Retirement Revealed

Author Allison McCune Davis shares her insights on why turning 60 can be a powerful new beginning. Does turning 60 mean that your best days are behind you? Author Allison McCune Davis had her freak-out moment at 60, but what she found on the other side was a sense of purpose and direction that allowed her to seize this stage of life as an opportunity instead of an end of her previous life. Are you on a similar path? Stick around and see if Allison’s experience and guidance resonate with your situation. ---------------------------------------- REDEFINING 60 For Allison, turning 60 was a wake-up call. Her children were growing up, and she found herself in a new phase of life—restless and searching. She had accomplished so much already, but like many of us approaching retirement or the “second half” of life, she asked the big questions: “Am I doing what I’m meant to be doing? What’s next?” That restlessness turned into action. She explored new communities, accepted challenges, and eventually launched what would become her 60-day lifestyle transformation framework, captured in her book “60 Is a Good Start [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTBPD3TP].” ---------------------------------------- WHY 60 DAYS? Allison explains how she came ot understand that it takes about 60 days to build a meaningful habit based on her own research. That’s why she built her 60-day “Dare” program, designed to help people reset their habits and rediscover their energy and purpose. And these habits aren’t extreme or overwhelming. They’re small, consistent actions across three life areas: Body Work, Brain Work, and World Work. ---------------------------------------- THE 3 PILLARS OF LONGEVITY AND FULFILLMENT 1. Body Work – Eat, move, sleep, drink water, and breathe. Simple, right? But how intentional are you being with these? You don’t need to overhaul your life—Allision suggests just focusing on improving one area for 60 days. Maybe it’s walking every day or cutting back on sugar. The key is consistency. 2. Brain Work – Your thoughts and emotional well-being are also important, and many people weight them with less important than physical health. This pillar encourages journaling, reading, decluttering, and meditation. Allison emphasizes that your thoughts are just habits too—ones that can be changed with practice. 3. World Work – This is where purpose and relationships live. It’s about reconnecting with what lights you up and the people who matter most. Whether it’s reaching out to an old friend, volunteering, or pursuing a long-lost passion, Allison teaches that world work is what keeps us energized and connected. ---------------------------------------- A PURPOSE-FILLED RETIREMENT STARTS WITH ONE CHOICE I loved how Allison broke it down: you don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one habit in each of the three categories and commit to it for 60 days. That’s it. The idea isn’t to create a perfect life overnight. It’s to set a direction that brings meaning, health, and connection back into your daily routine. Her “60-Day There” isn’t just a wellness challenge—it’s a life strategy. And what I found especially valuable is that it isn’t solely designed for one specific age group or demographic. Whether you’re still working part-time, managing grandkids, or thinking about your next big goal, these small steps may help to create momentum. Whether you’re approaching your 60th or you’re in the middle of the challenges that came from that life transition, Allison’s story is one that can provide hope and perspective. Life after 60 doesn’t have to be about what you left behind–there’s a future waiting for you. Go seize it! 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: * Allison McCune Davis on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/allison.mccune.davis/] * “Sixty is a Good Place to Start: A Powerful Body, a Purposeful Life, and a Plan to Make It Happen [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTBPD3TP]” by Allison McCune Davis * AllisonMcCuneDavis.com [http://allisonmccunedavis.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: 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.

