Don't Retire...Graduate Podcast: Recent Episodes
Eric Brotman
Don’t Retire… Graduate! Is the podcast that asks what you want to be when you grow up so you can graduate into retirement with a passion and a purpose.
Hosted by Certified Financial Planner Practitioner, Eric Brotman, this show will explore different methods for saving money, paying down debt, raising financially literate children, growing your wealth, and reaching financial independence–whether you’re 35 or 65.
Retirement is not the absence of work, but the absence of needing to work. So join us while we talk to award-winning, best-selling authors, finance experts, influencers, and people with amazing money stories to help you set and reach financial goals, discover your passions, and make a plan for what you want to be when you reach the point where work becomes optional.
Plus, between full episodes we’ll answer listener questions about personal finance, investing, retirement readiness, taxes, and more.
Topics covered include: budgets, credit, debt, emergency funds, balancing expenses, health savings accounts, insurance and risk management, financial advisors, mortgages, retirement savings, social security, money management, spending, fintech and finance apps, employee benefits, and the FIRE movement.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it means to grow—personally and professionally—within the world of financial advising. I’m joined by Cody Niedermeier, who returns for his second visit to our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment. Cody’s journey is one for the books: he began his career at BFG Financial Advisors in investment operations back in 2019, transitioned to the advisory team by 2020, became an advisor in 2023, and recently took the bold step of becoming a shareholder in 2025.Cody’s passion for guiding individuals and families through all stages of life shines through, both in his commitment to financial planning and his role as a leader. A proud graduate of the University of Maryland and former captain of the soccer team, Cody brings both team spirit and perseverance to his professional journey. In our discussion, we explore what it takes to go from an entry-level role to company ownership—and the crucial decisions, sacrifices, and mindset shifts required along the way.In our conversation, Cody shares the reality of apprenticeship and gradual career growth, contrasting it with the allure of instant gratification so common in today’s workforce. We talk candidly about the financial and emotional considerations of becoming a company shareholder—“it's a mortgage,” as Cody puts it—and the support and tough love provided by those closest to us during major decisions. Cody opens up about the added responsibilities and pressures that come with being a leader and owner, the importance of mentoring others, and the privilege of helping both colleagues and clients achieve their goals.We also touch on industry trends—such as the push for rapid growth and private equity buyouts—and why we believe in cultivating a firm with a close-knit culture and opportunities for meaningful, long-term advancement. Finally, Cody offers advice for recent grads and young professionals navigating their first job offers, including the importance of culture fit, patience, and seeking guidance from trusted friends and family.5 Key Takeaways:1. Apprenticeship Matters: Cody’s journey from investment operations to advisor and eventually shareholder underscores the value of learning the business from the ground up, even when it means being patient and resisting the urge for immediate advancement. 2. Ownership Is a Big Commitment: Becoming a shareholder in a financial advisory firm is a major undertaking—financially and personally. It requires careful deliberation, family discussions, and a firm belief in the firm’s mission. 3. Leadership Beyond Management: Moving into ownership is not just about management; it’s about genuine leadership—inspiring others, setting an example, and mentoring the next generation of advisors. 4. The “Tortoise and the Hare” Career Path: Choosing the slower, steadier growth path—one that offers room for advancement and aligns with personal values—can yield far greater long-term rewards than chasing the quick buck. 5. Find Your Fit & Use Your Network: Cody emphasizes the importance of finding the right cultural fit in a workplace, using your network, and seeking advice from loved ones, rather than accepting the first appealing offer that comes along.
Join us as we dive into the real-life experiences and lessons learned on the path from entry-level to ownership, and the importance of pursuing a career—and a workplace—that supports your growth, your values, and your financial dreams. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with others who are ready to graduate into their next chapter—one step, and one decision, at a time![embed]https://youtu.be/PAq4Uyu19UU[/embed]Learn more about Cody here!
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the intersection of money, mindset, and healing from financial trauma. I’m thrilled to be joined by Alejandra Rojas, an entrepreneur, writer, and founder of the Brown Way to Money platform. As a financial mentor and the host of the Brown Way to Money podcast, Alejandra specializes in helping women—especially women of color—overcome the emotional and psychological barriers that can hold them back from true financial abundance.Alejandra draws from her own story: coming from a finance background with accountant parents, she achieved professional success and a high paycheck but still found herself burned out and battling escalating debt. Her journey led her to uncover the “invisible” forces at play—internalized beliefs, generational experiences, and unhealed trauma around money. She transformed her approach by setting financial boundaries, understanding her triggers, and using practical tools like the snowball method for debt repayment—all while creating a new, more fulfilling lifestyle for herself. Through the Brown Way to Money, she now supports other women of color in not only learning the mechanics of financial health, but also in unraveling the deeper, often overlooked roots of financial anxiety and limitation.In our conversation, Alejandra shares how financial trauma is more than a personal failing—it’s often a legacy, shaped by cultural, gender, and generational barriers. We talk about the pressure to hold on to “good” jobs despite the personal cost, the difficulty of speaking up for what you need, and the unique financial narratives that shape women of color's relationships with money. Alejandra provides insight into actionable steps for healing, crafting out-of-debt plans, and establishing financial independence—not just as a number, but as a state of emotional and mental freedom. She also discusses why traditional financial advice sometimes falls short, and why context matters when creating new paths to wealth and purpose.Here are 5 key takeaways from my conversation with Alejandra Rojas:1. Financial Trauma Goes Beyond Numbers: Financial struggles often stem from deep-seated emotional and generational wounds—not just poor habits or lack of information. Understanding your relationship with money is key to breaking free. 2. Boundaries and Lifestyle Design Are Transformational: You don’t have to quit everything to make substantial change. Small but decisive shifts—like setting boundaries or redefining your social environment—can drastically improve financial and personal health. 3. The Snowball Method is Not Just Math—It’s Motivation: Alejandra used the snowball method (paying off smallest debts first) as a way to stay motivated and hack her emotional triggers, showing that psychology is as important as strategy in financial recovery. 4. Financial Independence is More Than a Dollar Figure: True financial independence involves breaking generational patterns, healing inherited beliefs, and gaining mental freedom—not just reaching a certain net worth. 5. Context and Culture Matter: Alejandra underscores that standard financial advice isn’t one-size-fits-all. Addressing systemic issues, generational trauma, and cultural context is essential for serving women of color and building sustainable financial confidence.
Join us as we uncover what it really takes to build lasting financial wellbeing—and empower a new generation to graduate into retirement with passion, purpose, and possibility. If Alejandra’s story resonates with you or someone you know, be sure to check out her podcast, Brown Way to Money, and share this episode to inspire others on their journey.Subscribe, rate, and connect with us! Your support helps us bring purposeful conversations to listeners everywhere.[embed]https://youtu.be/kU4V0mQje4Y?si=j_y9GKBIvNxM5XMg[/embed]
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s Diary of a Financial Advisor entry, we’re shining a light on one of life’s biggest transitions: preparing—personally and financially—for starting a family. I’m thrilled to be joined by Cody Niedermeier, who brings both professional and personal insights to the table. Not only has Cody been a trusted advisor to countless families over the past six years, but he’s also about to embark on his own journey into parenthood with his wife, Erika.In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Cody and I dove into what it really means to prepare for a growing family. We talked through how those early conversations with your partner set expectations and frame your future together, including important discussions about whether to have children, timing, and navigating shared dreams. As Cody prepares to welcome his first child, we unpacked all that goes into getting ready—from budgeting and nursery setups to making those often-daunting decisions about daycare, changing work schedules, and exploring school options. And because both Cody and I see parenting through the lens of financial planning, we addressed how being in this field shapes your preparedness for the unknown, the necessity of bolstering your emergency fund, reviewing insurance and estate plans, and leaning on professional help—even as an advisor yourself.Beyond the numbers, we delved into the real-life side of parenthood: the flood of unsolicited advice, the emotional weight of new responsibilities, the importance of boundaries with extended family, and the evolving dynamic between partners. Cody shared how this chapter is already making him a more empathetic advisor, ready to relate to his clients in even deeper ways.Here are 5 key takeaways from our conversation with Cody Niedermeier:1. Start the Conversation Early: Cody emphasized the value of discussing family planning with your partner from the start—making sure both parties are on the same page about having children, lifestyle goals, and their shared vision for the future. 2. Financial Readiness is Ongoing: From daycare costs and household changes to adjusting work schedules, preparing financially for a family requires both planning and flexibility—plus an understanding that it might always cost more than expected. 3. Don’t Neglect the “What Ifs”: Expanding your emergency fund, reviewing insurance coverage, and updating estate documents are crucial steps every family should take when expecting a child, no matter how uncomfortable those conversations might be. 4. Leverage Your Network and Professional Resources: Even as financial professionals, Cody and I both agree on the benefits of seeking advice, collaborating with colleagues, and not hesitating to consult other advisors when preparing for major life changes. 5. Being Present Matters Most: As Cody put it so well, his ultimate career and personal goal is to be a present father who supports and loves his family—and that’s at the heart of both sound financial planning and a fulfilling life.
Join us for this open and inspiring discussion as Cody and I explore what it means to plan, adjust, and grow—both as a professional and a parent. If you’re considering starting a family or simply want to ensure your financial house is in order for life’s next big step, this episode is for you.Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share the show with friends and family who are looking to better their own financial journeys. Stay tuned for our next diary entry, and remember: Don’t retire… graduate!Learn more about Cody here![embed]https://youtu.be/QW8gy8DrceM?si=ZbEnRL4RGVXYs9wm[/embed]
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s heartfelt and illuminating episode, we take a closer look at one of the most challenging—and often overlooked—topics in financial planning: preparing for the loss of a loved one, managing estates, and navigating the complexities of family and finances, especially in blended families. My guest is Katie George, a seasoned IT recruitment specialist for Liberty Personnel Services in the Philadelphia area, and, as I’m privileged to say, a dear friend of nearly thirty years. Katie generously shares her personal journey of handling her father and stepmother’s passing, the legal and emotional hurdles that arose, and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way.In this candid conversation, Katie and I talked about the realities that so many families face: blended relationships, unclear or absent estate documents, emotional strain, and the surprising challenges that come with digital legacies in today’s world. We go beyond the logistics to explore the kinds of communication and advance planning that can help families stay strong and harmonious in the face of loss. Katie recounts her experience of organizing her stepmother’s estate alongside her siblings and step-siblings, working through complex family trees, and dealing with the absence of a proper will—a situation that led to a year and a half of litigation.We also delve into making end-of-life logistics easier on loved ones, including the importance of clear directives, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, and involving adult children in conversations about accounts and digital access. Katie candidly reflects on the changes she and her husband made as a result of going through these experiences, the ongoing process of putting her own estate plan in place, and the value of open dialogue with her own parents about their wishes. On a lighter note, we talk travel dreams, the importance of taking the trip now rather than waiting for retirement, and even squeeze in a little good-natured football banter.5 Key Takeaways:1. Estate Planning for Blended Families is Crucial: Katie’s experience highlighted how a lack of clear, legal documentation—especially in complex, blended families—can result in not only financial headaches but also prolonged legal proceedings and added grief. 2. Designated Beneficiaries Simplify Transitions: Assets like retirement accounts and life insurance policies with up-to-date beneficiaries can bypass probate and provide quick, straightforward support to loved ones compared to assets tied up in litigation. 3. Communication is Everything: Open, honest conversations with family members—before a crisis occurs—about wishes, assets, and who will take on which responsibilities can preserve harmony and prevent rifts. 4. Organization Makes a World of Difference: Taking simple steps like compiling important documents, passwords, and account information in a clear, accessible place spares surviving family members unnecessary stress—and sometimes even legal trouble. 5. It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Plan: Katie’s story serves as a wake-up call for anyone procrastinating on their own estate planning. Whether it’s updating your will, getting on each other’s accounts, or appointing a power of attorney, don’t delay—the peace of mind is worth it.
Join us for this essential discussion about family, finances, and forging a purposeful path through difficult times. If you enjoy our show, please subscribe, rate, and share this episode with friends and family to help them on their own journey to financial confidence and independence![embed]https://youtu.be/F0D6zJ78iGM?si=RdsJgUzWMYQmpGOA[/embed]
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the financial planning profession with our recurring segment, Diary of a Financial Advisor. I’m excited to welcome back Andrew Harrell—a second-time guest and a perfect example of what it looks like to excel and give back in the financial advisory field.Andrew’s journey is marked by involvement and leadership—not only within the firm but also as a newly minted board member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Maryland. He’s someone who truly believes in the collaborative spirit of financial planning, working to foster connections among advisors, drive awareness of legislative issues, and elevate the next generation of planners.In our discussion, Andrew and I dove into professional growth, the value of mentorship and collaboration amongst advisors, and the imperative of getting involved in advocacy through organizations like the FPA. We touched on why participating in these associations expands one’s perspective, and how collaboration trumps competition among advisors. Andrew shared his experience spearheading NextGen initiatives and explained how networking and community work not only benefit clients but enhance the profession as a whole.We also dove into the nuts and bolts of financial wellness, spotlighting BFG’s pioneering corporate financial wellness program—a benefit many don’t realize exists for employees at all levels, breaking the stereotype that financial advice is just for the wealthy. Andrew walked us through what it’s like to deliver hands-on guidance to folks navigating benefit packages, personal finances, and tough life decisions. And, of course, we chatted about the “wellness” aspect—what it means to equip clients with the tools and peace of mind they need to thrive not just financially, but holistically.Of course, I also had a little fun ribbing Andrew about his office nicknames, including “Young Protege” and “EJ” (Eric Junior), and we wrapped up with his vision for his future in the profession.5 Key Takeaways:1. Collaboration Over Competition: Andrew emphasized that financial advisors can—and should—see each other as collaborators, not competitors. Networking with peers expands your perspective and helps everyone, including clients, succeed. 2. The Value of Professional Associations: Being active in organizations like the Financial Planning Association provides community, advocacy, and professional development opportunities you won’t find working in a silo. 3. Holistic Financial Wellness: Corporate financial wellness programs aren’t just about asset management; they’re about empowering employees of all levels to make informed decisions about their benefit plans, insurance, and other financial topics, bringing real peace of mind. 4. Legislative Engagement Matters: The financial planning profession faces significant regulatory and legislative pressures. Advisors need to stay informed and get involved in advocacy to ensure their voices—and those of their clients—are heard. 5. Impact Beyond the Numbers: Financial wellness means helping people feel good about their decisions, providing reassurance, and allowing them to focus on what matters most in life—without constantly worrying about money, assets, or benefits.
Find out more about Andrew![embed]https://youtu.be/LswCSYDIxsY?si=jF9rzSxmff7v-4ms[/embed]
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today’s episode, we’re digging into the evolving world of content creation, self-directed IRAs, and the power of pivoting careers—especially when your passions and professional path take an unexpected but rewarding turn.I’m excited to introduce my guest, Jasmine Trocchia, former Marketing Manager for American IRA. Her journey is both fascinating and instructive—beginning as a YouTuber and content creator with over 200,000 subscribers as “Sally Green Gamer” and evolving into a digital marketing leader in the financial services sector.In our conversation, Jasmine walks us through her remarkable transition—how being a stay-at-home mom and playing Minecraft with her kids sparked a successful YouTube career and ultimately helped her acquire an impressive skill set. We discuss the nuances of building a personal brand, growing a social media following from scratch, and translating those hard-earned “YouTube skills” into a robust marketing toolkit. Jasmine shares what it took to monetize her online presence, the downsides and safeguards of being a family-friendly online creator, and what she learned about networking, SEO, and audience building.We then explore how Jasmine applied her grassroots expertise to American IRA, a self-directed IRA firm with over 20 years in the industry. She details the company’s growth, their new educational webinar series and podcast, and her passion for helping people invest in nontraditional assets like real estate through their retirement accounts. Jasmine’s candor about the challenges of marketing in a highly regulated financial services environment—especially compared to the creative freedom on her own channel—offers valuable insight for anyone navigating career pivots.Finally, Jasmine opens up about her vision for the future, her goals of becoming a Chief Marketing Officer, and her next creative adventure with a new lifestyle vlog channel that blends family, fun, and storytelling. Her story is an inspiring reminder that the skills and passions from one chapter of life are often the building blocks for the next.5 Key Takeaways:1. Transferable Skills Are Invaluable: Jasmine’s experience as a YouTuber taught her everything from video editing and SEO to audience engagement, all of which she now leverages in her role as a marketing manager. No skill or job, no matter how unconventional, is ever wasted! 2. Monetizing Your Passion Is Possible: Playing online games with her kids led to a profitable YouTube channel—proof that with consistency, strategy (and a little algorithm savvy), creative pursuits can become significant income streams. 3. Community and Safety Matter: As a prominent family-friendly YouTuber, Jasmine implemented strict boundaries to protect herself and her audience, reminding us that digital success must be accompanied by careful online safety and ethics. 4. Pivoting Is a Superpower: Jasmine’s transition from content creator to marketing leader underscores how adaptability and a willingness to learn can open unexpected doors—even in vastly different industries. 5. The Financial World Needs Creative Thinkers: Jasmine’s marketing approach brings fresh energy to American IRA, leveraging social media, webinars, and podcasts to demystify self-directed IRAs and inspire broader financial education.
