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What keeps experienced retirement planners up at night? After decades in the business, I'm tracking three critical trends that will reshape retirement planning for years to come.

First, we're witnessing an extraordinary market streak—15 positive years out of the last 17. But history tells a sobering story: since 1869, only 13.5% of four-year periods have shown positive returns in all four consecutive years. While we've positioned our clients to weather any market environment, this statistical reality reminds us why removing investment risk from retirement planning is crucial.

More importantly, I'm watching a seismic shift in retirement planning priorities. While most advisors have expanded from investment-centric approaches to include estate planning and tax strategies (which we embrace as CPAs), insurance is rapidly becoming retirement planning's fourth critical pillar. The evidence is alarming: health insurance premiums jumping 10%+ annually for even young, healthy groups; homeowners insurance spiking 10.4% in 2024 alone; and long-term care options dwindling from over 100 providers to merely 6-8 companies today.

These escalating costs represent significant risks to retirement security that must be addressed proactively. I believe we're moving toward socialized medicine in America as healthcare funding approaches 50% government contribution (up from just 22% in 1970).

Beyond these technical concerns lies what truly matters in retirement. I always ask new clients: "If you won a billion-dollar lottery today, what would change in your life?" Their answers reveal what retirement planning should ultimately serve—your deeper values and aspirations.

Life is short. Buy a lottery ticket. Dream a little. What would you do with complete financial freedom? Whatever that answer is, surround yourself with people who encourage you to pursue those dreams. Because retirement isn't about investments or taxes—it's about living the life you truly want.

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