Retirement Revealed

Jeremy Keil explores Kiplinger magazine’s article “11 Ways to Grow Your Wealth” and how to apply these strategies to retirement planning. Whether you’re planning your retirement, already enjoying it, or helping your children get there, wealth-building principles don’t stop applying once you retire. In fact, they generally transform from growth principles to preservation ones. In this episode of Retirement Revealed, I explored Kiplinger’s article on “11 Ways to Build Wealth [https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/wealth-creation/ways-to-grow-your-wealth]” and broke down how each point can apply to your retirement reality. ---------------------------------------- 1. INVEST EARLY AND OFTEN… AND STAY INVESTED Chances are, you’ve already taken this advice to heart. The twist in retirement? Don’t stop now. Kiplinger’s advice to stay invested, especially with the money you won’t need for several years, is something that you can evaluate for your own situation. Having short-term money in safe places (like high-yield savings or money markets) could give you confidence to leave your long-term money in growth-focused investments. ---------------------------------------- 2. KEEP INVESTMENT COSTS LOW One of the most misunderstood costs in retirement is the fee structure inside 401(k)s or investment accounts. Many retirees believe they aren’t paying any fees—big mistake. There are almost always costs, whether advisory fees or fund expense ratios. If you’re working with a financial advisor, ask about the underlying costs of your investments. Lower costs = more money staying in your pocket. ---------------------------------------- 3. CONTINUE TO PRIORITIZE RETIREMENT SAVINGS Even if you’re close to retirement, or already in it, you can still add to your savings through catch-up contributions. If your kids are out of the house or your expenses have dropped, you might finally have the extra room in your budget to maximize those contributions. ---------------------------------------- 4. SAVE FOR SPECIFIC GOALS It’s not all about the million-dollar nest egg. Think about your actual retirement goals. Are you planning a dream vacation? Helping grandkids with college? Paying off your mortgage early? These short- to mid-term goals deserve focused saving, and sometimes, special vehicles like 529 plans or high-yield savings accounts that may give you better returns without taking on big risks. ---------------------------------------- 5. STICK TO A REALISTIC BUDGET Budgets get a bad rap for some people—and their feelings aren’t unjustified. Most retirement budgets I see are overly optimistic and wildly inaccurate. Instead of trying to build a detailed budget from scratch, just look at your take-home pay. What hits your checking account is likely what you’re already spending. Input-output may be a more practical way of estimating your future retirement spending. ---------------------------------------- 6. PAY DOWN DEBT STRATEGICALLY Debt can sneak in and disturb your financial peace. Whether it’s lingering credit card balances or a mortgage you’d rather live without, reducing debt before (and during) retirement frees up cash flow and reduces stress. The more you keep, the more flexibility you have. ---------------------------------------- 7. PROTECT YOUR CREDIT AND IDENTITY As we get older, identity theft becomes a bigger risk. Using password managers, enabling multi-factor authentication, and possibly subscribing to an identity protection service are all smart moves. They’re like the homeowner’s insurance for your digital life. ---------------------------------------- 8. THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT BUYING PROPERTY Owning property isn’t always the best move in retirement, especially when it comes to vacation homes. Renting might feel like “throwing money away,” but when you factor in insurance, property taxes, maintenance, and furnishing expenses, it might be the wiser move. I cover this topic in-depth in one of our most popular podcast episodes—check that out [https://youtu.be/EPn6ictWvDc?si=f6WlxPHMMdFU2cPc] if this is on your radar. ---------------------------------------- 9. BOOST YOUR INCOME—CREATIVELY Not every raise comes from your boss. One way to “boost your income” in retirement is to design a glide path into retirement—maybe shifting from five days a week to three, or focusing only on the work you enjoy. That way, you still earn, keep your mind active, and delay dipping into retirement savings. ---------------------------------------- 10. REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE This one’s huge. We review our clients’ homeowners, auto, and umbrella insurance every three years. Why? Because overpaying for low deductibles or underinsuring high-value assets can derail your retirement plan. A common mistake: keeping a $500 deductible when moving to $1,000 could save you hundreds annually—often without a big impact to your finances if you have a claim. ---------------------------------------- 11. WORK WITH A PRO Not just any pro—the right one. If retirement is your focus, work with a retirement-focused planner. If you’re ready to build or refine your retirement master plan, head over to FiveStepRetirementPlan.com [https://fivestepretirementplan.com] to learn how we help clients create a solid financial future. ---------------------------------------- Your wealth journey doesn’t stop at retirement—it just changes lanes. Whether you’re building or preserving, these 11 strategies can help guide your way. Don’t forget