Join us as Jasmine’s journey fires up your imagination about what’s possible in your own career. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with family, friends, and anyone who might be looking to turn their creative passions into meaningful work—or anyone curious about new frontiers in retirement planning!Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes as we help you graduate to your best financial future with purpose and passion.[embed]https://youtu.be/QFyofNA4XOs?si=PBJJHnIAfhI-GPSZ[/embed]
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m delighted to bring you another entry in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, where we dive deep into the journeys, motivations, and unique perspectives of professionals in the financial planning world. Today, my guest is Kobe Bolanos, an Investment Operations Associate turned Financial Advisor at BFG Financial Advisors, and a dedicated advocate for financial literacy and community empowerment.I first met Kobe during his time at Stevenson University, and I’ve watched with pride as he’s grown from a recent graduate—overwhelmed by the complexities of investing—into a rising star at BFG. In our conversation, Kobe and I explore his transition from corporate finance to wealth management during the COVID era, and how an early reading of “Don’t Retire... Graduate!” first introduced him to the world of personal financial planning (even if it went way over his head at the time!).Kobe shares candidly about why he chose to join BFG over other opportunities, especially valuing our firm’s apprenticeship-style model that prioritizes education and mentorship over sales quotas. We discuss his hands-on experience with investment operations, associate work, and now advisory client meetings, and how this 360-degree perspective has deepened his appreciation for the emotional and behavioral elements of financial advice.We also talk about the importance of representation in the industry. Kobe recounts his experience attending his first large industry conference, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities that come with being an outlier in a room—and how that drives his passion for empowering others in his community. We dig into his specific interest in estate planning, the critical (and often overlooked) area he’s eager to champion for families and high earners alike.Throughout our conversation, Kobe emphasizes his holistic vision for the advisor role, blending financial guidance with conversations around wellness and life coaching. His ultimate goal? To help people become the best versions of themselves—financially, personally, and beyond.5 Key Takeaways:1. The Power of Mentorship and Education: Kobe’s positive experience at BFG underscores the value of an apprenticeship model in building true advisory skills and prioritizing client relationships over sales targets. 2. Financial Planning is Not One-Size-Fits-All: Every client’s goals and life situation are different, requiring truly personalized planning and a team-based approach for optimal outcomes. 3. Emotional and Behavioral Finance Matter: Kobe notes that success in financial planning is about more than numbers—it’s about understanding the unique motivations and concerns of each client, and easing the emotional burden money often brings. 4. The Neglected Importance of Estate Planning: Kobe is passionate about raising awareness for estate planning, pointing out that even high earners tend to overlook this crucial aspect of financial wellness—one that can have lasting generational impact. 5. Representation and Community Impact: As a young advisor of color, Kobe is actively building his network through organizations like the Baltimore Estate Planning Council and QuadE. He sees himself as both an advocate and a role model, working to create a more inclusive and supportive industry for all.
Join us on this episode as we celebrate the journey of a financial advisor who’s making a tangible difference—one client and one community at a time. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this podcast with anyone looking to graduate into retirement with purpose, passion, and a solid plan!Learn more about Kobe here![embed]https://youtu.be/C6f2wEptjRQ?si=vJqg7R0TEWxtZFLc[/embed]
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of values-driven finance and social impact investing—a topic that blends doing well financially with doing good in the world. I’m joined in the studio by Karyn Polak, founder and Chief Activator of Shift the Prism. Karyn is a lawyer by training and a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion through finance. With a career spanning major law firms, financial institutions like Citigroup, PNC, and Transamerica, and now her own advisory work, Karyn is on a mission to mobilize capital for the greater good, investing for people, planet, and place.Karyn and I had an engaging conversation about the often-blurry line between philanthropy and impact investing. We talked through the realities of working for “big finance” on Wall Street and the motivations that drive individuals and communities to use their money as a tool for positive change. Karyn shared insights about how the large, profit-driven financial institutions can sometimes disconnect from the communities they’re meant to serve, and why it matters where “your money sleeps at night.” We discussed the barriers Main Street investors face in navigating both traditional and alternative investments, the rise of crowdfunding, and the crucial differences between philanthropic giving and investment for social return.We also addressed the challenges posed by regulation and compliance, how most advisors are limited in recommending private impact opportunities, and why it's so important for people to ask the right questions about where their dollars go—even when working with community foundations or donor-advised funds. Karyn outlined practical steps for everyday investors interested in creating both wealth and societal impact, introduced valuable resources for further exploration, and spoke from the heart about her career transition from big law and finance to social entrepreneurship.Karyn concluded by sharing her “why”: the belief that everyone deserves access and opportunity, and the desire to see the real humans behind the numbers. If you’ve ever wondered how to align your money with your values—or how to create lasting impact while building your own financial independence—this episode is a must-listen.5 Key Takeaways:1. Understanding the Spectrum: There’s a world of possibilities between pure philanthropy (giving money away) and profit-maximizing investment. Investors can aim for both financial return and social good, using vehicles like community banks, impact funds, and recoverable grants. 2. Where Your Money Sleeps Matters: Where you choose to keep your money—whether in a big bank or a community institution—can profoundly affect the local community. Community banks use deposits to support local businesses, whereas large institutions often circulate funds globally. 3. The Power of Crowdfunding: Recent innovations in crowdfunding allow individuals to invest in local businesses and projects, often with modest amounts, blurring the lines between customer and investor and increasing neighborhood-level impact. 4. Ask the Right Questions (and Resources to Help): Investors need to be proactive—ask community foundations and donor-advised funds how their dollars are invested. Resources like As You Sow, US SIF, and Invest for Better can empower you with knowledge and confidence. 5. Align Risk, Return, and Impact: When evaluating any investment, consider not only the traditional financial return and risk but also the social and environmental impact. The most sustainable companies manage all three—benefiting investors and society alike.
Join us and get inspired to use your finances as a force for positive change—without sacrificing your own financial goals. As always, please subscribe, rate, and share Don’t Retire… Graduate! with your friends and family, and let’s keep transforming the way we think about retirement, purpose, and impact.[embed]https://youtu.be/u4ZTD9YlWhY?si=uvlKlh0-nyhq_GEP[/embed]About Karyn PolakKaryn founded Shift the Prism to support changes in mindsets, systems, and approaches to capital and development. Throughout her career, Karyn has consistently sought to reduce inequities and increase inclusion through concrete contributions as a business executive, board member, mentor, and community convener and connector.She previously served as a senior counsel, trusted advisor, and C-suite executive in her various roles at Citigroup, PNC Bank, and Transamerica — from her first senior position as General Counsel for Citi Private Bank to her most recent as Chief Legal Officer for Transamerica. She also has over a decade of experience advising global financial institutions, multinational corporations, and family businesses in corporate finance, securities, and mergers and acquisitions at three top 100 U.S. law firms.Karyn’s prior roles as a senior executive and legal counsel across the spectrum of traditional finance — from consumer banking to brokerage and wealth management, investment banking, institutional asset management, and insurance and retirement — highlighted the gaps in capital tools and access that she works today to close. She consults on a portfolio of projects that stretch mindsets and opportunities from philanthropy to the public markets, driving innovation in place-based, local investments and for individuals, businesses, and communities.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode takes you behind the scenes of the financial planning world with an in-depth look at what it means to be a financial advisor dedicated to serving clients’ best interests—sometimes from out of the spotlight. I’m joined by Beth Nori, a talented and detail-oriented CFP practitioner from BFG, who has been with our team for over eight years. While Beth isn’t always sitting across the table from clients, her impact is felt in every plan we create through her commitment to preparation, tax strategy, and precise behind-the-scenes work. In our discussion, Beth and I explored her unique career journey, from her early days in big financial firms in the D.C. area, to her move to the Baltimore region, and ultimately, to her embrace of the tight-knit culture at BFG. We dove into the differences between working at large firms and smaller, family-feel companies, and Beth shared how the close relationships and personal growth opportunities here propelled her forward—especially in taking on some of the technical aspects of planning that many advisors shy away from. One of the highlights of our conversation was Beth’s focus on tax planning. As someone who thrives on details and enjoys crunching numbers, she’s leaned into the challenge of collaborating with CPAs, reviewing tax returns, and seeking new educational opportunities to bridge the gap between financial planning and tax expertise. Her journey serves as a testament to the value of playing to your strengths and finding your niche within the advisory profession. Beth’s story is not only about technical excellence, but also about purpose, passion, and finding fulfillment by helping others succeed—even if that means you’re supporting from behind the curtain. Whether you’re an aspiring advisor, a planner seeking your specialty, or simply intrigued by what happens “backstage” in financial planning, Beth’s insights are sure to resonate. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Behind-the-Scenes Excellence: Beth’s work in meeting preparation and plan analysis ensures every client interaction is informed, meaningful, and personalized, proving that vital contributions don’t always happen in the limelight. 2. Finding Your Niche: By embracing the detail-oriented, technical side of planning—especially in areas like tax analysis—Beth illustrates the importance of discovering and thriving in your professional “lane.” 3. The Value of Small-Firm Culture: Beth emphasizes the family atmosphere at BFG, where close relationships and ongoing growth are possible, highlighting how firm size and culture can shape advisory careers. 4. Tax Planning as a Differentiator: Tackling areas like tax planning not only brings immense value to clients (everyone loves saving on their tax bill!) but also sets planners apart, especially when they’re willing to work collaboratively with CPAs. 5. Continuous Learning: Beth’s commitment to additional tax education, through specialized courses for accumulators, retirees, and end-of-life planning, underscores the importance of lifelong learning in serving clients’ evolving needs.
Join us as we pull back the curtain on financial advising, uncover new career possibilities, and celebrate the professionals who make financial independence possible for so many families. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode to help others discover their own path to financial freedom and fulfillment!Learn more about Beth here![embed]https://youtu.be/XlwK4PIGV9I?si=Pc6VE4VXH6NyZJZ8[/embed]
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of real estate investing, with a special focus on multifamily properties. Joining us is Veena Jetti, founding partner of VIVE Funds, a commercial real estate firm known for curating conservative investment opportunities. Veena's expertise in driving corporate strategy and leveraging cutting-edge technologies makes her a leading voice in this complex field. Throughout our conversation, Veena and I explore the intricacies and challenges of real estate investing, particularly for financial advisors who often lack specific expertise in this area. We explore the dichotomy between professional investors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts, highlighting the expertise required to navigate real estate successfully. Veena shares her journey from working in corporate real estate to managing a billion-dollar multifamily portfolio and offers insights into the risks and rewards of the industry. One of the key insights from our discussion is Veena's perspective on whether real estate always appreciates in value. Despite market fluctuations, she argues that real estate trends upward over long periods, emphasizing the importance of understanding market cycles and being prepared for downturns. We also touch on ethical concerns, with Veena expressing the significance of being a responsible investor while discussing the potential impact of large corporations owning substantial property segments. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Real Estate as a Long-Term Investment: Veena asserts that while the real estate market experiences cycles, it generally appreciates over long periods. Successful investors must have the patience and resources to weather downturns. 2. The Role of Expertise: Investing in real estate, particularly multifamily properties, requires significant expertise and active management. Veena emphasizes that it's a full-time endeavor, not a side hobby. 3. Ethical Real Estate Investing: Veena highlights the importance of ethical practices in real estate, pointing out the responsibilities of investors to prioritize community revitalization and provide quality housing. 4. Opportunities for Passive Investors: While active investment in real estate is complex, there are opportunities for those seeking passive income through firms like VIVE Funds, requiring accreditation and significant initial investment. 5. Impact of Large Corporations: The growing trend of large private equity firms owning multiple single-family homes poses a challenge for individual homebuyers, potentially reshaping the housing market landscape.
Join us as we uncover the nuances of real estate investing with Veena Jetti. Subscribe, rate, and share this episode as we empower you to achieve a purposeful and prosperous retirement![embed]https://youtu.be/oLDm4VfOwT4?si=Abn5hhqkoiAsz2KH[/embed]About Veena JettiVeena Jetti (VEE-nuh JEH-tee) is the founding partner of Vive (rhymes with “five”) Funds, a unique commercial real estate firm that specializes in curating conservative opportunities for investors. Veena brings a dynamic perspective to targeting, acquiring, managing, and operating assets using best practices combined with cutting edge technologies. Veena also leads a Facebook Community called Mastering Multifamily with Veena Jetti. Veena is also the founder of MultiFi, a community of like minded investors. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Finance at 20 years old, she pursued her passion for real estate. Veena has over a decade of real estate experience and over $1BN+ in multifamily transactions in her own portfolio. Veena is also a passionate philanthropist. In 2017, she was one of only three women to receive the Politico Woman of the Year award for the significant amount of time and focus she spent on aiding in a grassroots Hurricane Harvey disaster response.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s Diary of a Financial Advisor entry, we dive into the journey of a dedicated financial professional who rose from humble beginnings to making impactful strides in the financial services industry. Joining us on the podcast is Shakirrah Clarke Gunther, a Client Service Associate at BFG Financial Advisors. Shakirrah brings over thirteen years of experience to the table, possessing a passion for uplifting her clients from financial literacy to financial freedom. As an individual hailing from a challenging upbringing in Camden, New Jersey, she has become a beacon of motivation for her community and family, striving to break the chains of poverty with her expertise and empathy. In our conversation, Shakirrah candidly shared her life story, providing insights into her journey from an urban setting defined by scarcity, to becoming an integral part of a firm that values a familial workplace culture. She discussed her commitment to not only growing within her career but also contributing to the growth of others by sharing the knowledge she accumulated through her personal and professional experiences. From overcoming shyness to stepping into the financial spotlight, Shakirrah's tale is one of resilience and transformation. We explored her evolving relationship with money—how she transitioned from living paycheck-to-paycheck to prioritizing long-term planning. Shakkirah emphasized the importance of having a supportive network, citing how her current role at BFG offers the environment she needs to thrive and expand her horizons. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Valuing a Family Environment: Shakirrah highlighted how the sense of belonging and support at BFG Financial Advisors has been instrumental in her professional satisfaction, allowing her to overcome personal barriers and focus on growth. 2. From Scarcity to Strategic Planning: Growing up in poverty-stricken Camden, Shakirrah has shifted her financial mindset from one of immediate survival to embracing long-term strategic planning for her future. 3. Embracing Growth Opportunities: Despite her admitted shyness, Shakirrah underscores the significance of stepping out of comfort zones and seizing opportunities for personal and professional development, such as being involved in podcasts and other innovative platforms. 4. Community Impact: Shakirrah is driven by a desire to be a pillar in her community, acting as a role model and resource for younger generations, showing them the potential that exists beyond their immediate circumstances. 5. Money Mindset Evolution: Shakirrah's journey reflects a transition from viewing money as a finite resource to understanding its potential to work sustainably for her, encapsulated in her goal to ensure her money is working towards her future independence.
Join us for this inspiring episode as we follow Shakirrah's path toward financial empowerment and learn how she leverages her experience to impact her life and the lives of others positively. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode to inspire those around you!Learn more about Shakirrah here![embed]https://youtu.be/Th2b2QAGJ7Q?si=YEJdwjXICRdcpVwc[/embed]
Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today's episode, I'm excited to dive deep into the world of real estate with our special guest, Nick Aufenkamp. Nick is a real estate agent who's embarked on a unique path, teaching homebuyers how to navigate the buying process without a buyer's agent, aiming to save them significant money. With a background in pastoral ministry and extensive experience in real estate, Nick joins us to share his insights on the DIY home buying process and the changing landscape of the real estate industry. During our conversation, Nick and I discussed the potential pitfalls of traditional buyer's agency, highlighting the inherent conflict of interest when agents are incentivized for higher purchase prices. We explored the innovative DIY Homebuyer Academy that Nick has developed, which offers tools, community support, and coaching to empower buyers to self-represent during their purchase. Nick candidly shared the challenges within the industry, the resistance to change from traditional realtors, and the real-world impact of recent legal shifts affecting buyer representation. We also touched on the crucial aspects of the closing process, emphasizing the importance of understanding agreements before signing and considering a real estate attorney’s help when needed. 5 Key Takeaways:1. DIY Homebuyer Academy: Nick's program offers a comprehensive approach for homebuyers to self-represent and potentially save thousands on commissions, utilizing a blend of community support, online courses, and individualized coaching. 2. Conflict in Traditional Buyer Agency: The episode highlighted the misalignment in incentives between buyers and traditional agents, where agents profit more when buyers spend more, alongside the pressure to close deals swiftly. 3. Resistance from Real Estate Industry: Nick shared insights on the industry's resistance to the DIY model, owing to the entrenched interests and systems built around traditional commission structures. 4. Navigating the Closing Process: We discussed the daunting closing process, emphasizing the importance of understanding all legal documents before signing and the potential need for a real estate attorney. 5. Empowering Buyers: The conversation focused on empowering buyers with knowledge and control over their transactions, advocating for transparency and education in what is often the most significant financial transaction of one's life.
