Discover how step 5 of building your retirement master plan can help you leave a lasting legacy while avoiding the big 3 retirement risks.

Learn the number 1 investing mistake people make in retirement and how to build a retirement investment plan.

Jeremy Keil breaks down the Investopedia.com list of the 11 best low-risk investments for 2025.

Retirement isn't just about reaching the finish line of your full-time career. It's about the incredible journey that begins afterward. It’s a journey that goes beyond just finances, where you enjoy life! Tune in to uncover the secrets to a happy, healthy, and free retirement where you can live life to the fullest.

You might not have the lifestyle of the rich and famous, but you can certainly invest like them. Tune in to learn about how to invest like a billionaire.

Should you fire your financial advisor? Tune in to learn about the 5 signs that maybe you should.

How much of your monthly retirement paycheck do you want to be guaranteed? That’s right. There are ways to have consistent, guaranteed sources of income in retirement. For example, an indexed annuity. Tune in to learn about how indexed annuities can benefit your retirement and the costs associated with them, so you can make an informed decision.

Are you banking on Social Security to cover all your retirement expenses? It's time to rethink that strategy. Tune in to learn about critical retirement topics, so you don’t don’t lose out on higher interest and more social security.

Check out Jeremy’s latest podcast on retirement planning by listening on “Apple Podcasts” or “Google Podcasts” or read below for Should You Move To A Different State To Lower Your Retirement Taxes? Summary: [153] – State taxes are a piece of your retirement planning puzzle, but are they really a big deal? In this episode, Jeremy Keil talks about moving to a different state for retirement tax purposes. He goes over the potential trade-offs between lower income taxes and higher property taxes and other costs, the tax implications of living in different states, and the importance of considering factors beyond taxes, such as lifestyle and family connections, when choosing a retirement location. Jeremy discusses: Why it’s important to consider the cost of living before moving states, not just the income taxes Which states don’t currently have an income tax The trade-offs between lower income taxes and higher property taxes in different states Why you should try out a potential retirement location at different points in the year before making a decision Why deciding to move to another state should be based on more than just tax reduction Why you should plan in moderation And more Should You Move To A Different State To Lower Your Retirement Taxes? Should you move to a different state to lower your retirement taxes? It certainly sounds tempting, but there are a few different things to consider to determine if it’s worth moving to a different state to lower your taxes in retirement. How does it affect my overall cost of living? Moving to a different state in retirement can impact your cost of living in various ways. State taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, and other local expenses all play a role. For example, some states have no income tax but might have higher property taxes or other costs. And on top of that, the cost of living in different areas within a state can impact your overall financial situation. It's crucial to run the numbers and consider your specific financial situation to determine if the overall impact on your cost of living is favorable. Are there any trade-offs? Yes, there are trade-offs to consider when moving states for retirement. While lower taxes might be appealing, other factors such as property taxes, cost of living, climate, and social connections need to be weighed. Additionally, making a move solely for tax benefits might not lead to the expected financial windfall. It's important to look beyond taxes and consider the holistic impact on your lifestyle and finances. Can a trial run help me make an informed decision? Whether you should move and where you should move to for retirement are two big decisions.  Playing make-believe and planning out your taxes and costs of living in various locations is a good start to making an informed decision. Trying out a new location before making a permanent move is also a wise strategy. Spending extended time in a new state during different seasons and experiencing its lifestyle can give you a better sense of what it's like to live there. Renting a place for a month or more through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO allows you to understand the local environment, costs, and overall comfort before committing to a permanent change. What about my family? Family considerations play a significant role in retirement decisions, including where to live. Proximity to children, grandchildren, and other loved ones can influence your choice of location. Balancing your desire for a particular location with the need to stay connected with family is essential. Some retirees opt to split their time between different places to be closer to family during certain times of the year. Ultimately, maintaining a strong support network and family connections is a vital factor to consider. Remember, every individual's situation is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another.

When is the best time to start researching long-term care facilities? What are the most important factors to consider when aging in place? Tune in to learn about aging in place and long-term care planning.

Can your personal beliefs determine your retirement readiness? They can affect your financial and longevity literacy. Tune in to learn about the latest research from TIAA on financial literacy, longevity literacy, and retirement readiness.

How can military personnel plan for a successful retirement? Tune in to learn about military retirement planning.

Whether you're facing scorching heat, pounding rain, freezing temperatures, or strong winds, keeping your home safe in every season is crucial to ensure your family's comfort and well-being. Tune in to learn about how you can prepare your home for all four seasons of the year.

