Kelly Financial: Saturday, November 29, 2025

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:12):
This is coming to us, so.

Speaker 2 (00:20):
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Safe Money Strategies on WRKO.
I'm William Kelly and it's an honor to carry on
a family legacy rooted in real world values.

Speaker 1 (00:29):
And practical advice.

Speaker 2 (00:31):
Kelly Financial was founded in two thousand and three by
my parents, my late father Bill Kelly and my mother
Kelly Kelly and Braintree and Burlington, Massachusetts. Just two years later,
Dad launched Safe Money Strategies on WRKO as a no
nonsense call in radio show focused on common sense planning
and protecting wealth. Over the past two decades, Dad became

(00:51):
a pillar in New England finance, an engineer, turn entrepreneur,
author and philanthropist who believed in giving back and walking
the talk. Since our show has remained a Saturday morning staple,
offering insight and empowerment. Here at Kelly Financial, we help
steward over seven hundred million dollars across our affiliated business,
including more than five hundred million dollars managed by our

(01:13):
sec registered investment advisory or fiduciary care, and our family
first philosophy guides us on safe money strategies. You'll hear
candid conversations with the team, my mother Kelly, myself, advisors
Charlie Gable, Mike Ducett, Greg Workman, Greg Murray, my sister
Mary Madeline, and Tom Schlager. We live by two rules,

(01:34):
never quit and carry on, and we're here to help
you do the same when it comes to your money.
Stick around, take notes and join the conversation. To learn more,
or get our free guides or schedule a consultation, visit
Kelly Financial dot org or call us at eighty eight
eight eight hundred one eight eight one. This is Safe
Money Strategies. Next up Forever Young with Kelly Kelly and myself,

(01:56):
William Kelly Junior.

Speaker 3 (02:02):
Safe Money Strategies with William Kelly and Kelly Kelly eight
hundred eighteen eighty one.

Speaker 4 (02:14):
Each week on Safe Money Strategies, we take a moment
to step back from the headlines and have a real conversation,
the kind you might have around the kitchen table. This
is a part of the show we call Forever Young.
It's where I sit down with my son, William Kelly Junior,
and we talk about life, what's going on in the world,
and our family and what really matters most when you're

(02:37):
planning for the future. Sometimes it's light, sometimes it's thoughtful,
but it's always real. Good morning, William.

Speaker 1 (02:44):
How are you mom? I'm fine. How are you?

Speaker 4 (02:47):
I'm great. I'm still full from Thanksgiving.

Speaker 1 (02:50):
To be honest, I agree with you. That's a good
way to put it.

Speaker 2 (02:53):
We've got a million leftovers in the fridge and we
had a wonderful time with our family, and we had
some guests, so Sir Madaline's boyfriend whom which we anonymously
named Timmy.

Speaker 1 (03:06):
Timmy brought himself, his mom and his dad and some animals.

Speaker 2 (03:11):
Benji the big dog, unfortunately was not able to join
us because he would have eaten the turkey off the table. Yes,
So he was able to spend some time somewhere else,
and it was a wonderful time.

Speaker 5 (03:23):
Yeah.

Speaker 6 (03:23):
And John Boudris. Always good to see John.

Speaker 2 (03:26):
And always good to eat his food as well, because
he's probably one of the best chefs on planet Earth.

Speaker 6 (03:31):
I know.

Speaker 2 (03:31):
I have to say cooking is always a delight. Oh yeah, absolutely.
And John has been doing a good job. He's been
hunting up in Canada before he came down to the US,
and he got a great looking deer. He's being John,
you know, he's very esoterically. He's a gentleman. He's just
that's John, you know what I mean. So he's doing well.

(03:53):
It was good to see everybody, and that was a
wonderful Thanksgiving, and ladies and gentlemen, we all be hope
that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well. Hopefully it
was peaceful, you know, you didn't have a crazy uncle
talking politics and then the getting really angry, you know,
because maybe they're on different PROPSI the spectrum. For some reason,
every Thanksgiving I feel like this is like a universal experience.

(04:17):
Politics comes into the equations and I mean I'm the
type of person personally I'm like.

Speaker 1 (04:23):
Bring it on, you know what I mean. Yeah, I don't. Yeah,
but but honestly, it's not really much.

Speaker 4 (04:29):
I mean typically every Thanksgiving we have the Cooners here,
so we missed the we do. They were missing family
in Canada, so you know, they had a good excuse.
But but we always, we all enjoy it, oh yeah, always,
and John Boudris is always here, so politics is definitely
a topic.

Speaker 6 (04:49):
Oh yeah, and we're all on the same team.

Speaker 2 (04:51):
So it's like you're you're you're asking for a reaction
with the Cooners here, with John with usin.

Speaker 4 (04:58):
Yeah, but we have we had a little different mix
here this year. We did yeah different, we stayed away
from it. We did yeah, so it be nice, Yeah,
just in case.

Speaker 1 (05:09):
Yeah, we don't want to upset Timmy nor his parents.
We love them. They're great people and it was a
pleasure to meet them. They're very interesting.

Speaker 6 (05:16):
I don't think it upset Timmy, but no.

Speaker 2 (05:18):
Timmy doesn't care. Timmy is very you know, he's a
smart guy. He's getting his PhD at a very very high,
well renowned school, and he's a very smart guy. And
you know he kind of overlooks that stuff. Not even
that he's like on a side politically, but you know,
he he just you know, I mean, he thinks in

(05:39):
p reviewed studies, you know.

Speaker 1 (05:40):
What I mean.

Speaker 2 (05:41):
He just he's a very independent thinker and you're gonna
have a very constructive conversation with him. So that's the
type of guy he is. Yeah, I think that's great.
But yeah, Thanksgiving was wonderful.

Speaker 1 (05:51):
It sure was. Now my book has been coming in.

Speaker 2 (05:54):
I mean some folks have been ordering it on Amazon
only the Good invest Young if you're interested, and people
have just been saying that it's been answering a lot
of their questions. I've been reading some of the reviews,
and I've been getting reviews from close friends of mine
and folks who've really enjoyed the book. I'm happy to
see that people are having a great experience and feeling

(06:15):
a lot more confident after reading it, and especially those
who I mean, these are folks who are in their
thirties and forties, and some folks who are in their
teens still who are reaching out to me, And I'm
just so grateful that I'm able to help people realize
their potential here.

Speaker 1 (06:32):
Yeah, what I mean.

Speaker 2 (06:33):
If you're looking for a similar experience, ladies and gentlemen,
my book is available on Amazon, or if you've already
signed up for us to send you a complimentary copy,
we'll send it your way. It's going to take a
little bit more time. If you'd like to purchase the
e book. The e book is also on Amazon as well.
You can purchase it on a kindle and maybe one
day I'll do an audiobook.

Speaker 6 (06:51):
We'll say, I have a feeling you will.