Join us as we explore new ways to empower yourself in real estate and strive for a purpose-filled financial future. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with those eager to take control of their home-buying journey![embed]https://youtu.be/llSqnipyY14?si=W3o7TFBmZWoR9Qcw[/embed]About Nick AufenkampNick Aufenkamp is a real estate agent gone rogue. After helping over a hundred clients close on over $100M in real estate, he’s now teaching homebuyers how to purchase a home without needing to hire a buyer’s agent.diyhomebuyeracademy.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@diyhomebuyer
Welcome back to another Diary of a Financial Advisor segment of Don't Retire... Graduate! . Our special guest is Kirby Ososki, a remarkable individual with 18 years of experience in the financial industry, currently working at BFG—not as a financial advisor, but as a Registered Client Service Associate. Kirby brings a distinct perspective to our industry, one that underscores the critical roles beyond advising that make substantial impacts on client satisfaction and financial success. In our conversation, Kirby and I discussed her unconventional path into the financial industry and the evolution of her career. She shared how her journey began unexpectedly at a jewelry store and led her to an influential role within the firm. As someone not initially trained as a financial advisor, she offers a fascinating insight into how teamwork and meticulous operational support are essential to the success of financial advisers and, ultimately, to the clients they serve. Kirby detailed her day-to-day responsibilities, emphasizing the operational execution of opening accounts, transferring funds, and completing trades. Although not directly involved in the advisory process, Kirby showed how significant her role is in delivering client confidence and satisfaction, a testament to the importance of effective communication and operational precision in financial planning. Her passion extends beyond her current role; with aspirations of becoming a Peloton instructor, she embodies the spirit of not retiring but constantly evolving. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Non-Traditional Career Path: Kirby's entry into the financial industry illustrates how diverse experiences and backgrounds can lead to impactful roles in financial services, beyond the advisory functions. 2. The Role of Registered Client Service Associates: Kirby explained the critical operational tasks that support client success, highlighting how precision and efficiency build client trust and satisfaction. 3. Importance of Teamwork: Her experience at BFG showcases the power of collaboration in boutique firms, where personalized attention and consistent teamwork enhance service delivery. 4. Joy in Supporting Roles: Kirby derives immense satisfaction from her work when she receives positive feedback from both colleagues and clients, manifesting the often-unseen impact of behind-the-scenes efforts. 5. Evolving with Purpose: Kirby's aspirations of becoming a Peloton instructor illustrate a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery, echoing the ethos of never truly retiring, but graduating to new adventures.
Join us as we explore Kirby's story and learn how different roles within the financial sector contribute to creating a more secure and confident future for clients. As always, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone embarking on their financial journey!Learn more about Kirby here![embed]https://youtu.be/9zKG49HMpYM?si=Xh2scdJrFqGYYAGa[/embed]
Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate! On today’s episode, we’re returning to a topic we began discussed earlier in the season: planning for families with special needs. I am thrilled to be joined by DJ Jeyaram, a dedicated attorney whose personal journey into this field was profoundly influenced by his own family's experiences. DJ shifted his law firm's focus towards helping families with special needs issues in 2009 after his son was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition. Now, he's an expert in special needs trusts, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and more. During our conversation, DJ shared his personal story about navigating the emotional and practical challenges of parenting a child with special needs. He explained how his own journey led him to transition from a healthcare corporate and regulatory practice to a special needs estate planning practice. Our discussion highlighted the importance of understanding the tools available for legal estate planning to help safeguard benefits for special needs individuals. We dove into the complexities of government programs like the NOW and COMP waivers, and how they provide essential services beyond healthcare, such as transportation and housing.We also tackled the intricacies of financial planning for special needs individuals, including the role of ABLE accounts in empowering these individuals to save money without jeopardizing their government benefits. DJ offered insights on involving family members in the planning process to ensure that they contribute beneficially without disrupting existing benefit programs. Finally, we explored the emotional side of caregiving, discussing the importance of support networks and community resources for families navigating these challenges. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Legal and Financial Understanding: DJ stressed the need for families to fully understand the legal documents available to them, ensuring these documents reflect their true intentions for their special needs child’s future, rather than following a generic template. 2. The Role of ABLE Accounts: These accounts are pivotal for allowing special needs individuals to work and save without losing access to critical government benefits, encouraging financial independence and providing an incentivized work-lifestyle balance. 3. Trustee and Beneficiary Planning: It's vital to carefully choose trustees for special needs trusts, balancing the familiarity of family with the expertise of professionals to properly manage resources and ensure the continued receipt of benefits. 4. Community and Emotional Support: DJ underscored the importance of social connections and the availability of support groups at both local and national levels, which provide vital resources and emotional support for families. 5. Navigating Education Systems: Families must advocate for their children’s right to a fair and appropriate education, utilizing resources like special education grants or public school IEPs to support both educational and life skill development.
Join us in this enlightening episode as we uncover strategies to build a more secure future for families with special needs. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who may benefit from these insights. Your journey toward a future filled with purpose and financial security matters, and we're here to help guide you every step of the way![embed]https://youtu.be/Rp3BFdgNJas?si=8ez5yjTglu3DCn5_[/embed]About DJ Jeyaram, Esq.Mr. DJ Jeyaram shifted his law firm’s focus to helping families with special needs in 2009 when his son was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition. DJ specializes in special needs trusts, wills, guardianship, conservatorship, and appealing Katie Beckett & NOW/COMP denials. Prior to establishing his own practice, DJ was with large firms’ healthcare groups. In addition, DJ’s experience includes serving as the Deputy Director for Legal Services with the Georgia Department of Community Health and as a Georgia Administrative Law Judge with the Office of State Administrative Hearings. In his role as an Administrative Law Judge, DJ presided over Katie Beckett and NOW/COMP hearings. DJ is also currently a sitting Judge in Gwinnett County Georgia.www.jeylaw.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JeyaramAssociates
Welcome back to another Diary of a Financial Advisor segment of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" Joining Eric today is Akram Ibrahim, who brings a unique perspective to his role as the firm's lead trader. His journey at BFG didn't start from a calculated career plan but rather from a serendipitous encounter at a career fair during his time at Stevenson University. Throughout our conversation, Akram and I discussed his unconventional path into the financial industry, where pure luck and an eagerness to learn fueled his growth. He shared how his role as Lead Trader involves handling thousands of transactions a year, rebalancing portfolios, and conducting in-depth research to identify the best investment opportunities. We also explored Akram's educational journey, which includes an Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor designation and a Master's in Financial Services, which distinguishes him from typical financial advisors. Akram shared his passion for serving his community and helping others succeed, emphasizing his mission to create efficiencies within the firm and better serve clients. His dedication to both personal growth and professional excellence shines through, as does his aspiration to enhance the lives of those around him. 5 Key Takeaways:1. A Serendipitous Start: Akram's journey into the financial industry began unexpectedly at a college career fair, leading to a fulfilling 12-year career dedicated to learning and serving at BFG. 2. Unique Role as Lead Trader: Akram stands out in his role as the lead trader and research specialist, handling thousands of trades annually and overseeing significant financial responsibilities. 3. Commitment to Service: Service is at the heart of Akram’s mission, focusing on bettering the firm, community, and personal circles, emphasizing a servant leadership approach. 4. Educational Distinction: Akram holds a Master's in Financial Services and an accredited portfolio management advisor designation, setting him apart and equipping him with diverse expertise. 5. Future Goals: Akram aims to create efficiencies within the firm, ensuring growth and progression. His professional and personal aspirations align closely with his dedication to becoming an expert and serving the broader community effectively.
Thanks for joining us! If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe, leave a rating on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and family. We want to hear from you, so send your ideas for future topics to our Facebook page or tweet us at Brotman Planning. Stay tuned for more engaging guests and financial advice. Until next time, remember: don't retire, graduate!Learn more about Akram here![embed]https://youtu.be/p8SQ1AFHVfk?si=wZT9PvUnvblm3uLf[/embed]
Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate! In today’s episode, we're focusing on a specific group of people: HENRYs, or High Earners, Not Rich Yet. Joining us on the podcast today is Jude Wilson, Chief Financial Strategist at Centrist Financial Strategies. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in retirement income planning and tax reduction strategies for baby boomers and retirees. Jude holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and finance, as well as an MBA, and is affectionately known as “the Roth guy.” In our discussion, Jude and I explored the intricacies of Roth IRAs and the strategic importance of tax planning for financial independence. We discuss the concept of HENRYs and how proper planning can help them build wealth and achieve financial goals. We tackled the myths surrounding Roth conversions, discussing why this strategy makes sense even for high-income earners. Jude shared insights into the changing landscape of taxation, especially with the Secure Act 2.0, and the potential impact on inheritance planning. He also shared his personal journey and emphasized the significance of having the right money mindset, health, and happiness to lead a fulfilling life. Together, we explored the concept of financial independence, addressing the essential role of diversified buckets in retirement portfolios. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Roth Conversion Strategy: Jude emphasized the importance of considering Roth conversions as a strategic move to optimize tax-sheltered savings, noting how future tax implications can significantly impact overall wealth. 2. Understanding "Henry's": The episode highlighted the unique challenges faced by "High Earners, Not Rich Yet" and the essential financial planning needed to convert their high incomes into sustainable wealth. 3. Impact of Secure Act 2.0: Jude discussed how the elimination of the Stretch IRA might affect heirs and why forward-thinking tax strategies are imperative to managing future tax liabilities. 4. Money Mindset and Health: Jude shared his personal story, underscoring the importance of a balanced approach to health, wealth, and happiness, advocating for a mindset that welcomes financial planning as a tool for overall well-being. 5. Retirement Income Buckets: We explored using diversified buckets for retirement savings to ensure stability during market fluctuations, enabling retirees to maintain their lifestyle seamlessly.
Join us as we inspire and educate you on your journey toward financial freedom and a purpose-filled future. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with those eager to transform their financial outlook![embed]https://youtu.be/4ip16wIl2gw?si=ddRC73MhQH-0vG4U[/embed]About Jude WilsonJude Wilson CWS®, BPC™, MBA, has been working with individuals, families, and businesses to achieve their retirement planning goals for over 25 years. He serves as Chief Financial Strategist at Centrus Financial Strategies, specializing in retirement income planning and tax reduction strategies for baby-boomers and retirees. He manages both day-to-day operations and client portfolios.Jude earned bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Finance from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration from the Rollins College Crummer School of Business.Connect with Jude:https://centrusfs.com/https://www.facebook.com/CentrusFinancialStrategies/linkedin.com/in/judehwilsonPodcast: The Roth Guy with Jude Wilson
Welcome to another episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" where I, Eric Brotman, explore the unique journeys of financial advisors and how they help others achieve financial independence. In today's Diary of a Financial Advisor segment, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Harrell, a dedicated financial advisor at BFG Financial Advisors. Andrew shares his journey in the financial advising field, his passion for helping clients with retirement and income planning, and the insights he's gained along the way. In our conversation, Andrew shared his journey to becoming a financial advisor, highlighting how he has only known BFG Financial Advisors as his professional home. We discussed the intricacies of retirement and income planning, emphasizing the importance of planning early and the different strategies available depending on an individual's needs. Andrew highlighted the various factors retirees must consider, such as the sustainability of withdrawal rates, tax implications, and how assets like home equity can play a part in their retirement plan. We also explored the generational differences in retirement planning and how advisors like Andrew navigate conversations about aging and financial security with clients much older than themselves. Additionally, we dove into the emotional and lifestyle aspects of retirement and how finding purpose and passion post-retirement is key to a fulfilling life. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Early Career Development: Andrew Harrell's career began with BFG right after college. Working closely with experienced advisors like Eric Brotman has shaped his understanding and approach to financial advising, particularly in retirement and income planning. 2. Retirement and Income Planning: Andrew emphasizes the importance of starting retirement planning early. He discusses withdrawal rate strategies, tax implications, and the use of various financial products to ensure a sustainable retirement income. 3. Navigating Emotional and Lifestyle Aspects: Retirement is not just a financial transition but also a lifestyle change. Andrew discusses the importance of finding activities that bring fulfillment and purpose post-retirement to avoid stagnation and to enjoy a more fruitful life. 4. Generational Differences in Planning: There are noticeable differences in how baby boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials approach retirement planning, largely due to changes in the availability of pensions, reliance on social security, and economic conditions. 5. Continuous Learning and Client Engagement: Andrew's commitment to his clients is evident in his willingness to learn and adapt. He values transparency and honesty with clients, embracing the learning opportunities that come with each unique financial situation.
Thank you for tuning in to this insightful episode with Andrew Harrell. If you enjoyed our discussion, please subscribe, leave a rating, and share our podcast with friends and family. Stay connected with us on our social media platforms for more updates and episodes. Remember, Don't Retire... Graduate!Learn more about Andrew here![embed]https://youtu.be/_i2YEJA2y8I?si=3cAvBnZ9ER5-aR-R[/embed]
Welcome back to "Don't Retire... Graduate!" Today, we’re talking about a topic that impacts many families and is often overlooked in financial planning—preparing for special needs children and aging parents' care. These stages of life present unique challenges that require careful planning and expert guidance to ensure both financial stability and familial harmony. In this episode, I am pleased to be joined by Nicole Hewitt, an experienced attorney specializing in estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, business planning, and real estate transactions. With her extensive background working with individuals and families dealing with estate and tax-related matters, Nicole offers invaluable insights and strategies to help navigate these complex situations. During our conversation, Nicole and I explore the intricacies of planning for families with special needs children and for those dealing with aging parents. We start with the challenges pre-retirees face when trying to save for their own retirement while also providing for a special needs child. Nicole highlights the importance of early and ongoing communication with family members and financial advisors to create effective plans. We also touch on the critical role of life insurance and special needs trusts in ensuring the financial security of special needs individuals. Shifting gears, we address the pressures on adult children who are managing the care of aging parents, emphasizing the necessity of honest family discussions and legal planning to mitigate future financial and emotional strain. Finally, we tackle the sensitive issue of driving and independence for elderly parents and offer guidance on how to manage this challenging transition. Key Takeaways:1. Two-Track Planning: Families with special needs children must navigate both personal retirement planning and long-term care planning for their dependent. Early planning and the use of vehicles like life insurance and special needs trusts can help balance these responsibilities. 2. Conversations are Crucial: Engaging in open discussions with family members about estate plans, potential inheritances, and responsibilities ensures smoother transitions and alignment on future care strategies. 3. Prepare for Aging Parents: Observing and discussing your parents' aging process while they’re still competent encourages proactive measures and legal planning, thereby reducing stress and preserving family relationships. 4. Professional Guidance is Key: Consulting with a financial advisor and attorney who specialize in special needs and elder law is crucial in creating and executing effective estate plans to better ensure compliance with laws and optimize financial outcomes. 5. Facing the Independence Issue: When the time comes to address an elderly parent's capability to drive, children often need to take on a parental role for the safety of their loved one and others, despite the discomfort it may cause.
For more details, or to start your planning process, reach out to Nicole Hewitt through the HWK Law Group. And don’t miss our upcoming webinar on the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 in March 2025 for further advice and insights. Join us next week and continue the journey of turning retirement into a commencement. As always, remember: Don’t retire, graduate![embed]https://youtu.be/2KWRT0Ib_Vc?si=dBEPqGwuChCBNedx[/embed]About Nicole Hewitt, Esq.Nicole practices in the area of Estate Planning and Estate Administration, Elder Law, Special Need Planning, Business Planning, and Title and Real Estate Transactions, with an emphasis on the tax aspects of each area. She represents individuals, business owners, young families, individuals reaching retirement, and the elderly in connection with planning to meet their estate, tax and medical assistance planning goals. In addition, Nicole works with individuals and families with special needs, including trusts and adult guardianships.Prior to co-founding HWK Law Group, Nicole was a senior tax associate with two Big 5 accounting firms, an associate with a large prominent Baltimore law firm, served as both General Counsel and Executive Director to a national mortgage lender/broker, and was a co-owner of an affiliated multi-state title company.Nicole resides in Lutherville with her husband and three children. She enjoys her frequent trips to Florida, playing tennis, traveling, skiing, and spending time with her family and friends.
