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.
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Eric Brotman discusses how profit and purpose can drive your success and repurpose your lifelong career with renowned author Marc Miller. In this episode: Career Pivots and the idea that logical incremental steps can take you anywhere career wise and otherwise. How to combine your purpose and profit to be successful. In today’s world, after education, we continue to work and morph every 10-15 years and our idea of being old changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Eric Brotman discusses how financial planning should differ between men and women and the benefits of a Health Savings Account with NBC’s TODAY Show’s Jean Chatzky. What you will learn on this episode: Financial planning issues that women face more than men. How to use an HSA to save and grow your money. Why financial literacy isn’t taught in schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Eric Brotman discusses different strategies to create a legacy that actually makes a difference in charitable planning, with CEO of Exponent Philanthropy, Henry Berman. “Giving is thoughtful and highly personal…It comes down to your values, what are your passions, what is important to YOU.” EB Everyone has the opportunity to be involved in philanthropy, it’s not just something for the Bill Gates and Warren Buffett’s of the world. All of us have opportunities to give and support people. Giving do...
Eric Brotman discusses understanding the roles of yields and dividends in retirement income planning with best-selling author Marc Litchenfeld. In this episode: The concept of retirement as graduating to the next stage of life “Rich” doesn’t always imply money but being able to live the life you want to live Marc’s 10,11,12 system (also covered in his book) this breaks down dividends, tax concepts, and long term investing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Eric Brotman discusses how financial coaching can help you take control of your personal finances with financial coach Beau Humphreys. In this Episode: Even if you're just getting started or you're struggling with crippling debt, take the first step towards financial independence. Understanding the difference between a personal finance coach and a financial advisor Interview with a personal finance coach with an incredible personal journey to share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...
Eric Brotman discusses how understanding the impact that the 2018 income tax changes has on your wealth is critical to reaching financial independence with attorney and the "funniest tax guy in America," Edward Lyon. In this episode: What experts should you work with to help with your taxes? What tax changes do most people need to be aware of? The tax changes that affect businesses. Planning is even more important now, people don’t get do-overs. SALT provisions from both sides of the political s...
Eric Brotman breaks down the pros and cons of reverse mortgage strategies in reaching and maintaining financial independence, with mortgage specialist Neil Sweren. In this episode: Making sure one of your largest assets isn't "unemployed" when you retire. What is reverse mortgage? What are the restrictions and qualifications? Understanding the pros and cons of reverse mortgage strategies in reaching and maintaining financial independence. A way to finance purchases on new homes, make current sit...
Eric Brotman discusses how to make better money decisions and why it is so important to ignore the financial media's "advice" with radio show host and financial advisor Kate Stalter. In this episode: The financial media is a product they are selling, not a public service. Advice from the media is one-size-fits-all, not personalized to you. Financial education is not taught in schools but is taught by advisors. When is comprehensive planning not for you? It is your job to follow your financial pl...
In this episode, Eric talks with Yanni Neibuhr, a financial advisor for BFG, on how different generations view financial independence and how you should start thinking about retirement in your 20s and 30s. In this episode: ● Retirement is not something that should be started at 60, it should be started as soon as possible ● Millennials have a different mindset of what independence means and they want to be independent as soon as possible -- The side hustle- Finding ways to make money outside of ...
In this episode, Eric discusses how to establish and maintain financial freedom with best-selling personal finance author Damion Lupo. In this episode: How failure helps you succeed Becoming financially free The importance of a financial runway and how to understand yours Financial advisors versus salespeople dichotomy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
In this episode, Eric discusses the Dos and Don’ts of downsizing in retirement with residential real estate agent Tina Beliveau. In this episode: Tips for first-time homebuyers Why you should consult with a real estate agent before taking any next steps The dangers of PMI The differences between buying a first home and selling your home while buying a new one The additional costs of buying and selling a home Considerations when thinking about downsizing Maximizing the sale value of your home Lea...
In this episode, Eric discusses when "doing it yourself" stops making sense and how to choose an advisor with his guest, Lena Nebel. In this episode: Who needs a financial advisor and why Different types/specialties of financial planners How to find a financial planner Questions to ask when interviewing a financial advisor? Does the advisor represent specific companies or products? What gets done in-house as opposed to being outsourced? How often would an advisor meet with you? Who are the typic...
Eric Brotman and his guest, Jill Snyder, discuss the greatest financial gift you can give your children: influence, not affluence. In This Episode: The importance of having an estate plan Why an estate plan is not only for the wealthy When to create an estate plan How to navigate estate planning with marriage, divorce, children and in-laws Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
In this episode, Eric Brotman and his guest, Rich Polt, discuss how important family is and that preserving a legacy isn’t always just about financial estate. In this episode: How will you be remembered? What can you leave to your children, grandchildren, and future generations of your family that are more valuable than money and "stuff?" Interview of a producer of Legacy Videos for families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
In this episode, Eric Brotman and his guest, Kathleen Benjamin, discuss how to prepare for Act 2 career and what to do professionally in retirement. In this episode: You're graduating - what do you want to be when you grow up? Life after "Career 1.0": Consulting? Entrepreneurship? Teaching? Mentoring? Interview of an Act II success story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
In this episode, Eric Brotman Dianne Gilbert discuss finding your calling and a higher purpose as a volunteer in retirement. Using your time, talent, and treasury to make a difference. Interview of a "graduate" who has mastered volunteerism. What is covered: Finding your calling and a higher purpose as a volunteer in retirement. Using your time, talent, and treasury to make a difference. Interview of a "graduate" who has mastered volunteerism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
In this episode, Eric Brotman and his guest, Robyn Costello, discuss how to reframe retirement as a graduation, not a retreat. You'll hear: Why traditional retirement is bad for you and how to change the script. Reframing retirement as a graduation, not a retreat. Interview of a recent "graduate" into retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