Speaker 1 (06:53):
That'd be cool. Yeah, I'm happy that it's just making
people work.

Speaker 4 (06:58):
And if you would like to come to our toy
Drive and our Christmas drop in on December sixth. We
will have his books there and William will be signing
his book right there in Burlington in our Burlington office
and we will have them available in our brain Tree office.

(07:19):
Our team will be split up for that day, those
two hours accepting unwrapped toys for children, and it'll be nice.
It'll be great hugging our clients and shaking.

Speaker 1 (07:32):
Hands and it'll be really cool.

Speaker 6 (07:35):
Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it.

Speaker 1 (07:37):
That will be awesome.

Speaker 2 (07:38):
And to give toys to the unfortunate, I think we'll
make somebody's Christmas.

Speaker 1 (07:44):
Yes, I think that will just imagine that.

Speaker 2 (07:47):
You know what I mean, you probably don't get toys
and you can't your family can't afford it.

Speaker 1 (07:52):
Yeah, and to have something.

Speaker 2 (07:53):
And I know our clients and our prospects and the
people that listen to our show.

Speaker 6 (07:58):
Everyone's been so generous the past couple of years.

Speaker 1 (08:02):
Yeah, they don't. Just I'm very proud.

Speaker 6 (08:04):
For our Toy Drive.

Speaker 1 (08:05):
Yes, we're very grateful that we have these types of people.
I know, I know, I don't think we say it enough.

Speaker 2 (08:12):
And I'm just excited for this year's Toy Drive, last
last Toy Drive went really successful.

Speaker 1 (08:17):
Oh, it sure did. Yeah.

Speaker 2 (08:19):
I think this is a smart way to you know,
to use our platform, you know what I mean, a
great yeah.

Speaker 1 (08:24):
So make a kid's day, make a kids Christmas, you
know what.

Speaker 2 (08:27):
I'll sign a book, come get a copy of my
book if you'd like to come and speak with me,
If you'd like to speak with some folks at Kelly
Financial as well, they'll be there and no pressure, you
know what i mean.

Speaker 1 (08:38):
Just come come on by.

Speaker 6 (08:39):
Yeah, just pop in for a few minutes.

Speaker 4 (08:41):
And if you're out shopping or you know, running errands,
just pop in either office, whichever one is the most
convenient for you. It'll be good. Yeah.

Speaker 1 (08:51):
And there'll be cookies there allegedly, right.

Speaker 4 (08:54):
Yeah, we'll have a gift bag with a little gift
in there. And and of course they'll get your book
and I think a cookie.

Speaker 1 (09:02):
Yeah, delicious, So that will be the little thing. So
December sixth, so I'm very excited.

Speaker 2 (09:08):
So Timmy and Mary Madaline they both went for a
nice run in Philadelphia.

Speaker 1 (09:13):
Mary Madeline ran it too.

Speaker 4 (09:14):
No, she did the tin k that's right.

Speaker 1 (09:17):
And so him on.

Speaker 4 (09:18):
Saturday last Saturday, and then and then he ran the
marathon the next day.

Speaker 1 (09:24):
That's right. So Timmy.

Speaker 2 (09:25):
For those who don't know, Timmy's also not only getting
his PhD, but he's an ultra marathon runner.

Speaker 1 (09:30):
This guy is the full pass and he's fast, very fast.

Speaker 2 (09:33):
He's a I mean, if you look at his legs,
he's got tree chunks. Ladies and gentlemen, this guy can
he can make some power. Okay, So Timmy's completed a marathon.
He did a fantastic job.

Speaker 4 (09:44):
He's last weekend.

Speaker 2 (09:45):
He I don't know how he does it, but he
gets sub four hour marathons, which is just incredible, Ladies
and gentlemen. It's like that is a fast, fast pace consistently.

Speaker 1 (09:56):
So he's on a different level. I remember one time
he came over to the house and you know, it
was morning.

Speaker 2 (10:03):
I woke up and I get a text at like
six point thirty in the morning and Timmy texts the
group chat and he says, folks, I'm gonna go run
a quick ten and I'm like ten what miles?

Speaker 4 (10:14):
Ten is nothing for him?

Speaker 2 (10:15):
Nothing, It's like eating breakfast. He just does it, and
he's like, there's nothing more refreshing. They're running a ten
mile or coming back drinking some black coffee.

Speaker 4 (10:22):
They shared the app with me, and so I was
able to track their their runs and send them like
way to go and pictures of the animals, pictures of us.

Speaker 1 (10:36):
That's the door, So I think that helps. So MM
did a great job.

Speaker 2 (10:39):
Since MM is not quite an ultra marathon runner yet,
but she's still a great runner. She did the ten
k instead, So they had a very fun weekend together
and I'm very proud of them. Congratulations to them for
completing their ten k and Timmy for completing his marathon.

Speaker 4 (10:54):
Absolutely, do keep us on your dial. We've got a
lot of great content coming your way, babe. Mike Dussat
and Greg Workman will break down what Thanksgiving dinner revealed
about inflation, the recent fed Rake cuts, and what the
shifting economy could mean for your investments and retirement in
the year ahead. Mary, Madeline Kelly and Greg Murray will

(11:16):
walk you through one of the most overlooked yarine tasks,
reviewing your beneficiary designations to ensure your money goes exactly
where you intend and avoid costly mistakes. I will be
back with William. We will share practical ways to protect
your wallet, your identity, your retirement from emotional spending and

(11:37):
rising cyber threats this holiday season. And of course we'll
close the hour with some wit and wisdom from the
lake Bill Kelly. His words continue to inspire and guide us.
That's a wrap for forever, young Thank you for listening, William,
thank you for joining me. We'll be back with more
great content.

Speaker 3 (11:56):
I love you, honey, Kelly Financial Services eight eight hundred,
eighteen eighty one. I believe that this nation should commit
it zel to achieving the goal of landing a man
on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.

Speaker 7 (12:19):
Six five four three two one zero, All engine run?

Speaker 3 (12:28):
What'd God?

Speaker 5 (12:29):
What?

Speaker 2 (12:29):
God?

Speaker 5 (12:29):
On to follow up?

Speaker 7 (12:30):
Remember those Apollo Moon missions one of America's greatest adventures
and achievements too. The nation set a goal and then
realized it. What are your goals? At Kelly Financial Services,
We've got the right team and technology to help launch
your retirement planning. Let us help you set and reach

(12:50):
your goals for your greatest adventure and achievement. Call us
at eight eight eight eight hundred, eighteen eighty one or
visit us at Kelly Financial Org.

Speaker 1 (13:01):
Where do you want to land?

Speaker 7 (13:03):
We're thank Lady Bavier being go have landed we are
Kelly Financial Services.

Speaker 1 (13:08):
Come retire with us, folks.

Speaker 8 (13:11):
Kelly Financial is opening their doors for a special Christmas drop.

