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

Office Hours: What Are Fee-Only and Fee-Based Financial Advisors?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Morgan's question: “What's the difference between a fee-only and a fee-based financial advisor?” This is a great question and understanding the different fee structures for financial advice and when they are appropriate can help you choose your advisor. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]https://youtu.be/XY4tglXslsQ?si=_2mi6gIHLH8C3wOj[/embed]

Feb 16, 20237 minSeason 5Ep. 12

Married to Military: The Financial Challenges Unique to Military Spouses and Families with Lacey Langford

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is a military veteran, military spouse, and financial coach who works to help the military community gain control and confidence around their money. Lacey Langford, AFC® shares her story of military service, the challenges she has seen and helped military couples overcome throughout her career, and the conference she launched to combat some of those challenges. In this episode we’ll talk about: • Lacey’s experience in the military • The diffe...

Feb 09, 202332 minSeason 5Ep. 12

Office Hours: Shoud I Invest in Stocks or Real Estate?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Juan's question: “Is it better to skip investing in the stock market and buy real estate instead?” It's not necessarily wise to go all in for either option, and Eric explains the pros and cons of each. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]https://youtu.be/zHaMgTe8CYA?si=04NyizOq7LHMrIMI[/embed]

Feb 02, 20239 minSeason 5Ep. 10

Coming Out Of Hiding: A Story Of Recovery And Resilience With Laura Cathcart Robbins

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is the inspirational Laura Cathcart Robbins, host of The Only One in the Room podcast and author of the upcoming memoir Stash: My Life in Hiding. Laura opens up about her struggle with addiction—a story she’ll share in depth in her book—and her journey out of hiding and into a career as a podcast host and writer. She is truly a remarkable person with a great message of recovery, resilience, and grace that we all could benefit from. In this ep...

Jan 26, 202337 minSeason 5Ep. 11

Office Hours: Will the Stock Market Recover in 2023?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Logan's question: “will the stock market recover in 2023?” There's no way to know this for sure, but Eric shares his take on how this time is different, how the stock market may behave in the coming year based on history, and what you may want to start doing now. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this epis...

Jan 19, 20238 minSeason 5Ep. 10

The Most Hated F Word: Integrating Finance and Happiness with Shaun Maslyk

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! and our first episode of 2023. Today’s guest is going to lead you through an interesting exercise to get you thinking about your personal money story. Shaun Maslyk, the host of the Most Hated F Word podcast, helps people identify their money stories and use them to improve their own financial behaviors. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and join us in this powerful journey of self-discovery. In this episode we’ll talk about: • Identifying our money stories a...

Jan 12, 202335 minSeason 5Ep. 10

Office Hours: Financial New Years Resolutions for 2023

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Collin's question: "what is a good financial New Year's resolution?" Setting New Year's resolutions isn't always successful, but there are some easy actions you can take to improve your finances this year. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]https://youtu.be/2aF70ZLmlKI?si=w_jwvHBQzdRe54Ky[/embed]

Jan 05, 20237 minSeason 5Ep. 9

Your Kids, Their Money: Sparking Financial Conversations and Teaching Finance with Clifton Corbin

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is a stay-at-home dad and author of the book Your Kids, Their Money, Clifton Corbin. Clifton met our team at FinCon22 and was instantly a kindred spirit, so he’s here to talk about ways to teach your kids about money, how we can change the mindset around financial independence, and finding financial resources that resonate with you. Listen to his conversation with Eric and start having money conversations in your own home. In this episode we’...

Dec 29, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 9

Office Hours: How Financial Planning Differs for Women

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Janet's question: “Is there anything different that women should be doing differently than men when it comes to financial planning?" With women living longer and often outliving a spouse, there can be a few aspects of a plan that affect women greater than men. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]https://youtu.be/69Fezipzxek?si=4WpVw-6B7gLM4sna[/embed]...

Dec 22, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 8

Find Your Voice: Getting Over the Anxiety of Public Speaking and Facing Fears with Dr. Doreen Downing

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode is free therapy as we’re joined by Dr. Doreen Downing, an expert on public speaking anxiety and finding your voice. Dr. Downing is a psychologist and confidence coach who specializes in the treatment of public speaking anxiety. She is the host of the Find Your Voice, Change Your Life podcast and teaches her 7-step process for transforming anxiety through presence and connection. Listen to her conversation with Eric and follow her steps to f...

