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
Jul 11, 2019 • 33min
How Financial Coaching Can Help Get Anyone Started in Planning for Retirement
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 13, 2019 • 33min
Why tax planning is more than just filing tax returns
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 30, 2019 • 33min
Using Home Equity as a Working Asset
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 16, 2019 • 31min
How the Financial Media Encourages Bad Behavior
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 3, 2019 • 29min
How Retirement is Not a Sprint, It is A Marathon
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 18, 2019 • 28min
The Financial Freedom Formula
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 4, 2019 • 30min
Housing in retirement. To downsize or not to downsize?
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 21, 2019 • 31min
How to choose a financial advisor and when to know you need one
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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 7, 2019 • 30min
Estate planning basics – not only for the rich
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 21, 2019 • 30min
Legacy planning – Leaving behind something more important than money
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