Speaker 1 (13:14):
By and you're invited.

Speaker 8 (13:16):
On Saturday, December sixth, from eleven am to one pm.
Both their Burlington and Braintree offices will be celebrating the
season by honoring the generosity and legacy of Bill Kelly.
They're hosting a holiday toy drive and they'd love for
you to stop in with a new unwrapped toy to
help brighten Christmas for local children. Just drop by, say

(13:38):
hello to their team, and enjoy a little treat while
you're there. It's a simple way to give back and
to carry forward the spirit Bill Kelly brought.

Speaker 1 (13:46):
To the community.

Speaker 8 (13:47):
And if you're near Burlington, William Kelly will be there
signing copies of his new book, Only the Good invest
Young a wonderful Christmas gift for a child, a grandchild,
or anyone beginning their financial journey. So mark your Saturday,
December sixth, eleven to one in both Burlington and Braintree,
Bring a toy, spread some joy and celebrate Christmas with

(14:08):
Kelly Financial. For more details call eight eight eight eight
hundred eighteen eighty one or email Kelly at Kellyfinancial dot org.

Speaker 9 (14:19):
Welcome back to Safe Money Strategies on this post Thanksgiving weekend.
I'm Mike Ducett, chief operating officer at Kelly Financial, and
joining me as always is our investment advisor Greg Workman.

Speaker 1 (14:31):
Greg. How was Thanksgiving? It was great, Mike.

Speaker 10 (14:33):
I was at my parents' house just a few towns
over and we had about ten people gathered around the table,
enough people that we needed folding chairs, but not so
many that we needed a seating chart, a lot of food,
a lot of football, and a lot of leftovers that
we will be eating for days.

Speaker 9 (14:50):
My Thanksgiving was at my sister in laws place. We
had around twenty people this year, so it was full
on holiday chaos, kids running around, people talking over one another,
every burner on this being used at once. But it
was great and hopefully everyone listening today was able to
enjoy the holiday and spend meaningful time with friends and family.

Speaker 1 (15:08):
And I think we.

Speaker 10 (15:09):
Can admit that we got off easy. We didn't have
to host this year exactly.

Speaker 9 (15:13):
We avoided the stress test of hosting Thanksgiving, but we
both know we're paying the price at Christmas when everyone
comes to our houses. That's when the real marathon of cooking, cleaning,
and last minute errands begins. We talk a lot about
money on this show, so Thanksgiving has actually become a
good annual benchmark for us. Every year people ask the
same question, was Thanksgiving more expensive this year or less expensive?

Speaker 1 (15:38):
And this year the answer was a bit of both.

Speaker 10 (15:41):
Overall, the cost of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is slightly
cheaper this year, with the national average cost dropping by
five percent. Turkey prices were down, which surprised a lot
of people. Last year we had some supply constraints that
pushed prices up, but this year we had better production.
Some side dishes, including potatoes and certain vegetables, were reasonably steady.

(16:07):
But anything processed, especially baked goods, rolls, stuffing, desserts, those
continued to be on the rise.

Speaker 9 (16:14):
And that's really the story of inflation right now. It's
no longer across the board. It's pockets, some easing, some stubborn.
We've moved away from the everything is up eight or
nine percent environment from a couple of years ago. Now
it's more nuanced, which frankly is easier for households to navigate,
and the timing makes a difference too. We're now heading

(16:35):
into December, holiday shopping season, family gatherings, winter travel, and
the overall inflation backdrop is a bit more stable.

Speaker 1 (16:44):
It's not perfect, but it is not.

Speaker 10 (16:46):
The runaway situation that we saw in twenty twenty two
and early twenty twenty three.

Speaker 9 (16:53):
And for retirees and pre retirees, the people listening to
this show that stability matters. When inflation is unpredictable, it
complicates planning, but when inflation moderates.

Speaker 1 (17:04):
People can make decisions with more confidence.

Speaker 9 (17:06):
And a big part of that improved inflation, Pitcher, is
what the Federal Reserve has done right.

Speaker 10 (17:12):
The Fed delivered its first rate cut of the year
in September, followed quickly by another twenty five basis point
cut in October, bringing the federal funds rate into the
three point seventy five to four percent range, and most
economists think that we'll see another cut at the December
meeting if labor and economic data continue trending softer.

Speaker 9 (17:35):
And that shift has already started to affect everything from
mortgage rates to corporate borrowing costs to bond yields.

Speaker 1 (17:42):
The Fed itself is a little split.

Speaker 10 (17:44):
Some members want to keep cutting because the job market
is showing some signs of cooling. Others want to be
slower and more cautious because inflation is still above target levels.

Speaker 1 (17:57):
But the overarching direction is clear. The FED is.

Speaker 9 (18:01):
Easing, and that gives us a very different landscape heading
into twenty twenty six compared to what we've been dealing with.
Instead of planning for rising rates or plateaued rates, investors
now have to plan for declining rates, and that changes
the opportunity set. And speaking of opportunity sets, this is
where investors really need to pay attention because interest rate

(18:22):
direction impacts the entire financial system absolutely.

Speaker 1 (18:26):
Let's start with stocks.

Speaker 10 (18:27):
Historically, markets respond very positively to a FED easing cycle.
Lower borrowing costs fuel capital investment, mergers and acquisitions, business expansion,
and consumer spending. Cheaper money tends to push valuations higher, and.

Speaker 9 (18:44):
You can already see it in parts of the market
technology industrials, real estate areas that are very sensitive to
financial conditions. Investors are watching the FED closely because the
next few quarters could determine where growth opportunities emerge.

Speaker 1 (18:58):
And then there's bonds. Haven't been able to talk positively
about bonds for some time, but now we can.

Speaker 10 (19:05):
Bond prices move inversely to interest rates, so when the
FED cuts, bond values typically rise. Investors who stuck with
bonds through the rough patch may finally start seeing some
tail winds.

Speaker 1 (19:19):
And here's the other part.

Speaker 9 (19:20):
People who've been sitting on a lot of cash because
money market funds we're paying four and a half or
five percent, those yields will fall quickly. It doesn't take
long for short term rates to adjust once the FED
is in an easy mode. So if someone is overweight
cash and underweight stocks or bonds, now is the time
to start reassessing.

Speaker 10 (19:38):
The next twelve to eighteen months may look very different
from the last twelve to eighteen months. Rate cycles don't
last forever, but they do create windows of opportunity.

Speaker 9 (19:50):
And this is where retirement really intersects with the broader economy.
Interest rates affect everything, income planning, withdrawal strategies, fixed income allocations,
annuity ao CD ladders, you name it.

Speaker 10 (20:02):
And that's why we keep emphasizing the period between Thanksgiving
and New Year's as a key planning window. This is
the time of year when people actually slow down enough
to take inventory of their finances, and.

