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

From Immigrant Roots to Investment Committee Chair: Diary of a Financial Advisor

Welcome back to another episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" I'm your host, Eric Brotman. Our podcast aims to guide you to a fulfilling and passionate retirement by asking you the important question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" In our "Diary of a Financial Advisor" segment, we interview financial advisors about their unique journeys and their dedication to helping others succeed financially. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce Claudia Glover, a chair of our investment committee and...

Jan 16, 202510 minSeason 6Ep. 2

Smart Financial Moves for 2025: Tax Policies, Investing, and Retirement with Joe Saul-Sehy

Welcome to the premiere of the sixth season of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" I'm your host, Eric Brotman, and I'm thrilled to be back after a year-long hiatus. Our mission remains the same: to provide you with the insights and tools you need to achieve financial independence and live the life you’ve always dreamed of. Today, our guest is a DRG regular, the incomparable Joe Saul-Sehy. Joe is an esteemed financial expert and the creator and co-host of the "Stacking Benjamins" podcast network. Joe is...

Jan 09, 202539 minSeason 6Ep. 1

Don't Retire... Graduate! Trailer

Welcome to Don’t Retire… Graduate!—the podcast that’s here to challenge the way you think about retirement. I’m your host, Eric Brotman, Certified Financial Planner Practitioner, and I’m excited to guide you in transforming retirement from a final destination into a new beginning—a graduation into the next great chapter of your life. Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from a career; it’s about stepping into a life that’s filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Whether you’re counting d...

Dec 19, 20244 min

Breaking Financial Stereotypes: Money Attitudes and Behaviors in a Diverse World with Cara Macksoud

Welcome to a very special episode of Don't Retire... Graduate!: our finale. After five seasons, we're graduating from the podcast in order to take financial literacy education into a new format, with a new edition of the Don't Retire... Graduate! book releasing soon and our new financial wellness program taking off. Rounding out the show with a bang, we have Cara Macksoud of Money Habitudes here to talk about her journey from Wall Street trader to leading a company that helps people identify the...

Aug 24, 202344 minSeason 5Ep. 26

Office Hours: Worrying About Retirement in Your 20s

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Noah's question: “What can you tell someone in their 20s who is already worried about not being able to retire in the future?” This is a lot of stress to put on yourself so early in your life and career, but there are a few pieces of advice that Eric can share for you. 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/uWVhGkvzi6w?si=kG-pYomiGccFAleG[/...

Aug 17, 20237 minSeason 5Ep. 25

Love and Money: Financial Planning for Newly Weds

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today's episode, we're getting personal and bringing in a member of the BFG family. Financial advisor Cody Niedermeier recently got married and is sharing his experience and advice for handling financial conversations before and after saying "I do." Even as a financial advisor, it can be hard to handle conversations around money within a relationship. Cody talks about dropping a whopping $15 on her plastic engagement ring (on top of the diamond one, of ...

Aug 10, 202337 minSeason 5Ep. 25

Office Hours: Financial Advice That’s Different Than 10 Years Ago

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Olivia's question: “What advice would you give today that you wouldn't have expected to 10 years ago?” The advice does change over time, but with 30 years of experience as a financial advisor, it's clear that some of the basic fundamentals don't: paying yourself first and avoiding adverse debt. But economic conditions and products do change and there are things that we wouldn't have recommended a decade or even 5 years ago. Have a question? Tweet it to us at...

Aug 03, 20237 minSeason 5Ep. 24

From College to Covid to Recession: Navigating Finances in Changing Times with Hassan Thomas

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this episode we’re joined by Hassan Thomas, the creator of the FYI FLI (For Your Information Financial Literacy and Investing) app and host of the FYI FLI podcast. He is here to share his story of beginning his entrepreneurial journey during a global recession, having to pivot a future after an injury, and growing a brand focused on teaching personal finance. In this episode we’ll talk about: • Understanding your goals and finding someone who can help y...

Jul 27, 202339 minSeason 5Ep. 24

Office Hours: Money Lessons Learned from Movies

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Charlotte's question: “What movie taught you the most about money?” Eric chose the movie The Ultimate Gift based on a book by Jim Stovall because of how it taught the value of money and how you can use it to make a difference. This is the opposite of one we often mention as more of a cautionary tale, which is Billy Madison. 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! [...

