Don't Retire...Graduate! - podcast cover

Don't Retire...Graduate!

Eric Brotmanbrotmanmedia.com
Don’t Retire… Graduate! is the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner Practitioner Eric Brotman, we’re here to guide you in transforming the traditional concept of retirement into an exciting and enriching graduation—a time to embark on new adventures, embrace lifelong passions, and define what success and happiness look like in this new chapter of life. Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from a career; it’s about stepping into a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Whether you're on the brink of retirement or just starting to think about it, this podcast will help you discover what it takes to not just survive, but thrive in your post-career years. We’ll explore how to live a fun, productive, and meaningful life by setting new goals, pursuing passions that light you up, and building a legacy that truly reflects who you are. Each episode features in-depth conversations with a diverse range of guests—from award-winning authors and financial experts to influencers and everyday people with remarkable money stories. Together, we’ll uncover strategies for reaching financial independence, managing your wealth, and making informed decisions that support your dreams. You’ll learn practical tips on everything from saving money and paying down debt to raising financially literate children and growing your wealth at any age. From personal finance and investing to retirement readiness, taxes, and more, we’re here to provide the knowledge and tools you need to confidently step into this exciting new phase of life. Topics include everything from budgeting, credit, and debt to health savings accounts, insurance, social security, the FIRE movement, and the latest in fintech and finance apps. But we don’t stop at finances. Don’t Retire… Graduate! also dives deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement. We’ll discuss how to maintain your mental and physical health, nurture relationships, and stay connected to your community. You’ll gain insights on how to design a lifestyle that keeps you engaged, curious, and excited about the future. Our mission is to help you figure out what you want to be when you grow up—even if you’re already grown. We believe that work should become optional, not just because you've reached a certain age, but because you’ve achieved the freedom to choose how you spend your time and energy. Whether it’s volunteering, starting a new hobby, traveling the world, or launching a second career, this podcast is your guide to creating a retirement that’s anything but retiring. In addition to full episodes, we offer bonus content every other week where you get to meet the team of financial advisors at BFG Financial Advisors and hear their real stories from the frontlines of financial planning.  Retirement is not the absence of work, but the absence of needing to work. So why not graduate into a life of purpose, passion, and financial freedom? Tune in to Don’t Retire… Graduate! and let’s make your retirement the best years of your life.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

TurboTax or a CPA: Which is Better for Me?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Harvey's question: Who needs a CPA vs. just using TurboTax for filing your taxes? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 11, 20216 minSeason 3Ep. 4

What Comes Next: Understanding the Legal Process After a Loved One Dies

Eric is joined by Tara Faquir and Leah Del Percio to talk about the legal and administrative processes that people go through after a loved one dies, and the ways they can save money during these processes. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode: The stresses of estate administration while grieving a loss, and the ways you can ease the burden Necessity of human factor throughout the estate process The importance of having someone specialized in estate planning rather than a regular ...

Mar 04, 202131 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Transitioning into a Post-Career Lifestyle

In today’s Office Hours, Eric is joined by Susan Latremoille to answer Steve's question: When I'm transitioning from my career and trying to figure out what's next, how do I determine what a post-career lifestyle should be and how do I make that happen? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 25, 20219 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Just Say Yes: Getting Out of a Routine and Embracing New Experiences

Eric is joined by Heidi Herman to talk about how removing the pressure of work and routine can help you spread more living onto your everyday life. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode A 94-year-old woman's journey through a life of adventures. Just say yes: getting out of the rut of your own routine in order to have new experiences. The power of spontaneity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 18, 202131 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Opening Roth IRAs for Minors

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers David's question: Can you open Roth IRAs for minors? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 11, 20217 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Budgets Made Easy: Setting Smart Goals and Getting Yourself Out of Debt

Eric is joined by Ashley Patrick to talk about the coaching elements of finance and managing your debt. What is covered during the episode: The student loan crisis, alternative opportunities, and the future of virtual education Behavioral modifications you can make to help manage your money Reducing debt by establishing financial goals and building a course of action Setting specific goals with deadlines in order to reach them Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 04, 202131 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Risk Tolerance When Approaching Retirement

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Chris's question: If one intends to retire at age 65 and they're currently 52, should they leave their 401(k) in high risk? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 28, 20216 min

Budgeting Debunked: No-Stress Budgeting for Young Adults

Eric is joined by Jim Miller to discuss the importance of financial education and non-restrictive methods of saving money so that budgeting doesn’t have to suck. What is covered during the episode: Budgeting in a non-restrictive way. Paying yourself first: Save, Invest, Spend Useful software for tracking your spending Using credit cards as a tool Merging finances and having open conversations in relationships www.iamjimmiller.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jan 21, 202132 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Finding a Financial Advisor in Your 20s

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Usman's question: How do I find a financial advisor for advice in my 20s? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 14, 20217 minSeason 2Ep. 26

Financial Planning for All: Financial Tools and Resources You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Use

Eric is joined by his partner and Director of Financial Planning at BFG, Yanni Niebuhr, to discuss Financial Planning For All, BFG’s new program offering free to low-cost resources and affordable financial planning designed for all ages and life stages. What is covered during the episode: Financial planning is not just for the rich and is not taught in school. New programs about to launch for high school kids, millennials, and all generations. Tools you can use to achieve financial stability. Le...