Speaker 9 (20:15):
With the FED cutting rates, retirees should be thinking about
whether their portfolios align with the environment we're heading into.
Are they positioned for rising bond values? Are they prepared
for falling cashields? Are they benefiting from sectors that thrive
in easing cycles.

Speaker 1 (20:30):
Those are the.

Speaker 10 (20:31):
Kinds of questions we help clients with every year, but
this December is particularly important because we're at the beginning
of a major shift.

Speaker 9 (20:40):
Stay with us after the break, we'll get into what
this new rate environment means specifically for your retirement portfolio,
the opportunities emerging in both stocks and bonds for twenty
twenty six, and the key steps to take before year
end to ensure your.

Speaker 1 (20:55):
Plan is aligned with the new reality. You're listening to
Safe money Strategies.

Speaker 3 (21:03):
Kelly Financial Services, eight hundred eighteen eighty one.

Speaker 1 (21:09):
Hi, everyone, this is William Kelly. If you've ever wished
you'd learned.

Speaker 11 (21:13):
About money sooner, That's why I wrote Only the Good
invest Young, a simple, encouraging.

Speaker 1 (21:18):
Guide with real world steps anyone can follow.

Speaker 11 (21:22):
I kept seeing the same thing people wishing someone had
explained the basics earlier. How to save, build good habits,
avoid costly mistakes, and create momentum even when you're starting small,
whether you're eighteen or eighty. This book is about confidence, clarity,
and taking action. With the holidays coming up, Only the
good invest young makes a great Christmas gift for a child,

(21:45):
a grandchild, or anyone who needs that nudge.

Speaker 1 (21:47):
To start strong.

Speaker 11 (21:48):
For our listeners, we're sending out complimentary copies. Just call
eight eight eight eight hundred twenty one or email Kelly
at Kellyfinancial dot org and we'll send you one at
no charge. You can also purchase a softcover on Amazon
or an ebook on Kendall. I'm William Kelly, and I
hope this book helps someone you love to take their
first step.

Speaker 4 (22:08):
I'm Kelly Kelly from Kelly Financial. Is your financial advisor
a fiduciary? In other words, are they legally required to
act in your best interest? My complimentary book, Retire Your Fear,
Plan Your Future, explains what a fiduciary is and will
help you understand if an advisor is really putting you first.
For the book, call eight eight eight eight hundred and

(22:30):
eighteen eighty one or email Kelly at Kellyfinancial dot org.
We're Kelly Financial. Come retire with.

Speaker 3 (22:37):
Us The Money Wrap with Kelly Financial Advisors. Greg Murray
and Mary Madeline Kelly.

Speaker 1 (22:45):
Hello.

Speaker 12 (22:46):
This is Greg Murray, senior vice president and chief Compliance
officer at Kelly Financial Services. Joining me today is Mary
Madeline Kelly, one of our wealth advisors. How are you
doing today?

Speaker 4 (22:55):
Hi?

Speaker 1 (22:55):
Greg?

Speaker 13 (22:56):
I am great. We're deep into the holiday season now,
as we just finished Thanksgiving, and I swear every weekend
there's something going on. It's the busiest but coziest time
of the year and the perfect time to wrap up
all those loose ends before January hits.

Speaker 12 (23:10):
Absolutely, it's the season for gatherings, but also the season
for getting things organized. And speaking of tying up loose ends,
today's topic is something we talk about every year because
it is so important reviewing your beneficiary designations before your end.

Speaker 13 (23:24):
Yes, and this is one of those tasks that maybe
takes five minutes but can save your family years of headaches.
Yet it's also one of the most overlooked parts of
financial planning.

Speaker 1 (23:34):
That's right.

Speaker 12 (23:35):
Many people assume that if they have a will, that
will control everything when they pass away, but in reality,
the beneficiary is listed on your retirement accounts, insurance policies,
annuities and even some bank accounts override your will exactly.

Speaker 13 (23:48):
If your beneficiary forum says the money goes to a
specific person, that's who gets it, even if your will
says something different. We've seen situations where someone forgot to
update an old four oh one K or insurance policy
and it's still listed in ex spouse and unfortunately there's
nothing the family can do after the person passes.

Speaker 1 (24:05):
It's heartbreaking and totally avoidable.

Speaker 12 (24:08):
That's why checking your beneficiaries each year, especially at the
end of the year, is one of the smartest steps
you can take.

Speaker 13 (24:14):
And it's not just about correcting mistakes. Life changes. People
get married, divorced, have children or grandchildren, or even lose
love ones. Your beneficiary designation should reflect your current wishes,
not your situation from twenty years ago.

Speaker 12 (24:28):
Another common issue is leaving someone off by accident. You
might have a new grandchild you want to include, or
maybe you plan to split assets between your kids but
forgot to update the percentages. These little oversights can create
big problems later.

Speaker 13 (24:40):
And here's another one we see people don't list contingent beneficiaries.

Speaker 1 (24:45):
That's your backup option.

Speaker 13 (24:46):
If something happens to your primary beneficiary and you don't
have a secondary listed. That asset may end up going
through probate, which.

Speaker 12 (24:53):
Means delays costs in everything becoming public record, not ideal
for most families, and.

Speaker 13 (24:59):
Reviewing your benefit isn't just smart estate planning, it's also
smart retirement planning. For example, inherited iras follow very specific rules,
naming a spouse versus naming children can be completely changed
how those funds are taxed.

Speaker 1 (25:12):
That's a great point.

Speaker 12 (25:13):
A spokes who inherits a retirement account often has more
flexibility they can roll it into their own IRA, but
kids or other non spouse beneficiaries usually have to withdraw
the entire amount within ten years.

Speaker 13 (25:26):
Right, and that has huge tax implications. So making sure
you've named the right beneficiary can impact how much of
your hard earned savings actually stays in the family and
how much goes to the irs.

Speaker 12 (25:36):
And this is exactly why now, at the end of
the year is the perfect time to do a quick review.

Speaker 1 (25:41):
Most people are already thinking.

Speaker 12 (25:42):
About taxes, deadlines, contributions, and year end planning, so adding
a beneficiary check to the list just makes sense.

Speaker 1 (25:49):
Plus it's so easy.

Speaker 13 (25:50):
You just log into your accounts, your four oh one K,
your iras, your life insurance and make sure everything matches
your current wishes. If you're unsure, we can help peo
ple all of your accoun together and review those designations
with you.

Speaker 12 (26:02):
Absolutely Sometimes the biggest value we bring is simply helping
people organize everything, making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Speaker 13 (26:09):
So to summarize for our listeners, reviewing your beneficiaries is
important because your beneficiary designations override your will, life changes
and your account should reflect that. Missing or outdated beneficiaries
can cause probate issues and the right beneficiary structure can
save your family huge tax bills.

Speaker 12 (26:27):
Perfect summary and the best part, this is one of
the quickest, easiest things you can do to protect your
family financially exactly.

