financial advisory industry is approaching retirement at the same time. That means many clients will experience a transition—whether they’re prepared for it or not. The problem isn’t that advisors retire. The problem is how that transition is handled. When the Client Isn’t the Priority Tyson shared a concern that drove him to write his book: In many succession plans, the client isn’t the focus. Firms are bought and sold. Advisors retire. Businesses merge. And in the process, decisions are often driven by valuation, growth, or internal strategy. But those decisions can create unintended consequences. In some cases, clients are simply informed after the fact:Your advisor is gone. Here’s your new one. That kind of transition can feel abrupt—and it raises an important question: Was this designed with your best interest in mind? Why Succession Is a Fiduciary Responsibility One of the most important ideas Tyson introduced is this: Succession planning isn’t optional. It’s a fiduciary responsibility. A fiduciary is someone who puts the client’s interests first. And that responsibility doesn’t stop with investment recommendations or financial planning. It extends to what happens when the advisor is no longer there. “You’ve entrusted your life savings… to an advisor,” Tyson said. That level of trust deserves a plan. Not just for today—but for the future. The Right Way to Think About Transition So what does a good succession plan look like? It starts with intention. Tyson framed it this way: “How can I do this in such a way that… 5 to 10 years after I’ve made this transition… they thank me for it?” That’s a powerful standard. Because it shifts the focus from:What’s best for the business? To:What’s best for the client? A thoughtful transition should: Be communicated clearly Introduce new advisors before the change happens Maintain continuity in philosophy and service And ultimately leave the client better off Why This Matters More in Retirement This topic becomes even more important in retirement. As Tyson pointed out, the older you get, the harder it becomes to make changes—especially when it comes to trusted relationships. Switching advisors at age 45 is one thing. Switching at 75 is something else entirely. That’s why having a plan—and understanding that plan—is so important. The “Caretaker” Model One approach Tyson described is building a team around the client. Instead of replacing the advisor entirely, firms can introduce additional team members—often younger advisors—who become part of the relationship over time. These team members act as an extension of the original advisor, not a replacement. That way, if something changes, the client isn’t starting over. They already know the people who will continue serving them. What You Should Ask Your Advisor If you take one action from this conversation, let it be this: Ask your advisor a simple question: “If something happens to you, what happens to me?” The answer should be clear. And if it’s not, that’s a signal. Because a good advisor isn’t just planning your retirement. They’re planning for what happens if they’re no longer there to guide it. The Bottom Line Succession planning isn’t just a business decision. It’s a client decision. It affects your experience, your confidence, and your financial future. The best advisors don’t just serve you today. They make sure you’re taken care of tomorrow, too. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Tyson Ray on LinkedIn “Total Succession” by Tyson Ray “Total Succession Show” podcast Form Wealth Advisors Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purpos...
Transcribe →The 5 Smart Moves to Make Before You File for Social Security
3w ago00:18:47Tap to summarizeJeremy Keil explains how 5 smart moves could impact your ability to claim $180,000 or more as a couple in Social Security. If you’re about to file for Social Security, there’s a real possibility you could be leaving a significant amount of money on the table. This isn’t a small decision. For many retirees, Social Security ends up being one of the largest income sources they’ll ever rely on. And unlike many other financial decisions, this one is mostly permanent. Once you file, there are very limited opportunities to undo it. That’s why getting it right before you file matters so much. In this episode, I walk an article I recently wrote for Kiplinger magazine five key moves to help you make a more informed decision. Why This Decision Matters More Than You Think Many people think of Social Security as a simple choice: Pick an age. Pick a number. File when it feels right. But in reality, your Social Security decision can impact: Your lifetime income Your tax situation Your investment strategy And even your spouse’s financial future Research completed by Larry Kotlikoff shows that the average couple can miss out on over $180,000 in lifetime Social Security income simply by choosing the wrong time to claim. And for higher earners, the total value of Social Security over a lifetime can reach into the seven figures. This is not a decision to make casually. Move #1: Verify Your Earnings Record Your Social Security benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If there are errors in your record—even just a couple of missing years—it can reduce your benefit for the rest of your life. That’s why your first step should be logging into SSA.gov and reviewing your earnings history carefully. If something is missing or incorrect, it’s your responsibility to correct it. Even small errors can create a permanent reduction in income. Move #2: Use the Retirement Calculator (Not Just the Statement) Your Social Security statement is helpful—but it’s based on assumptions. Specifically, it assumes you’ll continue earning income at your current level all the way until full retirement age. If you plan to retire earlier, those estimates can be significantly overstated. Instead, use the retirement