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.
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Episodes

Finding Financial Resources Online

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Mark’s question: Where would you go online for good financial advice? 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 13, 20207 minSeason 2Ep. 15

We Could Be Doing This Instead: Living a Life That Ignites You

Eric is joined by the inspirational Jill-of-all-Trades Katie Marks to talk about what we could be doing instead—letting go of the negativity, building a career of side hustles, and figuring out exactly who we want to be when we grow up. Highlights: The power of networking in building a portfolio of opportunities Knowing not only what you want to be when you grow up, but who you want to be Using side hustles to create multiple streams of income, give you the power to negotiate, and keep you in th...

Aug 06, 202033 minSeason 2Ep. 15

Responsible Financial Decisions for Seniors in Retirement

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Richard’s question: What is the responsible financial approach for a senior to live? How do you balance your own bucket list and protecting the financial futures of your kids and grandkids? 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

Jul 30, 20205 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Military Money: How Military Families Can Become Financially Savvy

Eric is joined by retired Navy veteran Doug Nordman to discuss how military families can take advantage of the financial resources provided for them and how you can raise a money-savvy family. Show notes & more: https://brotmanmedia.com/ season-2-episode-14-military-money-how-military-families-can-become-financially-savvy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jul 23, 202031 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Talking to Your Parents About Money

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Richard's question: How do you engage your parents in a conversation about their financial future? 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

Jul 16, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 13

Rocking Your Retirement: Creating a Retirement That Isn’t All About Money

Eric is joined by soon-to-be-retired financial advisor Kathe Kline to discuss rocking your retirement by focusing not only on the financial aspect of retirement, but the social, family, entertainment, and spiritual aspects, among others. Show notes & more: https://brotmanmedia.com/season-2-episode…-your-retirement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jul 09, 202031 minSeason 2Ep. 13

Future Changes to Real Estate Investing

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Steven's question: In the wake of COVID-19, how do you anticipate lending to change for real estate investors? 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

Jul 02, 20207 minSeason 2Ep. 12

Females and Finance: Being an Ally for Women in a Male-Dominated Field

Eric is joined by Sheryl Brown, an international speaker on social and digital marketing strategies for financial services, to discuss females working in a male-dominated field and the importance of diversity. For show notes and more: https://brotmanmedia.com/season-2-episode-12/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 25, 202032 minSeason 2Ep. 12

The Psychology of Finance

Eric is joined by two fellow BFG financial advisors, Lena Nebel and Zack Scott, to discuss a major trend they’ve seen throughout their careers: people tend to do exactly the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode How fear and greed affect investors’ decision making Why people make the worst decisions at the worst time How biases like loss aversion and anchoring can control our decisions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...

Jun 11, 202030 minSeason 2Ep. 11

The Future of Higher Education in the Wake of COVID-19

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jill's question: In the wake of COVID-19, what is the future of higher education and how will that affect families' retirement plans? 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

Jun 04, 20208 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Making it Work: Discovering New Opportunities to Build a Business at Any Age

In this episode, Eric is joined by Caitlin Pyle, founder of Work-At-Home School and Proofread Anywhere, to discuss how you can start your own business right from home, regardless of age. What is covered during the episode: The steps to starting a freelance business. How fixed incomes can be unfixed. Affiliate marketing and how it can make you money. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

May 28, 202033 minSeason 2Ep. 10

The Danger of Panic-Selling Investments

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Sara's question: What does panic-selling really do to your long-term savings and ability to retire? 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

May 21, 20207 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Tax Engineering: Finding Ways to Defer Capital Gains Tax to Save Money

In this episode, Eric is joined by Brett Swarts, founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, to discuss strategies for deferring capital gains taxes when passing assets between generations. What is covered during the episode How debt is worsening during the coronavirus outbreak. Getting out of debt and staying tax deferred. How coronavirus will change the landscape of corporate real estate. How deferred sales trusts help high net worth individuals create and preserve more wealth. Guest Bio Brett Swa...

May 14, 202035 minSeason 2Ep. 9

The Financial Pros and Cons of Returning to Work

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Madelyn's question: I'm thinking of returning to work, but I'm worried my husband and I will jump into the next tax bracket. What does this mean for us? 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

May 07, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Retirement in the Wake of COVID-19: Finding Opportunities in the Changing Global Landscape

In this episode, Eric is joined by fellow BFG advisor and registered millennial Zack Scott to discuss the changes we’re seeing now and what others we should expect in the wake of the coronavirus. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode Financial opportunities for millennials while stock values are low and retirement is decades away. Avenues for tax-free wealth growth. The psychology of long-term investing. The shift to teleworking and remote employment. Show Notes Learn more about yo...

Apr 30, 202031 minSeason 2Ep. 8

So What's the Good News?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers the question that everyone has been thinking: So what's the good news? 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

Apr 23, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Building Your Bridge to Retirement: Figuring Out Where You Want to Go and How to Get There

In this episode, Eric talks to Dana Hagstrom about how she and her husband help their students build their bridge to retirement—from figuring out what they want to do when they grow up to making a plan to do it. What is covered during the episode: Determining your retirement goals and setting the path to reach them. Monetizing what you’re good at in retirement. Asking yourself what you want to be when you grow up. You know what you’re retiring from, but you need to figure out what you’re retirin...