Speaker 13 (26:34):
And it brings such peace of mind. You never want
your loved ones to be stuck sorting through outdated paperwork
or dealing with unnecessary stress, especially during a difficult time.

Speaker 12 (26:43):
That's why year end is the perfect moment for a
quick review, and if you'd like help doing that, come
speak with us at Kelly Financial. We'll make sure everything
is up to date and aligned with their broader retirement
and estate plan.

Speaker 13 (26:53):
Because planning isn't just about growing your money, it's also
about protecting it and making sure it goes exactly where
you want it to.

Speaker 12 (27:00):
That well, that's going to wrap things up. Thank you
for your time today, Mary Madeline.

Speaker 13 (27:03):
Thank you, Greg.

Speaker 4 (27:04):
Have a great rescue weekend.

Speaker 3 (27:05):
To get in touch with Greg Murray or Mary Madeline Kelly,
or any member of the Kelly Financial team, call eight
at eight eight hundred eighteen eighty one. Safe Money Strategies
with William Kelly and Kelly Kelly. Call the team on
eight eight eight hundred eighteen eighty one.

Speaker 4 (27:27):
Thank you, Welcome back to Safe Money Strategies. I'm Kelly
Kelly here with my son William Kelly Junior, and today
we're talking about something a lot of families are dealing
with right now, the aftermath of Black Friday, the start
of the holiday rush and the pressure that comes with it. Now.

(27:50):
For years, Black Friday was all about bargains. People stood
in line, rushed into stores, grabbed what they could, trying
to beat the deal. But in twenty twenty five, Black
Friday isn't really about savings anymore. It's about psychology. It's
about urgency, pressure, emotion, and it's designed to get you

(28:10):
to spend money you didn't plan to spend. And the
truth is, a sale is not as savings if it
steals from your retirement.

Speaker 2 (28:19):
That's such an important point, mom, because a lot of
people think, well, I'm saving money because it's forty percent off,
but they're not actually saving anything if that purchase wasn't
in the plan in the first place.

Speaker 1 (28:30):
And honestly, I think the most dangerous purchases right now are.

Speaker 2 (28:33):
The unplanned ones, the impulse buys people make just because
something is on the sale.

Speaker 4 (28:37):
Exactly. The strongest financial strategy during the holidays isn't finding
the best deal, it's knowing what you actually need before
you see what's on sale. And in twenty twenty five,
so many families are already under pressure. Prices are up,
credit card balances are higher than they were a year ago,
savings accounts are shrinking. Studies from firms like Deloitte and

(29:01):
Mackenzie show that shoppers are actually buying fewer items this year,
but spending more because everything costs more, and that creates
what I call the holiday hangover. That's when January arrives
and suddenly the credit card statements due to For retirees
and pre retirees, that pain lasts even longer. But Overspending

(29:25):
today means borrowing against tomorrow. And the most damaging mistake
I see people make, especially around the holidays, is dipping
into retirement money to cover short term spending.

Speaker 2 (29:38):
And that's a really big deal because retirement accounts aren't
meant to be your holiday fund. They're meant to support
the rest of your life. When you pull money out early,
not only are there sometimes penalties and taxes, but that
money also loses time to grow. So the real cost
of that gift or that shopping spree is much more
than just the sticker price.

Speaker 4 (29:58):
That's right, William. You don't need more credit, you need
more clarity. And along with all the spending pressure, there's
another major threat this time of year, especially in twenty
twenty five, and that's cybercrime. Black Friday isn't just in
stores anymore. Is online, is on your phone, is in
your email, is in your text, and that means scammers

(30:20):
have access to more people than ever before.

Speaker 2 (30:24):
We're seeing fake websites, bogus ads, and even counterfeit tracking
pages that look just like Amazon or ups or FedEx,
and today with AI, these scams look incredibly real. They're
written better than ever before, and they're designed to make
you panic, click and respond without thinking.

Speaker 1 (30:41):
Your email, your text, even your browser.

Speaker 2 (30:45):
All of those are entry points for scammers, and retirees
are a prime target because scammers assume they have savings and.

Speaker 4 (30:52):
Listen to this carefully. The most expensive purchase this season
could be the one you never made calls by a scam.
This steals your identity instead. That's why at Kelly Financial
we take cybersecurity extremely seriously. We created an investor guide
called Cybersecurity Self Awareness for Your Self Protection to help

(31:15):
everyday families understand how these crimes actually happen. In simple terms,
it explains the different ways criminals attack what the professionals
call vectors of attack, things like phishing, fishing, phone scams,
fake websites called farming, malware and ransomware, business email compromise,

(31:39):
and stolen credentials. These aren't just technical terms, they're the
real ways criminals get access to your information, and in
twenty twenty five, AI is making these scams even more dangerous.

Speaker 2 (31:52):
But the good news is when you know how a
scam works, you're much harder to trick. Some of the
biggest red flags to watch out for our urgency, pressure, secrecy,
or being told to act immediately. You should never click
on links in unexpected delivery texts. You should always shop
on secure websites that you type in yourself, not links

(32:12):
and emails or ads.

Speaker 1 (32:14):
We also recommend using.

Speaker 2 (32:15):
Credit cards instead of debit cards because they offer stronger
fraud protection and something very important, enable two factor authentication
on your shopping and bank accounts.

Speaker 4 (32:26):
Slow down before you click, because speed is a scammer's
best friend, and protecting your retirement isn't just about what
you invest in. It's about protecting your identity, your access
to accounts, and your digital behavior. That's why our Cybersecurity
Investor Guide is so important. It gives you simple checklists,

(32:47):
clear warning signs, steps to safeguard your information, and ways
to reduce your digital footprint. When you combine smart spending
with strong cybersecurity, that is a true safe money strategy.

Speaker 2 (33:01):
So if you're listening right now and you want to
feel more confident heading into the rest of the holiday season,
I encourage you to request your free copy of our
Investor Guide Cybersecurity Self Awareness for your self protection. It's practical,
easy to understand, and written for real families, not tech experts.

Speaker 4 (33:20):
And when we come back William and I are going
to talk more about how to protect not just your wallet,
but your identity and your retirement. All season long. You're
listening to safe Money Strategies right here on w RKO.

Speaker 3 (33:38):
Safe Money Strategies brought to you by Kelly Financial Services.
Call eight eight eight eight hundred eighteen eighty one or
visit Kellyfinancial dot org.

Speaker 7 (33:49):
Ready to enjoy your golden years without worry. At Kelly Financial,
we know retirement planning can be overwhelming. With more than
twenty two years of experience, our friendly team of advice
users makes it easy and stress free. Trust us to
help you create a secure and enjoyable future. For a
free initial retirement consultation, called eight eight eight eight hundred

(34:11):
eighteen eighty one or email Kelly at Kellyfinancial dot org.
We're Kelly Financial. Come retire with.

