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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Avoiding 3 High-Achieving Career Retirement Mistakes
May 14, 202500:30:59Tap to summarizeExploring how to transition from an achievement-based career to a fulfilling retirement lifestyle with author Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life, and I can confidently say that every retirement has its own unique challenges. My guest on this week’s episode of Retirement Revealed, Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, wrote an interesting book aimed at people who are transitioning out of high-leverage careers into retirement. These are the doctors, lawyers, executives, and business owners who have built careers on success, productivity, and pushing themselves to be the best. So what happens when the structure of a career disappears? What replaces the status, the goals, and the intellectual stimulation? In this episode, Elizabeth and I dive into 3 common mistakes these people make and explore some strategies to address them in retirement. Elizabeth brings a unique perspective to the retirement discussion. After a high-powered legal career on Wall Street, she made the tough decision to step away to focus on family. She called it “borrowing from retirement,” but quickly realized she was wholly unprepared for the identity shift that came with leaving the career she had wrapped so much of her self-worth around. This is where many high achievers find themselves in retirement. They’ve done a great job saving and investing. But when work ends, it’s not just about how much money they have — it’s about what they’re retiring to. And as Elizabeth shared, that might not be something you can put a price tag on. Mistake #1: Believing Money Alone Will Make Retirement Fulfilling Many successful professionals assume that if they’ve saved enough, retirement will take care of itself. But Elizabeth learned firsthand that without a clear plan for how to spend your time and define your new identity, retirement can feel like a vacuum. “It wasn’t just losing a job,” Elizabeth said. “I lost my identity, my community, my intellectual engagement — everything I had invested myself in.” This is especially tough for high achievers who have always thrived on goals and external validation. So, how do you replace that? Elizabeth posits one strategy: learn to become the creator of your next phase — not the reactor to what others need from you. And that takes intentionality. Mistake #2: Assuming Retirement Will Be One Long Vacation We all dream of endless leisure, but as Elizabeth puts it, “365 Saturdays in a row” gets old fast. High achievers need challenge, engagement, and a sense of contribution. Elizabeth explains that leisure only feels fulfilling when it’s paired with purpose. That’s why we encourage retirees to think of retirement not as an endpoint but as another graduation. It’s a transition into a new chapter, and like any big life change, it requires new structure. Elizabeth calls it creating a “mosaic” — intentionally designing your life with the people, hobbies, and causes that light you up. Mistake #3: Struggling to Transition from Saver to Spender One of the most common psychological hurdles I see, especially in the clients we work with at Keil Financial Partners, is the fear of spending in retirement. High achievers are often exceptional savers — that discipline helped them succeed professionally and financially. But now that it’s time to enjoy what they’ve saved for, they often feel guilty. Elizabeth reframes it beautifully: “You’re not spending, you’re investing in your life.” Whether it’s travel, supporting your children, or giving to causes you care about, money gains meaning for many people when it’s deployed intentionally. I also encourage people to stop labeling themselves “savers” or fearing the word “spender.” You’re a planner — and good planning means using your resources wisely over your lifetime. That next tactic may simply involve drawing from what you’ve built to live the life you envisioned. Thriving in Retirement If you’re a high achiever approaching retirement, consider these steps: Redefine success. Ask yourself what fulfillment looks like outside of your career. Build new structure. Without work as your scaffolding, create a schedule and identity around what matters most to you. Invest your time and money in purpose. Consider what energizes you and use your resources accordingly. Talk to others. Reach out to peers who’ve retired and seem to be thriving. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from a few honest conversations. As Elizabeth emphasized, retirement doesn’t mean disappearing from relevance — it can be about creating a new form of it. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retirement Revealed” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retirement Revealed to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337 Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify Additional Links: Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-zelinka-parsons-3b58a52/ Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons Website: https://www.highachieverretirement.com/ “Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement” – Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCG8MVF1 How Middle-Income Retirees Are Winning at Retirement with Jean Chatzky – Retirement Revealed, guest Jean Chatzky Dr. Jordan Grumet Discovered “The Purpose Code” – Retirement Revealed, guest Dr. Jordan Grumet Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Retirement Revealed Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team === Disclosures Videos/Podcasts/Blogs (media) published prior to June 30, 2025, were recorded and approved while the advisor was affiliated with Thrivent Advisor Network. These media reflect the advisor’s views and interpretations at that time. The information and disclosures contained in those media were believed to be accurate and complete as of the date of recording, but may not reflect current market conditions or Alongside, LLC, policies. All content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Read below for current disclosures and potential conflicts of interest. 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. For important disclosures visit: ...
