Don't Retire...Graduate!
Eric Brotman
Don’t Retire… Graduate! is the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner Practitioner Eric Brotman, we’re here to guide you in transforming the traditional concept of retirement into an exciting and enriching graduation—a time to embark on new adventures, embrace lifelong passions, and define what success and happiness look like in this new chapter of life.
Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from a career; it’s about stepping into a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Whether you're on the brink of retirement or just starting to think about it, this podcast will help you discover what it takes to not just survive, but thrive in your post-career years. We’ll explore how to live a fun, productive, and meaningful life by setting new goals, pursuing passions that light you up, and building a legacy that truly reflects who you are.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with a diverse range of guests—from award-winning authors and financial experts to influencers and everyday people with remarkable money stories. Together, we’ll uncover strategies for reaching financial independence, managing your wealth, and making informed decisions that support your dreams. You’ll learn practical tips on everything from saving money and paying down debt to raising financially literate children and growing your wealth at any age.
From personal finance and investing to retirement readiness, taxes, and more, we’re here to provide the knowledge and tools you need to confidently step into this exciting new phase of life. Topics include everything from budgeting, credit, and debt to health savings accounts, insurance, social security, the FIRE movement, and the latest in fintech and finance apps.
But we don’t stop at finances. Don’t Retire… Graduate! also dives deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement. We’ll discuss how to maintain your mental and physical health, nurture relationships, and stay connected to your community. You’ll gain insights on how to design a lifestyle that keeps you engaged, curious, and excited about the future.
Our mission is to help you figure out what you want to be when you grow up—even if you’re already grown. We believe that work should become optional, not just because you've reached a certain age, but because you’ve achieved the freedom to choose how you spend your time and energy. Whether it’s volunteering, starting a new hobby, traveling the world, or launching a second career, this podcast is your guide to creating a retirement that’s anything but retiring.
In addition to full episodes, we offer bonus content every other week where you get to meet the team of financial advisors at BFG Financial Advisors and hear their real stories from the frontlines of financial planning.
Retirement is not the absence of work, but the absence of needing to work. So why not graduate into a life of purpose, passion, and financial freedom? Tune in to Don’t Retire… Graduate! and let’s make your retirement the best years of your life.
Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from a career; it’s about stepping into a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Whether you're on the brink of retirement or just starting to think about it, this podcast will help you discover what it takes to not just survive, but thrive in your post-career years. We’ll explore how to live a fun, productive, and meaningful life by setting new goals, pursuing passions that light you up, and building a legacy that truly reflects who you are.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with a diverse range of guests—from award-winning authors and financial experts to influencers and everyday people with remarkable money stories. Together, we’ll uncover strategies for reaching financial independence, managing your wealth, and making informed decisions that support your dreams. You’ll learn practical tips on everything from saving money and paying down debt to raising financially literate children and growing your wealth at any age.
From personal finance and investing to retirement readiness, taxes, and more, we’re here to provide the knowledge and tools you need to confidently step into this exciting new phase of life. Topics include everything from budgeting, credit, and debt to health savings accounts, insurance, social security, the FIRE movement, and the latest in fintech and finance apps.
But we don’t stop at finances. Don’t Retire… Graduate! also dives deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement. We’ll discuss how to maintain your mental and physical health, nurture relationships, and stay connected to your community. You’ll gain insights on how to design a lifestyle that keeps you engaged, curious, and excited about the future.
Our mission is to help you figure out what you want to be when you grow up—even if you’re already grown. We believe that work should become optional, not just because you've reached a certain age, but because you’ve achieved the freedom to choose how you spend your time and energy. Whether it’s volunteering, starting a new hobby, traveling the world, or launching a second career, this podcast is your guide to creating a retirement that’s anything but retiring.
In addition to full episodes, we offer bonus content every other week where you get to meet the team of financial advisors at BFG Financial Advisors and hear their real stories from the frontlines of financial planning.
Retirement is not the absence of work, but the absence of needing to work. So why not graduate into a life of purpose, passion, and financial freedom? Tune in to Don’t Retire… Graduate! and let’s make your retirement the best years of your life.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 3, 2022 • 7min
Paying Down Your Mortgage Early vs. Investing Extra Money?
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 27, 2022 • 37min
Good with Money: Talking About and Paying Attention to Money to Stop Being Bad with It (ft. Gaby Dunn)
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 20, 2022 • 7min
How to Say No to Unsolicited Financial Advice
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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 13, 2022 • 33min
Debt Free or Die Trying: The Four-Step Process for Digging Yourself Out of Debt (ft. Marcus Garrett)
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 6, 2022 • 8min
Common Expenses We Don't Budget For (But Should!)
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 30, 2021 • 32min
Finding Your Purpose: How to Unlock Your Inner Artist on Your Journey Towards Self-Love
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 23, 2021 • 7min
How to Balance Saving, Retirement, and Expenses in your Budget
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Matt's question: How do you effectively balance between savings, retirement, and expenses? Of course, this is different for everyone, but listen to Eric explain how to determine a balance that may work for you, and adds a fourth category into the conversation: debt. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 16, 2021 • 31min
Defeating the Villains: How to Save Your Retirement and Financial Plan from Devastation
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode has been teaching retirees and pre-retirees how to preserve their assets and increase their income for twenty years. Patrick Strubbe is the author of Save Your Retirement from Mass Destruction by the 7 Retirement Villains. He’s here to talk about those villains and how we can stop them from thwarting our retirement plans. In this episode we’ll talk about: The seven villains that put your retirement at risk Longevity and the 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 9, 2021 • 7min
Financial Advisor Red Flags
On today’s episode of Office Hours, Eric answers Nate's question: What would you consider a red flag when talking to a financial advisor? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 2, 2021 • 35min
Finding Alternatives: Using Commercial Real Estate and Private Equity to Reach Your Financial Independence Goals
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is not a Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter, but he is a highly experienced investor who educates others on passive and alternative investing. Brian Adams is the president of Excelsior Capital and is joining us today to talk about how he’s using commercial real estate and private equity to reach his financial independence goals and how you can, too. In this episode we’ll talk about: Getting asymmetrical returns by taking 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