Speaker 3 (34:17):
Us Safe Money Strategies with William Kelly and Kelly Kelly.
Call the team on eight eight eight eight hundred eighteen
eighty one.

Speaker 5 (34:28):
Thy care, Thank.

Speaker 4 (34:31):
Welcome back to save Money Strategies. I'm Kelly Kelly here
with my son William, and today we're continuing our conversation
about staying safe, smart, and financially grounded this holiday season.
You know, one of the sneakiest problems during the holidays
is what I call holiday creep. Is not usually one

(34:54):
big purchase that causes the damage, is the dozens of
small ones, the little extras, the just one more items
that quietly adds up. A coffee here, stocking stuff are there, decoration?
You didn't plan on that extra gift because you felt
guilty or pressured before you even realize it. Your budget

(35:17):
is blown and your financial confidence with it. And they
see this happen most with parents and grandparents, the pressure
to give more, to say yes, to make everything perfect,
to show love through spending. But the truth is, emotional
buying almost always leaves to financial regret later on, and
regret does not belong in your retirement plan.

Speaker 2 (35:41):
And here's the real danger. Emotional spending isn't just about money.
It's about vulnerability. When people get emotionally triggered, they let
their card down. And that's exactly what today's cyber criminals
are counting on. What really changed the game in twenty
twenty five is how powerful AI driven scams have become.
Now we're seeing fake tracking pages that look identical to

(36:03):
real ones, deep fake customer service voices that sound completely legitimate,
AI generated emails that mimic companies almost flawlessly. They're pretending
to be ups, Amazon, PayPal, banks, you name it, and
copying their logos, their tone, their language.

Speaker 1 (36:20):
It's not sloppy work anymore.

Speaker 2 (36:22):
It's polished, sophisticated and incredibly convincing. And the scary part,
criminals don't have to work harder. They work smarter and
faster now using automation to target thousands of people at once.

Speaker 4 (36:35):
And when your guard is already down because of stress, emotion, fatigue,
or distraction, that's when people click the wrong link. Identity
theft doesn't just ruin your holiday, it can derail your
entire financial future. And sometimes criminals don't always strike right away.

(36:55):
They wait, They observe, they gather data, they test small transactions,
they build a profile, and then when you least expect it,
they move.

Speaker 2 (37:06):
That's why one of the smartest things you can do
this season is ground your spending decisions and your retirement plan.
Start with something simple but powerful. Pull your bank statement
for the last sixty to ninety days. Look at what
you actually spent, not what you think you spent. Factor
in everything restaurants, Amazon subscriptions, extra gas, coffee runs inPulse purchases.

Speaker 1 (37:29):
Then build your holiday budget based on reality, not a guest.

Speaker 2 (37:32):
When you can see the numbers clearly in black and white,
it becomes much easier to say, Okay, this is what
I can responsibly spend.

Speaker 1 (37:40):
And this is where I draw the line.

Speaker 2 (37:41):
And honestly, some of the most meaningful gifts don't come
from a store. Time, memories, traditions, shared moments. That's what
people remember, not receipts.

Speaker 4 (37:52):
A holiday budget doesn't limit your joy, it protects your future.
And another huge piece of that protection is no knowing
how to recognize danger before it reaches you. At Kelly Financial,
we don't just focus on investments. We help our clients
strengthen their spending mindset, their digital awareness, and their long

(38:13):
term protection strategies all in one place. That's why we
created our Cybersecurity Investor Guide. In this guide, we share
six powerful strategies to help you stay safe. Make yourself
a hard target, understand your digital footprint, protect your family
from scams, secure your home and devices, carefully vet anyone

(38:38):
with access to your space or information. Travel safely physically
and digitally. It's written in clear, easy to understand language
for real families living real lives. No technical jargon, no
fear tactics, just practical smart steps you can use immediately.
So as we wrap up today, here's what we really

(39:00):
want you to hear. You don't have to overspend to
show love, you don't have to feel pressured by advertisements
or promotions, and you absolutely do not have to fall
for manipulation, whether it comes from a store or from
a scammer. This season is about being intentional, being present,

(39:21):
being wise, and making decisions today that your future, self
and your family will thank you for. If you'd like
a free copy of our guide Cybersecurity self Awareness for
your self protection is available through our office, give us
a call at eight eight eight eight hundred eighteen eighty
one or email Kelly at Kellyfinancial dot org. It's a

(39:47):
simple but powerful step toward a safer, more secure future.

Speaker 1 (39:52):
And this isn't just about you. It's about the people
you love.

Speaker 2 (39:55):
Your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your parents. One mistake,
one click, one stolen password can affect an entire family.
That's why we always say we protect your money in
the market and help you protect it at home when.

Speaker 1 (40:11):
You pair this guy with a financial review.

Speaker 2 (40:13):
You're creating true three hundred and sixty degree protection for
yourself and the next generation. Spend with intention, protect with vigilance,
and plan for a stronger future.

Speaker 4 (40:22):
From all of us at Kelly Financial, we wish you
a safe, secure, and truly joyful holiday season.

Speaker 3 (40:32):
Safe Money Strategies brought to you by Kelly Financial Services
called eight eight eight eight hundred eighteen eighty one or
visit Kellyfinancial dot org.

Speaker 9 (40:44):
Welcome back to Safe Money Strategies. I'm Mike, you said
with me, as always is Greg Workman. We hope you're
enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend, maybe sneaking in that liftover turkey
sandwich right now.

Speaker 1 (40:55):
Thanks for sticking with us.

Speaker 10 (40:56):
Hey, I had one this morning for breakfast, no shame.
And since we're all probably still recovering from way too
much food and way too many people in our houses,
we're going to pivot into something that I think ties
in nicely financial stress. Because you and I were joking
on part one. The holidays bring joy, but they also
bring spending, and then January.

Speaker 14 (41:18):
Arrives with that first credit card bill exactly, and ironically,
we've recently seen several surveys Kiplinger's Bank Write Credit Comma,
all pointing to an increase in financial stress this year.

Speaker 9 (41:31):
Even though inflation is cooling and wages have risen, people
still fail financially squeezed, and honestly that failing isn't irrational. Yes,
inflation has moderated, but prices didn't go back down.

Speaker 1 (41:43):
They simply rose more slowly.

Speaker 9 (41:45):
So households are still dealing with the cumulative effect of
three years of elevated costs.

Speaker 10 (41:51):
Right every Thanksgiving table has someone saying, Wow, groceries are expensive,
and that's not wrong. Prices are still up about twenty
percent cumulatively from pre pandemic levels. When your grocery bill
and your utility bill and your homeowners insurance all climb together.
Even a mild increase in comfort on the inflation front

(42:14):
doesn't magically remove pressure.