Welcome back to another episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" I'm your host, Eric Brotman. In our "Diary of a Financial Advisor" segment, we introduce you to financial advisors and explore their professional journeys and their dedication to helping clients achieve financial success. Today, I'm delighted to have Dan Halla, a valuable member of our BFG team, join me. Dan is our go-to specialist in long-term care insurance, bringing both his professional expertise and personal passion to the table. We'll dive into what inspired Dan's career path, his philosophy on the importance of risk management, and what's on the horizon for the field of long-term care insurance. In this episode, I sat down with Dan Halla to discuss long-term care, a topic that many shy away from but one that Dan passionately champions due to personal experiences with his grandmother. We explored his journey to BFG, which started at a luncheon where his potential was spotted immediately. Dan shared how his dedication to long-term care was ignited by witnessing his grandmother's needs as she aged, steering him towards a career where he could make a significant difference in others' lives. Dan brings a human touch to financial advising, focusing less on numbers and more on the personal stories of our clients. We dove into how the long-term care insurance market has evolved, with fewer companies offering traditional policies. Dan explained how hybrid policies cater to clients' desires for a more tangible benefit, such as a death benefit or cash value.A theme throughout our conversation was trust—trust clients must have in us as advisors, even as we recommend planning for eventualities they would rather not contemplate. Dan's commitment to building personal relationships ensures our clients feel supported, especially when making claims in times of hardship. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Personal Motivation: Dan's passion for long-term care insurance was inspired by personal experiences with his grandmother, underscoring the importance of real-world experiences in shaping career paths. 2. Changing Insurance Landscape: The traditional long-term care insurance market is shrinking, with more carriers offering hybrid policies that provide clients with more immediate, tangible benefits. 3. Building Trust: Dan emphasizes the significance of developing close, trusted relationships with clients, assuring them of support when they need it most. 4. Professional Philosophy: Rather than solely focusing on investment figures, Dan focuses on understanding clients' personal stories to guide them toward better financial decisions. 5. Future Aspirations: Dan's goals revolve around being a trusted professional and an excellent future parent, with the guidance and confidence instilled by his wife and teammates.
Thank you for tuning into this insightful episode with Dan Halla. Make sure to subscribe, rate, and share with friends and family. As always, if you have ideas or topics for future episodes, reach out to us on Facebook. Remember, don't retire, graduate!Learn more about Dan here![embed]https://youtu.be/3mqxHJMa_sQ?si=1jf-BpJoSu8MKg_b[/embed]
Welcome back to "Don't Retire... Graduate!" On this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jasper Smith, a dedicated financial educator and visionary behind the Build Wealth Movement. With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jasper is on a mission to disrupt generational poverty and help families create sustainable wealth. Jasper Smith is a trailblazer in the financial services sector, with a deep-seated curiosity about money that has driven his career. As the founder of the Build Wealth Movement, Jasper tirelessly works to empower individuals and communities to overcome financial challenges and embrace prosperity. His commitment to financial education and his innovative approach to wealth-building strategies are transforming lives. In this episode, Jasper Smith and I dove into the intricacies of financial education, the importance of breaking generational poverty cycles, and the strategies that can lead to financial independence. Jasper shared his personal journey into the financial world, driven by a curiosity about money sparked by the daily stock market updates he saw on TV and a lack of open conversations about finances in his community. We explored the taboos surrounding money, different family dynamics, and how early financial habits impact lifelong prosperity. We also discussed the significance of educating children about money, emphasizing the need to start as early as possible, even if it begins with simple concepts like savings and earning money. Jasper highlighted the role of curiosity in understanding financial systems and the necessity of learning the rules to play the money game effectively. We touched on the challenges and opportunities presented by gamifying financial education and the importance of making informed decisions. As our conversation unfolded, we tackled the delicate balance of managing personal and family finances, the role of expectations in building generational wealth, and how societal changes have influenced today's financial landscape. Together, we unpacked the strategies that families can use to achieve financial success, including the importance of seeking external assistance and being receptive to guidance. Key Takeaways:1. Curiosity as a Catalyst: Curiosity about money and how it functions can be a powerful motivator. It leads to asking pertinent questions and seeking knowledge, which are essential for understanding financial systems. 2. Start Financial Education Early: Introducing children to financial concepts at a young age, even if it starts with basic ideas like savings, can lay a strong foundation for their financial literacy and decision-making skills. 3. Breaking Generational Poverty: Disrupting the cycle of generational poverty requires intentional actions, setting higher expectations for future generations, and educating oneself about sound financial practices. 4. Balancing Family and Personal Financial Goals: It's crucial to ensure your financial stability while planning for your children's future. Effective conversations and planning can help achieve a balance that secures retirement without compromising children's educational and life goals. 5. Openness to External Guidance: Being open to accepting guidance, assistance, or advocacy can be transformative in achieving financial aspirations. Identifying a trusted advisor to help navigate complex financial decisions is invaluable.
Thank you for joining us in this engaging conversation with Jasper Smith. Be sure to subscribe to "Don't Retire... Graduate!" for more insightful episodes. If you have topics or ideas you’d like us to explore, connect with us on Facebook or Twitter @BrotmanPlanning. Remember, the journey to financial freedom is one of learning and growth, so don't retire... graduate![embed]https://youtu.be/2DZnsPCU43c?si=CX-Zy0GlU4Gj8EWi[/embed]About Jasper SmithJasper has been involved in the financial services arena for over fifteen years. He’s the chief visionary behind a financial education company called The #BuildWealth Movement®. He works tirelessly to help people Disrupt Generational Poverty® for their family and community.http://www.thebuildwealthmovement.comhttps://www.instagram.com/mr_buildwealth/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjaspersmith/
Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate!: the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means. In our Diary of a Financial Advisor segment, I, Eric Brotman, interview financial advisors about their professional journeys and their dedication to aiding others in their financial success. Today, we are lucky enough to be joined by BFG's own Cody Niedermeier before he begins his paternity leave. In this episode, Cody and I explore the various considerations involved in planning for a family from the perspective of a financial advisor. Cody opens up about his own journey, sharing that he and his wife are expecting their first child. We discuss the practical changes needed in the home and adjustments to the family budget, emphasizing the costly nature of raising children. Cody provides insights into how his professional life has equipped him to tackle personal financial planning for his growing family. We also touch on the importance of life insurance, estate planning, and the possible choices between public and private schooling. Cody reflects on how being a financial advisor has prepared him for fatherhood and anticipates how fatherhood will, in turn, deepen his connection with clients. 5 Key Takeaways:Early Conversations and Planning: Cody stresses the importance of early and honest discussions about family planning even during the dating phase. Knowing each other’s desires about having children can shape the future and pinpoint readiness for starting a family. Financial Preparation and Adjustments: Financial planning for a new baby involves reassessments of budgets, exploring the costs of daycare, making necessary home adjustments, and ramping up that emergency fund. Cody shares the humorous reality of exceeding budget plans with frequent trips to places like Target. Healthcare, Childcare, and Education: Conversations around adjusting work schedules, weighing daycare options, and considering the pros and cons of public versus private education are crucial. Cody highlights the life-changing expenses associated with raising a child and how to plan for them effectively. Importance of Life Insurance and Estate Planning: Essential aspects of family planning include ensuring there is adequate life insurance and that estate documents are in order. Cody notes how these steps, though centered around dire scenarios, are fundamental in securing the family's future. Balancing Professional and Personal Life: Cody articulates how being a financial advisor has uniquely equipped him to plan for his family and posits that becoming a parent will help him relate even more profoundly with his clients. He emphasizes the need for drawing upon available resources, supporting his wife, and maintaining a balance between professional and personal demands. Cody's journey is a testament to the power of early planning and the perpetual balancing act of professional and personal life. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Cody's valuable insights. Remember, if you have any topics or ideas you'd like us to discuss in a future episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!", please reach out on social media. Stay tuned for our next episode, and until then, don't retire… graduate!Learn more about Cody here![embed]https://youtu.be/ocOp9nto4x0?si=yWez15fMHd1dRTkn[/embed]
Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate!: the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means. In today's episode, we're taking a look at college admissions and financial aid with our special guest, Dr. Kuni Beasley. With over 40 years of experience in helping students and their families navigate the complexities of getting into college and securing financial aid, Dr. Beasley brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice that could save you thousands of dollars while helping your children achieve their academic dreams. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Beasley to discuss his unique approach to navigating the often daunting landscape of college admissions and financial aid. We explore his strategies, which have helped countless families secure significant scholarships and grants, minimizing the out-of-pocket costs for higher education. Dr. Beasley shares insights into the different types of financial aid available, including merit-based, need-based, and entitlement aid, and explains the crucial steps families need to take as early as the 9th grade to maximize their opportunities. We also tackle the importance of standardized testing, building strong resumes, and understanding lesser-known ways to finance college education. Dr. Beasley emphasizes that no college is worth dipping into retirement funds and offers practical advice on maintaining financial health while supporting educational aspirations. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Types of Financial Aid (MONEY Acronym): Dr. Beasley introduces the acronym MONEY to describe the five types of financial aid: Merit-based, Opportunity-based, Need-based, Entitlement, and Your Own Money. Understanding each type is crucial to navigating college costs effectively. 2. Early Planning is Essential: Starting from the 9th grade, families should begin planning and preparing for college applications and financial aid opportunities. Dr. Beasley stresses that delaying this process can result in missed financial opportunities, costing families dearly. 3. Maximize Standardized Testing: Despite the rise of test-optional policies, standardized test scores like the SAT and ACT remain critical for scholarship opportunities and college admissions. Dr. Beasley recommends taking tests early and often to achieve the best possible scores. 4. Build a Strong Resume: Students should engage in activities that enhance their resumes, such as earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and participating in programs like Boys State and Girls State. Such accolades can significantly impress admissions officers and improve scholarship chances. 5. Financial Aid Strategies: Correctly filling out the FAFSA is critical, as mistakes can cost families tens of thousands of dollars. Dr. Beasley also highlights strategies like leveraging ROTC scholarships and understanding institutional aid policies to reduce reliance on personal funds.
For those interested in diving deeper into Dr. Beasley's methods and potentially saving thousands on college costs, more information can be found at Beasley College Prep. Tune in next time for another inspiring episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" If you enjoyed our show, please subscribe, leave a rating on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and family so they can join you on your journey to financial freedom. Feel free to send us a topic or idea you'd like to discuss in a future episode by posting it on our Facebook page or tweeting us at @BrotmanPlanning. Until next time, don't retire... graduate![embed]https://youtu.be/1CaByHiGIik?si=Ft7zaGiBwk38LYRn[/embed]
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 a highly credentialed CFP, who will share her professional and personal journey with us. Claudia has a wide array of experiences in the financial industry. Originally inspired by her father, who immigrated with their family and taught her the values of discipline and saving, Claudia embarked on a path in finance that has led her to become a trusted advisor and the chair of our investment committee at BFG. In this episode, Claudia shares her inspiring journey into the world of finance, which began by watching her father's disciplined financial management. After graduating from college, Claudia knew she wanted to enter the finance field. Her career has been non-linear, starting as an associate, moving onto a fixed income trading desk, and eventually managing a growth and income SMA at Wells Fargo. Transitioning from the large corporate environment of Wells Fargo to the more intimate setting of BFG was a culture shock, but one she has embraced wholeheartedly. Claudia talks about her "why"—helping clients reach milestones—and how this drives her every day. We also discuss Claudia's accountability partnership within BFG and how it has benefitted both her and me. Finally, we explore the impact of financial wellness programs on both Claudia's career and the lives of the clients she serves. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Claudia’s Inspirational Journey: Claudia was moved to enter finance by observing her father’s disciplined financial habits. This demonstrates the significant impact parents can have on their children's financial literacy and career choices. 2. Career Path & Experience: Claudia’s career has been diverse, ranging from assisting a team of advisors to managing a growth and income SMA. Her varied experiences have equipped her with the knowledge and skills to effectively support her clients. 3. Transition from Large to Small Firms: Moving from Wells Fargo's massive organization to the more personal environment at BFG was a notable shift. However, it offered Claudia the opportunity to engage more deeply with her clients and understand their financial situations on a personal level. 4. Importance of Accountability: The concept of having an accountability partner at BFG has been a significant factor in personal and professional growth for Claudia. Monthly meetings to discuss goals have helped her maintain focus and drive. 5. Financial Wellness Programs: These programs allow financial advisors like Claudia to reach a broader audience, offering personalized financial advice and guidance. These programs can profoundly affect the financial health and understanding of participants.
I hope you find this episode not only informative but also inspirational. Claudia's journey is a testament to how diverse experiences and a heartfelt commitment to helping others can lead to a fulfilling career in financial services. Join us next week for another engaging episode, and in two weeks, meet another advisor in our "Diary of a Financial Advisor" series. If you enjoyed our show, please subscribe and leave a rating on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with friends and family so they, too, can join the journey to financial freedom. Have a topic or idea you’d or idea you’d like us to explore? Post it on our Facebook page or tweet us at Brotman Planning. Until next time, remember: Don't retire, graduate!Learn more about Claudia here![embed]https://youtu.be/TDTrkfwT_nk?si=1I_6voVw8mlyG87i[/embed]
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 also a former financial advisor, a board member of the Plutus Foundation, and an author. With such a wealth of experience, he's the perfect guest to kick off our new season. In this episode, Joe and I take a look at the intersections of politics, investments, and financial planning. With the recent election, we discuss the impact it will have on tax policy, the economy, and interest rates. Joe emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and taking action based on current realities rather than political outcomes. We discuss economic volatility, current stock market trends, and the significant influence of the Federal Reserve compared to political administrations. Joe provides valuable investment strategies, stressing the impracticality of market timing and advocating for a long-term perspective. We also share personal anecdotes, including Joe’s new venture, "Stacking Adventures," a travel blog and podcast. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of enjoying life experiences early, leveraging personal hobbies, and maintaining quality family time. 5 Key Takeaways:1. Personal Accountability Over Politics: Joe emphasizes that regardless of recent election outcomes or political affiliations, personal accountability and action based on current facts are crucial for financial success. Quoting Jack Welch, Joe highlights the importance of accepting reality as it is, not how we wish it to be. 2. Investment Strategy: Joe argues that successful investing requires comfort with uncertainty and avoiding market timing. He gives an example of a friend who took advantage of a market drop to invest more, advocating for a long-term perspective. 3. Federal Reserve’s Influence: The discussion reveals that the Federal Reserve has more short-term economic influence than the presidency. This insight challenges the common perception that political changes drastically affect personal financial strategies. 4. Enjoying Life Experiences: Joe and I stress the importance of not waiting until old age to enjoy meaningful experiences due to potential health issues. Experiencing life now, rather than delaying gratification, is crucial for overall well-being. 5. Community and Family Time: Personal hobbies and shared experiences, such as building Lego sets or playing board games, can provide significant non-material value. These activities help build strong relationships and create lasting memories, emphasizing that finance is not just about money but about what it enables people to do.
I want to thank Joe Saul-Sehy for joining us today. Don't forget to check out his projects like "Stacked" and "Stacking Benjamins." As we move forward, stay tuned for more interviews and our new segment, "Diary of a Financial Advisor," every Thursday. Remember to subscribe, leave ratings, and share the podcast with your friends. Let's keep the conversation going and achieve financial graduation together![embed]https://youtu.be/vgJCR45UX4E?si=UvY35mNMEQJXRCWb[/embed]
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 their financial biases and make positive changes in their habits. We'll explore the importance of being open-minded and empathetic towards clients with different attitudes and behaviors, as well as the gradual nature of habit change. Key takeaways:
Financial security is important for a comfortable retirement transition. It involves having a certain level of income and assets to maintain a desired lifestyle.
It's crucial to understand your money habits and attitudes, as they play a significant role in your financial decision-making. The Money Habitudes assessment helps individuals gauge where they fall along six domains and identify biases or areas for improvement.
Money is relational and tied to associations such as family, culture, and community. Understanding the non-verbal messages and influences around money can help shape healthy money habits and attitudes.