Dec 15, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 8

Office Hours: Will Social Security Survive for Gen X, Gen Z, and Millennials?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Amanda's question: “How might Social Security change in the future if there is a large cost-of-living adjustment in 2023?” Between the high number of boomers retiring and the low number of people joining the workforce, it's only natural that Social Security will look a lot different for Gen Z, Millenials, and even Gen X. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Lear...

Dec 08, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 7

A Wealth of Joy: Redefining Success and Riches with Tamra Andress

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! With the holidays right around the corner, it’s a perfect time to spread a little joy and who better to help us do that than the human sparkler herself: Tamra Andress. She is a thought leader in spiritual entrepreneurship who is helping business owners break out of their comfort zones, let others take the wheel, and build a brand with authenticity. Listen to her story and how she made the choice to redefine her success. In this episode we’ll talk about: •W...

Dec 01, 202237 minSeason 5Ep. 7

Office Hours: Using Allowance to Teach Positive Lessons to Your Kids

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Kyle's question: “Does giving my child an allowance teach them positive or negative lessons about money?” The short answer is it can do both, but there are ways to offer an allowance that can teach your child about saving, philanthropy, and other important life lessons. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

Nov 23, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 6

What the Fintech? How Technology is Opening the Financial Industry to More Diverse Voices with Nicole Casperson

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! We’re holding the industry accountable today with the help of WTFintech creator and People of Finance podcast host, Nicole Casperson. Her passions for journalism and financial technology are helping underrepresented communities access financial services and she is a thought leader on how to improve the technology to better serve those communities. Listen to her story, eat some vegetables, and start improving your own financial behaviors. In this episode we...

Nov 17, 202233 minSeason 5Ep. 6

Office Hours: Should I Be Using Cash or Credit?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Ben's question: "Is it better to pay in cash for daily purchases or use a credit card?” This answer can vary based on your spending habits, so Eric is here to outline who may benefit from each option. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Nov 10, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 5

Find Your Battle Buddy: Helping Veterans Reach Financial Freedom with Dr. Ann James

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! With Veterans Day coming up, we have a very special guest to talk about how she uses her own experience with finance and military service to serve the Veteran community. Dr. Ann James is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a Certified Financial Coach, and the CEO of Financial Freedom Battle Buddies, and is on a mission to help fellow veterans transform their financial well-being. We thank Dr. James and all her fellow veterans for their service and are proud t...

Nov 03, 202237 minSeason 5Ep. 5

Office Hours: Regretting a Big Purchase

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Michelle's question: “what's one big purchase you've made and regretted later?" Everyone experiences buyer's remorse at some point in their life, and Eric is no different. Hear what he has regretted purchasing in his life, and send us a message about your biggest spending regrets. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...

Oct 27, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 4

Money Talk with Tiff and Eric: How Money Nerds Are Making Finance Less Boring

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is Tiffany Grant, a financial counselor and the host of the Money Talk with Tiff podcast. Tiffany is a fantastic content creator within the personal finance space—except for her online quiz that must be broken if Eric did not get a perfect score—and is one of the many money nerds making financial literacy accessible to the public. Listen to her story and take her online quiz (after you listen to Eric giving out the answers, of course) to see ...

Oct 20, 202235 minSeason 5Ep. 4

Office Hours: Understanding the 2022 Market Correction

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Emily's question: “how does the 2022 market correction compare to prior market corrections and what should investors do?" The factors causing the current market conditions are unique, but there is a common factor that exists between all the corrections we've seen in the past: fear. This episode will explain what is happening in the markets right now and what investors should be doing. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Face...

Oct 13, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 3

The Foreign Language of Finance: Overcoming Cultural, Racial, and Gender Biases to Find Financial Success with the Financially Savvy Latina

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is Natalie Torres-Haddad MPA, AWA, a two-time TEDx speaker, award-winning author, and the host of Financially Savvy in 20 Minutes. Natalie’s story of being raised by immigrants during the LA Riots, experiencing the cultural differences between the rich and poor, and learning about money the same way she learned a second language should serve as inspiration for anyone struggling to reach financial independence. We are so glad to have her here ...