to leave a rating [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337] 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337] Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify [https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify]  Additional Links: * Watch this episode [https://youtu.be/gJdUo9niWss] on the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel: * “Should You Stop Renting and Buy Your Vacation Home? [https://youtu.be/EPn6ictWvDc?si=f6WlxPHMMdFU2cPc]” – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel * “11 Ways to Grow Your Wealth” by Kiplinger Magazine https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/wealth-creation/ways-to-grow-your-wealth [https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/wealth-creation/ways-to-grow-your-wealth] * www.5stepretirementplan.com [http://www.5stepretirementplan.com] Connect With Jeremy Keil: * Keil Financial Partners [https://keilfp.com/] * LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremykeilfp/] * Facebook: Jeremy Keil [https://www.facebook.com/KeilFinancialPartners] * LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners [https://www.linkedin.com/company/keilfinancialpartners/] * YouTube: Retirement Revealed [https://www.youtube.com/@MrRetirement] * Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team [https://calendly.com/d/3wq-24m-d4p] Disclosures: The material presented includes information and opinions provided by a party not related to Thrivent Advisor Network. It has been obtained from sources deemed reliable; but no independent verification has been made, nor is its accuracy or completeness guaranteed. The opinions expressed may not necessarily represent those of Thrivent Advisor Network or its affiliates. They are provided solely for information purposes and are not to be construed as solicitations or offers to buy or sell any products, securities, or services. They also do not include all fees or expenses that may be incurred by investing in specific products. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. You cannot invest directly in an index. The opinions expressed are subject to change as subsequent conditions vary. Thrivent Advisor Network and its affiliates accept no liability for loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of this information. The Editors of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance of Kiplinger are not affiliated with or endorsed by Thrivent Advisor Network. The views expressed in this article, “11 Ways to Grow Your Wealth”, are their own and not necessarily those of Thrivent or its affiliates. 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 decrease significantly. All investments are subject to risk of loss. General Disclosure Advisory Persons of Thrivent provide advisory services under a “doing business as” name or may have their own legal business entities. However, advisory services are engaged exclusively through Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Keil Financial Partners and Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC are not affiliated companies. Please visit our website www.keilfp.com for important disclosures.

Learn how to build a retirement marked by intentional effort instead of fear with author Zac Larson. You know the phrase “life comes at you fast”? All too often retirees find out that this phrase applies all too well to the retirement lifestyle. My guest on this week’s “Retirement Revealed”, author Zac Larson explains the thought process behind his book “Retire Intentionally” helps remove the suddenness that accompanies many retirement challenges, and how planning the right way in retirement can set you up to accomplish more with your retirement resources than you originally imagined would be possible. ARE YOU LIVING A “WHAT IF” LIFE? Zac brought up a powerful concept that I see far too often: retirees living in fear of the “what ifs.” What if I get sick? What if my kids need help? What if the market crashes? These are valid concerns—but when fear drives your decisions, it often leads to inaction. Instead of enjoying retirement, people hold back. Here’s the flip side: what if none of those things happen? What if you could take that trip, help your grandkids, or start that passion project? Rather than wait for perfect certainty, Zac encourages a mindset of planning for action with contingencies in place. Create your plan, and then build flexibility into it. To Zac, that’s what true confidence in retirement looks like. FROM NET WORTH TO NET INCOME Many people define retirement readiness by reaching a specific net worth: “I’ll retire when I hit $1 million.” But net worth isn’t what pays the bills—income is. Zac and I both help clients shift from obsessing over their net worth to building confidence in their retirement income. When you know your income is secure, it can change everything. You feel empowered to be generous. You feel free to travel, give back, and spend time with the people and causes that matter to you. And most importantly, you stop living in fear of running out. BUDGETING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED Zac shared a practical tool from his book: the “I Hate Budgets” worksheet. Instead of getting lost in spreadsheets, just break your spending into three easy buckets: 1. Credit card average – What’s your monthly average over the last 12–24 months? 2. Bank account debits – Think mortgages, utilities, and recurring bills. 