calculator to input your actual plan. Adjust your future earnings based on when you expect to stop working. That will give you a much more accurate estimate of your benefit. Move #3: Know What You’ve Already Earned Many people don’t realize how much of their Social Security benefit they’ve already built. By setting future earnings to zero in the calculator, you can estimate your “vested” benefit—what you would receive based only on your past work. This can be eye-opening. Some people discover they’ve already earned most of their benefit, and working additional years doesn’t significantly increase it. Others realize they still have meaningful gaps that could impact their future income. Either way, this step helps you make decisions based on facts instead of assumptions. Move #4: Understand Your Longevity Your Social Security decision is essentially a timing decision based on how long you expect to live. Yet most people guess. Instead of guessing, take a few minutes to use a longevity calculator and understand your probabilities. If you’re married, this becomes even more important. The key question isn’t just how long you might live individually—but how long at least one of you is likely to live. That joint life expectancy plays a major role in determining the value of delaying benefits. Move #5: Solve the Right Problem This is where many people go wrong. They treat Social Security like an investment decision—focusing on break-even points or rate of return. But Social Security isn’t an investment. It’s insurance. Its purpose is to provide income in later years, support a surviving spouse, and protect against the risk of living longer than expected. When you shift your thinking from “How do I maximize returns?” to “What role does this play in my plan?” the decision becomes much clearer. The Bottom Line Social Security is one of the few decisions in retirement that is both highly impactful and largely irreversible. That combination makes preparation critical. Before you file, take the time to: Verify your data Use accurate projections Understand what you’ve already earned Consider your longevity And frame the decision correctly Because when you get Social Security right, it strengthens every other part of your retirement plan. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “Claiming Social Security Soon? 5 Smart Moves to Make Before You File” by Jeremy Keil, Kiplinger Magazine “How Much Lifetime Social Security Benefits Are Americans Leaving On the Table?” – Larry Kotlikoff, David Altig & Victor Yifan Ye Social Security Administration website LongevityIllustrator.org “Social Security and Work: How Much Can You Make in 2026?” – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel “Can Americans Really Rely on Social Security? With Chris Orestis” – Retire Today Podcast Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or ope...
Transcribe →The Social Security Bankruptcy Question With Chris Orestis
Apr 2100:28:44Tap to summarizeChris Orestis, founder & president of Retirement Genius, answers the question: “Is Social Security going bankrupt?”  “If we don’t address the financial shortfall… it would trigger an immediate 20% or greater benefit cut.” That statement tends to stop people in their tracks. It also fuels one of the most common fears I hear from clients: “Is Social Security going to run out?” In this conversation with Chris Orestis, we tackled that question head-on—and the answer is more nuanced than most headlines suggest. Social Security Isn’t Going Broke—But That Doesn’t Mean You Can Ignore It One of the biggest misconceptions is that Social Security will simply disappear. That’s not what’s happening. As Chris explained, the issue isn’t that the entire system goes bankrupt. The concern is that the trust fund portion of Social Security funding could become insolvent within the next decade if no action is taken. And if that happens? Benefits could be reduced by roughly 20% across the board. That’s a meaningful change—but it’s very different from “gone.” Understanding that distinction is critical, because fear often leads to poor decisions. Why This Problem Exists At its core, Social Security is a math problem. Today’s system relies heavily on current workers funding current retirees. It takes roughly three workers paying into the system for every one person receiving benefits. As the population ages and workforce dynamics shift, that balance is being strained. Fewer workers per retiree means less funding relative to the benefits being paid out. That’s what creates the pressure on the system. Why This Won’t Be Ignored While the math is straightforward, the solution is not. Chris described Social Security as the “third rail” of politics—something policymakers are reluctant to touch. But there’s an important reality here: The impact of doing nothing would be too large to ignore. A sudden 20%+ reduction in benefits wouldn’t just affect retirees. It would ripple through the entire economy. That’s why, historically, these issues get addressed—often later than ideal, but before catastrophic outcomes occur. What Changes Could Look Like Fixing the system will likely require a combination of adjustments. As Chris outlined, those could include: Increasing payroll taxes Adjusting retirement age eligibility Modifying how benefits are calculated Changing how income is taxed within the system In other words, it won’t be one lever. It will be several. And importantly, those changes are unlikely to impact people who are already very close to retirement in the same way they might affect younger generations. Don’t Make Fear-Based Decisions One of the most important takeaways from this conversation is what not to do. