Retirement Readiness

What if your retirement plan is quietly leaking money through taxes you didn’t plan for? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom dives into the often-overlooked but critical role of tax planning in retirement. The conversation explores how proactive strategies can help reduce tax burdens, from choosing tax-efficient investments to understanding how different income sources are taxed. You’ll...

Think you know how taxes work in retirement? Think again. In this episode, Brigette Engstrom unpacks the often-misunderstood world of retirement taxation—where tax brackets aren’t always what they seem, and income sources like Social Security, pensions, and investments can trigger unexpected consequences. She breaks down how tax-free income options and proactive planning can make a rea...

What if your retirement plan is missing the most critical pieces? In this episode of  Retirement Readiness , Brigette Engstrom dives into the overlooked essentials of retirement planning—from understanding annuities to navigating year-end financial moves and preparing for long-term care. She highlights the importance of tailoring financial strategies to individual needs and stresses the...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market—but when you retire? In this episode of  Retirement Readiness , Brigette Engstrom unpacks the hidden dangers of retiring during market volatility. She dives into the concept of sequence of returns risk—how timing can dramatically impact your financial future—and explains why a balanced investment strategy i...

This conversation focuses on the essential aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of communication between couples, aligning dreams with financial realities, and understanding the intricacies of retirement savings and Social Security. Brigette Engstrom shares insights on how to create a personalized retirement blueprint that considers lifestyle, health, and financial goals, ens...

What if your 401 (k) isn’t working as hard as you are? In this episode of Retirement Readiness , Brigette Engstrom explores the hidden pitfalls of underperforming retirement plans and the costly consequences of procrastination. From the overlooked power of compound interest to the critical role of healthcare and tax strategies, she breaks down the essentials of building a secure financial fu...

What if your retirement plan is missing the milestones that matter most? In this episode of  Retirement Readiness , Bridgette Engstrom, Founder and CEO of Blue Monarch Financial, breaks down the overlooked financial pitfalls that can derail your future. From income gaps to unexpected spending shocks, she explains why generic retirement strategies often fall short—and how understand...

What if your retirement plan is missing the one thing that truly secures your future? In this episode of  Retirement Readiness , Brigette Engstrom breaks down why thinking in terms of income—not assets—can reshape how you prepare for life after work. She explores the role of annuities in managing longevity risk and explains how strategic tax moves, like IRA to Roth conversions, ca...

Think DIY tax planning is smart? Think again.  In this episode of  Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom , we dive into why going it alone on taxes could cost you more than you think. From the hidden pitfalls of TurboTax confidence to the ever-changing political and economic landscape, Brigette unpacks the top five reasons why a professional tax advisor isn’t just helpful&mda...

What if one overlooked rule could cost you thousands in retirement? In this episode of  Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom , powered by Blue Monarch Financial Services, Bridget dives into the critical—but-often misunderstood—rules around IRA rollovers. From the 60-day deadline to the one-year waiting rule, and financial near-misses, to highlight how small missteps can lea...

What if retirement didn’t mean stopping work, but reshaping it? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services unpacks the sweeping changes introduced by the Big Beautiful Bill. From Social Security taxation to estate planning, she breaks down what’s shifting and why it matters. The conversation also explores how retirement is becoming a gradual transition rather...

What if your retirement plan is stuck in the past? This episode of Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom dives into how retirement planning has evolved—and why your strategy should too. She will explore timeless principles like living within your means and building emergency funds, while also tackling modern essentials like income diversification, debt literacy, and estate planning. Yo...

In this must-hear episode of  Retirement Readiness , the Founder and CEO of Blue Monarch Financial, Bridgette Engstrom, reveals the critical milestones that can make—or-break your retirement. Discover the hidden costs most retirees overlook, and why a one-size-fits-all plan could leave you short. From income gaps to spending shocks, Bridgette breaks down what you need to know now to ret...

Are you unknowingly risking your legacy? In this episode of  Retirement Readiness , Brigette Engstrom reveals the estate planning mistakes that could derail everything you've worked for. From overlooked documents to family miscommunication, she breaks down the must-do steps to protect your assets, wishes, and loved ones. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for ev...

In this episode of Retirement Readiness , Brigette Engstrom challenges conventional thinking around retirement. Rather than treating it as a final destination, she explains how retirement is an evolving life phase—one that demands continuous learning, personal growth, and financial agility. With longer life expectancies and a shifting economic landscape, the episode dives into why old-school...

Brigette Engstrom the Founder & CEO of Blue Monarch financial focuses on the critical aspects of estate planning, emphasizing its importance for everyone, regardless of wealth. She discusses the components of a comprehensive estate plan, including wills, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney, and highlights the consequences of not having a plan in place. The discussion also integrates...

In this episode of Retirement Readiness, the CEO and Founder of Blue Monarch Financial Services Brigette Engstrom discusses the importance of financial planning for retirement, addressing common disconnects that prevent individuals from seeking help. She emphasizes the significance of understanding life transitions, and the pain associated with inaction. The conversation also explores the unique r...

In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom discusses the importance of preparing for retirement amidst market volatility. She emphasizes the unique risks faced by individuals nearing retirement, particularly the sequence of returns risk and the need for a balanced investment strategy. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding market and timing risks, as well as...

In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom discusses the importance of personalized retirement planning, focusing on the limitations of the 4% rule and the growing relevance of annuities in securing reliable income for retirees. She emphasizes the significance of understanding sequence of returns risk and the need for customized strategies to address individual financial situations...

In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom discusses the critical importance of estate planning, and the common mistakes individuals make that can jeopardize their legacy. She emphasizes that estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of wealth, and outlines the steps necessary to create a comprehensive plan. The conversation highlights the need for proper documentation,...

In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom discusses the importance of understanding retirement planning, particularly focusing on annuities and longevity risks. She emphasizes that retirement should be viewed in terms of income rather than assets, and highlights the significance of tax strategies like IRA to Roth conversions. The conversation aims to educate listeners on making in...

Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial explores the evolving landscape of retirement income planning, emphasizing the need for personalized strategies over one-size-fits-all approaches. It highlights the importance of addressing emotional and psychological factors, such as boredom in retirement, and the necessity of having a comprehensive plan that goes beyond financial considerations. The di...

Brigette Engstrom talks about the common hesitations individuals face when seeking financial advice, particularly concerning fees and the perceived value of guidance. It emphasizes the importance of having a fiduciary advisor and explores various fee structures associated with financial planning services. The discussion highlights the comprehensive nature of financial planning, including investmen...

In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom discusses the importance of preparing for retirement, especially in light of unexpected job loss and health issues. She emphasizes the need for a personalized retirement blueprint that accounts for various life changes and stresses the significance of planning for financial security and well-being in retirement. The conversation also touch...

This conversation emphasizes the importance of proactive financial planning, particularly regarding retirement and tax strategies. Brigette Engstrom discusses the necessity of taking action now to avoid future financial pain, the significance of understanding taxes, and the unique challenges faced by federal employees in retirement planning. Brigette provides practical strategies for effective tax...