Speaker 9 (42:16):
So let's talk about why stress levels are up and
how that ties into retirement planning, because that's really where
we help people the most. There are three big factors.
Number one, sticky prices. Costs didn't fall even after inflation cooled. Two,
high borrowing costs. Even with the September and October rate cuts,
borrowing is still significantly more expensive than three years ago,

(42:39):
and third market volatility. People see the headlines in the
worry period, and.

Speaker 1 (42:44):
We see that in our office.

Speaker 10 (42:46):
People walk in with good incomes, good savings habits, but
still feel like they're not progressing in the way that
they expected. And we always tell them the key distinction
is this, uncertainty leads to anxiety.

Speaker 1 (42:58):
Planning leads to compvidence.

Speaker 10 (43:00):
When you don't have a written income retirement plan, every
headline feels like a threat.

Speaker 1 (43:06):
When you do have.

Speaker 10 (43:07):
A written plan, the same headline becomes just another piece
of information.

Speaker 1 (43:12):
Let me share a recent example.

Speaker 9 (43:13):
We'll call them Tom and Ellen, both in their early sixties,
longtime listeners, who finally came in this fall after hearing
one of our shows on inflation. They said something I
think many listeners will relate to, we're doing fine, but
it doesn't feel like we're doing fine.

Speaker 1 (43:28):
Their mortgage rate was low, they had good.

Speaker 9 (43:30):
Savings, their kids were grown, but between grocery bills, travel
and helping an aging parent, they felt like money went
out faster than ever.

Speaker 10 (43:37):
And when we looked at their accounts, they were doing fine,
but they didn't have a written retirement income plan. Their
investments were scattered across multiple old four oh one ks
and four oh three b's iras brokerage accounts. But there
was no set system, no structure, no tax plan, no
income plan, just accumulation across the board exactly.

Speaker 9 (44:01):
They were living in what we call the accumulation mindset,
even though they were only a few years away from retirement.
That's where anxiety comes from when your life stage changes
but your financial strategy doesn't.

Speaker 1 (44:12):
So what did we do.

Speaker 9 (44:13):
First off, we consolidated their accounts into a coordinated strategy,
not into one account, but into one plan.

Speaker 1 (44:20):
There's a difference.

Speaker 9 (44:21):
Second, we created an inflation adjusted income plan. We mapped
out income streams for thirty years, stress tested against different inflation.

Speaker 1 (44:29):
And market scenarios.

Speaker 9 (44:31):
Thirdly, we structured investments for the new rate environment, not
chasing returns, but aligning investments with purpose. We had a
safety bucket, an income bucket, growth bucket.

Speaker 1 (44:41):
Fourth we built a tax plan.

Speaker 9 (44:43):
This is where they were losing the most money without
realizing it. Roth conversions, RMD planning, charitable strategies.

Speaker 1 (44:50):
They had none of it in place. And here's the
most important part.

Speaker 10 (44:53):
When they left, they didn't have more money, they had
more clarity, and clarity is what reduces.

Speaker 9 (45:00):
Stress absolutely, and this is where the workbook comes in.
The Safe Money Strategies Workbook helps people organize their finances
the same way we did for Tom and Ellen, at
least at the starting level.

Speaker 10 (45:12):
Now, we mentioned in part one that Wall Street loves
cheap money. Lower rates mean companies can borrow for less,
consumers can borrow for less, and that typically boosts spending
an investment across the economy. But we should make something
very clear. Rate cuts don't solve all problems. They simply
shift where the opportunities are. Here's how we are looking

(45:36):
at twenty twenty six as it relates to stocks. Lower
rates mean higher valuations become easier to justify.

Speaker 1 (45:44):
Corporate borrowing is cheaper.

Speaker 10 (45:46):
Growth sectors often outperform in this environment. It doesn't guarantee
a ball market, but it does put the odds in
its favor. Now, when it comes to bonds, this is important.
Bonds of falling interest rates because prices rise when yields fall.
People who have been frustrated with bond returns and for

(46:08):
good reason, over the past three years, may finally see
those returns return to their portfolio. Income stability, risk offset predictability.

Speaker 1 (46:19):
That's what you want as a bond buyer. Here's the
big shift.

Speaker 10 (46:23):
Cash is no longer going to pay five percent like
it did earlier in the rate cycle. If rates continue
trending down towards the end of twenty twenty five and
into twenty twenty six, those five percent.

Speaker 1 (46:36):
Yields will surely retreat.

Speaker 10 (46:39):
They already have started to, so holding too much cash
may become a drag on your total return.

Speaker 9 (46:46):
Once again, this is why the rate environment matters for
retirement planning. The decisions you made two years ago when
inflation was high in rates for skyrocketing may not be
the right decisions.

Speaker 1 (46:56):
Now. Planning is dynamic. It must adjust.

Speaker 9 (46:59):
You can to build a retirement plan and then stuff
it in a drawer.

Speaker 10 (47:02):
And that is exactly why we created our Safe Money
Strategies workbook. It helps you answer questions like do I
have too much cash? Am I positioned correctly for lower rates?
Will inflation derail my plans? Am I taking too much
or too little risk? Will my income last thirty years

(47:23):
or more? Are my taxes going to explode once I
hit RMD or required minimum distribution age?

Speaker 9 (47:31):
In the best part, it's simple, No financial jargon, just
a structured guide to help you understand where you stand
and what needs attention.

Speaker 10 (47:39):
If you're listening right now and you've been feeling even
a small amount of financial stress or uncertainty, or if
you just want an additional level of clarity heading into
twenty twenty six, pick up the phone and request your
Safe Money Strategies workbook.

Speaker 1 (47:56):
There's no cost and no obligation.

Speaker 10 (47:59):
It's simply a re source to helping you get organized
and understand whether your retirement is positioned properly for.

Speaker 1 (48:06):
The new rate environment or not. With that, I'm Greg
Workman and.

Speaker 9 (48:10):
I'm Mike you said, join us next week for more
Safe Money strategies.

Speaker 8 (48:18):
Joining us now, as she always does at this time.
She is the co founder, CEO, and president of Kelly
Financial Services, and yes, that is her wonderful.

Speaker 1 (48:32):
Name, Kelly Kelly Kelly.

Speaker 4 (48:37):
How are you.

Speaker 1 (48:39):
Good morning, Jeff?

Speaker 5 (48:40):
I am good.

Speaker 4 (48:42):
With Black Friday in full swing, I know so many families.

Speaker 5 (48:46):
Are trying to stretch their dollars and.

Speaker 4 (48:49):
Make the season meaningful. I also know this is when
people are most vulnerable.

Speaker 5 (48:55):
Not just overspending, but to the scams and the.

Speaker 4 (48:58):
Cyber threats seem to grow every year.

Speaker 5 (49:01):
At Kelly Financial, we hear.

Speaker 4 (49:03):
The stories good honest people who clicked on something that looked.