Giving and philanthropy can bring joy and satisfaction, and it's important to align your philanthropic efforts with your values and passions. Incorporating philanthropy into your financial plan can bring both status and personal fulfillment.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this show over the last five years and allowed us to be part of your personal finance journey. Also, a special thank you to our executive producer Sara Lohse and our audio engineer Russ Riba for making this podcast happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 course), how he proposed, and the plans they have for the future.
Communication and transparency are key when it comes to financial planning for couples. It is important to have open conversations about joint accounts, bill payments, and beneficiary designations to ensure that both partners are on the same page and have a clear understanding of their financial goals.
When planning a wedding, it is advisable to save for the engagement ring rather than borrowing money. Using a credit card to purchase the ring means that the spouse is essentially paying for it, leading to unnecessary debt.
The cost of weddings can vary greatly. It is crucial for couples to financially plan for their wedding and manage expectations. By understanding their budget and prioritizing expenses, couples can prevent financial strain and focus on what matters most to them.
Geography plays a significant role in financial and legal matters. Couples should ensure that their estate planning documents are done in the state they are living in, as state laws differ. It is also important to consider insurance policies and beneficiary designations, especially when moving between different states.
The importance of comprehensive financial planning cannot be overstated. From consolidating old retirement accounts to adjusting employee benefits, couples should seek guidance from financial advisors to help them navigate this complex process. This includes finding professionals for tax planning, legal matters, and other important areas to ensure a solid financial foundation for their marriage.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 @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
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 you achieve them is crucial. • Building a comfortable and goal-oriented working relationship with a coach is essential. • The internet has made information more accessible, allowing for self-education and learning new skills. • During times of economic uncertainty, having multiple income sources and financial literacy is important. • The current generation faces more financial challenges, with the need for multiple jobs and side hustles to support a family. • Financial education and applying knowledge can have an immediate and positive impact on personal finances. • Establishing an emergency fund (or peace of mind fund) in a high-yield savings account is an excellent starting point for financial stability. • Continual learning and progress in financial education can lead to life-changing opportunities and success. • Having a plan, taking action, and being prepared are key factors in progressing and achieving financial goals. • Understanding how recessions impact individuals and their finances is essential for making informed financial decisions.
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
About Hassan Thomas:
Hassan R. Thomas: the new face of emerging FinTech and the Founder of a new APP called FYI FLI (For Your Information, Financial Literacy & Investing), and the CEO of HRT Enterprises LLC.
@ceosanni @fyifli Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 to a more positive mindset about money, highlighting that financial legacy is not just about leaving behind a large sum of money but also about the mindset and values that are passed down.
Join us to learn how you can be mindful about money and how your actions and words can influence others.
In this episode we’ll talk about: •Actions and words around money influence others in your life. •Shifting to a positive mindset about money can create a financial legacy. •Being mindful of how you handle money can potentially help others in their lives. •Financial legacy is not just about the amount of money one leaves behind, but also the mindset. •Leaving a financial legacy involves creating meaningful connections and thoughtful gestures. •Legacy is about leaving gifts of opportunity, experience, and influence for children, not just material possessions. •Mindset and habitual practices play a significant role in financial behaviors. •Identifying and understanding the origin of money stories can lead to healthier financial behaviors. •Overcoming money drama and reframing mindset is crucial for financial success. •Personalized investing aligned with your passions and goals can lead to meaningful financial growth.
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
About Marika Stimac:
I became a life coach with the intent of helping people unlock their best lives but quickly recognized how many people are held back by their financial insecurities. Now I am dedicated to empowering individuals to improve their financial literacy and feel confident in their ability to achieve their financial goals and live the life they desire.
@thefinancialconfidencecoach www.linkedin.com/in/marikastimac www.facebook.com/marikastimac www.pinterest.ca/thefinancialconfidencecoach/ www.thefinancialconfidencecoach.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 find your number and how to do it •Importance of financially funded retirement •Avoiding financial vampires •Figuring out how to use accumulated wealth, create income, manage taxes, and avoid running out of money before running out of oxygen •The concept of human life value and why it matters •How Target has perfected the art of being a financial vampire and driving impulse purchases •spending for love and how it can hurt your finances •long term care insurance and how it can impact multigenerational planning
About John Crane: Author, financial advisor, and retirement income planner John W. Crane has spent more than a decade providing personalized financial guidance to business professionals, corporate executives, and medical specialists, utilizing a comprehensive planning process to identify each client’s unique goals. He’s a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and has received top honors from the premier association of financial professionals, MDRT. A lifelong learner himself, John shares his expertise with students at hospitals and high schools throughout Washington, D.C.
www.cranefinancial.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/johncrane/ Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 planning journey, starting with financial education and leading to building and protecting wealth.
Listen now for tips on cutting expenses, generating income through multiple streams, and protecting wealth with proper insurance coverage and investment in income-producing assets.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
• The importance of financial education • The areas in our finances where most people are not protected, including life insurance and disability insurance • Rules of thumb for emergency funds and managing debt • Cash flow and how to begin building wealth • Investing in income-producing assets and creating multiple income streams • Avoiding one-size-fits-all financial advice and finding an advisor that can act as a copilot
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
About Troy Holt:
Troy Holt is a skilled sales and account executive with over 20 years of experience in business growth, development and financial planning. As a Certified Financial Educator & Registered Financial Consultant, Troy is licensed in 20 states and is an independent coach, speaker, and trainer. He is well-versed in communication, leadership, and work ethic, and has a proven track record of success in his endeavors. He is the co-author of an Amazon Best Seller book and host of the Troy Talks podcast, where he shares his expertise and personal stories to inspire others. Troy is also the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of Troy Holt Consulting LLC, a growing financial consulting company focused on empowering and educating individuals and small business owners on wealth accumulation, preservation, and debt elimination. Troy is an engaging and motivating speaker, mentor, and Independent Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with The John Maxwell Company, who has made it a personal mission to eliminate financial illiteracy, particularly in the African American community with a focus on black women. Troy is a 33-year member of the same church, serving in ministry for 29 years and as a Licensed Elder with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World for 26 years. He currently resides in Pensacola, FL with his wife of 31 years, one adult son, and three grandchildren.
Troy Holt's LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3dru6pP Troy Holt's Instagram: https://bit.ly/3YEo9OZ Troy Holt's Twitter: https://bit.ly/33EMQ2W Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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: •What it means to be “always becoming” •How legacies are seen as money, but should be something far deeper •Tombstone moments and how Tamra made the decision to change her own life in search of fulfillment •Redefining wealth and legacy •Turning work into play and finding joy in what you do everyday •The elements of building a business and a brand with authenticity •The power of retreats and why they’re helpful in life and in business •Why comfort zones are where people go to die •Surprises and the power of not knowing •Entering your transformation zone and capturing your message that can become your business, podcast, book, or legacy
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
I've been called a human sparkler (who doesn't need a little sparkle in their life) and a top thought leader in spiritual entrepreneurship. I'm an international speaker, 2x best selling author, and the founder and chief evangelist of F.I.T. in Faith Media Company. As an ordained minister, I am commissioned to activate purpose-driven leaders personally and professionally with their broadcasted messages and businesses through publishing, podcasting, and play. Yes, work should be fun! My role as an event host to annual conferences and retreats enables me to help unleash identity and freedom around the world by bringing together other like-hearted and like-minded sisters and brothers! www.tamraandresss.com www.fitinfaithmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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/adchoices
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’ll talk about: • The WTFintech newsletter and how it helps grow representation within the finance industry • Gamification and how it can be both good and bad when it comes to finance • How finance apps like Venmo are designed to produce FOMO rather than good financial behaviors • The effects of culture on personal finance and financial behavior • Changing the mindset we have around money so it can be a tool for change • The game is rigged – why the majority is losing while a small number win • The power of authenticity and vulnerability in the media
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
About Nicole Casperson: Nicole Casperson is the creator of WTFintech? - a twice-weekly industry newsletter with nearly 50,000 subscribers, and averaging a 45% unique open rate. She is the host of Humans of Fintech (formerly WTFintech?) - a weekly podcast taking you behind the scenes with some of the most successful fintech founders operating today. With a particular focus on women and operators from underrepresented backgrounds. Nicole on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicolecasperson Nicole on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nicole-casperson-0820a5133 Nicole's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humans-of-fintech/id1600731457 Nicole's Newsletter: https://workweek.com/brand/wtfintech/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
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 to share her story with you today.
In this episode we’ll talk about: • Dr. Ann James’s story of military service, single parenthood of a child of special needs, and how she found her passion for personal finance. • The importance of financial planning as a parent of a child with special needs. • The B.A.T.T.L.E. plan for financial freedom. • The loss of financial security many military families feel when they leave the service. • Necessary versus unnecessary debt. • The unique challenges that are faced by the military community and the challenges that come with working with the community. • Advice for military members who are still serving for transitioning out of the military. • What comes next and what Dr. James wants to be when she grows up.
About Dr. Ann James Dr. Antoinette (Ann) James began her career as an enlisted member in the U.S. Air Force. Over her military career, she held numerous positions which included personnel administration and financial management. Upon earning her commission, she was responsible for executing multi-million-dollar operating budgets within the U.S. and overseas. After 21 years of proud service, she retired and went on to earn her Doctorate of Education. Currently, as a Certified Financial Coach and CEO of Financial Freedom Battle Buddies, Dr. Ann is on a mission to educate and equip military veterans on how to transform their financial well-being using her B.A.T.T.L.E method. She’s been featured and cited on several platforms such as USA Today and the Penny Hoarder. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends. www.drannjames.com
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
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!
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 if you can beat Eric’s 92%.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
• Tiffany’s upbringing that led her to financial and professional success • Student loans and how to go through graduate school without paying tuition and/or getting paid • Financial literacy and the lack of education in most schools • Extra credit assignments and why those who need help aren’t the ones who seek it • The Money Talk with Tiff podcast and how it’s helping to spread financial education
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
About Tiffany Grant: Where do I start? I am a self-proclaimed money nerd and proud of it! I live and breathe finances. After years of giving impromptu advice to family and friends, I said why not start a blog? This way all of the knowledge will have an online platform and reach even more people!
From a young age, I was always money-conscious. I remember being as young as 6 and clipping coupons. Did anyone use them? Nope, but I found joy in going through the motions. When I got my first job at 16, I used coupons to get more bang for my buck. Once I saw how helpful they were, I used coupons for everything! Cashiers were impressed by a teenager leaving with a cart full of items for only $20.
As time progressed, I wanted to do more with my money. I started investing at the age of 19. I had amassed a few thousand dollars but decided to sell it all when times got rough. Big mistake but I had to do what I could.
I bought my first house at the age of 26. How? By saving, keeping a close eye on my credit, and living well below my means. Frugal is my middle name! Wealth-building is all about having goals and being laser-focused on accomplishing them. My next goal is to be debt-free (except the house) by age 30.
What makes this even more amazing is I did it all while being a single mother of two little boys, working full-time, and going to school. Now, what's your excuse? Let's get started! Time is ticking!
I have a Bachelor in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), SHRM-CP, Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and years of experience helping people like you!
https://www.moneytalkwitht.com/
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 Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!
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 to share her story, discuss what it’s like to be successful in an industry in which you’re underrepresented, and that sometimes you just need to give yourself a little grace.
In this episode we’ll talk about: • Natalie’s upbringing and personal finance became a language she had to learn • Being patient with yourself and figuring out what you can learn in 20 minutes each day • Generational and familial differences and how we all struggle differently • The field of finance and how breaking through it as a woman and/or a person of color is still a challenge • Figuring out what works for you and giving yourself grace • Learning from your mistakes more than when things go well
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
About Nathalie Torres-Haddad: She is an international award winning author, educator and bilingual podcast host of Financially Savvy in 20 Minutes. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, LA Times, and many news outlets like Telemundo and Fox. A two time TEDx speaker known for her talk “The foreign language of financial literacy”. Some of her videos have received over a million views and is a sought out keynote speaker all over the country as a financial literacy and mental health advocate. A first generation college graduate from CSULB, in Finance and International Business with a Masters from CSUN, she focuses on helping those with debt and working toward financial independence. Her first children's book in 2020 Made the #1 best seller on Amazon: "A dress to remember" based on the nonprofit LA's Prom Closet she had for several years. Born in El Salvador, and raised in Inglewood she quickly understood that the lack of financial literacy limits her community of basic human rights and equality in resources. She started investing in real estate at age 24 and began her career advocating for financial literacy. http://financiallysavvyin20minutes.com/
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.
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 to not lose money when investing.
In this episode we’ll talk about: • What investing really is and how it can give everyone a taste of entrepreneurship • The reason people are scared or intimidated by investing • Human behavior and how we tend to make the wrong choices with our money • Looking at stock market crashes as flash sales • How to tell the difference between good financial advice and not-so good advice • Who should or should not own individual stocks and how to balance your portfolio for growth • The 3 rules to not lose money on stocks • When you should or should not sell your shares • Concentrated stock positions and overweighting your portfolio in one investment, including your own company • Income risk and financial risk in choosing your investments Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
About Joseph Hogue Born and raised in Iowa, Joseph Hogue graduated from Iowa State University after serving in the Marine Corps. He worked in corporate finance and real estate before starting a career in investment analysis. He has appeared on Bloomberg and CNBC and led a team of equity analysts for a venture capital research firm. He holds a master’s degree in business and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Joseph left the corporate world in 2014 to build his online businesses, first through creating websites and later through his YouTube channel, Let's Talk Money. He's since grown the community to over 550,000 and reaches more than 1.8 million people a month through the blogs, YouTube and a weekly market newsletter. https://www.youtube.com/c/LetsTalkMoneywithJosephHogueCFA
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!
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, so we brought back one of our favorite guests and all-time favorite Stacker, Joe Saul-Sehy, host of the Stacking Benjamin’s podcast and co-author of the book STACKED: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management. Joe is back to share some of his experiences from his past life as a financial advisor, including the best and worst advice he’s ever heard and the red flags he’s seen from other advisors that should have you running for the office exit.
In this episode we’ll talk about: • Social media and the harmful financial advice that can be found on it • What compliance means and how it keeps financial advisors from sharing bad information • Identifying the filters, credentials, and backgrounds of the people you get advice from online • Bernie Madoff, undisclosed insiders, and schemers to look out for • Red flags of financial advisors you can see just walking into the office—from what’s on the television to the layout of the furniture • Asking who, not how when you need to do learn something new—like writing a great book with Emily Guy Birken
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
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.
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. Now, Heidi joins us on the show to talk about the experiences her and her mother tried together and how they are inspiring others to embrace life fully.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- Heidi’s mother and her secret to embracing life
- Ideas for exciting new experiences and ways to find something new you can try regardless of age or ability
- Thinking about what you want to be when you grow up and what you want to do when you’re no longer tied to a career
- The icelandic saying of Áfram með Smjörið and how it inspired Heidi and her mother
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!
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 held strong to hope and joy. Her recovery has centered around helping others manage their chronic pain through yoga and meditation. Listen to her story and take her extra credit assignment seriously (even if it won’t be graded)!
Please note this episode is rereleased from season 1, and we will NOT be taking a break. Come back next week for another episode of Office Hours!
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- Kristy’s story of being hit by a truck while training for a triathlon and needing to relearn everything we take for granted
- Financial, physical, and spiritual wellness and how they interact in our daily lives
- Using meditation and breathing techniques in times of stress and anxiety
- Pivot points we experience throughout our lives, both expected and unexpected
- Financial wellness, paying yourself first, and having a plan for the future
- Spirituality, religion, and the spiritual journey Kristy experienced through yoga
- The power of empathy and compassion
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!
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!
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 about the next chapter of their lives. And please join us in congratulating our guest, who, in the time since this episode was recorded, welcomed his second baby boy!
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- How retirement planning is a marathon, not a sprint, and why planning should start early
- How Yanni, a Towson University grad, got his start in financial planning and what he wants to be when he grows up
- The sandwich generation and multigenerational financial planning
- How millennials and adults in their twenties or thirties can be doing to prepare for retirement
- The average debt and student loans for recent grads and how it can hurt your financial independence
- Deciding what your financial priority should be
- Legacy planning and leaving behind things more important than money – freedom, independence, vision, values
- Talking about money within families and how views can vary with your parents, spouse, or grandparents
- Side hustles and how they’re impacting the idea of FIRE (financially independent retire early)
- Entrepreneurship and small business self-employment and how it can help you pursue your passions
- Social awareness and the importance it holds with younger generations
- Pensions, three-legged stools, social security and other antiquated retirement ideas being replaced by “you’re on your own”
- Living in two-income society vs older generations able to live on a single income
- Transferring wealth between generations, to children and grandchildren, in tax-efficient ways through life insurance, trusts, and 529 College Savings Plans without creating a Billy Madison situation
- Unemployment and underemployment, and the shrinking value of college degrees
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers April's question: “Why do some advisors say that taking 5% or more of your retirement nestegg out every year is dangerous?”