Jul 20, 20236 minSeason 5Ep. 23

Building Financial Confidence: Knowing Your Numbers and Unlocking Your Best Life with Marika Stimac

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this special 100th episode, we’re joined by Marika Stimac, a life coach dedicated to helping people improve their financial literacy and achieve their financial goals. Marika, who has written a book called "Keys to Financial Confidence: Unlock Your Best Life," shares valuable insights and actionable steps to create a positive financial legacy. Marika talks about the importance of bringing awareness to the impact of one's financial situation and shifting...

Jul 13, 202340 minSeason 5Ep. 23

Office Hours: What You Should Know Before Buying a House

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Oliver's question: “What should I know about finances before I buy my first home?” Well done for thinking ahead! There are so many costs that go into home ownership that are different from renting, like maintenance, taxes, and furnishing. Listen to what Eric thinks is important to know before you make the purchase. 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!

Jul 06, 20238 minSeason 5Ep. 22

The One Number Budget: Simplifying Financial Planning for Retirement with John Crane

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this episode we’re joined by John Crane, a financial advisor and author of The One Number Budget. In the episode, Eric and John share their dislike of traditional budgeting—which Eric less-than-affectionately calls the “B-word”—and go through John’s exercise of finding the “one number” you need for this new budgeting concept. In this episode we’ll talk about: •Budget shaming and why it’s harmful •Taking a lifetime approach to budgeting •What it means to...

Jun 29, 202339 minSeason 5Ep. 22

Office Hours: How to Open a Roth IRA for Your Child

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jake's question: "How can I open a Roth IRA for my child?” This is a great question and a great way to set your kids up for success, but you need to understand how they work and how to use them. 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/IJ6ncLsHVJU?si=92zTFd_52VVhRWoK[/embed]

Jun 22, 20238 minSeason 5Ep. 21

Seven Money Milestones: Building and Protecting our Wealth with Troy Holt

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this episode, Eric Brotman chats with financial industry veteran Troy Holt about the importance of financial literacy and shares some key strategies for managing your personal finances. Troy is passionate about financial literacy and explains how a job in finance can provide both community impact and personal satisfaction beyond merely making money. He is here to walk us through the seven money milestones he and his team have identified in the financial...

Jun 15, 202334 minSeason 5Ep. 21

Office Hours: When Should I Start Investing?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Colby's question: “When should somebody start investing?” The short answer is as soon as you have money available to invest, but the conversation doesn't stop there. 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/xN-1MKc2Wfs?si=6WngnmPe6DsgWP1V[/embed]

Jun 08, 20236 minSeason 5Ep. 20

FIRE by AirBNB: Reaching Financial Freedom through Short-Term Rentals with Zeona McIntyre

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest has used Airbnb to reach financial freedom early and is teaching others how to do the same. Zeona McIntyre is an author, realtor, investment consultant, and speaker who has been helping people house hack and build their portfolios of short and medium-term rentals for several years. She sat down with Eric to talk about how she has reached her financial goals, the lessons she has learned through experience, and how she has shaped her career to ...

Jun 01, 202336 minSeason 5Ep. 20

Office Hours: How Much Does Money Matter in a Relationship?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Ava's question: “How much does money matter in a relationship?” This is a multifaceted question with different types of relationships, but in all types, it is necessary to have communication, transparency, and honesty. 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/BA9p7v_dzPE?si=Sjp_sLhYeuThWCWE[/embed]

May 25, 20236 minSeason 5Ep. 19

Embracing Wanderlust: Finding a Way to Live Your Passions with Rachael Schlimmer

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! This is an episode unlike any we’ve done before. Our guest is Rachael Schlimmer, a nomad who is traveling more often than she isn’t but is ready to start putting down roots and planning out her future. While we promised not to call this an intervention (or a séance for that matter), Rachael was at a crossroads and needed someone to interfere, if only to help her stop doubting herself. She and Eric sat down for what is almost a financial planning consultati...

May 18, 202337 minSeason 5Ep. 19

Office Hours: How to Find Balance Between Saving, Retirement, and Expenses?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Matt's question: “How do you effectively balance among saving, retirement, and expenses?" There is no rule of thumb here, but we may be able to find a balance that works for you. 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!

May 11, 20237 minSeason 5Ep. 18

Cashing Out: Unrigging the Financial Game with Julien and Kiersten Saunders

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! We have two very special guests today, Julien and Kiersten Saunders. They are the hosts of the Rich and Regular podcast and Money on the Table video series and authors of their recently published book, “Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away.” The couple joins us to talk about how the finance game is rigged against minorities and how they built their wealth—and paid down mind-numbing debt—despite the challenges they faced. This is a powerful epis...

