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

How to Balance Saving, Retirement, and Expenses in your Budget

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Matt's question: How do you effectively balance between savings, retirement, and expenses? Of course, this is different for everyone, but listen to Eric explain how to determine a balance that may work for you, and adds a fourth category into the conversation: debt. 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 23, 20217 minSeason 4Ep. 8

Defeating the Villains: How to Save Your Retirement and Financial Plan from Devastation

Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode has been teaching retirees and pre-retirees how to preserve their assets and increase their income for twenty years. Patrick Strubbe is the author of Save Your Retirement from Mass Destruction by the 7 Retirement Villains. He’s here to talk about those villains and how we can stop them from thwarting our retirement plans. In this episode we’ll talk about: The seven villains that put your retirement at risk Longevity and the f...

Dec 16, 202131 minSeason 4Ep. 8

Financial Advisor Red Flags

On today’s episode of Office Hours, Eric answers Nate's question: What would you consider a red flag when talking to a financial advisor? 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 09, 20217 minSeason 4Ep. 7

Finding Alternatives: Using Commercial Real Estate and Private Equity to Reach Your Financial Independence Goals

Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is not a Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter, but he is a highly experienced investor who educates others on passive and alternative investing. Brian Adams is the president of Excelsior Capital and is joining us today to talk about how he’s using commercial real estate and private equity to reach his financial independence goals and how you can, too. In this episode we’ll talk about: Getting asymmetrical returns by taking ...

Dec 02, 202135 minSeason 4Ep. 7

Financial Advice I Wish I'd Never Been Given

On today’s episode of Office Hours, Eric answers Grace's question: What financial advice do you wish you'd never been given? Listen to the episode to hear three pieces of advice he was given or mistakes he has made along the way that haven't been talked about on this show before! 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 24, 20217 minSeason 4Ep. 6

Simple Wealth: How Your Mindset and Core Values Can Grow Your Wealth

Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is a visionary and pioneer in the personal finance industry. Holly Morphew is the CEO of Financial Impact and her journey to financial independence was truly a wild ride, eliminating overwhelming debt, combatting chronic illness, and reaching financial freedom while she was only in her 30s. She joins us today to talk about how she did it and share her tips for recreating some of her success. In this episode we’ll talk about: ...

Nov 18, 202135 minSeason 4Ep. 6

What Would You Do If I Gave You a Million Dollars?

On today’s episode of Office Hours, Eric answers George's question: What would you do if I gave you a million dollars? There are two ways to look at this question. 1. If you were to give the money to invest on your behalf or 2. if you were gifting the million dollars. Either way, you'll find your answer in this episode! 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 11, 20216 minSeason 4Ep. 5

The Joy of Saving: Strategies to Get You Excited About Saving Money

Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is a true celebrity and has made a career out of helping consumers save money. Jeanette Pavini is an Emmy-award winning reporter and author who talks about the money mindset she learned from her Italian American father and how she has used her platform as a reporter to share simple money-saving strategies with viewers for more than 20 years. In this episode we’ll talk about: The importance of mindset in saving money How a sin...

Nov 04, 202135 minSeason 4Ep. 5

Do Free Financial Resources Actually Have Value?

On today’s episode of Office Hours, Eric answers Rachel's question: Do free financial resources actually have value? How can you tell the difference between a quality piece of information and an infomercial? Find out in this Q&A session with your host, Eric Brotman! Find our resources at bfguniversity.com and brotmanmedia.com. 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/ad...

Oct 28, 20216 minSeason 4Ep. 4

It’s Time to Stop Complaining: Surviving and Thriving in a State of Collective Trauma

Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is a behavioral strategist, business coach, author, and host of the Other Side of Potential podcast. Sharon Spano has a Ph.D. in human and organizational systems and is here to talk about the state of collective trauma we’ve been living in throughout the pandemic and why changing the world starts with turning off the news. In this episode we’ll talk about: The various ways business owners pivoted (or didn’t) throughout the pa...

Oct 21, 202135 minSeason 4Ep. 4

Should I Pay Off My Girlfriend's Debt?

On today's episode of Office Hours, Eric answers Efrayim's question: Should I pay off my girlfriend's debt? Does your significant other have significant debt? There's no one asnwser on whether or not to pay it off, but there are some factors to consider. Find out in this Q&A session with your host, Eric Brotman! 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 14, 20216 minSeason 4Ep. 3

Baring it All: Embracing the Intersection of Your Mental Health and Money Journeys

Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is a money coach and mental health blogger who is joining us for a very special episode in honor of World Mental Health Day. Chloe Daniels of Clo Bare Money Coach goes deep into her own struggles with mental health and how it has helped her find her voice and grow her platform at the intersection of money and mental health. In this episode we’ll talk about: • How Chloe’s transparency with her mental health struggles grew into...

Oct 07, 202134 minSeason 4Ep. 3

Investment Strategies that Wealthy People Don't Tell You

On today's episode of Office Hours, Eric answers Lou's question: what are the investment strategies that wealthy people keep to themselves? Are wealthy investors keeping their strategies a secret? Or do others simply not have the knowledge or the access to use them? Find out in this Q&A session with your host, Eric Brotman! 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/adcho...

Sep 30, 20217 minSeason 4Ep. 2

Happiness, Abundance, and Freedom: Changing Your Mindset to Improve Your Life

Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is a podcast host, a health, money mindset, and business coach, and simply a fantastic person. Lisa Holtan works with entrepreneurs, individuals, and couples to create levels of divine abundance. Her money mindset equates your financial health to your physical health to help you set and reach your goals. In this episode we’ll talk about: How our mindset can derail our goals, financially and physically Taking an inventory so y...