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in people claiming Social Security at age 62—not because it’s the optimal strategy, but because they’re afraid the system won’t be there later. That’s a dangerous mindset. As Chris made clear, Social Security is not disappearing. And making a permanent decision based on fear can significantly reduce your lifetime income. In many cases, waiting increases your benefit substantially—sometimes close to doubling between age 62 and 70. That’s not a decision you want to rush. What You Should Be Thinking About Instead Rather than reacting to headlines or political noise, the better approach is to focus on what you can control. If you’re within 3–5 years of claiming Social Security, the system is likely to look very similar to what it does today. If you’re further out, it’s reasonable to assume that changes could happen—but those changes will likely be phased in over time. In the Retire Today framework, Social Security falls under the MAKE step—your income. But that decision connects to everything else: Your SPEND plan Your tax strategy (KEEP) Your investment approach (INVEST) And what you ultimately LEAVE behind That’s why it’s so important to get it right. The Bottom Line Social Security isn’t going away. But it isn’t standing still either. Don’t make a permanent mistake with your Social Security decisions because of fear or insufficient information. Because when it comes to retirement, clarity beats reaction every time. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Can Americans Really Rely on Social Security? With Chris Orestis – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel Chris Orestis on LinkedIn RetirementGenius.com Chris Orestis Website “The Retirement Genius” podcast with Chris Orestis www.longevityillustrator.org Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures
Transcribe →How to Turn Retirement Savings Into Reliable Income with Dr. Wade Pfau
Apr 1400:42:26Tap to summarizeDr. Wade Pfau explains four ways to beat sequence of return risk and turn your retirement savings into retirement income. For most of your working life, retirement planning feels relatively straightforward. You save. You invest. You grow your portfolio. But as Dr. Wade Pfau explains, retirement doesn’t just flip that process in reverse. It changes the entire equation. Pre-retirement, you’re adding money into your portfolio. Market downturns can actually help because you’re buying more shares at lower prices. In retirement, the opposite is true. “When you’re taking a distribution from your assets and the markets are down… you have to sell more shares,” Dr. Pfau explains, “and that creates dynamics that can dig a hole for the portfolio.” That shift—from accumulation to distribution—is what makes retirement income planning fundamentally different. The Risks Change in Retirement One of the biggest insights from the conversation is that retirement introduces a new set of risks that don’t show up the same way while you’re working. Dr. Pfau highlights three major ones: Longevity risk — living longer than your money lasts Market risk — especially when withdrawing from investments Spending shocks — unexpected expenses that show up year after year Retirees often experience about 10% of their spending as unexpected each year. In other words, surprises aren’t rare. They’re part of the plan. And that means your retirement strategy needs to account for them. Sequence of Returns Risk: The Hidden Danger One of the most important—and least understood—risks in retirement is sequence of returns risk. This is the idea that when market returns happen matters just as much as how much you earn overall. Dr. Pfau explains it this way: If markets perform poorly early in retirement, your portfolio can be permanently damaged—even if returns are strong later. “If markets do poorly early on… you start to dig a hole from your portfolio,” he says. In fact, he estimates that for a 30-year retirement, the first 10 years of returns can determine about 80% of the outcome. That’s a completely different way of thinking about risk. It’s not just about average returns anymore. It’s about timing. Why There’s No “One Right Way” With all these risks, many retirees want a simple answer: What’s the best strategy? But Dr. Pfau pushes back on that idea. “There’s not going to be the case that there’s just one optimal approach,” he explains. “You’ve got to find the approach that’s right for you.” That’s where his concept of retirement income styles comes in. Some people prefer: Flexibility and market growth Predictable income and stability Time-segmented (bucket) approaches Guardrails and risk boundaries Most retirees, in reality, use a combination of these approaches—whether they realize it or not. If you have Social Security, investments, and a savings account, you’re already using multiple strategies at once. The goal isn’t to pick one. It’s to align your approach with what you’re trying to accomplish. The Real Question: What Are You Solving For? One of the most important questions I ask clients is simple: What are you solving for? Are you trying to: Maximize income today? Protect against running out of money? Maintain flexibility? Leave a legacy? Interestingly, retirees often say they want to enjoy their money—but their behavior suggests something different. Dr. Pfau notes that many retirees continue to grow their assets instead of spending them, even when they have the ability to enjoy more of their retirement. That disconnect can lead to a retirement that looks successful on paper—but doesn’t feel that way in real life. Why Traditional Investing Falls Short Another key insight comes from the origin of modern investing theory itself. Wade points out that Modern Portfolio Theory was designed for institutions—not retirees. When its creator, Harry Markowitz, later considered how it applies to households, he realized the problem is much more complex. Households don’t just grow assets. They have to fund spending—over an unknown time horizon. That’s a completely different challenge. Building a Real Retirement Plan So where do you start? Dr. Pfau’s framework begins with two critical steps: Understand your retirement income style Understand your risk exposure From there, you can begin building a plan that aligns your income, investments, taxes, and goals. But that brings us to step zero of the 5 step retirement plan: Know your longevity. Because how long your retirement lasts—and how you feel about that uncertainty—affects every decision that follows. The Bottom Line Retirement isn’t just about having enough money. It’s about turning that money into income—while managing risks that didn’t exist before. That’s why retirement income planning is more complex than saving for retirement. And it’s why the best plans aren’t built around a single strategy. They’re built around you. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Dr. Wade Pfau on LinkedIn Dr. Wade Pfau’s Website Buy Dr. Wade Pfau’s book “Retirement Planning Guidebook” “The Lifetime Sequence of Returns: A Retirement Planning Conundrum” by Dr. Wade Pfau “Safey-First Retirement Planning with Wade Pfau” Retire Today Episode 141 with Dr. Wade Pfau Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor rega...
Transcribe →Can Americans Really Rely on Social Security? With Chris Orestis
Apr 700:27:59Tap to summarizeChris Orestis, founder & president of Retirement Genius, explains how to make more informed Social Security decisions.  Social Security is one of the most important decisions in retirement. And yet, many people approach it the same way they approach a casual conversation—based on opinions, assumptions, and what someone else did. As Chris Orestis put it, people are often making decisions based on “the myths of Social Security, not the math.” That’s where things start to go wrong. Because Social Security isn’t just another income source. For many retirees, it becomes a foundational piece of their financial security. In fact, Chris pointed out that for a large percentage of retirees, Social Security can represent more than half of their income. When a decision carries that much weight, guessing isn’t a strategy. Why Social Security Feels So Confusing Part of the challenge is complexity. Many people aren’t clear on the differences between Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Others assume that because they’ve “paid into the system,” everything will work itself out when they need it. That assumption can be costly. Chris highlighted a broader issue: people often spend more time researching a car purchase than they do understanding the benefits that may fund decades of their retirement. That gap in understanding creates a ripple effect of poor decisions. The Decision That Locks Everything In Unlike many financial decisions, Social Security isn’t easily reversible. Once you claim, you are largely locked into that decision. There is a limited “do-over” window early on, but beyond that, your choice determines your monthly benefit for life. That makes timing critical. You can claim as early as 62, but that locks in a lower lifetime benefit. Waiting until full retirement age—or even age 70—can significantly increase your monthly income. So how do you decide? It Starts with Life Expectancy Both Chris and Jeremy emphasized that the most important factor in deciding when to claim Social Security is life expectancy. You’re essentially making a bet: Claim early → you’re betting you won’t live as long Delay benefits → you’re betting you will But here’s where many people go wrong. They guess. Chris pointed out that people tend to underestimate how long they’ll live and overestimate how long their money will last. That combination can lead to decisions that reduce long-term income at exactly the time it’s needed most. Instead of guessing, there are tools available—like longevity calculators—that can give you a more realistic estimate based on your situation. Know Your Numbers Before You Decide The second major mistake is not knowing your actual Social Security benefit. Your benefit is based on your earnings history. And the estimates provided assume you continue working until full retirement age. If you plan to retire earlier, those estimates may be overstated. That’s why it’s essential to go directly to SSA.gov, review your earnings history, and run projections based on your actual plan. Without that step, you’re making decisions without accurate data. Coordination Changes Everything The third—and often overlooked—piece is coordination. Social Security doesn’t exist in isolation. It interacts with: Other income (which can affect taxation) Earned income (which can reduce benefits before full retirement age) Medicare premiums (which are deducted directly from your benefit) For example, many people hear that “85% of Social Security is taxed” and assume that means an 85% tax rate. In reality, it means up to 85% of the benefit may be taxable, depending on your overall income. That distinction matters. Because the real outcome depends on how Social Security fits into your broader income plan. The Real Goal: Stop Guessing If there’s one takeaway from this conversation, it’s this: You don’t have to guess. There are tools, data, and professionals available to help you make an informed decision. As Chris said, if you go into this blindly when those resources exist, “that’s your bad.” In the Retire Today framework, Social Security falls under the MAKE step—creating reliable income. But how you claim it affects everything else: What you SPEND How much you KEEP after taxes How you INVEST your remaining assets What you ultimately LEAVE behind Social Security isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a decision that shapes your entire retirement. And it’s one worth getting right. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Chris Orestis on LinkedIn RetirementGenius.com Chris Orestis Website “The Retirement Genius” podcast with Chris Orestis www.longevityillustrator.org Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional I...