Exploring Heather Schreiber’s 5 costly Social Security traps and exploring options of how to handle them. I’ve seen it time and again throughout my career: the intricacies of navigating Social Security can trip up just about anyone. So when I saw the headline “5 Sneaky Social Security Traps” in Heather Schreiber’s newsletter, I knew right away this was going to be something that deserved a closer look on the podcast. Let’s dive into these 5 Social Security traps–and these aren’t just random quirks—that can lead to unexpected gaps in income, tax surprises, or permanent reductions in your benefits.  1. The Entire Month Rule You might think that turning 62 means you're automatically eligible for Social Security that month. Not quite. Social Security has a quirky rule: you have to be 62 for the entire month to receive benefits for that month. If your birthday is on June 15, you don’t qualify for June’s benefit. Instead, your eligibility starts in July, and your first payment doesn’t arrive until August. What’s even weirder is that the SSA counts your birthday as the day before you were born. So if you're born on June 2, you're considered 62 starting June 1 and therefore eligible for June benefits (which are paid in July). If you’re planning on your Social Security check arriving the month you turn 62, you could be left waiting an extra month or two—potentially throwing off your cash flow. 2. Rest in Peace, Now Return to Sender Just like you must be alive the entire month to earn that month’s benefit, if someone passes away mid-month, they don’t qualify for that month’s Social Security payment—even if it’s already been deposited. This can be a shock to surviving spouses or family members when the SSA takes that money back. If a loved one passes away on June 14, and the June payment was already deposited in early July, that money must be returned. It wasn’t “earned” under SSA rules. So whether you're filing for your own benefit or helping a family member, remember: Social Security is earned month-by-month—and only if you’re alive for the full month. 3. Lump Sum FOMO: When Free Money Isn’t Always Free When you file for Social Security after your full retirement age, you have the option to take up to six months’ worth of benefits retroactively. That sounds great—who doesn’t like a lump sum? But here’s the catch: taking that lump sum means your official filing date is backdated. So if you file at age 68.5 and take six months retroactive payments, SSA treats you as if you filed at 68—reducing your benefit by 4%. That “free” $18,000–$20,000 could cost you thousands more over the course of your retirement. Sometimes it’s worth it, but many people take the lump sum without realizing the long-term cost. 4. Under-Withholding Today May Lead to Regret Tomorrow Here’s a situation I see far too often: retirees who start taking Social Security, forget to set up federal tax withholding, and then get a surprise bill come tax season. Unlike pensions or employer paychecks, Social Security doesn’t automatically withhold taxes unless you fill out a separate form (Form W-4V). If you don’t do this and your Social Security income is taxable, you could owe hundreds—or thousands—at tax time. Take the time to set up appropriate withholding levels. SSA allows you to choose from 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%.  5. Medicare IRMAA and the Two-Year Lookback When you hit age 65 and enroll in Medicare, your premiums for Part B (and possibly Part D) can go up significantly if your income from two years ago was high. This IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) surcharge can sneak up on you—especially if you had a one-time event like a Roth conversion, large capital gain, or business sale. If you had a significant drop in income due to retirement, job loss, or other life event, you can appeal your IRMAA using a life-changing event form (SSA-44). I’ve helped dozens of clients successfully reduce th...

Are you ready to retire? Make sure you’ve answered these questions. Tune in to learn about 5 important questions you need to think about and answer before you retire.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of sales-focused financial advisors who don’t like working with engineers because they love to look under the hood at the numbers, but today’s guest, Bill Keen, loves working with them because he’s all about the math. Tune in to learn about how to engineer the second half of your life.

Are you overlooking taxes in your retirement plan? Tune in to learn about tax-wise retirement withdrawal strategies.

Real estate investing can be a lucrative venture for those who know how to navigate the market. Tune in to learn about investing in private real estate

The last two decades have flown by and we can’t imagine how quickly the next 20 years will go. Tune in to learn about the 20 years Jeremy Keil has worked in financial services.

We’re back with more information about preparing for retirement. Today, we’re focusing on how to prepare for retirement with the current upward inflation trend. Tune in to learn about designing your retirement income map.

Banks are supposed to make our money make more money, but what have you been getting in a bank? You probably haven’t received much of anything. Tune in to learn about how you can protect your money in the bank.