Oct 06, 202241 minSeason 5Ep. 3

Office Hours: Getting Started as a Beginner Investor

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Tony's question: “What's the easiest way for a beginner investor to get started?” The first step of any journey can be difficult, but in this case we think education is a great place to start. After that, it can depend on your goals and will take practice. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning, or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode. L...

Sep 29, 20227 minSeason 5Ep. 2

How to Not Lose Money in the Stock Market: Understanding Mainstream Investing with Joseph Hogue

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is Joseph Hogue, CFA®, the host of Let’s Talk Money! With Joseph Hogue, joining us to break down the art and science of investing and share his rules for making money in the stock market. Investing has become entertainment media and everyone wants to be slinging stocks, but Joseph shares his ideas about why very few people should really own individual stocks and why funds are better for the vast majority. Plus, hear his three rules to follow ...

Sep 22, 202236 minSeason 5Ep. 2

Office Hours: Equitable Divorce Agreements

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Julia's question: “I'm getting divorced. How do I know if I'm getting a fair split of marital assets?” This can be a hard situation to navigate, but bringing in a financial professional is a great way to start. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Sep 15, 20226 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Good, Bad, and Dangerous: The Best and Worst of Financial Advice and Advisors with Joe Saul-Sehy

Season 5 is here and Don’t Retire… Graduate! is back to share more actionable strategies for reaching financial independence and talk to more money nerds about what they want to be when they grow up. And your eyes are not deceiving you—this season we’re recording in VIDEO! If you’re on an audio-only player, thank you so much for listening. If you’re watching our first time doing this on camera, thank you and welcome! Starting a new season is exciting enough, but we wanted to really kick it off, ...

Sep 08, 202244 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Advice for Future Financial Advisors

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jesse's question: "What advice do you have for someone interested in a career in finance or as an advisor?” The career path for a financial advisor is not well-defined, but there are several ways to get into the industry for a successful career. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode. Learn more ab...

Sep 01, 20227 minSeason 4Ep. 26

A Life Well Lived: Embracing Life by Doing Things You’ve Never Tried Before (Rerelease)

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! As part of our summer throwback series, we’re bringing back some of our favorite episodes from seasons passed. This episode, originally released in season 3, features Heidi Herman, author of On with the Butter: Spread More Living onto Everyday Life. At 93 years old, Heidi’s mother made a list of 93 new experiences she wanted to try before she turned 94—from paragliding in Iceland to visiting the Great Barrier Reef to ziplining through the Mall of America. ...

Aug 25, 202231 minSeason 4Ep. 26

How Much Do You Need to Save for Retirement?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Ryan's question: “When and how do you come with a hard figure goal for your retirement savings?” Setting a savings goal for retirement is trying to hit a moving target, so you should be revisiting this question regularly. But if you're trying to do the math, this episode can help. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...

Aug 18, 20227 minSeason 4Ep. 25

Why Are You Happy?: Finding Joy and Strength in the Wake of Tragedy (Rerelease)

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! As part of our summer throwback series, we’re bringing back some of our favorite episodes from seasons passed. Today, we’re welcoming back Kristy Schiano, Yogi and owner of the Mindful Movement Center, to tell her story of tragedy, loss, strength, and resilience. While training for a triathlon, Kristy was hit by a truck and suffered severe physical and mental injuries, causing her to lose nearly everything—including the ability to walk and talk—but she hel...

Aug 11, 202230 minSeason 4Ep. 25

Why Do Financial Advisors Have Asset Minimums?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Brianna's question: “What is the real reason that financial advisors have asset minimums?” Take a look under the hood to understand how financial advisors generate revenue, what asset minimums are for, and how BFG is doing things differently with Financial Planning for All. Have a question? Post it in the comments, tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning, or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad c...

Aug 04, 20228 minSeason 4Ep. 25

Generation Wars: How Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers are Planning for Financial Independence Differently (Rerelease)

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! As part of our summer throwback series, we’re bringing back some of our favorite episodes from seasons passed. Today, we’re welcoming back our very own Yanni Niebuhr, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer here at BFG Financial Advisors. Originally released way back in our first season, this episode is still as relevant as ever and covers the financial planning from the perspectives of the Millennial and Gen X generations, and how people are planning differently a...

Jul 28, 202229 minSeason 4Ep. 24
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