Determining a reasonable withdrawal rate depends on factors including your asset level, retirement timeline, and age. Eric explains three different asset structuring strategies that can help you avoid outliving your money.
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!
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! As part of our summer throwback series, we’re bringing back our very own Lena Nebel, CFP®, Chief Operating Officer here at BFG Financial Advisors. This episode, originally released in Season 3, dives into the topics around marriage that people don’t necessarily want to talk about, like how much to spend on the engagement ring, how to ask for a prenup, and what to do when you and your partner don’t agree on money topics.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- The major purchase of engagement rings and best practices for budgeting, choosing a ring, and getting it insured
- When to talk about finances with your partner and what you should be talking about
- Who should be considering a prenuptial agreement and how do you address it
- Roles and responsibilities in the relationship and how to merge them as a couple
- Combining finances and determining which account should be separate and who is financially responsible for what
- Finding the happy medium when a spender marries a saver
- How to handle inheritances after marriage and determining if it’s a marital asset
- Estate planning as a married couple
- Looking at benefits and beneficiaries with the possibility of widowhood in mind
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Shelby's question: “what do you think every student should know before taking out student loans?”
Student loans can be confusing and there is a lot to know. We're talking about a few different factors including return on investment and whether or not the loan is subsidized.
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!
Summer is in session but we’re not taking off! Throughout the season, we’ll be bringing back listeners’ favorite episodes from past seasons and answering brand new Office Hours questions!
Today’s episode from season 2 (originally released at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic) features Cait Lockwood (formerly Caitlin Pyle), founder of Work-at-Home School and Proofread Anywhere, talking about how she went from being fired from a job to building a seven-figure company she could run from home. Listen to this great conversation about how you can build your own business without leaving the house—even if you’re already retired.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- Remote work and unemployment during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
- Cait’s journey from being fired to building two businesses
- Discovering the viability of full-time freelance work
- What it takes to be entrepreneurial and create your own company
- Advice for someone looking to change careers or generate additional income
- The three-step system for success as a freelancer
- Identifying the lies we’re programmed to believe that can keep us from reaching our full potential
- Breaking past the self-doubt that can hold you back and replacing them with truths
- Abundance mindset vs scarcity mindset
- Leveling up by identifying existing skills and learning new ones
- The importance of confidence in successfully launching as a freelancer
- Changing the way we see retirement and throwing out conventional idea of retirement
- The reality of fixed income and how you can un-fix it
- Thinking outside—or breaking out of—the box you’re in to make more money and reach financial independence
- Inflation rate and how it affects retirees and seniors more than the rest of us
- The main things seniors spend money on – leisure, health care, education for grandkids, and scratch-off lotto tickets
- The investment of online courses for building new skills
- Millennials, participation trophies, and accepting failure as a lesson
- Vetting online courses and creators and filtering out scams
- Understanding affiliate marketing and how you can use it to make commission income
- Using social media and your existing networks for market research and finding clients
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jenna's question: “how much should I have in an emergency fund?”
This can vary based on a lot of factors, and emergency funds don't need to just be in the form of savings accounts. Eric explores the different layers that can make up your emergency fund and the rules of thumb for how much money is safe.
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!
Welcome to the season four finale of Don’t Retire... Graduate! We’ve had amazing guests this season and couldn’t be more excited to finish with today’s guest. Dr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who helps organizations understand the intersection of mind and markets and explores the way our brains affect our choices when it comes to money. He is here to talk about the way mental biases can affect our decision making and make us uniquely stupid when it comes to money (his words, not ours).
In this episode we’ll talk about:
•Behavioral finance and looking at the role psychology plays in our financial lives
•How people are uniquely stupid when it comes to money and how the brain reacts when thinking about money
•The biases we all can fall victim to that can negatively affect our investments
•Decision making styles applied to money versus everywhere else in our lives
•The performance of Amazon stock over the past twenty years
•Day trading and how active investors tend to underperform
•Action bias, confirmation bias, investing alongside your political party, investing alongside your morals, loss aversion, the house money effect, and mental accounting and how they all affect our financial choices
•The value of a financial advisor versus doing it yourself
•Results of studies on financial advising, including investors working with advisors accumulating far more wealth than those without advisors
•The meaning of the term fiduciary and how it applies to finance and psychology
•Giving up on dreams of professional sports careers
•Positive psychology, PERMA, and Dr. Martin Seligman’s contribution
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
Dr. Crosby's Book
About Daniel Crosby
Dr. Daniel Crosby is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who helps organizations understand the intersection of mind and markets. Dr. Crosby's first book, Personal Benchmark: Integrating Behavioral Finance and Investment Management, was a New York Times bestseller. His second book, The Laws of Wealth, was named the best investment book of 2017 by the Axiom Business Book Awards and has been translated into 7 languages. His latest work, The Behavioral Investor, is a comprehensive look at the neurology, physiology and psychology of sound financial decision-making.
https://www.standarddeviationspod.com
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jason's question: “what are a few basic aspects of a financial plan that I can create myself?” The truth is, you can do it all yourself or with the help of a few vendors. A financial planner is not necessarily needed. But which way is right for you?
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!
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Today we’re going back to school with Rob Phelan, a high school math and personal finance teacher and author of the children’s book M is for Money. Rob is here, live from his classroom, to talk about money and the roadblocks we’re facing while advocating for personal finance education for kids.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
•The difference between math and personal finance
•Why we overestimate our abilities in nearly all aspects, but doubt our abilities to understand and make money
•Money stories and how we’re shaped to make decisions as children
•Why it’s so hard to create a formal education in personal finance
•The struggles teachers face when creating personal finance curriculums
•Nonprofit organizations that have resources available for schools and students
•How kids can start learning about money as early as preschool and how we can teach money concepts at different ages
•Entrepreneurship, pre-selling a business idea, and crowdfunding
•Understanding regret and buyer’s remorse as a child
•The ice cream theory of teaching patience and delayed gratification to toddlers
Visit www.misformoneybook.com to learn more about Rob's book.
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
About Rob Phelan
Rob Phelan is a high school math and personal finance teacher in Frederick, Maryland, a Certified Financial Education Instructor, business owner, and author of the recently published children’s book, M is for Money.
Rob is a passionate advocate for greater levels of financial education to help our youth make better financial decision moving into their futures.
Rob Phelan Facebook
Rob Phelan Twitter
Rob Phelan Instagram
Rob Phelan LinkedIn
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Matthew's question: “is it better to pay over the asking price for a house or just rent?"
There is so much going on in the market right now that is making purchasing a home -- especially your first home -- particularly difficult and expensive. Do you go for it or wait it out?
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!
A full transcript of this episode can be found at dontretiregraduate.com.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest today did what nobody thought was possible: left Eric speechless. Sharita Humphrey has a remarkable story of grit and resilience. From a homeless mother of two living out of a motel, Sharita promised her sons that she would change their situation and did not rest until she did. The now award-winning financial educator is here to share that story and spread her message that just because you lose things, you can never lose hope.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
• The importance of having money conversations at home
• Sharita’s story of becoming a mom early, the feelings of failure that came with losing her home, and her experience living in a motel for close to a year
• How financial literacy education can change your financial trajectory
• How it feels to leave traditional employment and scratch an entrepreneurial itch
• Keeping experiences as a line item on a budget
• Creating a safety net by building an emergency fund
• Creating jobs and abundance through agriculture
• Seeing your budget as a blueprint to keep you in the driver’s seat
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
www.sharitamhumphrey.com
www.changeinmotion.co
About Sharita M. Humphrey
Sharita M. Humphrey is a nationally recognized, award-winning finance expert and money mentor. Having previously been broke and homeless herself, Sharita knows first-hand that financial freedom has a blueprint and she’s committed to helping individuals change the financial trajectories of their lives.
Sharita is a certified financial educator, speaker, and coach. At her namesake financial consulting company, Sharita helps minority women better understand, manage, and grow their money. Sharita also helps Black and Brown entrepreneurs learn how to accelerate their businesses and secure funding through her other company, Change In Motion, which offers a comprehensive education program.
In 2020, Sharita was named National Financial Educator of the Year for her work within her local community and across the country. She is a regular contributor to entrepreneurial publications and has been featured in top-tier media including CNBC, iHeartMedia, Forbes, Yahoo Finance and BBC World News.
This year, Sharita and her family set a goal of purchasing hundreds of acres of land over the next few years to build a family-run farm. During their journey, Sharita is teaching minority farmers how to obtain monies to acquire farmland and helping them to retain their land for generations to come.
Sharita M. Humphrey Facebook
Sharita M. Humphrey Instagram
Sharita M. Humphrey Linkedin
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Mark's question: "if you won the lottery and had the option of $30 million upfront or a million dollars a year for 30 years, which is actually the better option?"
Unfortunately this is not a circumstance many of us will see ourselves in, but let's talk about it anyway. What are the realities of winning the lottery?
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.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! We have a very fun episode today and couldn’t be more excited to have Emily Guy Birken here. She is a lifelong money nerd, award-winning writer, and the co-author of STACKED: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with longtime DRG friend, Joe Saul-Sehy. Emily joined us to talk about how to look at your money like a game of Tetris, the way gamification can be a powerful tool for change, and, of course, to set the record for the number of times “hemorrhoid” has ever been said on this show.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
• Emily’s goals for every day
• How to see your finances as a Tetris game and use it to help with budgeting
• How an emergency fund is the Easy Spin of budgeting
• Taking control of your money rather than seeing it as something out of your control
• Gamification of money and when it is good versus when it can be harmful
• The mental activation that comes with gamification and identifying what behavior is being rewarded
• Hiring an advisor who won’t bleed you dry and the three questions you should ask a financial advisor
• How to know if your advisor is actively doing the work to help you meet your goals and recognize your money values
• Why you want an advisor who works with people similar to you
• Paying attention to professional designations and understanding the regulations and standards that come with them
• Why a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is the gold standard of financial advisors
• Understanding what an advisor does for his/her clients
• Who the perfect Stacked reader is
• Emily’s retirement readiness checklist and the things you should be thinking about to be ready to retire
• Identifying one good thing everyday
No Stacking Benjamins hosts were harmed in the making of this episode.
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
Download Emily's Retirement Readiness Checklist at emilyguybirken.com/DRG
About Emily Guy Birken
Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her background in education allows her to make complex financial topics relatable and easily understood by the layperson.
She is the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand new book Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
Emily lives in Milwaukee with her family.
www.emilyguybirken.com
Facebook: Emily Guy Birken
Twitter: @EmilyGuyBirken
Instagram: @EmilyGuyBirken
LinkedIn: Emily Guy Birken
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Felix's question: what is the most valuable employee benefit I should take advantage of?
This is a great question and the answer varies by person, but there are a few employee benefit options that most people underutilize and even ignore.
Find a full transcript of this episode at dontretiregraduate.com.
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!
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! We have two guests today, Steven and Lauren Keys, who did something pretty incredible: retired before they turned 30. They came on the podcast to talk about how they reached financial independence at a young age, how they saved their nest egg without large salaries, and their plan for the rest of their retirement.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
• Cutting expenses to save money and pay off debt
• Living frugally without sacrificing your lifestyle
• Using your passions to bring in extra income
• How to make a full-time income with part-time work
• Dispelling the myth that retirement means not working at all
• Living with an abundance mentality rather than a scarcity mentality
• Employee benefits without an employer
• Insurance considerations when in an early retirement
• How money experiences growing up can affect your perspective on money as an adult
• Gamifying your finances to motivate you towards your goals
• Overconsumption and how to avoid it
• Using money to buy freedom rather than stuff
• The Financial Roadmap
Steven & Lauren's Financial Roadmap: https://www.tripofalifestyle.com/roadmap/
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
About Lauren ad Steven Keys:
We’re Lauren and Steven, a middle-class couple who managed to bank enough money to retire from our full-time jobs at age 29. By making a few lifestyle tweaks soon after graduation, we grew a buffer of cash and investments that gave us a ton of flexibility and enabled us to do some really fun stuff too, like taking six months off to explore Hawaii and another seven months to travel to every National Park in the US. Now we’re hoping to help other people (like you!) do something similar.
TripofaLifestyle.com
Facebook: Trip Of A Lifestyle
Twitter: TOALifestyle
Instagram: Trip Of A Lifestyle
Linked In: Trip Of A Lifestyle
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Gary's question: Are all financial advisors and planners fiduciaries?
This is a great question and the simple answer is no. Listen to hear Eric explain what a fiduciary is, why it's important to know if your advisor is a fiduciary, and how you can tell.
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!
Find a full transcript of this episode at dontretiregraduate.com.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Today’s guest is the most educated individual we know in this industry. Dr. Mary Bell Carlson is a financial behavioral expert who has worked with the government, military, and financial educational organizations, is an adjunct professor of financial planning, and is the founder of Chief Financial Moms. She’s here to talk about gender differences in personal finance, money histories, and how we can get just one point better every day.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
•The asset shift from baby boomer men to women that will be taking place over the next decade
•How women and men look at financial advice and manage money differently
•The need for women in financial planning
•Personal financial literacy education and how to know if your school is teaching it
•Understanding your money history and starting conversations about it as a couple
•How you can get even half a point better each day
Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://checkyourschool.org/
https://www.jumpstart.org/
https://freeguide.chieffinancialmom.com/
About Mary Bell Carlson
Dr. Mary Bell Carlson is a financial behavior expert and has worked in both the military and government communities for the last decade. From the bowels of the Pentagon to international audiences, Dr. Carlson has presented numerous financial seminars and worked on a variety of financial planning and education projects.
After getting married and having her two daughters, she started Chief Financial Mom.com, a personal finance education platform to help busy moms. Currently, she also works as adjunct faculty for the financial planning programs at both the University of Georgia and Texas Tech University.
ChiefFinancialMom.com
Facebook @ChiefFinancialMom
Twitter @ChiefFinanceMom
Instagram @ChiefFinancialMom
YouTube Channel @Chief Financial Mom
Linkedin @Mary Bell Carlson, Ph.D., CFP®, AFC®
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Alex's question: As a financial advisor, what is the most common mistake you see people making with their personal finances?
This was a hard question to answer because there are a LOT of mistakes people make. The common factor for all of them? Emotions.
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!
A full transcript of this episode can be found at dontretiregraduate.com.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Today’s guest came ready for a debate and didn’t disappoint. Andrew Hallam, best-selling author and educator, is here to talk about his latest book, Balance, and investment techniques and ideologies that don’t necessarily match ours. If you’re interested in learning about index funds, passive asset management, and the true meaning of success in retirement (whether you’re retiring early or not), you won’t want to miss this episode.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- The cost and opportunity cost associated with Ivy league education.
- Recognizing a financial advisor that is great and one that just wants to sell you something
- The role psychology plays in financial services
- Debating controversial topics in personal finance: passive versus active portfolio management, index funds versus value index
- The traditional definition of retirement, why it is unhealthy, and how to do it better
- FIRE community and the FIRE movement, and the life satisfaction research that suggests it may not be the best goal
- The four legs of the success table: money, relationships, health, and purpose
https://andrewhallam.com/balance/
Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.
About Andrew Hallam:
Andrew Hallam is the international best-selling author of Balance: How to Invest and Spend for Happiness, Health and Wealth; Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth You Should Have Learned in School and Millionaire Expat: How To Build Wealth Living Overseas. Profiled on such media as CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, he's also the first person to have a #1 selling finance book on Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon UAE. He has written columns for The Globe and Mail, Canadian Business, MoneySense, Swissquote and AssetBuilder. Since 2016 he has spoken at businesses and international schools in over 30 different countries.
Links:
https://andrewhallam.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/445218675653782 https://www.facebook.com/millionaireteacher
https://twitter.com/aphallam
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-hallam-44b81627/
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers George's question: I keep hearing about inflation. Is there anything I can be doing to protect my finances? We're seeing inflation in a way we haven't for generations, and there are things you can do to be better prepared.
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 brotmanmedia.com for a full transcript of this episode.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! We have a very special episode in honor of International Women’s Week. Kara Perez, the founder of Bravely Go, joins us to talk about financial feminism and how we can start breaking down the gender roles and inequalities we see in our culture.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- The meaning of financial feminism.
- The difference in financial power between men and women/non-binary individuals.
- How the wage gap can affect financial security in retirement.