May 04, 202338 minSeason 5Ep. 18

Office Hours: Investing in a 401(k) vs Saving for College

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Madeline's question: “Should I stop contributing to my 401(k) to pay for my daughter's college now or should I take loans and continue to invest in my retirement?” This a question many are facing, and there is no one perfect answer. However, retirement is the one thing you cannot borrow for so it's important to take care of yourself first financially before your children. Eric explains why. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on ou...

Apr 27, 20236 minSeason 5Ep. 17

Male, Pale, and Stale: The Growing Need for Diverse Voices in Finance with Michelle Waymire

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is as young and scrappy as her brand. Michelle Waymire founded her financial planning practice to help the LGBTQ+ community make sense of their finances in an environment that is uniquely designed for them. Her approach to financial planning means making your money work towards building a joyful, abundant, and giving life and she is here to share more about her story and how she is changing the industry to be less male, pale, and stale. Liste...

Apr 20, 202343 minSeason 5Ep. 17

Office Hours: Can Money Buy Happiness?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Alicia's question: “Can money actually buy happiness?” Over his 30-year career, Eric has seen people with more money than they could ever need who were miserable and some who were happy. The same can be said for those with more modest wealth. So what's the answer? 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 epi...

Apr 13, 20237 minSeason 5Ep. 16

FIRE By Real Estate: Advice for Future Real Estate Investors with Tom Brickman

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is known in the financial media space as the Frugal Gay and that frugality paid off. Tom Brickman reached financial independence through real estate investing and currently has 22 doors in Ohio and Texas. He is here to share his experiences, advice, and mistakes he has made so you don’t have to. In this episode we’ll talk about: •How Tom retired in his 30s through real estate investing •Advice for someone who wants to start in real estate wit...

Apr 06, 202335 minSeason 5Ep. 16

Office Hours: What Do I Do With My 401(k) When I Change Jobs?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers James's question: “What do I do with my 401(k) when I change jobs?” There are several things to consider regarding your 401(k), including whether or not you've vested in the matched contributions and if you should move it somewhere else or leave it where it is. 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/QFQPr5llMFg?si=gQedJ7pEc_dXpIBP[/embed]

Mar 30, 20239 minSeason 5Ep. 15

The Tipped Economy: Bringing Service Industry Employees into the Personal Finance Conversation with Barbara Sloan

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is an advocate and educator for a community that is often left out of the traditional financial journey: service industry workers. Barbara Sloan is the author of Tipped: The Life Changing Guide to Financial Freedom for Waitresses, Bartenders, Strippers, and All Other Service Industry Professionals. She went from homeless at age 15 to six figures of debt at 20 and worked every tipped position available as she navigated the world of personal fi...

Mar 23, 202337 minSeason 5Ep. 15

Office Hours: What Should I Do With My Tax Refund?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Olivia's question: “what should I do with my tax refund?” There are plenty of ways to answer this question: spend it, invest it, save it... But Eric's #1 piece of advice is not to have one at all. 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 www.dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode. [embed]https://youtu.be/rgyzg7qDATY?si=1gSNB9EnPrkYB-cP[/e...

Mar 16, 20238 minSeason 5Ep. 14

Financial Infidelity: Red Flags to Look Out for in a Marriage with Tracy Coenen

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! While nobody goes into a marriage thinking about divorce, it’s one of only two ways every marriage ends (the other being death, of course). Today’s guest Tracy Coenen has seen her fair share of divorce and is here to talk about a common cause for marriages to end: financial infidelity. As a forensic accountant, Tracy is here to share red flags you can look for if you suspect your spouse or partner of hiding money, how you can do your own forensic accountin...

Mar 09, 202337 minSeason 5Ep. 14

Office Hours: Are Financial Advisors Becoming Obsolete?

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Kate's question: “Will financial advisors become obsolete? ” With the growth of FinTech and robo-advisors, the role of a financial advisor does seem to be changing but it may also be becoming more important to have someone in your corner. 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/W7oabZq8aVU?si=qmDFhElwdO4YJXp3[/embed]

Mar 02, 20238 minSeason 5Ep. 13

Being a Financial Grownup: The Money Conversations We Should Be Having with Bobbi Rebell

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest is Bobbi Rebell, a fellow University of Pennsylvania alum, is here for a reunion to talk about topics that we’re all thinking about (at least, we money nerds are): financial wellness, student loans, stress, and how to prepare the next generation for the future. Bobbi is the host of the Money Tips for Financial Grownups and author of her new book, Launching Financial Grownups: Live Your Richest Life by Helping Your (Almost) Adult Kids Become E...

Feb 23, 202338 minSeason 5Ep. 13
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