Common Sense Financial Podcast

Brian Skrobonja closes out the year with a milestone episode that marks the final episode of 2025 and the conclusion of this version of the show. He shares the gratitude he feels for the listeners who have supported the mission, the team whose work brought each idea to life, and the recognition the podcast received from Forbes as one of the top shows by financial advisors. Tune in to hear Brian re...

In this milestone 100th episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja delves into the critical topic of managing taxes in retirement. The episode focuses on strategies for minimizing tax liabilities, especially for retirees with tax-deferred accounts facing potential hefty tax bills. Brian emphasizes the importance of sustainable income creation during retirement and the role...

In this podcast episode, Brian Skrobonja takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the evolving concept of retirement. As we dive into the past, present, and future of retirement, Brian helps us unravel the complexities of this modern-day concept which, though deeply ingrained in our society, is relatively new in human history. This episode is essential for anyone planning for retirement, of...

In this episode, Brian Skrobonja goes over the three main retirement mindsets that could negatively impact your retirement plans. He sheds light on what most retirees get wrong about retirement planning, why being confident doesn't eliminate investment risks, and what to consider when hiring a financial planner. Brian goes over three retirement mindsets that have the potential to derail even the b...

Brian Skrobonja sits down with Phon Vilayoune to unpack buffered ETFs and income notes. Phon is the Founder and CEO of VETA Investment Partners, where they currently oversee over $5.5 billion in assets. They discuss the benefits of positioning your portfolio for growth and safety, how to protect your nest egg in volatile markets, and practical strategies for optimizing gains while limiting downsid...

In this podcast episode, Brian shares his remarkable journey from his parents' middle-class immigrant background to achieving financial freedom through decades of learning and building businesses. He recounts his early aspiration for an opulent lifestyle and the pivotal moment when he realized the importance of creating income-producing assets. Through content creation, including three books and t...

In this episode we talk about the importance of using key performance indicators beyond just investment performance to gauge the health of one's retirement plan. There are five crucial data points that form the foundation of a successful retirement strategy: passive income, effective tax rate, cash flow ratio, banking capacity, and horizontal asset allocation. By focusing on these metrics, you can...

In this episode on Certificates of Deposit (CDs) as investments, we talk about the nuanced decision-making involved in purchasing CDs and whether or not CDs are good investments, particularly in a rising interest rate environment, and we explain why interest rates are the only factor you need to consider. Wealth creation isn't solely dependent on CD rates, and we need to consider the impact of inf...

Brian Skrobonja talks about the hidden trap of survival mode: that quiet, familiar mindset that keeps you safe but small. He explains why so many people in midlife mistake control for security, and how shifting from a scarcity mindset to a mentality of abundance changes everything about how you earn, spend, and live. Tune in to hear what it really takes to move from survival to strategy, from mana...

In this episode, Brian Skrobonja explains what alternative investments are and why they are the fastest route to growing your assets or retirement savings. He sheds light on how the most successful investors in the world keep getting wealthier and how to use an endowment like strategy to position your retirement assets. Brian explores alternative investments opportunities.  He goes over what large...

In this episode, we delve into the link between overall retirement quality and the confidence you have in your financial plan. We emphasize how a well-designed retirement strategy tailored to your needs, not solely reliant on market performance, is pivotal for boosting confidence and making your retirement plan a reality you can rely on. Addressing common fears, exploring emotional extremes, and u...

The complexity of Social Security calculations can cause some confusion around when someone eligible should file and claim their benefit. There are a lot of variables to consider and acronyms to decipher that can make Social Security feel like a confusing hedge maze. Let's cut through some of the noise and clarify some of the most pressing questions around Social Security benefits and what questio...

Brian Skrobonja talks about one of the most overlooked pieces of retirement planning — long-term care. He explains why preparing for care isn't about being gloomy, it's about protecting your freedom and keeping control over the life you've worked so hard to build. Expect to learn how to help prepare for care costs, protect your savings, and enjoy a stress-free retirement with clarity. Tune in to h...

If you tune into social media, there are a lot of influencers and gurus peddling one-size-fits-all financial advice and unfortunately plenty of investors base their strategies on what these people recommend. Find out why basing your investment decisions on what's trending on TikTok is short sighted and discover the seven indispensable steps of building wealth that are the most common among our mos...

In this episode, Brian Skrobonja answers the top questions he receives from people looking for help with their financial plan. He sheds light on why a plan is more than just picking stocks, what most people get wrong about passive income, and the benefits of knowing how much tax liability you'll have in the future. Brian answers the top questions he receives from people looking for financial plann...

Most business owners come into the financial game as the quarterback. They're telling their CPA and financial advisor what they need and when they need it instead of working as a team to plan out a cohesive strategy. This needs to change. Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn why your business needs a financial team that works together, and how to incorporate tax planning strategies...

Brian Skrobonja talks about the five habits billionaires live by, habits you can use to create your own financial freedom. Tune in to hear the benefits of having ruthless focus, how frugality with purpose can actually give you more freedom, and why you need to start looking at your life in decades instead of paychecks. Expect to hear practical ideas you can start right away, like trying a 30-day l...

Entrepreneurs by nature are continuously occupied with running their business and wearing multiple hats throughout the day just to keep things running smoothly. Unfortunately, that leads entrepreneurs into making a number of common mistakes. Mistakes that damage the long-term success and potential of their business. Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn about the four most common fi...

High income professionals face a unique situation when it comes to their retirement. You have the dual challenge of having your money tied up in your investments and also looming tax burdens once you retire. Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn about a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy, also known as a life insurance retirement plan, and how it could be the wealth preservati...

The concept of investing is often associated only with money and the pursuit of wealth, but this Annuities are a popular thing these days… why is that the case? And are they a valid option for those planning their retirement? In this new episode of the  Common Sense Financial Podcast , host Brian Skrobonja explores the world of annuities – from what they are and the three types of annuities all th...

Brian Skrobonja talks about the real cost of college—and why most families are dangerously unprepared. Tune in to learn how to fund your child's education without sacrificing your retirement. Expect to hear eye-opening numbers, smarter strategies than 529 plans, and a flexible approach that keeps you in control, no matter what path your child takes. Brian starts by explaining how to avoid being bl...

In this episode, Brian Skrobonja breaks down ways to save, grow, and invest your money. He sheds light on what a well-diversified portfolio looks like, the true definition of financial freedom, and why you need different mindsets for spending versus investing money. We all want the same thing when it comes to money--we all desire to make money, grow money, and use the money that we have. However,...

The concept of investing is often associated only with money and the pursuit of wealth, but this fails to capture the true essence of investing. An ideal future isn't encapsulated by a stack of $100 bills. The true essence of investing is not about building wealth, but about building the atmospheric conditions that align with your ideal future self. Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to l...

Many people accumulate their wealth in a bank or a long-term investment, and this may create problems. But there is a different strategy. In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over the Build Banking strategy and how you can consider a different banking paradigm using specially designed life insurance policies that allow you to start banking on yoursel...

Brian Skrobonja talks about the essentials of building a multi-generational legacy that lasts. He breaks down a blueprint rooted in time-tested principles and inspired by the same structural thinking used by families like the Rockefellers. Tune in to hear the assumptions that leave heirs rudderless, the mistakes that breed entitlement, and why conventional financial tools often fail under the weig...