Apr 16, 202030 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Unemployment Due to COVID-19

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jennifer's question: I was laid off. Will I still be able to retire? 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

Apr 10, 20207 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Finding Your Why: The Financial Resources that Fit Your Lifestyle

In this special, two-guest episode, Eric talks to Brent Weiss and Holly Grosvenor about the different levels of financial advising available to clients and which one is right for which person. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode: Financial coaching versus financial advising What are the levels of financial assistance available and which is right for each type of client Understanding what you’re trying to achieve financially and why Show Notes Here Learn more about your ad choices...

Apr 02, 202029 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Roth Contributions When in a High Tax Bracket

In today's Office Hours, Eric answers Timothy's question: Should I contribute to a Roth IRA if I'm in my mid-thirties and in a high tax bracket? 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 26, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Aging in Place: Senior Services That Can Help Your Aging Parents Stay in Their Homes

Have an aging parent that needs additional care? Eric Brotman discusses Carenextion and other services available to seniors and their caregivers with Deb Taylor, CEO of Senior Community Services. During the episode: The financial and emotional importance of aging in place and staying in your own home. How Carenextion.org can reduce stress for caregivers. The types of services that Senior Community Services offers. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Mar 19, 202029 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Retirement Income Calculator

In today's Office Hours, Eric answers Tina's question: how much money should I have in retirement savings now in order to have enough income later? 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 12, 20206 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Understanding Medicare Before it’s Too Late with Danielle Roberts

Eric Brotman discusses the seldom understood details of Medicare and how/why you should start incorporating medical costs into your retirement planning with Danielle Roberts, founding partner of BoomerBenefits. During the episode: Understanding what Medicare is and how to navigate it. Medicare is not free and should be part of your retirement planning. How to prepare for your medical costs in retirement. The differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Looking towards the future of Medicare and So...

Mar 05, 202033 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Student Loans vs. Retirement Planning

In the first ever episode of Office Hours, Eric answers a listener's question about whether you should be prioritizing paying back student loans or saving for retirement. Have a question you want answered? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or connect with us on Facebook . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 27, 20205 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Managing Longevity Risk: How to Not Outlive Your Retirement Income with Dr. Wade Pfau.

Eric Brotman discusses ways to preserve your assets in retirement and which strategies you can use to create retirement income with Professor of Retirement Income, Wade Pfau, Ph.D. What is covered during the episode: Strategies for using and preserving retirement income. How reverse mortgages can be tools for retirement income. With pensions becoming more and more rare, different tools are needed to ensure financial independence in retirement. How annuities, Social Security, life insurance, and ...

Feb 20, 202034 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Finding Your Purpose in Retirement

Eric Brotman discusses ways to find purpose in your life, both before and during retirement, with the manager editor of the Money and Work & Purpose channels on NextAvenue.com, Richard Eisenberg. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode Relying on our careers to form our identities can cause identity crises during retirement. Boomers are redefining retirement in the way that millennials are redefining work. Financial literacy is lacking among all generations, but a solution is not...

Feb 06, 202029 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Financial Literacy Education with Certified Job and Career Development Coach Jayme Hayes

Eric Brotman discusses financial literacy education and how it impacts financial independence and retirement readiness with certified Job and Career Development Coach Jayme Hayes. In this episode: In a lot of cases, young adults and children are uneducated when it comes to financial literacy. It’s important to implement this education both at home and in classrooms. The cost of a college education and the big picture of the costs and alternative opportunities. Start saving now! Don’t just think ...

Jan 23, 202031 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others to Thrive with Yogi Business Professional Kristy Schiano

Eric Brotman discusses Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others to Thrive with yogi business professional Kristy Schiano. In this episode: Moving your life through phases and coping with each phase. Mental, physical, emotional, spiritual healing through yoga therapy and integrating all forms of wellness including financial. Impact of gratitude and focusing on the present moments. Strategies for coping in a professional setting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Dec 19, 201930 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Finding Happiness and Success in Retirement with retirement consultant Art Koff

Eric Brotman discusses finding happiness, success, and new careers in retirement with retirement consultant Art Koff. During the episode: Staying busy by doing things that make you happy in retirement. Finding unique ways to turn hobbies into careers. We are going to live longer than we ever expected and life will be more expensive than most have planned for are of great current interest. The cost of healthcare after retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Dec 05, 201931 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Grooming your Children for the Family Business

Eric Brotman discusses retirement for one generation of a family business and transferring business responsibilities with family business expert Henry Hutcheson. In this episode: ● Retirement for one generation of a family business often hinges on the successful transfer of the business responsibility to the next generation - but this transition is tricky at best. ● What are the best practices from family businesses that survive the transfer? How to combine your purpose and profit to be successf...

Nov 21, 201931 minSeason 1Ep. 18
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