Speaker 5 (49:08):
Real or trusted a message that sounded urgent, and suddenly they're.

Speaker 4 (49:12):
Facing identity fast or compromised accounts. That's why we created
our free investor guide, Cybersecurity Self Awareness for your self protection.
It walks you through the.

Speaker 5 (49:25):
Most common scams and gives you simple steps to protect.

Speaker 6 (49:29):
Your information, your money, and your peace of mind.

Speaker 4 (49:33):
To request your free copy, give us a call or
email us.

Speaker 6 (49:37):
At Kelly at Kellyfinancial dot org.

Speaker 4 (49:40):
Jeff, have a wonderful weekend, My best of Grace and
the kiddos.

Speaker 8 (49:43):
Thank you, Kelly, have a great weekend, and please give
my best to everyone at Kelly Financial. If you want
to get in touch with them, the number to call
eight eight eight eight hundred eighteen eighty one, or if
you want to email Kelly Kelly directly at Kellyfinancial dot org.
Kelly at Kellyfinancial dot org.

Speaker 3 (50:11):
Safe Money Strategies at eight eight hundred one eight eight one.

Speaker 4 (50:18):
As we enter the heart of the holiday season, we're
reminded that some of life's greatest lessons are learned not
from screams, but from family. Simple traditions and moments shared
around the table. In this week's Wit and Wisdom of
Bill Kelly, Bill takes us back to icy winter mornings,

(50:39):
a grandfather's guidance, childhood memories, and the values that shape
to lifetime. It's a powerful reminder that no matter how
much the world changes, the heart of home and family
stays the same. And now here's Bill Kelly.

Speaker 15 (50:58):
I awoke three years ago on a old January morning,
turned to the large window and gazed out over the ocean.
The digital thermometer read minus eight degrees outdoors and seventy
two degrees indoors. I glanced behind me, and there in
the king size bed was my five year old son,

(51:19):
William Kelly Junior, fast asleep. The landscape was barely visible
as it was five forty five a m. And the
sun had not yet risen. My mind flashed back to
my five year old self on bailey Brook Farm in
the winter, with the temperature approaching eight degrees below zero.
I had to get up quite early with my grandfather

(51:41):
Tim Murphy. All of the outdoor pipes were frozen, so
we had to carry the water in pails down to
the hen coops. That meant opening the bulkhead door that
led to the basement, then filling buckets with water and
walking them down to the coops. At age five, I
used a rusty, old tin beach bucket and was happy
to do my part to assist. During the holiday season,

(52:04):
and generally on Christmas Eve, Graham would hand me an envelope.
When I was nine years old, there would be two
dollars in that envelope. By the time I was entering college,
the Christmas envelope had twenty five dollars in it. How
I waited for that envelope each year, Graap and I
would sit at the table late at night. As he
handed it to me, he would ask me to review

(52:25):
the past year and preview the year ahead. What were
my goals? What was I thinking? Where was I headed?
The more things change, the more they remain the same.
One Thanksgiving, when I was about seven, Uncle Earl came
over to the house. We just purchased a brand new
twenty five inch Zenith television. It was huge, weighing about

(52:47):
two hundred pounds, and when you turned it on you
could hear the whine while all the tubes warmed up.
Then all of a sudden boom and there was your picture.
Back then, everyone was talking about the size of their televisions.
It was like talking about the size of your engine.
Television was called the idiot box. That was one of
Mom's favorite terms. She would ask, does the idiot box

(53:10):
run this house? And as a nine year old kid,
I would think that it pretty much did run the house.

Speaker 1 (53:16):
For me.

Speaker 15 (53:16):
It was my favorite place to be on Saturday morning,
and I used to want to say to her, do
we have to call it the idiot box?

Speaker 1 (53:24):
Mom?

Speaker 15 (53:25):
All I know is I look forward to watching the
Cisco Kid, Hop Along, Cassidy, and Howdy Duty every Saturday morning,
and none of those characters was an idiot to me.
The importance of the holidays back then impressed me most.
We had so many people come to see us at home.
For our part, we visited friends regularly and rotated where
we would spend certain holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every

(53:49):
year we'd have a summer picnic down by the beach
or in a park near Cranston. There would be close
to eighty people, twenty two cousins, twenty aunts, twenty uncles
and more. We would even invite other friends of the family,
all great people. Everyone would come. Those were the days.
Those were definitely the days. But these are the days too,

(54:09):
because we're living longer and enjoying it more. We seven
children had paper roots starting at age eight or nine.
On those routes, we got to know people and were
able to work and produce. By doing that, we learned things.
When I was nine, I got a Huffy bike with
dual baskets on the back from my paper route. To me,

(54:31):
a Huffy bike was just about the coolest thing a
kid could ever have. I used to polish it the
way you'd polish the finest sports car on earth. To me,
that bike was everything I can remember as if it
were yesterday, making sure the gears were oiled and the
brakes worked. Imagine riding down a snowy street on a
three speed Huffy bike in the middle of winter with

(54:53):
one hundred and fourteen newspapers to deliver. The headlamp was
run by a generator that was powered bipedaling, so every
time you stop, the headlamp would go out. I had
a reflector, of course, but it was very difficult to
stop on ice with a Huffy. The bike would start
to slide out from under me and I would have
to try to land on the ground upright as the

(55:14):
bicycle gave way beneath me. That was my largest problem
in trying to get all those newspapers delivered in the
middle of winter. It was an interesting life at bailey
Brook Farm. The way we lived, the things we did,
the things we saw, and the people who came in
and out of our lives were all very interesting and
all very sweet. I don't know how those times could
ever be replicated or reclaimed. Maybe heaven is going back

(55:37):
to the loveliest time you experienced as a child and
reliving it over and over again. It would certainly feel
like heaven to me if someday someone said, that's what
it is, Bill, and we'll see you there.

Speaker 3 (55:56):
Cole Kelly Financial Services eight eight eight eight hundred eight
teen eighty one.

Speaker 4 (56:01):
I'm Kelly Kelly from Kelly Financial. Retirement is a time
to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but is also
a period when financial stability becomes more critical than ever,
so seeking expert financial advice is essential regardless of your age.
Professional guidance insures your assets are allocated wisely, helping your

(56:23):
money last as long as you need it. The advisors
at Kelly Financial will help you take charge of your
financial future and preserve your hard earned wealth to enable
you to focus on the retirement you've dreamed of. We
have a free investor guide called designing your Fiscal House
to Weather the Elements, which highlights the steps needed to

(56:44):
build a balanced portfolio. For the guide and a free
consultation with a Kelly advisor, call eight eight eight eight
hundred eighteen eighty one or email Kelly at Kellyfinancial dot org.
We're Kelly Financial. Come retire with.

Speaker 3 (56:59):
Us, Save money strategies with William Kelly and Kelly Kelly.
Go to Kelly Financial dot org.