3. Cash spending – ATM withdrawals and cash payments. Add those up and compare them to your take-home income. It’s a simple but powerful way to get a baseline for what you’ll likely need in retirement—no spreadsheet wizardry required. CHARITABLE GIVING: MAKE AN IMPACT NOW One of my favorite parts of this conversation was about charitable giving. Too many people wait until the end of their life to make a big charitable impact. But Zac flips that on its head: if your retirement income is secure, why not make an impact now? Whether it’s helping your kids or grandkids, donating to a cause you care about, or volunteering your time, giving now often brings more joy and fulfillment than waiting. And with smart planning—think, for example, QCDs and donor-advised funds—you can do it in a potentially tax-efficient way, too. TRY RETIREMENT BEFORE YOU RETIRE Zac shared that he took a two-month sabbatical—a kind of “test drive” for retirement. The goal was to experience what retirement might feel like: the structure, the freedom, the hobbies. What he learned? He enjoys time off, but he also needs purpose and structure. That’s something every pre-retiree should consider. Take extended time off and see what life without work really looks like. It can reveal a lot about what you want from retirement. CONTENTMENT ISN’T ABOUT A BIGGER BOAT There’s always going to be a bigger boat, a better car, a flashier vacation. But the happiest retirees aren’t chasing the next thing—they’re focused on purpose, contentment, and connection. As Zac put it, contentment is about finding joy in daily life. That mindset, paired with financial confidence, is what leads to a truly intentional retirement. With the right mindset and a solid plan, you can transform retirement into a chapter of your life filled with purpose, joy, and the freedom to live life on your own terms. It’s never too early (or too late) to begin planning for the retirement you truly desire.wn terms. It’s never too early (or too late) to begin planning for the retirement you truly desire. Don’t forget to leave a rating [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337] 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337] Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify [https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify]  Additional Links: * Zac Larson’s book: Retire Intentionally [https://www.retire-intentionally.com] * Zac Larson: IntentGen Financial Partners [https://intentgen.com] * Avoid Overpaying Taxes on Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) [https://youtu.be/ogmXTm0kkxs?si=RRJ1Fo9IWhMFBSB1]: Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel * 3 Ways to Cut Your Tax Bill Through Charitable Giving in 2025 [https://youtu.be/H2MUcMdsiK0?si=JzUYQ3sb9GF6Fbia]: Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel Connect With Jeremy Keil: * Keil Financial Partners [https://keilfp.com/] * LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremykeilfp/] * Facebook: Jeremy Keil [https://www.facebook.com/KeilFinancialPartners] * LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners [https://www.linkedin.com/company/keilfinancialpartners/] * YouTube: Retirement Revealed [https://www.youtube.com/@MrRetirement] * Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team [https://calendly.com/d/3wq-24m-d4p] 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 decrease significantly. All investments are subject to risk of loss. General Disclosure Advisory Persons of Thrivent provide advisory services under a “doing business as” name or may have their own legal business entities. However, advisory services are engaged exclusively through Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Keil Financial Partners and Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC are not affiliated companies. Please visit our website www.keilfp.com for important disclosures.

Exploring the 4 major factors that need to be considered when deciding whether to buy your vacation home in retirement or continue renting. The warm weather. The beachside views. Or perhaps a winter escape. Retirement opens the door for many people to make that vacation escape a fixture in their lives. However, once you’ve narrowed down the dream destination, a new question arises—should you buy your vacation home or just keep renting? This is something I’ve been getting asked more and more often—especially over the winter months. When I came across this article [https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/places-to-live/great-places-for-snowbirds-to-land] in Kiplinger’s Retirement Planning 2025 I thought it would be a good idea to put together a podcast on how you can decide whether you should rent or buy your vacation home. If you’re a snowbird (or aspiring one), here are the four big things you need to think about before deciding whether to buy or rent that dream retirement getaway. 1. HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESS Before even considering whether to rent or buy, ask yourself: “How will my health insurance work where I want to live?” If you’re on Medicare, you need to know how your plan works in your potential winter home. Medicare Supplement usually works nationwide as long as the doctor accepts Medicare. That’s a huge plus if you’re living in different places throughout the year. However, if you’re on Medicare Advantage, it gets trickier. Many of those plans are local and might not provide the same coverage in other states. Before making a move—or even booking your rental—talk to your health insurance broker about your options. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer national networks, but not all. It’s worth checking. 2. DON’T BE FOOLED BY STATE TAX PROMISES One of the big draws to states like Florida, Texas, or Nevada is the promise of “no income tax.” But here’s the thing: you may already be living in a state that gives you a sweet deal on taxes in retirement—and you didn’t even realize it. In Wisconsin, for example, Social Security is already tax-free. Same goes for retirement income in Illinois. Even clients earning six figures (and more) often owe little to no state tax. Moving for tax purposes alone might not actually save you that much. On the other hand, for retirees in high-tax states like Minnesota, a move might make more financial sense. Bottom line: Run your numbers first. Don’t just look at a state’s tax rate—understand how your income will be taxed in your specific situation. 3. ESTATE PLANNING IMPLICATIONS Owning property out of state adds complexity to your estate plan. When you pass away, your executor might need to handle probate in multiple states—something that can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful for your loved ones. If you’re thinking about buying that dream vacation home, consider doing so through a trust. This can make things much smoother down the road. But if you want to keep things simple, renting might be the better option. 4. FINANCIALS VS. LIFESTYLE Let’s talk numbers. The big question: does it cost more to buy or to rent? According to CBRE, a leading real estate research group, buying a home is currently 35% more expensive than renting (as of December 2024). A year earlier, that figure was a whopping 50%. Even if your own spreadsheet says buying is better, national trends suggest that renting might give you more bang for your buck right now. [https://keilfp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/AD_4nXdmO77RrRQMTcQcr2YfqCEcPRe9ceLC6yqx0-lbNf0PugUxO1ycyM8qV7HMKOkDL8RYdbKLWAWc2gliWiwpNkndQWdmgVPf1h5h57ktZPDCebhu_n0A1bF1x-K9aPvuq1Vevso89A.png] (chart credit: CBRE.com https://www.cbre.com/insights/briefs/renting-will-likely-be-less-expensive-than-buying-a-home-for-some-time [https://www.cbre.com/insights/briefs/renting-will-likely-be-less-expensive-than-buying-a-home-for-some-time])  But here’s the thing I told both of the clients who asked me about this recently: this is more than just a financial decision. It’s a lifestyle choice. Ask yourself: * Do you love the flexibility of renting and the freedom to try new places? * Or do you love the pride of ownership and having your own space you can return to each year? If you’ve already rented in the area, lived in the neighborhood for a few seasons, and know what to expect, great—you’re in a good position to decide. But if you’ve only visited for a week or stayed at a hotel, consider renting for a month before making any big purchases. BONUS TIP: EXPLORE HIDDEN SNOWBIRD HAVENS The Kiplinger article [https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/places-to-live/great-places-for-snowbirds-to-land] listed some unexpected gems for snowbirds—places like Florence, SC, Brunswick, GA, and Apache Junction, AZ. These aren’t the usual suspects, and they offer lower costs of living, access to healthcare, and a laid-back lifestyle. They also include some interesting categories to compare each destination by. All of these locations were new to me, but if you’ve had any experience in these places email me [podcast@keilfp.com] and let me know what you think! If you’re wondering whether to buy or rent your vacation home, make sure you look beyond just the price tag. Your health coverage, estate plan, tax implications, and personal lifestyle all play a role in this major decision. Don’t forget to leave a rating [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337] 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337] Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify [https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify]  Additional Links: * 8 Great Places for Snowbirds to Land [https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/places-to-live/great-places-for-snowbirds-to-land] – Kiplinger Magazine * Renting Will Likely Be Less Expensive Than Buying a Home for Some Time [https://www.cbre.com/insights/briefs/renting-will-likely-be-less-expensive-than-buying-a-home-for-some-time] – CBRE.com * Are you better off renting or buying a home in retirement? [https://youtu.be/aTat0Cmghpg?si=SYuyaukjiSQ3VPLJ] – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel Connect With Jeremy Keil: * Keil Financial Partners [https://keilfp.com/] * LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremykeilfp/] * Facebook: Jeremy Keil [https://www.facebook.com/KeilFinancialPartners] * LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners [https://www.linkedin.com/company/keilfinancialpartners/] * YouTube: Retirement Revealed [https://www.youtube.com/@MrRetirement] * Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team [https://calendly.com/d/3wq-24m-d4p] 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 decrease significantly. All investments are subject to risk of loss. General DisclosureAdvisory Persons of Thrivent provide advisory services under a “doing business as” name or may have their own legal business entities. However, advisory services are engaged exclusively through Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Keil Financial Partners and Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC are not affiliated companies. Please visit our website www.keilfp.com for important disclosures.