- The importance of having assets in your own name and checking your beneficiary designations.
- The need for large-scale financial literacy education and where it can come from.
- Gender roles in our culture and their effect on financial equity.
- Paying down debt and saving money on a low salary.
- How Kara founded Bravely Go, the feminist financial education company.
- Looking at personal finance from a broader lens.
Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.
About Kara Perez:
Kara Perez is the founder of Bravely Go, a feminist financial education company. Bravely Go focuses on bringing actionable, intersectional and accessible financial education to people via pop up events and online community. Kara has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, NPR, Glamour, ABC Nightline News, and US News and World Report as a financial expert. Additionally, Kara co hosts the award winning podcast The Fairer Cents, which has been named the top money podcast for women by Forbes and The Balance.
Links:https://www.instagram.com/webravelygo/
https://twitter.com/bravelygo
https://www.facebook.com/webravelygo
https://www.tiktok.com/@webravelygo?lang=en
https://www.bravelygo.co/
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Yazan's question: What are the pros and cons of using a robo-advisor for investing?
A robo-advisor has its place, and Eric explores this question from two perspectives: simple investment management and comprehensive financial planning.
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 brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Today’s guest has had an amazing journey that led to retiring at age 27. Rachel Richards is the best-selling author of Money Honey and Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement and is here to tell her story and share her tips on how you can create your own passive income streams.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- How Rachel retired at 27 with $20,000 of monthly passive income
- Self-publishing tips for personal finance writers
- Why Money Honey was written to begin with
- Seeing market dips as a sale on stocks and an opportunity for a good deal
- The misconception of how you lose money in the stock market
- The value of time in growing wealth
- Strategies for creating passive income streams and retiring early
- The steps you take to designing your dream life
- Having a plan for what you want to do with your time in retirement, whether you’re retiring early or at a traditional age
- The importance of writing down your goals
- Recognizing if a financial advisor is a fiduciary or a scammer
Free budgeting worksheet: www.moneyhoneyrachel.com/worksheets
Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.
About Rachel Richards:
At the age of 27, Rachel Richards quit her job and retired, living off $15,000 per month in passive income. Rachel is the bestselling author of “Money Honey” and “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement.” She built a real estate portfolio of 38 rental units by the age of 26. She is a former financial advisor, and has been featured in CNN and Business Insider. By making the topic of money management fun, entertaining, and simple, Rachel has helped thousands of millennials work their way out of financial despair.
Links:
- www.moneyhoneyrachel.com
- www.facebook.com/MoneyHoneyRachel
- www.instagram.com/moneyhoneyrachel
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jonathan's question: What are some realistic lifestyle changes that save money?
There are two ways to look at this question, and this episode covers both. How do you create the habit itself, and what are those changes?
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
For a full transcript of this episode, visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Today’s guest is podcast royalty: the host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast Joe Saul-Sehy! Joe is here to talk about his latest book, Stacked, his take on the real estate and cryptocurrency crazes, and share his top tip for stacking your wealth.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- Joe’s journey from financial advisor to teacher to writer to podcaster
- Building financial careers without financial backgrounds
- How, despite the massive amounts of financial resources available, people are still being left behind
- How many people end up crying over money, even if they’re making six figures
- The disconnect between our values and what we do with our money
- Social media’s effect on the popularity of real estate investing, cryptocurrency
- The idea of getting rich quick with cryptocurrency that can be dangerous for a lot of investors
- The evolution of the Stacking Benjamins podcast
- The important role that automation plays in growing wealth
Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.
Link to the study: https://www.nonfiction.co/reports
Link to Joe's book: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/stacked/
About Joe Saul-Sehy:
Joe is the creator and co-host of the Stacking Benjamins podcast and co-author of STACKED: Your Super-Serious Guide To Modern Money. Current board member at large of The Plutus Foundation. Former board president and Board Member of Partnership For The Pathway.
While Joe’s “money expert story” includes being a former financial advisor (16 years) and representing American Express and Ameriprise in the media. His real story is how he was a money disaster in his early life, pulled his financial house into order, and left his business at age 40 to pursue an entirely different path.
Joe was the “Money Man” at Detroit television WXYZ-TV, appearing twice weekly. His advice has appeared in Bride, Best Life, and Child magazines, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and Baltimore Sun newspapers. He’s also appeared online in more than 200 different places, including CNBC.com and WSJ.com.
The Stacking Benjamins Show was called the “Best Personal Finance Podcast” by Kiplinger. Lifehacker listed the show as one of the top 10 of 2021. Joe and the SB team have won five Plutus Awards and the Academy of Podcasters “Best Business Podcast” award (beating well-known shows like The Tim Ferriss Show, How I Built This, and Gimlet’s StartUp).
The Stacking Benjamins Show is created in Joe’s mom’s basement in Texarkana, Texas, where Joe lives with his spouse Cheryl and their cat Cooper.
Links:
- www.stackingbenjamins.com
- www.joesaulsehy.com
- Twitter: @SBenjaminsCast
- Twitter: @AverageJoeMoney
- Instagram: @stackingbenjaminspodcast
- YouTube: StackingBenjamins
- Facebook: IStackBenjamins
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Sara's question: Should I be trying to pay off my mortgage early with extra payments or put that money to a different use?
Of course, this is another case of "it depends." Listen to Eric explain when it may be a good idea to invest that extra money and when it's okay to make that mortgage number start falling.
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Today’s guest is a comedian, best-selling author, and activist who turned being told they are bad with money into a success career in finance media. Gaby Dunn hosts the Bad with Money podcast, which talks about money in a way that is raw and honest, and the author of Bad with Money: The Imperfect Art of Getting Your S*** Together. We are so excited to have them here to talk about the taboos and baggage around money and how humor may be able to change it.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- How to get YouTube famous and be broke at the same time
- Gaby’s journey as a content creator and how they got started in personal finance
- The shame and embarrassment we feel about our net worth, whether its high or low
- The relativity of wealth
- Investing and finance apps gamifying investing and the danger it can impose on users
- Getting addicted to stock trading and checking the markets
- Student loans and the debt crisis
- Student loans vs medical debt vs other types of debt
- The difficulties that Millennials and Gen Z face that is different than any generation before them
- How paying attention to your finances is the first step—and maybe the hardest—to being good with money
Visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts for a full transcript of this episode.
About Gaby Dunn:
Gaby Dunn (they/them) is a New York Times bestselling author, comedian and LGBTQ advocate living in Los Angeles. Gaby has served as a writer on BIG MOUTH (Netflix) and has developed original television pilots with MTV, 20th Century Fox, YouTube Originals, FX and Netflix. Gaby is the host and creator of the podcast, Bad With Money with Gaby Dunn, now in its eighth season, where they have interviewed guests like Suze Orman, Andrew Yang, and Elizabeth Warren. A non-fiction book based on the podcast was published by Simon & Schuster in 2019. Gaby co-wrote the novels I Hate Everyone But You, a New York Times bestseller in 2018, and the sequel Please Send Help… published in 2019. Gaby’s debut original graphic novel, Bury The Lede, in partnership with BOOM! Studios is currently being adapted as a television series and both of Gaby’s latest novels garnered a placement on The 20 Best LGBTQ Books of 2019 list by Harper’s Bazaar. Most recently, they created, and starred in the Audible Original series Apocalypse Untreated. They are also the co-host of the Just Between Us podcast on the Forever Dog network.
Links:
- www.gabydunn.com
- Bad with Money podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-with-money-with-gaby-dunn/id1144712710
- Instagram: @GabyRoad
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/398914378105641
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Robert's question: If your close friend is a financial advisor and keeps telling you how to manage your money, how do you get them to stop?
This can be an uncomfortable situation and sometimes you don't want to mix business and friendships. And it goes both ways. Are you an advisor constantly being pestered for free advice on your time off? Here's how to handle it.
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! This is our first full episode of 2022 and we’re kicking off the new year with an amazing guest. Marcus Garrett is the host of the Marcus Garrett Show and author of Debt Free or Die Trying. He dug himself out of $30,000 in debt and is here to share his experience and debt reduction process with you.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- Being social media-rich but bank account poor – the financial danger of “keeping up with the Joneses”
- The four-step process for digging yourself out of debt
- Looking at spending as an addiction
- Paying yourself first instead of saving whatever is left
- Creating habits and good behaviors rather than a strict budget
- The power of automation when paying down debt and building your savings
- Understanding how debt can be used as leverage
- Determining what’s important to you when deciding how aggressive to be in your debt payment strategy
- The pros and cons of leaning on others for accountability
For a full transcript of this episode, visit brotmanmedia.com/podcasts.
Find Marcus's free download here: TheMarcusGarrett.com/salary
Order Marcus's book here: https://amzn.to/3qeGeE9
Order Eric's book here: amzn.to/3G2JDvq
About Marcus Garrett:
After surviving the mean streets of the inner suburbs in the Great State of Texas, Mr. Garrett obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and work experience as a Certified Internal Auditor, Financial and Data Analyst. As a Senior Millennial, his inflated self-esteem was amplified with participation trophies given to him without merit during his most impressionable years. Somehow he overcame these personal roadblocks to become an award-winning freelance writer on topics ranging from love and relationships to debt and personal finances.
https://www.themarcusgarrett.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheMarcusGarrett
https://twitter.com/TheMarcusGarret
https://www.instagram.com/themarcusgarrett/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/themarcusgarrett
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Ken's question: What are some common expenses we don't think to budget and save for?
This is a great question and a perfect time to ask it. Spoiler alert: the holiday season is on the list!
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Find a full transcript of this episode on our website.
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! This is our final episode of 2021, and our guest is a mentor, coach, and accomplished artist. Peleg Top uses art and creativity to guide others in their journey towards finding their purpose, and his mantra around abundance, love, and gratitude is the perfect way to end the year.
In this episode we’ll talk about:
- How the stories we grow up with around money shape our attitude about it in adulthood
- The journey of finding self-awareness and self-love
- Tying your identity too closely to your career, and dealing with a feeling of loss at retirement
- Scarcity and abundance mentalities and how you can change that mindset
- The shame, guilt, and emotional baggage around money and how to overcome it through self-awareness
- The power that art and creativity can have on your personal journey
- How to use glad giving to help others and connect to the spirit of abundance
- Turning off the news and taking a media break
- Noticing the little things around you that connect you to the world
- Keeping a gratitude journal
About Peleg Top:
Peleg Top is an accomplished artist, a creative business mentor and a trained spiritual coach. He mentors accomplished creatives who are at a crossroad and helps them connect to their creative free spirit so that they get clear on who they want to create next in their lives.
A few fun facts about Peleg:
- Born and raised in Israel. The oldest of 3 boys.
- Immigrated to the US at 15 with his family
- Became financially free at 43 (I’m excited to tell you more about my take on this)
- Lives Santa Fe, New Mexico
- At the age of 47 he sold everything he owned and traveled for two years to 14 countries while living as a minimalist out of a suitcase
- Creator of the 100 Days of Creative High Growth coaching program
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!
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 fear of outliving your money
- Inflation and how it can derail retirement for those on fixed income
- The taxes we pay in retirement and the importance of planning for them
- Understanding what health care costs will be paid out of pocket in retirement, what will be covered by Medicare, and what protections you can put in place to help cover costs
- The importance of understanding the fees and costs associated with different savings and investment accounts
- Dollar cost averaging and why accounts should be strategically set up so that you aren’t pulling from principle
- Looking into alternative or nontraditional asset classes to diversify your portfolio away from only stocks and bonds
About Patrick Strubbe:For over 20 years, Pat has taught retirees and pre-retirees how to preserve their assets and increase their income.
Pat is a recurring guest on the WIS-TV (NBC) news. He has been featured in USA Today, Investor’s Business Daily and other national publications for his knowledge in the field of financial planning. Pat is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®).
You can listen to Pat host the radio show “Save Your Retirement®” on WVOC-AM. He is also the author of the book “Save Your Retirement from Mass Destruction by the 7 Retirement Villains!” and “Retirement with Confidence.”
Pat lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with his beautiful wife, Janelle. He is the proud father of four children: Carter, Ava, Gabriella and Isla. Pat enjoys watching NBA basketball games with his friends and family. He loves to see his favorite team, the L.A. Lakers, whenever he can. An active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Irmo, Pat has served as an elder of finances since 2003.
Links:
Patrick's books:
- The Retirement Secret: A Simple Approach to Financial Peace-of-Mind
- Save Your Retirement! 3rd Edition: Save Your Retirement From Mass Destruction by the 7 Retirement Villains!
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!
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 asymmetrical risks
- What alternative investment classes are
- Investing in things like art, NFTs, masterworks, and crypto to diversify your portfolio
- How access to alternative investment options are growing
- Private equity becoming the next frontier of investing
- The J curve
- Risk versus volatility
- Why bonds and cash are not the answer
- What it’s going to take to reach financial independence and retirement with inflation devaluing the dollar
- How COVID will change commercial real estate when it comes to office space
- How to start investing in alternative asset classes
About Brian Adams:
Brian C. Adams is the President and Founder of Excelsior Capital, where he spearheads the investor relations and capital markets arms of the firm. He has 10 years of experience in real estate private equity and has advanced knowledge in best practices for strategic real estate investing. Prior to forming Excelsior Capital, Brian co-founded Priam Properties (an institutional real estate private equity sponsor) in 2010 and provided leadership and direction for the firm in connection with capital markets, investment management and investor relations.
He has served on the Board of Sirrom Partners, LP, a single-family office investing across private and public asset classes since May of 2008. Since May of 2017 he has served on the Investment Committee for Solidus LP, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investment opportunities in Healthcare and Technology.
From January of 2016 to January of 2018, Brian served as a member of the Board of Next Gen Advisory Faculty for the Institute of Private Investors / Campden, a program designed to support next generation family members in preparing the following generation for the responsibility of being a steward of family wealth. He has also served on the Advisory Committee for the Southeastern Family Office Forum since December of 2016. Brian is a former practicing attorney, earning his J.D. from Suffolk University and his B.A. from Wesleyan University with Honors.
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!
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:
- How growing up in a household that talks about money can inspire a life of entrepreneurship
- The importance of mindset in wealth-building
- The difference between people who call themselves coaches and those who are accredited financial coaches
- Telling the difference between a fiduciary advisor/coach and one that’s out for their own benefit
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and how it can be applied to your financial journey
- Discovering your core values and using them to shape your life
- Creating residual income
- The differences between financial advisors, financial coaches, and financial therapists and the value they each bring
Links mentioned:
https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wealth-Practical-Transform-Relationship/dp/0578840308/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=simple+wealth&qid=1637083798&sr=8-6
About Holly Morphew:Holly Morphew is a visionary, financial coach, and multi-generational entrepreneur. She’s the founder + CEO of Financial Impact, which helps professionals and entrepreneurs create personal wealth and financial independence.
A pioneer in the personal finance industry, Holly’s work has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, FemFounder, and more. Her own journey to eliminating $67k in debt in her twenties, reaching financial independence in her thirties, and overcoming chronic illness are what inspire her to help others realize their dreams too.
Holly’s professional background in finance, real estate investing, and entrepreneurship are the foundation of her transformational programs, which also include well-being and mindfulness practices to align behavior and mindset.
In 2008 Holly received the prestigious “Rotarian of the Year” award for her work in financial literacy, and in 2017 she was recognized by the Association for Financial Planning and Counseling Education ® with the "Bridging the Gap" award for outstanding work as an Accredited Financial Counselor® in private practice.
Her book Simple Wealth is a #1 best seller in nine out of ten categories including money management, women & business, personal finance, real estate, retirement, budgeting, personal transformation, credit repair, and wealth management.
Holly has a B.A. from the University of Colorado in International Affairs and Japanese with a Minor in Business. Today, Holly speaks, coaches, and writes about money, personal transformation, and creating a life of design.
She now resides in Boulder, CO. Her favorite things to do are travel, hike fourteeners, and watch the sun rise.
Connect with Holly:
- https://www.financialimpact.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/HollyMorph
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollymorph/
- https://twitter.com/HollyMorph
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!
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 single mother living paycheck to paycheck built a career out of her own need to save money
- The differences in mindsets between different generations
- The danger of student loans and how to save money on your education
- Finding a balance between saving money and living and having fun today
- Taking the time to find deals and discounts instead of shopping on impulse
- Separating your expenses into those that can’t change and those that can to find places you can save
- The key to wealth is not the right investments, luck, or salary. It’s time and behavior
- How a cashless society means not having a relationship with our money
- Apps are gamifying finances in a way that is dangerous to your financial future
About Jeanette Pavini:
Jeanette Pavini is an Emmy Award winning consumer and investigative reporter completely over 10,000 money-saving segments for CBS News, Hallmark’s Home & Family and MarketWatch among others. Her book: The Joy of Saving: Money Lessons I Learned From My Italian American Father & 20 Years As a Consumer Reporter, offers people unique money-saving strategies. Jeanette has been a guest contributor on The Today Show, and her advice has been featured with hundreds of media outlets including Good Morning America and Oprah.com.