Everyone wants to feel a sense of safety with their retirement plan. That’s why Wade Pfau, Ph.D., CFA, RICP, Founder of Retirement Researcher came onto the latest episode of Retirement Revealed. Tune in to learn about safety-first retirement planning.

Learn about the 5 financial areas you should focus on when planning for retirement in your 60s. | Keil Financial Partners

You can save for retirement and still enjoy the fun part of being 50+. Tune in to learn about how to plan for retirement within your fifties, in five steps.

Forensic consultant Paul Sippil explains little-known costs for business owners and plan participants and what you can do about them. When it comes to retirement planning, one of the most overlooked areas is the cost hiding within your 401(k) plan. I sat down with Paul Sippil, a forensic 401(k) consultant, in this week’s episode of the Retirement Revealed podcast. For the last 20 years, Paul has been helping employers and plan participants understand the full picture of what a 401(k) really costs–and most importantly, what you can do about it. What we revealed may surprise you: many of the fees you could be paying are seemingly invisible, unspoken, and quietly leaving your retirement savings. Your 401(k) Isn't "Free" One of the most common phrases Paul hears when talking with business owners and plan participants is: “I’m not paying anything.” And technically, they’re not—at least not directly. That’s because 401(k) fees often don’t show up on an invoice. Instead, they’re extracted from participant accounts through asset-based fees, commissions, and revenue sharing agreements that most people never even notice. Here’s the reality: if you’re in a 401(k), especially with a small to mid-sized employer, you could be overpaying. And no one may be telling you. The Bigger the Balance, the Bigger the Fee Many 401(k) service providers charge asset-based fees, meaning the more money you have in the plan, the more you pay—even if the services don’t change. That fee structure hits high-balance employees (often business owners or long-time participants) the hardest. For example, if your plan has $3 million in assets and your advisor is receiving 0.75% annually, that’s $22,500 per year in compensation—whether or not they’re actively helping you. Would you pay that if you received an invoice in the mail? However, when the fee is simply deducted from your account through share class expense ratios or revenue sharing, many people never realize it. Small Plans, Big Problems If you work at or own a small business with under 100 employees, your per-participant fees are likely much higher than those in larger plans. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, large plans (those with over $100 million) can be up to 50% cheaper in relative costs. Smaller plans are often stuck with higher costs and less transparency. How to Spot the Hidden Fees Finding these costs isn’t easy, but there are tools: Form 5500: This publicly available tax form (found at www.efast.dol.gov) details plan costs and fund options for plans with over 100 participants. Review Share Classes: Funds come in multiple share classes. Some, like “R2,” may carry hefty embedded commissions. Ask your provider if lower-cost versions like “R6” are available. Watch for “Revenue Sharing”: This outdated and opaque compensation method allows brokers and recordkeepers to collect fees without ever issuing a bill. Why Transparency Matters Paul made an interesting point: if employers were required to write a check for 401(k) services as opposed to having the fees quietly and automatically withdrawn, he believes the plan-holders and business owners would actually negotiate those fees, thus resulting in lowered costs. But the industry thrives on invisibility—making it hard for both employers and employees to question or benchmark what they’re paying. That’s why we suggest a simple test: If your financial advisor can’t clearly explain what they’re being paid and what you’re getting in return, it’s time to ask better questions and evaluate your options. Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts (SDBA) If your current 401(k) doesn’t offer the investment options you want, ask your employer about adding a Self-Directed Brokerage Account. This feature allows you to invest in a wider range of funds—including ETFs and commodities—that may not be available in your default menu. Not every provider offers this, but it’s worth requesting.

This Memorial Day, let’s reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served and their families. Tune in to learn about how to lead a life of significance.

Are you ready for another information-packed episode of Retirement Revealed? Tune in to learn about how we can fix America’s retirement system.