How you can avoid the 3 biggest retirement mistakes and set yourself up for a secure and meaningful retirement. After helping hundreds of people transition into retirement, I’ve noticed a few common patterns—the same mistakes come up again and again. And unfortunately, they can lead to stress, financial instability, and a retirement that doesn’t quite match the dream. So today, I want to share with you the 3 biggest mistakes people make in retirement—and more importantly, how to avoid them. Last week Benjamin Brandt joined me to discuss the key takeaways from his book “Retirement Starts Today”; this week’s episode is actually pulled from my appearance on Benjamin’s podcast. Let’s dive in! MISTAKE #1: STARTING SOCIAL SECURITY AND PENSION AS SOON AS YOU RETIRE One of the most tempting choices in retirement is to start collecting your Social Security and pension benefits the moment you stop working. After all, you’ve earned it—why wait? However, rushing into these decisions can lead to significantly less income over your lifetime. Social Security offers delayed retirement credits—about an 8% increase per year you wait past full retirement age. That’s a guaranteed return, and in today’s low-interest environment, it’s tough to beat. Plus, if you’re married, the decision impacts your spouse too. Delaying can enhance the survivor benefit, providing more financial security down the road. Instead of defaulting to the earliest option, ask yourself: What’s the smartest long-term move for my situation? MISTAKE #2: MISUNDERSTANDING LONGEVITY Here’s the thing—most people underestimate how long they’ll live. Many plan for a 20-year retirement, but the reality is, a 30- or even 35-year retirement isn’t out of the question. That’s great news for enjoying life, but it also means your money needs to last a lot longer than you might expect. When you enter retirement with an inaccurate understanding of how long your retirement will last, you’re bound to run into unexpected challenges. That’s why I am such a big proponent of using LongevityIllustrator.org [http://longevityillustrator.org] to get a personalized estimate of your longevity.  When I work with clients, it is very common to see someone’s personalized estimate come back higher than they expected (hooray!). It’s better to have money left over than to run out in your 80s or 90s. MISTAKE #3: PLANNING JUST FOR “DAY ONE” OF RETIREMENT This one might surprise you. A lot of folks prepare only for their initial retirement needs—the “go-go years” filled with travel and fun. That’s important, no doubt. But retirement isn’t just one stage. It has multiple phases: the go-go, slow-go, and no-go years, as Benjamin puts it. The problem? Many people only plan for the front half. They create an income plan based on what they need in year one or two, without thinking about how that income will support them in years 15, 20, or 30. A good retirement plan has to evolve with your life. Expenses might change. Healthcare needs will almost certainly increase. Inflation will chip away at your purchasing power. Planning across your full retirement timeline—not just the first few years—is essential. ---------------------------------------- At the end of the day, retirement planning isn’t just about math. It’s about mindset. It’s about having a vision for your future and creating a strategy that supports that vision through every stage of retirement. If you prepare yourself to learn from the mistakes of those who have gone before you, the chances of securing a retirement that fits your needs are far greater–and that means a more meaningful retirement. Don’t forget to leave a rating [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337] 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337] Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify [https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify]  Additional Links: * https://www.longevityillustrator.org/ [https://www.longevityillustrator.org/]  * Benjamin Brandt’s Podcast: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com [https://retirementstartstodayradio.com] * Benjamin Brandt’s Website: https://retirementstartstoday.com/ [https://retirementstartstoday.com/]  * Benjamin’s Book: Retirement Starts Today [https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Starts-Today-non-financial-retirement/dp/B0DJ9CK8Q3] * Benjamin Brandt on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brandt-cfp%C2%AE-134232a8/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brandt-cfp%C2%AE-134232a8/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brandt-cfp%C2%AE-134232a8/]  * Retirement Revealed Episode 235 [https://keilfp.com/blogpodcast/retirement-starts-today/]: Retirement Starts Today with Benjamin Brandt Connect With Jeremy Keil: * Keil Financial Partners [https://keilfp.com/] * LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremykeilfp/] * Facebook: Jeremy Keil [https://www.facebook.com/KeilFinancialPartners] * LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners [https://www.linkedin.com/company/keilfinancialpartners/] * YouTube: Retirement Revealed [https://www.youtube.com/@MrRetirement] * Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team [https://calendly.com/d/3wq-24m-d4p] 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 decrease significantly. All investments are subject to risk of loss. General Disclosure Advisory Persons of Thrivent provide advisory services under a “doing business as” name or may have their own legal business entities. However, advisory services are engaged exclusively through Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Keil Financial Partners and Thrivent Advisor Network, LLC are not affiliated companies. Please visit our website www.keilfp.com for important disclosures.