Transcribe →Federal Employee Retirement Guide – Simplified Breakdown for Civil Servants with Brigadier General Michael Meese
Mar 3100:30:28Tap to summarizeBrigadier General Michael Meese details the critical decisions military families must make before retirement. Transitioning into retirement is a major life change for anyone. But for military families, that transition isn’t just about leaving a job. It’s about moving from one entire system of life into another. As Brigadier General Michael Meese explained, this shift requires more than just paperwork. It requires understanding your benefits, your options, and your goals—before the transition begins. “Understanding all of the military benefits and the circumstance that you’re in… and then aligning that with the goals that you might have” is essential to getting this right. That alignment is where good planning begins. Why Military Transitions Are Different Most civilian career changes are relatively straightforward. You move from one company to another, often with similar systems, benefits, and expectations. But transitioning out of the military is fundamentally different. You’re not just changing jobs. You’re shifting from a structured environment—with defined benefits, systems, and support—into a civilian world where many of those decisions are now your responsibility. That’s why preparation matters so much. This isn’t something you want to figure out for the first time when someone puts paperwork in front of you. You want to understand your options before that moment arrives. The Decisions That Matter Most There are several things that all former service members and their families need to evaluate before jumping into retirement. The Survivor Benefit Plan One of the most important decisions is whether to elect the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). This plan provides ongoing income to a surviving spouse, but it comes with trade-offs. While this benefit is valuable, it doesn’t fully replace income: The maximum your survivor can get is a 55% payout once you’re gone. How confident are you that your survivor’s bills will drop by more than 45% when you’re gone? That means SBP should be viewed as part of a broader plan—not the entire solution. Coordinating SBP with Social Security, savings, and other assets is essential to ensuring a surviving spouse is truly protected. Life Insurance Decisions Another key transition happens with life insurance. Many service members are covered under SGLI (Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance) while on active duty. After leaving the military, they may transition to VGLI (Veterans’ Group Life Insurance). But that transition often comes with higher costs. The key insight is that timing matters. If you’re in good health, you may be able to secure more affordable coverage through private insurance—but that process takes time and underwriting. That’s why planning ahead is critical. You don’t want to wait until after separation to explore your options. Don’t Overlook Your TSP The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is another major asset for many service members. One of its biggest advantages is cost. It offers low expenses and access to unique investment options like the G Fund, which provides a stable return without the same price volatility as traditional bonds. That makes it a valuable component of a retirement strategy—even after leaving the military. The key decision isn’t simply whether to keep money in the TSP or move it elsewhere. It’s understanding how it fits into your overall plan. Advocate for Yourself Another important topic in the conversation was VA disability benefits. These benefits are designed to compensate service members for conditions developed during their time in the military. But receiving them requires active participation. This is a moment where service members need to shift their mindset: You’ve taken care of everybody else. It’s time to make sure you get that disability determination. This isn’t about taking advantage of the system. It’s about receiving the benefits you’ve earned. Preparation Is the Advantage One of the most powerful insights from the episode came from a military principle itself. Preparation. When I was in ROTC training, a significant portion of time was spent preparing and rehearsing before any action took place. That same mindset applies to retirement. You don’t want to improvise your transition. You want to prepare for it. Because when you understand your benefits, align them with your goals, and make decisions ahead of time, you reduce the chances of regret. And that’s the goal. Not just to retire—but to transition with confidence into the next chapter of life. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Brigadier General Michael Meese on LinkedIn Retirement Transition Timeline – Armed Forces Mutual Armed Forces Mutual Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures
Transcribe →Is Your Cash in the Wrong Spot? Find Out Before It Costs You!