Jan 07, 202128 minSeason 2Ep. 26

Home Equity Loans for College Tuition

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Keegan's question: Is it a good idea to borrow against the equity in my house to finance college for my kids? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 30, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 25

Retire Before Mom and Dad: Making Smart Decisions Early to Reach Financial Freedom

Eric is joined by Rob Berger, host of the Financial Freedom Show, to discuss how young adults can start making decisions early to reach financial freedom, and the struggles many people face when transitioning into financial independence. What is covered during the episode: The power of compounding and how it can help you reach financial freedom The psychology of transitioning from living off your income to living off your portfolio How we segregate our assets in retirement so we don’t outlive ou...

Dec 23, 202033 minSeason 2Ep. 25

Investment Strategies for Roth vs. Traditional IRAs

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jay’s question: Should there be any difference in strategy for investing in a Roth IRA versus a pre-tax IRA? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 17, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 24

Your Travel Bucket List: Planning Ahead for a Lifetime of Travel

Eric is joined by travel advisor Estee Gubbay to talk about building a bucket list that not only satisfies your wanderlust but creates the memories and experiences that mean the most to you. What is covered during the episode: Building your travel bucket list—using your passions and goals to map out your life of travel Balancing fulfilling your travel goals and fulfilling your financial goals How a travel portfolio can turn your dreams into plans Planning for multigenerational celebration travel...

Dec 10, 202035 minSeason 2Ep. 24

Saving Too Much for Retirement

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jason's question: If a person has a retirement account with seven figures in it, could they be saving too much for retirement? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 03, 20207 minSeason 2Ep. 23

What is Single-Premium Life Insurance?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Amy's question: What is the best way to figure out if a single-premium life insurance policy is a good idea? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 19, 20208 minSeason 2Ep. 22

Becoming You: How to Stop Existing and Start Living

Eric is joined by Mesha Mebane, founder of Infrared Vision, to discuss resiliency, faith, tragedy, and digging yourself out of debt to stop simply existing and start living. What is covered during the episode: Evaluating yourself personally and professionally—defining your identity outside of your job. Turning a vision into a redefinition of your life. Navigating life and change after devastating loss. Reorganizing your life through debt and unemployment. How Infrared Vision addresses the needs ...

Nov 12, 202035 minSeason 2Ep. 22

How to Build Your Wealth

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Steven's question: What are the steps to wealth-building and how do I get started and determine what's best for me? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 05, 20208 minSeason 2Ep. 21

Combating Dementia: The Financial and Emotional Effects of Alzheimer’s

Eric is joined by Ellen Torres of the Alzheimer’s Association to talk about the emotional and financial toll diseases like Alzheimer’s take on families and the resources available to support them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 29, 202033 minSeason 2Ep. 21

Understanding Your Employee Benefits

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Susan's question: My daughter is starting her first job in a few weeks. Where can she get help with her benefit decisions? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 22, 20207 minSeason 2Ep. 20

Making Money Mainstream: How Financial Therapy Can Take the Taboo Out of Finance

Stress and money go hand in hand, so the development of financial therapy is a welcome addition to the financial playing field. Eric is joined by Derek Hagen to discuss what financial therapy is and how we can make talking about money less taboo. What is financial therapy? How money scripts and financial flashpoints shape our behavior How to make talking about money less taboo Opening lines of communication within a family Moneyhealthsolutions.com/graduate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Oct 15, 202037 minSeason 2Ep. 20

How You Can Use a Reverse Mortgage

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Amy's question: Can you use the proceeds from a reverse mortgage for anything you want or need? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 08, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 19

Health is Wealth: The Importance of Financial Fitness When Building a Business

Eric is joined by Tracey Bissett, host of the Young Money podcast, to talk about financial fitness and the mistakes that entrepreneurs should avoid when starting their business. What is covered during the episode: Financial fitness vs. financial literacy The importance of a business plan Pivoting business plans during a pandemic Understanding the value of your time The Money Meeting Agenda available at cashcoach.biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Oct 01, 202032 minSeason 2Ep. 19

Dave Ramsey's Debt-Reduction Strategy

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Carl's question: Why does Dave Ramsey suggest paying off a low-interest mortgage instead of investing more than his 15% rule? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 18

Resiliency in the Wake of COVID-19: How HSAs and Automated Savings Can Keep Your Retirement on Track

Eric is joined by Jean Chatzky of NBC’s TODAY show to discuss their predictions for what the financial recovery post-COVID-19 will look like, plus everything you need to know about the upcoming HSA Day. Covered during the episode: COVID-19 financial “K” shaped recovery, Automatic contributions to retirement, Why HSAs are one of the most valuable retirement vehicles and COVID-19 financial impact to women vs men. For show notes and more: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/ Learn more about your ad ...

Sep 17, 202034 minSeason 2Ep. 18

The Financial Planning Process

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Malia's question: How many steps are there in the financial planning process? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 10, 20208 minSeason 2Ep. 17

What Do You Want to Do Next?: Continuing Your Career Past Retirement Age

Eric is joined by Jeff Tidwell and Carole McManus, co-authors of the book “Next for Me” to discuss—and abolish—the stigma that follows older individuals as they look for work. The lesson: you don’t have to grow up just because you get older. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode Continuing to work past the traditional retirement age Age discrimination and the difficulties older people face when looking for work Careers are constantly evolving and don’t necessarily need to end Conqu...

Sep 03, 202034 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Moving to Avoid State Taxes

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Kristina’s question: Should I consider changing my state of personal residence for tax purposes? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 27, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Your Happiness Portfolio: Finding Balance in Your Retirement

Eric is joined by retirement and relationship expert Marianne Oehser to explore an aspect of retirement planning that’s non-financial: planning for happiness. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode How retirement can adversely affect a marriage The importance of communication What the happiest retirees have in common Finding happiness in retirement https://brotmanmedia.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Aug 20, 202030 minSeason 2Ep. 16
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android