Ep. 206 Dear Patti: The Four Seasons of Retirement

Ep. 206 Dear Patti: The Four Seasons of Retirement

In this episode, Patti walks through the complete retirement checklist available on the Key Financial website, using the seasons framework to help you think ahead, not react later. She covers: Why the "winter before freshman year" is the most critical planning window before you retire The pools of money strategy and how it protects you from having to sell investments at the wrong time The Goldilocks tax zone in the middle years and why Roth conversions and capital gains harvesting can be game changers The unpredictable "fall" season, from cognitive health to housing decisions to cybersecurity threats What living solo looks like financially, and why pension elections and updated estate documents can change everything.

Ep. 205 Straight Talk on Coverage: Mr. & Mrs. Medicare Tell All

Medicare isn't just complicated - it's full of traps that can cost you thousands if you're not careful. In this episode, Patti Brennan sits down with Rich and Jill Oler, known as Mr. & Mrs. Medicare, for straight talk on everything you need to know before you enroll. From the 20% gap nobody warns you about, to the drug plan penalties hiding in plain sight, they cover the myths, the mistakes, and the three steps that can save you from making them. Whether you're turning 65, already enrolled, or helping a loved one navigate it all, this one's for you.

Ep. 204 (Part Two) The Stock You Love Could Be the Risk You're Ignoring

Did you know 60% of individual stocks are net wealth destroyers? In Part Two, Patti and Eric break down what really causes major market drops, the odds of losing money over time, and four smart strategies for managing a concentrated stock position. Key Financial, Inc. is a federally registered investment advisor with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Key Financial Inc. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Patricia Brennan and Osaic Wealth, Inc. do not offer tax advice or tax servies. Please consult your tax specialist for individual advice. We make no specific comments or recommendations on any tax related details. "One Hundred Years in the U.S. Stock Markets" (March 2026, also on SSRN) Looking at 29,754 common stocks listed on U.S. public markets over 100 years (1926–2025), the study found that long-term investors in nearly 60% of stocks incurred wealth reductions

Ep. 203 (Part One) 60% of Stocks Lose Money: Why Diversification Beats the Hero Stock Myth

In this episode of The Patti Brennan Show, Patti is joined by Eric Fuhrman, Chief Planning Officer at Key Financial, to tackle one of the most misunderstood – and potentially dangerous – issues in investing: concentration risk. Using powerful statistics, real-life stories, and 100 years of market data, Patti and Eric break down why having "too many eggs in one basket" can lead not just to portfolio volatility, but to true financial ruin. They explore research showing that 60% of individual stocks have been net wealth destroyers, while a tiny fraction of companies created most of the market's long-term gains. Ultimately, this episode is about one question: Are you going to be okay? Learn how to protect your lifestyle, your legacy, and your peace of mind by managing concentration risk intelligently.

Ep. 201 - Why Financial Planning Isn't Enough, Enter: Vitality Planning

Most financial plans cover the numbers, but what about everything else? In this episode, Patti Brennan welcomes Frank McAleer, Key Financial's new Vitality Planning specialist, to introduce a concept that goes far beyond the balance sheet. Drawing on his personal caregiving experience and years of longevity planning at Raymond James, Frank explains why being financially prepared is only half the equation. Together, Patti and Frank explore the resources, tools, and conversations that help clients age with confidence. From aging-in-place assessments to Medicare navigation, family organization, fraud protection, and the MIT AgeLab's research on thriving in retirement, this episode is packed with resources you don't want to miss.