Mar 2400:16:08Tap to summarizeJeremy Keil explains how putting your cash in the wrong spot could prevent you from earning thousands in interest during your retirement. Many retirees spend a lot of time thinking about how to get better returns on their investments. But very few spend time thinking about the return on their cash. That’s a problem. Because for many retirees, cash isn’t a small side account. It can be a meaningful portion of their overall financial picture—and if it’s sitting in the wrong place, it may be quietly costing thousands of dollars each year. The average new retiree may have around $100,000 sitting in bank accounts, often earning around 0.4%, while higher-yield options closer to 3%+ are available. That difference can mean roughly $3,000 per year in missed interest. And it happens more often than you might think. Why Cash Gets Ignored There are a few common reasons retirees leave cash sitting in low-interest accounts. First, it’s easy. Many people have used the same bank for years. There’s a sense of familiarity and convenience. Moving money feels like work. Second, there’s a perception of safety. Cash in a local bank feels secure. And while safety is important, many retirees don’t realize that other options—like high-yield savings accounts—can offer similar protections when properly insured. Third, there’s inertia. Cash tends to become an afterthought. Investors focus on stocks, bonds, and market performance, while cash quietly sits in the background. But ignoring cash doesn’t make it harmless. In some cases, doing nothing is actually the riskier move. What Retirees Actually Want from Cash When I ask retirees what they want from their cash, the answers are surprisingly consistent. They want it to be: Available Safe Easy Those are reasonable goals. But what if you can achieve all three and earn more interest at the same time? The idea that higher interest automatically means higher risk isn’t always true—especially when comparing FDIC-insured accounts or certain money market options. Rethinking “Just in Case” One of the most common reasons people hold large amounts of cash is “just in case.” That makes sense. But it’s worth examining how often that “just in case” actually happens. According to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, about 10% of annual expenses tend to be unexpected—things like medical costs, home repairs, or other surprises. That’s exactly why cash matters. But it also raises a question: If you’re holding significantly more than what you typically need for unexpected expenses, could some of that money be working harder for you in the meantime? Cash doesn’t have to sit idle to be available. The Real Risk of Doing Nothing There’s a common belief that staying put is the conservative choice. But that’s not always true. I once met with an investor who described herself as conservative, but in reality, she was heavily exposed to stock market risk without realizing it.  She didn’t want to make a change to her investment strategy because she’d been doing it the same way for so long, the change felt risky. When her investments tanked by 90% later on, the desire to “conservatively” keep things the same ended up being the very reason why her losses were so dramatic. The lesson applies to cash as well. Sometimes, not making a change feels safe—but it can lead to outcomes that are far from conservative. If your cash is earning near-zero returns while inflation is around 3%, you’re effectively losing purchasing power each year. That’s a quiet risk, but a real one. Simple Ways to Improve Your Cash Strategy Improving your cash return doesn’t require a complex overhaul. There are a few straightforward places to start: High-yield savings accountsOften available online, these can offer significantly higher interest rates than traditional banks. Sources to find these accounts include Bankrate.com and DepositAccounts.com.  MaxMyInterest.com I recently was joined by Gary Zimmerman, president of MaxMyInterest, on the “Retire Today” podcast–make sure you listen to that episode to learn more about how this system works as a cash growth strategy. Money market funds in brokerage accountsMany brokerage accounts offer options that pay higher interest—but the default cash setting may not. Cash Is a Tool, Not an Afterthought Cash plays an important role in retirement. It provides stability. It covers short-term needs. It gives you confidence that money will be there when you need it. But cash should be treated as a tool, not an afterthought. Used well, it supports your income plan and helps you stay flexible. Ignored, it can quietly drag down your overall financial picture. If you haven’t reviewed where your cash is sitting lately, now might be a good time. Because sometimes the easiest improvement in your retirement plan isn’t found in the stock market. It’s sitting in your savings account. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “How Much Are Emergency Expenses for Retirees and Are They Prepared?” – Center for Retirement Research at Boston College “Here’s How to Earn a Fistful of Interest on Your Cash in 2026” – Jeremy Keil, Kiplinger.com  “Growing Your Cash as a Retirement Asset with Gary Zimmerman” – Retire Today Podcast on the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel “The average amount in U.S. savings accounts–how does your cash stack up?” – Bankrate.com  Compare high yield savings account options: Bankrate.com, DepositAccounts.com MaxMyInterest.com  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the ...