Sep 23, 202132 minSeason 4Ep. 2

How Did You Spend The Summer?

In the season 4 Office Hours premiere, Eric asks you a question: How did you spend your summer? If you haven't already, enroll in the Don't Retire... Graduate!: Freshman Year online course, or our free financial literacy course, at bfguniversity.com. Plus, write reviews and share our show with your friends to help spread a legacy of financial literacy. Find the online courses at www.bfguniversity.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Sep 16, 20215 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Starting Early: How to Start Investing in Your Children’s Future

Welcome back to Don’t Retire.. Graduate! We are now in our fourth season of the podcast and could not be more excited for the guests that will be joining us this school year. Our first guest is no exception. Ksenia Yudina is joining us today. She is a prolific entrepreneur, an MBA, a CFA, and a remarkable human who took on the world of venture capital as a woman and developed an investing platform like nothing we’ve ever seen before. In this episode we’ll talk about: How UNest and BFG Financial ...

Sep 09, 202132 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Setting Yourself Up for Financial Success this Summer

In this season's final episode of Office Hours, Eric gives you your last extra credit assignment of the school year: what to do during the summer to set yourself up for financial success. Find the online courses at www.bfguniversity.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 17, 20214 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Being a Money Talker: Talking to Your Kids about Money and Inspiring Entrepreneurship

Eric is joined by Cody Loughlin, host of the Money Talkers podcast, to discuss the importance of talking about money with kids and the ups and downs that come with entrepreneurship. What is covered during the episode: Going from a millionaire to bankrupt overnight and fighting your way back. The value of time and setting goals in building wealth. Talking to your kids about money and teaching them lessons early. The wins and losses experienced as an entrepreneur. Telling your money where to go in...

Jun 10, 202137 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Justifying the Cost of Financial Advice

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Alexis's question: I want a financial advisor, but it's expensive. How do I justify the cost? 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 03, 20216 minSeason 3Ep. 10

The Courage of Confidence: Making Gutsy Decisions to Reach your Goals

Eric is joined by sociologist and money coach Dr. Brenda Uekert to discuss methods to achieve financial freedom that builds the confidence to live a happier life. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode • Discovering the FI/RE movement at any age • Having a Dream Fund, saving until it hurts, and using budgets as savings tools, not spending tools • How online courses, like Dream Big Money Academy and BFG University, can encourage financial literacy education • Why women are discourage...

May 27, 202133 minSeason 3Ep. 10

What You Probably Don't Understand About Financial Planning

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Justin's question: What are the biggest misconceptions around financial planning? For more, visit www.financialplanningforall.com . 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 20, 20217 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Broadening Your Horizons: Moving Abroad For an Affordable Lifestyle

Eric is joined by author Tim Leffel to discuss his journey of moving abroad and how he helps others do the same. What is covered during the episode: Figuring out if the ex-pat life is right for you. How to live abroad with young children. Navigating real estate and finance in different countries. Trying out locations and where you can live on tourist visas. Tim’s Book: https://www.cheaplivingabroad.com/ Tim’s Blog: https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

May 13, 202127 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Breaking Up With Your Advisor

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Carl's question: How do I know if and when it's time to break up with my financial advisor? Get the interview questions in Eric's book: https://amzn.to/2O4uNPe 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 06, 20217 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Winning the Day: Regaining Control of Your Time and Your Life

Eric is joined by Kris Ward to discuss how you can win the day by rethinking how you spend your time—both in business and life. What is covered during the episode: The W.I.N. Method. Why your business should support your life, not consume it. Limiting the time you spend working while increasing your productivity. The 3 Ds of running a business. www.winthehourwintheday.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Apr 29, 202134 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Teaching Your Kids About Personal Finance

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Steffany's question: How do I teach my kids about personal finance? Find the Introduction to Personal Finance online course at www.bfguniversity.com . 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 22, 20217 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Shock Your Potential: Unlocking Your Capabilities in Life and Business

Eric is joined by Michael Sherlock to discuss the methods behind a growing business and how to manifest an audience to compliment your ideal business growth. What is covered during the episode: How the S.H.O.C.K. method can help you reach the next level in your life, career, and retirement. Imposter syndrome: getting past the feeling of self-doubt and accepting your worth. Accountability partners and how to talk about your successes and mistakes. https://shockyourpotential.com/ Learn more about ...

Apr 15, 202132 minSeason 3Ep. 7

The Retirement Readiness Checklist

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jeff's question: What are the things we need to do when we're contemplating retirement that may be time-sensitive or urgent? Is there a checklist? 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 08, 20218 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Marrying Your Finances: What to do Before You Walk Down the Aisle

Eric is joined by his business partner, Lena Nebel, for a deep dive into the financial aspects of a marriage—from engagement rings to sharing finances and joint accounts. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode Talking about finances with your partner Best practices for purchasing an engagement ring Prenuptial/Postnuptial agreements Financial roles in a marriage Link to the webinar mentioned in the episode: https://brotmanmedia.com/then-comes-marriage-how-to-merge-your-financial-live...

Apr 01, 202135 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Electing Social Security Benefits Strategically

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Anne Marie's question: How do I know when my husband and I should elect to start our social security benefits? 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 25, 20217 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding and Battling Diversity Issues in Finance

Eric is joined by William Hutson and Ekenna Anya-Gafu to discuss the issues around diversity in the financial services industry, financial literacy among minorities and children, and how these issues can be tackled. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode: Resiliency and grit for success in the business Diversity within the financial industry Finding passion in financial literacy Discussing finance at an impressionable age Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...

Mar 18, 202136 minSeason 3Ep. 5
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android