Check out Jeremy’s latest podcast on retirement planning by listening on “Apple Podcasts” or “Google Podcasts” or read below for How To Become Distraction-Proof. Summary: [136] – Retirement can be a time of great opportunity, but it can also be a time of great distraction. With so many options and so much free time, it can be easy to lose focus and become overwhelmed. In this episode, Jeremy Keil speaks to Paul Kingsman about how to get rid of distractions. Paul draws on his own experiences as an Olympic athlete to share some personal stories and tips for becoming distraction-proof. He talks about the importance of having clearly defined goals, prioritizing time, and focusing on one thing at a time, and emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery, why you should learn from disappointments, and why seeking advice from seasoned individuals is helpful.  Paul discusses: How a support system helped him reduce distractions by enforcing the boundaries he set  How he prioritized his time by deciding which activities were more important than others Why rest and recovery are so important to be able to do the things that are valuable to you, more often Why multitasking is a myth The importance of moving forward and not letting disappointment define you And more How To Become Distraction-Proof How does a support system help me avoid distractions? Having a support system can be key to avoiding distractions and staying focused on your goals. It was for former Olympic swimmer Paul Kingsman. He credits his mother for running interference and helping him prioritize his sleep during training. She acted as a gatekeeper and took messages or told people to call back after 8:30 PM, which was the time Paul had set for himself to go to bed. Because she helped him hold fast to his standard, he was able to maintain the necessary rest and recovery his body needed for his intense training regimen. Having a support system that understands and respects your priorities can help you stay on track and achieve your goals, even in retirement. How can I prioritize my time and decide which activities are more important than others? Prioritizing your time and deciding which activities are most important can be a challenging task, especially during retirement when there seems to be an abundance of free time. It is important to recognize that some activities, such as sleep, are essential for your overall well-being. While others may be less important (like taking calls late at night or catching up on your favorite TV series after spending the day with the grandkids,) you need to determine which activities hold the highest priority. One technique that can be helpful is time blocking, where specific amounts of time are set aside for particular activities. This can apply to both work and retirement, allowing individuals to prioritize their time for activities that matter most to them, such as spending time with family, engaging in hobbies, or taking care of their health. Why do I need to rest and recover before I can repeat? Rest and recovery are essential for anyone who wants to be able to do things over again and do it well. Just like athletes, individuals need to take time to rest and recover after strenuous activities, which will allow them to perform better. Repetition brings about mastery and security in any activity, whether it is a sport, hobby, or daily routine, so you should prioritize healthy routines and habits to avoid falling into bad habits, which can hinder their ability to repeat and improve. Can I multitask and avoid distractions? The short answer is no, you can’t multitask and still avoid distractions. For a longer answer, when it comes to avoiding distractions and multitasking, it's important to choose what matters most and prioritize your time because multitasking is a myth. Attempting to do multiple things at the same time can be detrimental to productivity be...

Special needs planning is financial planning for individuals with disabilities and health concerns who have to navigate very complex systems, but not many people understand it well. Tune in to learn about what special needs planning is.

There are many possible changes to make to Social Security and Medicare that would reduce or eliminate the long-term financing shortfalls, but with each year that lawmakers don’t take action, the public has less time to prepare for the changes. Tune in to learn about 2023’s Social Security Trustees Report.

I Bonds are a popular choice for those looking to hedge against inflation. Tune in to learn about how you can take advantage of the 6.89% inflation rate on I Bonds by purchasing them before April 27th.

More than 90% of Americans aged 65 and older receive Social Security benefits. Tune in to learn about how you can get the most out of your Social Security benefits.

Social Security benefits were initially intended to be a safety net for those who had not saved enough for retirement, rather than a primary source of income. Tune in to learn about How To Get Smarter About Social Security.

Most people think they should start taking social security payments as soon as they retire, but that misconception can lead to losing hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetime! Tune in to learn about maximizing your social security benefits over your lifetime.

Are you excited to retire, or are you a little reluctant? Tune in to learn about how to tell when it’s spiritually time to retire.

