Your Successful Retirement

When it comes to planning for retirement, most of us stop at saving and investing. But what about the years after 80, the stage when care, housing, and advocacy become crucial? In this episode, Dennis O’Keefe, CFP®, shares personal stories of his own family’s journey through late-stage care, housing transitions, and the emotional complexities of supporting loved ones.  He explains why thinking con...

What if the greatest financial gift you could give your children isn’t money, but foresight?  In this second installment of how to support your adult children, Dennis O’Keefe, CFP®, shifts the focus from today’s challenges to tomorrow’s realities. Drawing on personal stories, national trends, and decades of planning experience, Dennis explores the silent storm ahead: rising living costs, del...

What if helping your adult children is holding them back? In this episode, Dennis O’Keefe explores the tough reality many parents face: when does financial support cross the line into enabling? Drawing on personal stories and over 30 years of financial planning experience, Dennis unpacks why today’s 30-somethings are struggling with independence and how parents may be unintentionally making things...

What if the greatest threat to your retirement isn’t your income, savings, or investments, but your debt? In this eye-opening episode, Dennis O’Keefe, CFP®, breaks down why debt is the single most dangerous factor for retirees, often more damaging than people realize. Drawing from over 30 years of financial planning experience, Dennis shares personal stories, historical examples, and c...

How are you planning to fund your child’s college education—cash, loans, or perhaps a towering pile of fortune cookies? Dennis O’Keefe dives into the ever-daunting topic of college expenses. With tuition rates soaring higher than vintage 1980s laptops, Dennis breaks down the different ways to prepare financially and discusses the value of a degree in today’s world.  Spoiler alert...

Why do your investments soar when you’re least expecting them to, only to plummet when you’re not prepared? Join seasoned financial planner Dennis O’Keefe as he highlights the highs and lows of financial planning, focusing this time on mastering the art of managing a thriving portfolio. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Dennis turns the spotlight on the dangers of greed when ever...

Curious about why markets crash and how our own brains can trip us up?  In this episode, Dennis O’Keefe navigates the complex psychology guiding our financial decisions, specifically when our “reptilian brain” pushes us to act against our best interests during market volatility. Join Dennis, a seasoned financial planner, as he shares eye-opening tales from history, like the notor...

Ever wondered how inflation impacts your retirement nest egg? Or how the price shift from eggs to bananas affects your financial plans? Join Dennis O’Keefe, a seasoned financial planner, as he uncovers the complexities of inflation and its profound implications on your future finances. Dennis reflects on the evolving inflation rates through the years and breaks down the Consumer Price Index...

Curious about what truly goes into planning a successful retirement? Why is retirement deemed the most challenging life event you’ll ever face? Join Dennis O’Keefe, a seasoned financial planner with over 30 years of experience, as he demystifies the retirement process in this episode. Dennis dives deep into why retirement can be more daunting than it seems and highlights the importance...

Is the real estate market heading for another crash, or have we simply hit a plateau?  Dennis O’Keefe invites you on a journey through the patterns of past real estate markets that might just give you insight into today’s trends. Dennis breaks down whether we’re on the brink of a real estate bubble, what history tells us about market patterns, and how experiences from past decade...

Are you prepared to simplify the complex world of estate planning with trusts?   Tune in as Dennis O’Keefe sheds light on the intricacies of living trusts and how they can become a vital component of your retirement planning strategy. Whether you’re considering a trust yourself or just eager to enhance your financial literacy, Dennis breaks it all down in a friendly and digestible way....

What exactly do financial planners do?  Explore valuable insights into retirement planning with Dennis O’Keefe, a seasoned, certified financial planner with over 30 years of experience. Whether you’ve been retired for years or on the verge of retirement, or are wondering how to plan for your someday retirement, this podcast is your go-to guide. Tune in as Dennis covers: The essence of...

When it comes to financial planning, the first meeting is about more than just crunching numbers—it’s about understanding your full financial picture, addressing your concerns, and setting a foundation for informed decision-making.  Join CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER , Dennis O’Keefe walks you through what happens in that initial conversation and how he and his team have designed it to be a co...

Are you overwhelmed by investment management ads promising to handle your money easily? What’s the deal, and are they worth it? Dennis O’Keefe dives into the world of automated investment management and the critical differences between computer and personal touch in retirement planning. With over 30 years of financial planning experience, Dennis shares invaluable insights into automated inve...

Estate planning is one of those things we all know we should do, yet most of us keep pushing it off—just like changing the furnace filter (which, by the way, can have disastrous consequences if ignored). But failing to plan your estate properly can leave your loved ones with unexpected legal and financial nightmares.  Join Dennis as he breaks down why having a will is essential, common estate plan...

What’s the real cost of retirement health insurance? Dennis O’Keefe explores the often-overlooked costs of health insurance in retirement, a critical expense many fail to account for when planning their financial future. With over 30 years of experience as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER , he provides invaluable guidance tailored to telecom industry employees preparing for retirement. Gain ins...

Are you ready to make small changes that could impact your financial future? Dennis O’Keefe explores the power of simple adjustments in retirement savings tailored for telecom employees facing retirement or career changes. We all know how fleeting resolutions can be, but what if a few small shifts could enhance your financial well-being?  Join Dennis as he shares insights, personal stories,...

With over 30 years of expertise as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER for telecom employees, Dennis offers insights into maximizing your 401k contributions and why starting early is crucial. He explores the power of compound interest, sharing an example of three hypothetical savers, demonstrating that starting contributions early—even with lower amounts—leads to significantly higher retirement savings....

Teaching financial responsibility to children helps set the stage for financial independence as young adults. Join host Dennis O’Keefe as he explores the impact of teaching financial lessons to children. Using personal anecdotes and insightful stories, Dennis highlights how you can help shape your child’s understanding of finances. Top takeaways include:  The importance of letting young children e...

With over 30 years as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER specializing in telecom retirement, Dennis combines humor and clarity to debunk common tax myths. Through engaging stories, he offers fresh perspectives on complex topics like billionaire taxes, corporate levies, and home capital gains, making it easier for listeners to grasp the realities behind these often misunderstood financial issues. This e...

While most people seek specialists for healthcare, many still rely on general advice for their finances. Just like you’d consult an expert for a second opinion or diagnosis, your financial health deserves the same level of specialized care and attention. In this installment of Your Telecom Retirement, Dennis O’Keefe highlights the vital role of specialization in fields like finance, taxes, l...

Taking control of your retirement is much like navigating around unexpected roadblocks. It’s about being proactive, staying informed, and most importantly, knowing that you can always find a way around it. Dennis O’Keefe discusses various roadblocks to retirement, drawing parallels between unexpected traffic disruptions and financial challenges that individuals face as they approach re...

As the presidential race heats up, the future of your retirement savings might be hanging in the balance. Dennis O’Keefe is here to help you navigate this crucial crossroads with a deep dive into the economic policies proposed by the candidates. In his latest analysis, Dennis breaks down the economic promises made by the leading presidential contenders, translating complex proposals into cle...

Host Dennis O’Keefe can still remember the crippling anxiety he would feel every August knowing that his re-entry to school was just around the corner.  Join him as he shares his candid perspective on the evolving education system. From rising tuition costs to how to choose the right degree, he explores key decisions that can help shape your financial future. Plus, discover alternative educational...

Could your neighbor be a millionaire?  Distinguishing true wealth has become increasingly difficult, with luxury brands more accessible and credit cards offering a deceptive sense of affluence. In a world where it’s easier than ever to keep up with the Joneses, appearances can be deceiving. But, how do REAL millionaires act, think and manage their money? Gain a deeper understanding into the...