Retirement author Mike Drak shares his story of emerging from the hardships of retirement to finding his own satisfaction. You’ve had that retirement dream for years. The fishing trips, the annual cruise, the regular nights with the grandchildren…whatever it is, that prize at the end of your career feels more within your grasp with each passing day. But what happens when retirement doesn’t feel like the dream you imagined? I had the opportunity to sit down with Mike Drak, author of Retirement Heaven or Hell: Which Will You Choose? Mike’s story was both inspiring and eye-opening because his story went a lot like the scenario I just laid out. His candid reflection on being forced into retirement, hitting rock bottom emotionally, and eventually finding his “retirement heaven” offers a powerful lesson for anyone approaching retirement age. THE MYTH OF THE PERFECT RETIREMENT Mike spent 36 years working in financial services, helping people save for retirement. Like many of us in the industry, he assumed that having a large enough nest egg was the key to a successful retirement. But when he was forced into early retirement, he realized just how wrong that assumption was. At first, it felt like he had hit the jackpot—no more commutes, bosses, or office politics. But within weeks, the cracks began to show. Mike was alone, bored, and spiraling into a deep depression. Despite having financial stability, he lacked something even more critical: purpose. If you’re a Retirement Revealed listener, you have probably heard this refrain before: retirement isn’t just about financial planning—it’s about emotional and psychological readiness too. RETIREMENT SHOCK IS REAL Mike’s experience isn’t unique. He calls it “retirement shock,” and it’s something both he and his parents experienced in different ways. His father, after retiring, found himself miserable trying to mimic his wife’s routine. The turning point came when his mother handed him a classifieds section with part-time job options circled. That simple nudge changed everything. His dad landed a job delivering pet food—a far cry from his previous executive role—but it gave him purpose, routine, and social interaction. He even mentored the store’s young manager, finding fulfillment in helping someone else grow. That’s the real magic: retirement doesn’t necessarily have to be the end of contribution. It can be the beginning of a new phase of meaningful engagement. THE PATH TO PURPOSE Finding that next chapter takes time and introspection. Mike introduced a Japanese concept called ikigai—the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It’s a simple yet powerful framework for discovering purpose. Mike tried several ideas before finding his true fit. He considered working at a fishing store, leveraging his passion for the sport. Then he thought about returning to the financial industry. Ultimately, he realized that he wanted to be his own boss, share his journey, and help others avoid the same mistakes. Becoming a writer, coach, and speaker aligned perfectly with his ikigai. HEALTH IS WEALTH Mike didn’t stop with finding emotional purpose—he made physical health a priority too. After struggling with weight gain and depression, including a close call with suicidal thoughts triggered by a medication, he committed to regaining his health. His ambitious goal? Completing an Ironman triathlon at age 70. He’s now 60 pounds lighter and training hard every day. His message is clear: you can reinvent yourself at any age. It takes commitment, support, and a willingness to do the hard work—but it’s absolutely possible. BECOMING A RETIREMENT REBEL Mike proudly wears the label “Retirement Rebel.” Instead of accepting the traditional script of slowing down and disengaging, he advocates for redefining retirement altogether. Retirement, in his view, isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. A time to re-bloom, pursue passions, and create a legacy. And the best part? You don’t have to go it alone. YOUR RETIREMENT MOVIE Mike encourages all of us to think of retirement like a movie. Even if the beginning wasn’t ideal, the ending is still being written. You can change the narrative. Focus on relationships, health, purpose, and contribution. As Mike puts it, that’s how you can create your own version of retirement heaven. 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: * Follow Mike’s Ironman journey on Instagram: @retirement_rebel [https://www.instagram.com/retirement_rebel] * Download Mike Drak’s books for free: https://boomingencore.com [https://boomingencore.com] * Mike Drak on LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/mike-drak-6b401095] * “Retirement Heaven or Hell [https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Heaven-Hell-Principles-Post-Career-ebook/dp/B08V4LG38G?ref_=ast_author_mpb]” by Mike Drak * “Longevity Lifestyle By Design [https://www.amazon.com/Longevity-Lifestyle-Design-Redefining-Retirement-ebook/dp/B0BH9Z91BK?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q63GiCUmZKERIhy3o156L52UhRqzmVdmuKYA89R8zX7GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.SLVxKPOHPEvvDJ9CWzK27qEVlFlMHi1p4dec6iZ-Egc&dib_tag=AUTHOR]” by Mike Drak 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.

Exploring 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: 1. Redefine success. Ask yourself what fulfillment looks like outside of your career. 2. Build new structure. Without work as your scaffolding, create a schedule and identity around what matters most to you. 3. Invest your time and money in purpose. Consider what energizes you and use your resources accordingly. 4. 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 [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: * Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-zelinka-parsons-3b58a52/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-zelinka-parsons-3b58a52/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-zelinka-parsons-3b58a52/]  * Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons Website [https://www.highachieverretirement.com/]: https://www.highachieverretirement.com/ [https://www.highachieverretirement.com/] * “Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCG8MVF1]” – Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCG8MVF1 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCG8MVF1]  * How Middle-Income Retirees Are Winning at Retirement with Jean Chatzky [https://youtu.be/SqR6KZNOuDk?si=kNEQCkaghrKeCkvW] – Retirement Revealed, guest Jean Chatzky * Dr. Jordan Grumet Discovered “The Purpose Code” [https://youtu.be/5NiZb5Oeqnc?si=mTFCg8Ex8R1frKyn] – Retirement Revealed, guest Dr. Jordan Grumet 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.

Identify 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: 1. Can you afford to retire? (The financial side) 2. 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 [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: * “10 Ways to Generate Retirement Income [https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/ways-to-generate-retirement-income]” by Mike Decker, Kiplinger Magazine * Mike Decker Website: www.kedrec.com [http://www.kedrec.com] * Retire On Time website: www.retireontime.com [http://www.retireontime.com] * www.yourwealthanalysis.com [http://www.yourwealthanalysis.com]  * Mike Decker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekedrec/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekedrec/] * “How to Retire On Time [https://www.amazon.com/How-Retire-Time-retirement-designed/dp/B0BZC3P2P3]” by Mike Decker 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 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. 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. This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. They also do not include all fees or expenses that may be incurred by investing in specific products. 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.

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. 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