Jeremy Keil explores Barron’s 5 strategies to respond to market volatility with your retirement portfolio. Are you feeling nervous about what today’s market volatility could mean for your retirement? You’re not alone. A recent Barron’s article titled “Market Anxiety Is Running High. How to Secure Your Retirement Portfolio” caught my attention—not just for the headline, but because it echoes what I hear from so many of you. Retirement can already feel uncertain, and when the stock market adds another layer of unpredictability, it’s natural to start asking: “What should I be doing with my investments?” Let’s explore five strategies—based on that Barron’s article and my own experience as a retirement-focused financial planner—that you can use to help protect your retirement income from the ups and downs of the market. 1. Be Realistic About Market Returns The last decade has seen significant growth for the stock market. From 2009 to 2024, returns were some of the strongest in history. But expecting this trend to continue indefinitely could lead to disappointment. In fact, projections from Morningstar suggest that U.S. equities could return just 3.4% to 6.7% annually over the next decade. Compare that to the roughly 20% growth we saw in 2023 and 2024, and it's a sobering reality check. Being realistic doesn’t mean avoiding stocks altogether—it means adjusting your expectations and preparing for a range of outcomes. 2. Get Your Asset Mix Right (Based on When You Need the Money) While it may be tempting to invest based on how the market is performing at the moment, Barron’s suggests that your personal needs with your investment should be high on the list of drivers in your investment strategy. Your short-term money (needed within 1–3 years) could be in short-term, stable investments. Long-term money (needed 10+ years out) could go toward growth-oriented investments like stocks. Too often, I see people keeping everything in the market when they’re just a year away from retirement, hoping for “one more good year.” And sometimes it backfires—just like it did in early 2020 when COVID hit, and the market took a steep dive. Plan ahead. By adjusting your retirement investments 3 three years before your retirement date, you could have more of a buffer, just in case you retire earlier than expected. 3. Diversify and Rebalance It’s tempting to stick only with what’s worked recently—especially U.S. stocks, which have produced strong returns since 2009. But diversification means having exposure to different areas of the market, including international stocks. And while international stocks have lagged in recent years, 2025 has shown a surprising shift: as of early June, international indexes are up nearly 19%—ahead of the S&P 500's 2% gain. You never know when one part of your portfolio will outperform. That’s why it’s important not just to diversify, but also to rebalance—systematically adjusting your investment strategy to maintain your target allocation. 4. Maintain a “Goldilocks” Level of Cash Cash can earn some decent interest—around 4% as of 2025. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should pile all your money into savings, but it does mean you have the option to keep a portion of your retirement funds in cash or high-quality bonds for short-term needs. How much cash is enough? Many financial advisors recommend keeping 1 to 5 years’ worth of withdrawals in cash or short-term investments. The right number for you depends on your retirement timeline, expenses, and risk tolerance. 5. Bolster Other Sources of Income One of the most underappreciated strategies for navigating market volatility is increasing your guaranteed income. That could include: Delaying Social Security to maximize your benefit Maximizing your pension payout, if available Exploring annuities to create additional income streams I know the word “annuity” often brings up mixed feelings.

Financial wellness can seem elusive, with many hurdles to overcome, but today we’re tackling two major obstacles that often stand in the way of women's financial success: fear and perfectionism. Tune in to learn about financial wellness for women.

Retirement is undoubtedly one of the most significant life changes we'll ever face - a transition that requires careful planning, introspection, and the willingness to adapt to new circumstances. Tune in to learn how you can embrace your agency and cultivate the mindset needed to overcome challenges and create a fulfilling retirement.

Aging is inevitable, we all start to age before we’re even born. That’s why Barbara Micheletti’s goal is to help you prepare in advance for the inevitable age-related money issues. Tune in to learn How to Stay Financially Fit as You Grow Older With Barbara Micheletti, MS, Gerontologist.

Everyone has to pay taxes, but not everyone knows how to minimize their tax bill. Tune in to learn about the 5 steps everyone needs to take each and every year to lower their lifetime taxes.

Where do you sit on the scale of financial dependence? Tune in to learn about stewardship, generosity, faith, contentment, and wisdom with a biblical perspective and how these concepts lead to 5 important decisions everyone needs to make about their finances.

Finances often cause a lot of friction in relationships. Tune in to learn about how couples can decide on their overall financial goal by thinking about their short-term and long-term goals.

Out with the old and in with the new! There’s a new Secure Act, the Secure Act 2.0, that brings changes to tax and retirement plans for those aged 50 and above. Tune in to learn about the changes in the Secure Act 2.0 and how they affect those nearing retirement and those who are already retired.

Are you new to investing? Tune in to learn the questions you need to ask to invest successfully.

Are you in need of a financial advisor, but don’t know where to start looking or what you should be looking for? Tune in to learn about where you can start looking and what you should look for when you want to hire a financial advisor.

Even though we’ve seen a huge amount of volatility in the prices of bonds, they can still be a consistent source of income. Tune in to learn about bonds, their benefits compared to stocks, and the different types of bonds to look forward to in 2023.

Exploring “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill” and its proposed changes to HSAs.

If you have kids anywhere between the ages of 16 and 26, now is the time to teach them how to be financial grownups. Tune in to learn about how important it is to listen to adult kids and their goals, and to be a partner with them, rather than a helicopter parent.

Who wouldn’t want to thrive in retirement? Tune in to learn about how retirement is the time to renew yourself, what renewalment means and looks like, how to refocus and repurpose yourself to make retirement the best years of your life, and when the right time to do so is.

Who doesn’t want to lower their taxes? Tune in to learn about 3 ways everyone can cut down on their taxes.