Transcribe →How to Retire On Time with Mike Decker
May 7, 202500:31:19Tap to summarizeIdentify the uniqueness of your retirement situation and the variety of ways to build your retirement in a timely manner. Maybe you’re the kind of person who is always on time for everything, or maybe you fall in the “go with the flow” category. Regardless, no one wants to wake up one day ready to retire but unable to because the retirement plan was missing something. My guest on this week’s episode of “Retirement Revealed” is Mike Decker, author of the book “How to Retire On Time” and he sat down with me to share insights from his work. Are you ready to retire on time? What Does “On Time” Really Mean? When most people think about retiring on time, they think about hitting a specific age—like 62 or 65. But Mike and I agree that “on time” really comes down to two things: Can you afford to retire? (The financial side) Should you retire? (The emotional and lifestyle side) It’s hard to have a successful retirement if you only focus on one piece of the puzzle. Financial security is important—but so is having a purpose, maintaining your health, and knowing what your days will look like when the 9-to-5 ends. Start with the Financials—Then Build the Lifestyle If you plan your retirement lifestyle first without knowing what your finances can support, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. Imagine dreaming about nonstop international travel only to find out that your retirement budget won’t support it. That’s a hard letdown. That’s why Mike suggests that step one is building a financial plan. Once you know what’s realistically possible, you can shape a lifestyle that fits your resources—and one that still excites you. Your Retirement Plan Needs More Than a Number It’s tempting to look for “one-size-fits-all” strategies: the 4% rule, dividend-only investing, annuities, or infinite banking. But Mike made a great point: many financial strategies can work—but that doesn’t mean they will work for you. The truth is, retirement planning isn’t about choosing a silver bullet. Instead, Mike suggests: Diversifying your strategies Planning for flexibility Preparing for change You need to account for rising costs, shifting markets, changing health, and maybe even unexpected life decisions. That’s why building in flexibility—and avoiding oversimplified approaches—is so important. Add the Emotional Piece The emotional side of retirement can be even more complex than the financial. Many people hit their 50s or 60s and suddenly feel aimless, especially after years of focusing on work or raising kids. Add in losing a sense of identity and purpose, and it’s no wonder people feel unprepared—even if their finances are solid. That’s why it’s crucial to plan for purpose as much as you plan for income. What will get you excited to get out of bed each morning? What do you want your relationships, your health, and your community involvement to look like? Without this clarity, even the best financial plan can fall flat. Build a Reservoir Strategy One of the most practical tips Mike shared was the concept of a “financial reservoir”—a portion of your portfolio that is potentially less linked to market volatility and available when times get tough. It’s like the emergency water supply in a city. Instead of counting on all your income to come from risky assets, your reservoir might include things like: High-yield savings CDs or short-term treasuries Buffered ETFs or structured notes Fixed annuities (used carefully) Cash value life insurance (if structured right) This buffer may give you options instead of selling stocks during downturns or scrambling for income when the unexpected hits. Be Wary of Overhyped Strategies Mike and I also talked about the danger of echo chambers—people promoting the same product because it’s what they sell, not necessarily because it’s what’s best for you. Whether it’s annuities, life insurance, or investment newsletters, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hearing only one side. Remember: no strategy is perfect. Protection has a price. Growth comes with risk. Liquidity often means giving up some safety. Know what you’re trading off—and make sure it fits your plan. One More Strategy for Real Estate Investors If you’re a landlord nearing retirement, we also discussed the “landlord exit strategy,” specifically through Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). If you’re tired of tenants and toilet repairs but don’t want to trigger huge taxes from selling property, Mike shares his thoughts on how a DST could potentially offer a 1031 exchange option with hands-off income generation. It’s Not About One Thing—It’s About the Right Things Retirement is too important to wing it or follow a cookie-cutter strategy. You need a clear plan—one that’s flexible, realistic, and rooted in both financial facts and emotional readiness. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retirement Revealed” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retirement Revealed to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337 Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify Additional Links: “10 Ways to Generate Retirement Income” by Mike Decker, Kiplinger Magazine Mike Decker Website: www.kedrec.com Retire On Time website: www.retireontime.com www.yourwealthanalysis.com Mike Decker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekedrec/ “How to Retire On Time” by Mike Decker Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Retirement Revealed Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team === Disclosures Videos/Podcasts/Blogs (media) published prior to June 30, 2025, were recorded and approved while the advisor was affiliated with Thrivent Advisor Network. These media reflect the advisor’s views and interpretations at that time. The information and disclosures contained in those media were believed to be accurate and complete as of the date of recording, but may not reflect current market conditions or Alongside, LLC, policies. All content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Read below for current disclosures and potential conflicts of interest. 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...