Links:
www.JeanettePavini.com
Twitter: @jeanettepavini
Instagram: jeanette.pavini
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Saving-Italian-American-Consumer-Reporter/dp/1098341775
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!
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 pandemic
- Scarcity and abundance mentalities in business and in life
- Looking for meaningful ways to apply your talents and passions during retirement
- The concept of collective trauma and how we can protect our minds from the negativity
- Why you should stop watching the news
- The lack of leadership in the country, whether in politics or in business
- Contributing to the world no matter what season of your life you’re in
- Entrepreneurs changing the landscape through collective learning and masterminds
- Turning off the news to protect yourself from negativity
Sharon Spano
As a Family Business Consultant, Sharon Spano helps thriving family business leaders develop family alignment so they can deepen their relationships, achieve sustainable business growth, maximize their impact, and secure a multi-generational legacy.
Dr. Spano’s expertise in human and organizational systems and her research-based methodologies are designed to help these business leaders generate collaborative strategies for success and sustainability in our ever-changing landscape.
“While there are many ways that we go about the process of transition and change, the ultimate goal is to empower my clients to view their life and business through a systemic lens. Once they learn to embody this level of knowledge, I find that everything else accelerates, and it does so in a way that allows for greater integration of the family-business many complex systems. The result is a unified family that is now fully positioned to contribute to one another and the world in more meaningful ways.
Sharon is the author of The Pursuit of Time and Money: Step into Radical Abundance and Discover the Secret to a Meaningful and Prosperous Life (2017) and the host of the weekly podcast, The Other Side of Potential, which focuses on how family business leaders integrate their unique family dynamics with the complexity of running a successful business.
Links:
Sharon's book: https://amzn.to/3vpARmO
Sharon's podcast: https://www.sharonspano.com/podcast/
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!
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 a virtual community
• How therapy and writing helped her overcome her battles with eating disorders and PTSD
• Why people don’t talk about their struggles with money and want to seem like they’re the Joneses you should be keeping up with
• How Chloe paid off $70,000 in debt and amassed $200,000 in savings in a short period of time
• How to set a budget that aligns with your values
• Failing at a budget and continuing to work at it instead of quitting
• Figuring out why you’re spending money where you’re spending it so you can connect with your spending
• Finding the right method to keep yourself accountable and connected to your budget
• Stepping away from the “shoulds” and focusing on the “why”
• Looking at the anxieties and fears around money and getting to the root of it
• The difference between good and bad financial advisors, and why you should always ask potential advisors if they’re fiduciaries
• How a financial coach and a financial advisor can help you simultaneously
Chloe, aka Clo Bare Money Coach, saved more than $200k for retirement in a little over 2 years, and now she’s teaching others how to do the same. In the last year, she’s coached over 300 people on how to money. She started as a mental health blogger in 2017, and brings her mental health expertise into her financial coaching, focusing on providing people with a human-centric approach to managing their money.
Links:
https://brotmanmedia.com/season-4-episode-3-happiness-abundance-and-freedom-changing-your-mindset-to-improve-your-life/
www.clobare.com
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!
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 you know where you are, what you have, and how to get where you want to go
- Understanding your priorities and how the thoughts you say to yourself shape them
- Discovering your priorities and having open discussions about them with your partner
- How to facilitate a conversation about your priorities with your spouse
- Looking deeper into why you want the things you want
- The baggage around finances that adults bring into their marriage
- Why talking about money is taboo
- Our tendency to tie our self-worth to our income and why it’s a negative mindset
- Unlinking income from wealth and the behaviors surrounding money
- The truth behind money buying happiness
- Answering the question of am I going to be okay
Episode discussed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-vibe-money-tribe/id1486223029?i=1000532222856
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.
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 Advisors are both working to make financial planning accessible to families across the country--not only the rich
- Ksenia’s story of immigrating from Russia at 18 and taking on $180,000 in student debt while pursuing multiple degrees at UCLA Anderson
- How 12 years in the venture capital space inspired her to develop her own platform to help parents invest for their children’s future
- How UNest works and how it is different from other options, including 529 College Savings Plans
- The dangers of taking on massive student debt and how inflation and tuition increases make it almost impossible to avoid and difficult to pay off
- Why surrounding yourself with mentors and advisors can be beneficial, both in your career and personal life
- Why it is important to start planning for your future--or your kids’ futures--early
Meet Ksenia Yudina
Ksenia Yudina is a Founder and CEO of UNest, the first mobile app that makes it easier than ever before to create a manage tax-free college savings accounts. Ksenia is an entrepreneur and financial expert with over ten years of experience in the financial industry. As Founder and CEO of UNest she has spearheaded the development of the breakthrough fintech solution and raised funding from leading venture capital funds including Northwestern Mutual, Anthos Capital, The Artemis Fund, Group 11, Draper Dragon, Unlock Ventures, and Vested Ventures. Ksenia was a 2019 Finalist in Quesnays Female Founders in Fintech competition. She has also been featured in The Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, American Banker, Inc. Magazine, USA Today, and US News & World Report. Ksenia was recognized as 40 Under 40 by Investment News and received a Rising Star Award from the Los Angeles Business Journal.
www.unest.co
https://www.facebook.com/unest/
https://twitter.com/UNest
https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-nest/
https://www.instagram.com/unest/
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.
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 instead of wondering where it went.
Cody’s Podcast: https://themoneytalkers.com/optin33124205
Eric's book: https://amzn.to/2O4uNPe
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!
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 discouraged from seeking financial advice or financial careers
• Getting out of your comfort zone, increasing your confidence, and growing your courage.
LINKS:
Dream Big Money Academy https://dreambigmoneyacademy.com/
BFG University: https://www.bfguniversity.com/
Gutsy Women Club: https://www.gutsywomen.club/
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!
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/
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!
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
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!
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/
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!
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-lives/
Link to Eric Brotman's latest book:
https://amzn.to/2O4uNPe
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!
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
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Harvey's question: Who needs a CPA vs. just using TurboTax for filing your taxes? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Tara Faquir and Leah Del Percio to talk about the legal and administrative processes that people go through after a loved one dies, and the ways they can save money during these processes.
Bullet points of what is covered during the episode:
- The stresses of estate administration while grieving a loss, and the ways you can ease the burden
- Necessity of human factor throughout the estate process
- The importance of having someone specialized in estate planning rather than a regular lawyer
In today’s Office Hours, Eric is joined by Susan Latremoille to answer Steve's question: When I'm transitioning from my career and trying to figure out what's next, how do I determine what a post-career lifestyle should be and how do I make that happen? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Heidi Herman to talk about how removing the pressure of work and routine can help you spread more living onto your everyday life.
Bullet points of what is covered during the episode
- A 94-year-old woman's journey through a life of adventures.
- Just say yes: getting out of the rut of your own routine in order to have new experiences.
- The power of spontaneity.
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers David's question: Can you open Roth IRAs for minors? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Ashley Patrick to talk about the coaching elements of finance and managing your debt.
What is covered during the episode:
- The student loan crisis, alternative opportunities, and the future of virtual education
-
Behavioral modifications you can make to help manage your money
- Reducing debt by establishing financial goals and building a course of action
- Setting specific goals with deadlines in order to reach them
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Chris's question: If one intends to retire at age 65 and they're currently 52, should they leave their 401(k) in high risk? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Jim Miller to discuss the importance of financial education and non-restrictive methods of saving money so that budgeting doesn’t have to suck.
What is covered during the episode:
- Budgeting in a non-restrictive way.
- Paying yourself first: Save, Invest, Spend
- Useful software for tracking your spending
- Using credit cards as a tool
- Merging finances and having open conversations in relationships
- www.iamjimmiller.com
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Usman's question: How do I find a financial advisor for advice in my 20s? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by his partner and Director of Financial Planning at BFG, Yanni Niebuhr, to discuss Financial Planning For All, BFG’s new program offering free to low-cost resources and affordable financial planning designed for all ages and life stages.
What is covered during the episode:
- Financial planning is not just for the rich and is not taught in school.
- New programs about to launch for high school kids, millennials, and all generations.
- Tools you can use to achieve financial stability.
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Keegan's question: Is it a good idea to borrow against the equity in my house to finance college for my kids? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Rob Berger, host of the Financial Freedom Show, to discuss how young adults can start making decisions early to reach financial freedom, and the struggles many people face when transitioning into financial independence.
What is covered during the episode:
- The power of compounding and how it can help you reach financial freedom
- The psychology of transitioning from living off your income to living off your portfolio
- How we segregate our assets in retirement so we don’t outlive our money
For show notes & more: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jay’s question: Should there be any difference in strategy for investing in a Roth IRA versus a pre-tax IRA? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by travel advisor Estee Gubbay to talk about building a bucket list that not only satisfies your wanderlust but creates the memories and experiences that mean the most to you.
What is covered during the episode:
- Building your travel bucket list—using your passions and goals to map out your life of travel
- Balancing fulfilling your travel goals and fulfilling your financial goals
- How a travel portfolio can turn your dreams into plans
- Planning for multigenerational celebration travel
For show notes & more: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jason's question: If a person has a retirement account with seven figures in it, could they be saving too much for retirement? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Doc Green, a prior internal medicine physician, to discuss how he broke the chain that held him to his job in order to pursue a new identity, passion, and life.
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Amy's question: What is the best way to figure out if a single-premium life insurance policy is a good idea?
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Mesha Mebane, founder of Infrared Vision, to discuss resiliency, faith, tragedy, and digging yourself out of debt to stop simply existing and start living.
What is covered during the episode:
- Evaluating yourself personally and professionally—defining your identity outside of your job.
- Turning a vision into a redefinition of your life.
- Navigating life and change after devastating loss.
- Reorganizing your life through debt and unemployment.
- How Infrared Vision addresses the needs of the aging community.
For show notes & more: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Steven's question: What are the steps to wealth-building and how do I get started and determine what's best for me?
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Ellen Torres of the Alzheimer’s Association to talk about the emotional and financial toll diseases like Alzheimer’s take on families and the resources available to support them.
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Susan's question: My daughter is starting her first job in a few weeks. Where can she get help with her benefit decisions?
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Stress and money go hand in hand, so the development of financial therapy is a welcome addition to the financial playing field. Eric is joined by Derek Hagen to discuss what financial therapy is and how we can make talking about money less taboo.
- What is financial therapy?
- How money scripts and financial flashpoints shape our behavior
- How to make talking about money less taboo
- Opening lines of communication within a family
- Moneyhealthsolutions.com/graduate
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Amy's question: Can you use the proceeds from a reverse mortgage for anything you want or need?
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Tracey Bissett, host of the Young Money podcast, to talk about financial fitness and the mistakes that entrepreneurs should avoid when starting their business.
What is covered during the episode:
- Financial fitness vs. financial literacy
- The importance of a business plan
- Pivoting business plans during a pandemic
- Understanding the value of your time
- The Money Meeting Agenda available at cashcoach.biz
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Carl's question: Why does Dave Ramsey suggest paying off a low-interest mortgage instead of investing more than his 15% rule?
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Carl's question: Why does Dave Ramsey suggest paying off a low-interest mortgage instead of investing more than his 15% rule?
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Jean Chatzky of NBC’s TODAY show to discuss their predictions for what the financial recovery post-COVID-19 will look like, plus everything you need to know about the upcoming HSA Day.
Covered during the episode: COVID-19 financial “K” shaped recovery, Automatic contributions to retirement, Why HSAs are one of the most valuable retirement vehicles and COVID-19 financial impact to women vs men.
For show notes and more: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Malia's question: How many steps are there in the financial planning process?
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by Jeff Tidwell and Carole McManus, co-authors of the book “Next for Me” to discuss—and abolish—the stigma that follows older individuals as they look for work. The lesson: you don’t have to grow up just because you get older.
Bullet points of what is covered during the episode
- Continuing to work past the traditional retirement age
- Age discrimination and the difficulties older people face when looking for work
- Careers are constantly evolving and don’t necessarily need to end
- Conquering the fear of making the next step in your career
- How to have an Act 2
Show notes & more: https://brotmanmedia.com/2-17/
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Kristina’s question: Should I consider changing my state of personal residence for tax purposes?
Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours!
Eric is joined by retirement and relationship expert Marianne Oehser to explore an aspect of retirement planning that’s non-financial: planning for happiness.
Bullet points of what is covered during the episode
- How retirement can adversely affect a marriage
- The importance of communication
- What the happiest retirees have in common
- Finding happiness in retirement
https://brotmanmedia.com/
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!
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 the game
- What we could be doing instead
- The importance of financial literacy
https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/
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!
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
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!
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/
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!
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/
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
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!
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.
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!
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 Swarts is an entrepreneur, cre investor, podcaster, deferred sales trust expert, and Nor. CA multifamily broker. His leadership roles include serving as the Founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions podcast, Founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, and Founder of Commercial Realty Apartment Advisors.
brotmanmedia.com
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!
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
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!
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 retiring to.
Guest Bio
David and Dana Hagstrom retired from their respective positions as a pastor and paralegal. They moved abroad in 2016 and are now servants of a different kind. As online business strategy coaches, David and Dana work with others in the industry providing effective breakthrough strategies to boost their home business success. Their clients soon uncover their own goldmine of passions and experience and how best to monetize and market. They are also helping folks imagine the future they want to retire to someday. In this process, they challenge you to start thinking about how soon your “someday” might be. You can find them inside their online coaching community offering a clarity building retirement program, “Your Bridge to Retirement,” a premium 12-week strategy coaching experience, “Your Pathway to Profit.”
Show Notes
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!
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
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!
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
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!
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 Social Security.
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.
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 other financial tools should be managed in a financial plan.
- Managing longevity risk—making sure you don’t outlive your retirement income.
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 as easy as it may seem.
- Financial advisement and planning becoming more accessible to the average, middle class person.
- Biases and gender differences when working with couples.
Richard is the Managing Editor and Senior Editor of the Money and Work & Purpose Channels for NextAvenue.org. He has helped people manage their finances and careers as a writer and editor at major media outlets including Money, Yahoo!, CBS MoneyWatch, USA Today and Good Housekeeping. He has written two books, How to Avoid a Mid-Life Financial Crisis and The Money Book of Personal Finance.
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 about what you should do financially but start early and educate yourself.
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.
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.
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 successful.
● Mixing personal, family, and business.
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.
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.
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 doesn’t always have to be complex. However, if you’re someone who gives over $10,000 a year, it might be time to find a company such as Exponent Philanthropy to help guide you.
- There are big changes in the way wealthier people group their deductions.
ABOUT HENRY BERMAN
As CEO since 2010, and a member since 2003, Henry leads Exponent Philanthropy, a vibrant membership organization that amplifies and celebrates the vital work of philanthropists who give big while keeping their operations lean. As co-trustee of a private foundation committed to supporting programs which foster the development of children with the intellectual, social and emotional skills necessary to achieve their full potential and become competent, happy and productive adults, he brings a firsthand understanding of the needs of philanthropists with few or no staff and a wealth of experience in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
Neither Kestra IS nor Kestra AS provide legal or tax advice and are not Certified Public Accounting firms.**
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
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.
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 spectrum.
- Tax policies for different people and different states.
- The new policies provide so many opportunities for tax planning.
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 situations work for you.
- Reverse mortgages don’t exist in a vacuum, they can be beneficial not only for the value but for the lifestyle.
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 plan.
- Financial plans are living documents, not one and done.
- The dangers of DIY financial planning.
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 a 9-5 job in order to become independent
● Entrepreneurship is growing- a lot of people are starting their own companies, particularly online.
-- The Instagram generation: trying to create their own brands, social awareness
● The greatest generation- many of them had pensions, received social security and saving 10% would have been enough to comfortably retire. It is no longer that way
-- Now it is YoYo- You’re on your own
● Underemployment is high- people are getting working for less than their education prepared them for
● Program where companies match student loans instead of retirement, which is way more valuable for Millennials
● Extra credit: Advice is to start saving as early as possible. Remember that saving is a marathon not a sprint- the sooner you start training, the better off you will be. Don’t rush into anything- there are steps to it and everybody is unique.
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
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
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 typical clients of the firm?
- What are the costs of doing business?
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
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.
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.
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
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.