Author Benjamin Brandt explains how retirement planning starts with the practice during your working years in order to prepare for a successful retirement Remember when you graduated high school and you got all these books about planning for your future and advice pouring in from every direction? My guest on this week’s episode of “Retirement Revealed”, Benjamin Brandt, equated this time to entering retirement. While the magnitude of life change is similar, the guidance on how to actually live in retirement is nowhere near as prevalent. If you’re planning your retirement or already living it, this episode with author and podcast host Benjamin Brandt will help you optimize your retirement experience. THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING BEYOND FINANCES Many people think of retirement as purely a financial transition, but Benjamin emphasized that it’s much more than that. Of course, having enough money saved is crucial, but just as important is planning for how you’ll spend your time. Retirement brings 40+ extra hours into your week, and if you don’t have a plan, boredom or lack of purpose can creep in. Benjamin advises his clients to create a “retirement budget” that includes not just money but time. Consider what your ideal day looks like, how you’ll stay active, and what will bring you joy. THE FIRST YEAR: A RETIREMENT TRIAL RUN Benjamin shared a great strategy: treat your first year of retirement as an experiment. Rather than committing to a rigid schedule, give yourself the flexibility to try new hobbies, explore part-time work, or travel more. This “trial run” approach allows you to adjust your expectations and refine your retirement lifestyle without feeling locked into decisions. Retirees sometimes struggle with an unexpected identity shift as they transition from a well-established lifestyle and persona to a completely new set of life circumstances. If your sense of self has been tied to your job for decades, it can be challenging to suddenly redefine who you are. This is why testing different activities in the first year can help you transition more smoothly. OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF SPENDING One of the biggest mental hurdles retirees face is the fear of spending their savings. After years of accumulating wealth, switching to a withdrawal mindset can be difficult. Benjamin provided a simple but powerful perspective: “You saved this money to enjoy it. Don’t let fear keep you from living the retirement you envisioned.” A well-thought-out withdrawal strategy can ease this anxiety. This includes setting up a structured income plan that ensures your basic needs are covered while also allowing for discretionary spending. By planning out the financial aspects carefully, you can enjoy your retirement without constantly worrying about running out of money. FINDING PURPOSE IN RETIREMENT Benjamin also stressed the importance of purpose. Some retirees find meaning in volunteering, mentoring, or even launching a small business. Others may find joy in travel, hobbies, or spending time with family. The key is to identify what gives you a sense of fulfillment and make it a regular part of your routine. One of the most inspiring takeaways from our discussion was Benjamin’s encouragement to embrace change. Retirement is not a static phase of life—it’s an ongoing journey of growth and adaptation. Whether that means relocating to a new state, taking up a passion project, or reinventing your daily routine, the best retirements are those that remain dynamic. Retirement isn’t just about financial security—it’s about designing a life you love. By experimenting with new activities, overcoming financial fears, and focusing on purpose, you can create a fulfilling and joyful retirement. It’s like we were told growing up: practice makes perfect! Now go apply it to your retirement. 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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retirement-revealed/id1488769337] Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify [https://bit.ly/RetirementRevealedSpotify]  Additional Links: * Benjamin Brandt’s Podcast: https://retirementstartstodayradio.com [https://retirementstartstodayradio.com] * Benjamin Brandt’s Website: https://retirementstartstoday.com/ [https://retirementstartstoday.com/]  * Benjamin’s Book: Retirement Starts Today [https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Starts-Today-non-financial-retirement/dp/B0DJ9CK8Q3] * Benjamin Brandt on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brandt-cfp%C2%AE-134232a8/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brandt-cfp%C2%AE-134232a8/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brandt-cfp%C2%AE-134232a8/]  Connect With Jeremy Keil: * Keil Financial Partners [https://keilfp.com/] * LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremykeilfp/] * Facebook: Jeremy Keil [https://www.facebook.com/KeilFinancialPartners] * LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners [https://www.linkedin.com/company/keilfinancialpartners/] * YouTube: Retirement Revealed [https://www.youtube.com/@MrRetirement] * Book an Intro Call with Jeremy’s Team [https://calendly.com/d/3wq-24m-d4p] Disclosures: Content Results and figures presented within the above links are hypothetical, unaudited and are intended for illustrative purposes only. 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