During my recent trip to Australia, I learned that navigating a foreign country can feel normal but different all at the same time.

On the one hand, my family and I enjoyed the familiar experiences of being on vacation, such as unplugging from our daily routines, relaxing on a long flight, seeing the sights, and spending time with loved ones.

But once we arrived in Brisbane, we had to get used to a new landscape and a new set of rules. The huge time zone difference. Driving a "ute" (utility vehicle) on the left side of the road and overtaking (passing) on the right. Calling "French fries" chips and our friends "mate." Keeping an eye out for wild kangaroos.

Retirees may feel like they're facing a similar "familiar but different" financial landscape this tax season. While many of the strategies my team at Keen Wealth are discussing with folks are tried-and-true, some rules and details are changing due to new legislation that's going into effect. Your financial plan, and your financial team, need to be ready to adapt to these new rules so that you don't miss a key deduction and pay more in taxes than you really owe.

On today's show, we discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's changes to the tax code and some specific provisions that require thorough proactive planning before you file your taxes in April.

The freshness of the New Year can also help us gain a fresh perspective on what's really important and what we want to accomplish.

From a comprehensive financial planning perspective, that might mean looking beyond your numbers and thinking about what your money is really for.

On today's show, my Keen on Retirement co-hosts and I share a few words of wisdom that I hope will help you maintain balance during the inevitable ups and downs of the markets, the news, and your life in the year ahead.

Longtime Keen on Retirement listeners and friends of the firm are probably familiar with The Big Hat.

Matt Wilson, our Chief Investment Officer and President, is the proud owner of an oversized Dow 100,000 cap that he wears on our show from time to time. And when folks visit our offices, such as during our annual Holiday Breakfast, they often spot Matt's hat in his office and have a bit of a chuckle about its pie-in-the-sky prediction. More than once, I've heard someone tell Matt, "Gosh, I'll never see that in my lifetime."

But ... is the Dow hitting 100,000 really all that far-fetched?

On our final show of 2025, we look to market history and current trends to give you a head start in your financial planning for 2026.

I also share some stories from my big Hollywood red carpet debut as part of the Keen Wealth Foundation's charitable mission.