"Risk" and "uncertainty" are similar concepts. But your financial plan has to be prepared to cope with both.

I think that mix is what's making some folks a little uneasy right now. In addition to the typical risks that all investors accept, we're also dealing with uncertainty around the government shutdown and what the effects on the economy will be until our leaders get back to the negotiating table.

And, despite strong market returns this year, some observers are uncertain about the outsized impact that big tech companies might be having on portfolios.

On today's show, we try to clear away some of the fog around the shutdown and the latest market data so that folks can start clarifying their plans for 2026.

Change is in the air every fall – not just in the leaves and weather, but in your financial planning.

At this time of year, the federal government announces some important rate adjustments that affect tax planning and retirement benefits for the year ahead.

And complicating matters this fall is a government shutdown that has many seniors worried about the benefits and services that they've earned, and that they rely on.

On today's show, we answer questions from some very astute listeners in the Keen on Retirement audience who are already looking ahead and wondering what they need to prepare for as we move towards the end of the year.

In 1988, William Post won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania lottery.

A year later, he was $1 million in debt.

First, he splurged: houses, cars, a plane. Then a former girlfriend sued him for a third of his winnings. His brother was arrested and convicted for hiring a hitman to kill Post and his then-wife in hopes that he'd inherit a share. And after sinking money into a failing family business, Post spent time in jail for firing a gun over the head of a bill collector.

In the end, Post said he was happier living quietly on $450 a month and food stamps than he was when he was rich.

Post's story is an extreme example of the bad decisions and bad luck that leave so many lotto winners wishing they'd never won at all. But while you're more likely to be struck by lightning than hit the winning numbers, an inheritance, a promotion, a legal settlement, selling a business, and reaching retirement can all create significant windfall scenarios as well.

On today's show, we offer some tips on how to manage life-changing money, including tax planning, dealing with friends and family, and the kind of team that can help you protect your assets.