Transcribe →How Middle-Income Retirees Are Winning at Retirement with Jean Chatzky
Feb 26, 2025Tap to summarizeJean Chatzky explores how retirement trends indicate that the middle class is winning at retirement and shares practical tips to prepare for retirement in 2025. We could all use some good news when it comes to retirement, and my guest on this week’s episode of Retirement Revealed brings us exactly that. I sat down with Jean Chatzky, the founder and CEO of HerMoney.com and former columnist and contributor Forbes, Smart Money and the Today Show to discuss real-life retirement journeys, the evolving landscape of retirement savings, and the findings of a recent study from Principal Financial Group. Plus–how is Gen Z teaching a retirement lesson that every generation before them can learn from? Women and Retirement: A Unique Challenge Jean Chatzky has spent her career focusing on financial education, especially for women. As the founder of HerMoney, she has dedicated her efforts to bridging the knowledge gap for women, who often face distinct financial challenges. “Women earn less over their lifetimes, take career breaks to care for family, and then end up living longer than men,” Jean explained. “That means they have to stretch fewer resources over a longer retirement.” She emphasized the importance of creating spaces where women feel comfortable discussing financial matters, whether through her HerMoney podcast, financial wellness programs, or online communities. The State of Retirement Savings: Encouraging News One of the highlights of our conversation was the recent Real Life Retirement Journey study conducted by Principal Financial Group. Unlike the usual gloomy headlines about Americans being unprepared for retirement, the study found that middle-income households—those earning between $50,000 and $100,000 annually—are actually doing quite well. “Nearly 80% of middle-income earners are saving close to 8% of what they earn,” Jean noted. “And that’s before employer matches.” While financial advisors like myself often recommend a 15% savings rate, including employer contributions, the fact that many people are already close to this number is a positive sign. As Jean pointed out, automatic enrollment and contribution escalation in 401(k) plans have played a big role in making savings a more consistent habit for workers. Younger Generations Are Ahead of the Curve Another surprising takeaway from the study was how well Generation Z is doing when it comes to retirement savings. Unlike previous generations, many Gen Z workers are starting to save for retirement a full decade earlier than their parents and grandparents did. “Gen Z is wiping the floor with everyone else when it comes to retirement savings,” Jean said. “They’re taking advantage of tools like automatic enrollment and are much more focused on long-term financial security.” This is a significant shift, as younger generations seem to have learned from the financial mistakes of their predecessors. Seeing their parents struggle with financial uncertainty has likely motivated them to start saving early and take retirement planning seriously. The Fear of Running Out of Money A major concern for retirees is making sure they don’t outlive their savings. Jean and I discussed the psychological shift required when moving from saving for retirement to actually spending those savings. “There’s a fear around taking money out,” Jean explained. “We’ve been conditioned to save, save, save, and then suddenly, in retirement, we’re expected to reverse-engineer the whole process.” Many retirees hesitate to withdraw funds, even when they have more than enough. Jean highlighted research from financial experts David Blanchett and Michael Finke, which found that retirees with a pension—or another guaranteed source of income—tend to spend nearly twice as much as those relying solely on savings. The predictability of a monthly paycheck makes a significant difference in retirees’ willingness to spend. Delaying Social Security: The Best Retirement Decision You Can Make One of the biggest takeaways from our discussion was the importance of waiting to claim Social Security benefits. “Delaying Social Security is one of the smartest financial moves you can make,” Jean said. “For every year you wait beyond full retirement age, your benefit increases by about 8%—and that’s a guaranteed return you won’t find anywhere else.” She also pointed out that many retirees who are unsure about their financial situation could benefit from working a little longer. Whether it’s full-time or part-time work, extending your career by just a few years can provide additional financial security and reduce the number of years you’ll need to rely solely on savings. The Rise of Phased Retirement For those who aren’t ready to stop working completely, phased retirement is becoming an increasingly popular option. Many retirees are choosing to work part-time or pursue passion projects rather than making a sudden transition to full retirement. “Working in some capacity keeps you engaged, helps with financial security, and provides a sense of purpose,” Jean said. “It also allows retirees to delay claiming Social Security, which ultimately increases their benefit.” Final Thoughts Retirement is changing, and the news isn’t all bad. Middle-income earners are saving at higher rates, younger generations are getting a head start, and strategies like delayed Social Security and phased retirement are making retirement more sustainable for many. As Jean put it, “The time to stop working is when you have enough or when you’ve had enough.” If you’re preparing for retirement, the key takeaways are clear: start saving as early as possible, take advantage of employer matches, consider delaying Social Security, and think about phased retirement as an option. With the right planning and mindset, retirement can be everything you envision—and maybe even better. Don’t forget to leave a rating for the “Retirement Revealed” podcast if you’ve been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retirement Revealed to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337 Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify Additional Links: LinkedIn – Jean Chatzky HerMoney.com Principal® Real Life Retirement Survey 2024 New Principal® Survey Finds Middle-Income Households Are Exceeding Their Retirement Savings Expectations Books by Jean Chatzky License to Spend Podcast with David Blanchett “Is Your Retirement Facing a Midlife Crisis? With David Blanchett” Retirement Revealed Podcast Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Retirement Revealed Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team Disclosures: Content Results and figures presented within the above links are hypothetical, unaudited and are intended for illustrative purposes only. Liability Keil Financial Partners assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or other issues with the links and their respective contents. This includes both the website content and any potential bugs, viruses or other technical threats. No Tax Advice Keil Financial Partners does not provide any tax advice. No information or results from the links should be interpreted as tax advice. Please seek guidance from a qualified tax professional for any and all tax-related matters. No Investment Advice The content and information provided through the links should not be interpreted as being investment advice or a recommendation of suitability for any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy, or related decision. Please seek assistance from a qualified investment professional for any and all investment matters. Investment Risk Investments may increase or dec...
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