Transcribe →Behavior-Proof Your Retirement Planning with Ethan Lohr
Mar 1700:32:36Tap to summarizeAuthor Ethan Lohr shares how the four buckets retirement income strategy helps retirees behavior-proof their retirement. Many retirees face one similar problem that they struggle to name: the emotional shift from saving money to spending it. Retirement typically means going from “decades of saving to decades of retirement where you’re spending,” and that transition creates real anxiety for people who want their money to last. Ethan Lohr’s answer is not just a better spreadsheet. It’s a “behavior-proof approach to reliable retirement income,” designed to help retirees make sound decisions even when fear, uncertainty, or market volatility show up.  Retirement isn’t just a financial transition. It’s a psychological one.  That mindset shift—from accumulation to distribution—creates anxiety for many retirees. So while the biggest risk retirees often fear is a market drop, oftentimes the greater risk is a struggle to change your behavior. The Real Risk in Retirement Markets fall. Headlines scream. Fear creeps in. Suddenly people make decisions they wouldn’t normally make—selling investments, abandoning a plan, or withdrawing too little money because they’re afraid to spend. That’s why Ethan calls his framework a “behavior-proof approach to reliable retirement income.” The goal isn’t just building a portfolio that works mathematically. The goal is building a system that still works when emotions show up. Because they always do. The Four Buckets of Retirement Income To help retirees think through their income strategy, Ethan uses a four-bucket framework. Most people are familiar with the idea of dividing money by time horizon. But Ethan’s approach focuses more on the source of income rather than just the timing. The four buckets include: 1. Cash ReservesShort-term funds designed to cover near-term spending and provide stability during market fluctuations. 2. Earned IncomeSome retirees continue to work part-time, consult, or pursue a business venture. This income can reduce pressure on investment withdrawals. 3. Secure IncomeReliable income streams such as Social Security, pensions, or annuity payments. Ethan makes an interesting observation about this category. Many people say they dislike annuities, yet they happily accept Social Security each month. “Virtually every American has an annuity right now called Social Security,” he noted. 4. Growth and Legacy InvestmentsLong-term investments designed for growth, flexibility, and potentially leaving assets to heirs. The goal isn’t to split assets evenly among these buckets. Instead, the framework helps retirees understand where their income will come from and whether their plan aligns with their comfort level. Why Frameworks Matter One of the most helpful parts of Ethan’s approach is that it provides structure. Without structure, retirement decisions can feel overwhelming. Every market move, every headline, every conversation with a friend can trigger doubt. A framework helps retirees answer a simple question: Where is my income coming from? Once that question is clear, the rest of the planning process becomes easier. The Spending Gap Another interesting challenge Ethan discussed is what advisors often call the retirement spending gap. When retirees are surveyed, most say they want their money to help them live the life they want. But when you look at their actual withdrawals, many spend far less than they could comfortably afford. They say they want to enjoy retirement. But their behavior suggests they’re afraid to. Ethan describes the solution as helping retirees “live fully.” In other words, the goal of retirement planning isn’t just preserving wealth. It’s helping people feel confident enough to actually use it. Retirement Is About More Than Math Retirement planning often focuses on investment returns, withdrawal rates, and tax strategies. Those are important. But they aren’t the whole story. Retirement also involves psychology, identity, and the emotional shift from saving to spending. A plan that only works on paper isn’t enough. The best retirement plans are designed to work with human behavior—not against it. That’s what makes them truly durable. And that’s what makes them behavior-proof. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy’s book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Lohr & Company The Four Buckets “The Four Buckets: A Behavior-Proof Approach to Reliable Retirement Income” by Ethan Lohr  Ethan Lohr on LinkedIn Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. ...
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