Don't F-Up Your Retirement: You Built It. Don't Let Retirement Break It.

Retirement changes more than your schedule. Here are 5 things that can quietly disappear after you stop working, and how to plan before they catch you off guard. Full show notes: Bonfirefinancial.com/what-happens-when-you-retire To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: Bonfirefinancial.com This content is for educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, tax, or legal a...

Can $100K really grow into $2 million by retirement? In this episode, Brian breaks down the five retirement investing strategies that can make the biggest difference. If you want to build real wealth without guessing, timing the market, or chasing the next hot stock, this episode is for you. Full show notes : https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-investing-strategy To learn more about Bonfir...

Is your 401(k) actually enough to retire comfortably? In this episode, Brian breaks down how much you should have saved by age, why the “average” 401(k) balance may leave you short, and the hidden mistakes that can cost you in taxes, fees, and flexibility. You’ll learn why building a big balance is only part of the equation, and what it takes to create a retirement plan that actually works. Full s...

Most retirement assets look smart on the surface, but some quietly drain your wealth for years. In this episode, we break down 8 retirement assets wealthy retirees often avoid and the hidden costs, fees, and financial traps many people never see coming. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-assets To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefina...

Most people with pensions are planning for retirement completely wrong. In this episode, we break down why a pension changes how much you need saved, how you should invest, the lump sum vs. monthly payment decision, and the critical mistake that could impact your spouse for life. If you have a pension, your retirement strategy should look very different.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefina...

Most retirees focus on growing their money. Very few focus on how to keep more of it. In this episode, Brian breaks down powerful retirement tax strategies that wealthy families use to reduce taxes, avoid costly Medicare surcharges, and create more tax-free income in retirement. From Roth conversions and HSAs to the hidden IRMAA trap, you’ll learn practical strategies that could potentially save y...

Most people leave money on the table with Social Security without even realizing it. These 5 simple moves could increase your monthly check for life.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/how-to-increase-your-social-security-benefits To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

You’ve spent years building your life… but what if the key to a better retirement is knowing what to let go of? In this episode, we break down 5 things you should consider selling before retirement, and a simple framework to decide what’s actually worth keeping. This isn’t about cutting back. It’s about making retirement feel like freedom, not stress. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial...

Should you pay off your mortgage or invest? It’s one of the most common financial questions, but the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this episode, we break down how interest rates, risk, and your personal situation all play into making the right decision. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/pay-off-mortgage-or-invest To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://w...

Most people think investing is about picking the right stock or timing the market, but that’s not what actually builds lasting wealth. In this Q&A conversation, we break down the misconceptions that even high earners get wrong, why relying too heavily on a 401(k) can limit flexibility, and the fundamentals that create real financial clarity over time. If you’ve ever wondered why making more mo...

Investing isn’t about timing the market, it’s about having a plan that works. In this episode, we show you how to invest in 2026 without guessing or overcomplicating it. If you want clarity and a real plan, this is where to start. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/how-to-invest-in-2026 To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosur...

Retirement changes more than your schedule. When your portfolio becomes your income, risk feels different. In this episode, we explain why the year you retire is the right time to revisit your portfolio and adjust for your new reality.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retiring-in-soon To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclos...

When do RMDs really start, how are they taxed, and what happens when that money passes to your kids? We break down the rules, the common misconceptions, and the smart planning moves that can save you from costly surprises.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/rmd To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfiref...

In this episode, we break down the 2026 contribution limit changes and explain how to set up your investments so they run automatically. Learn how to adjust your 401(k), IRA, Roth, and HSA once a year and let consistent, effortless investing do the heavy lifting.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/2026-contribution-limits To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  http...

The new year is the perfect time to reset your finances. Today we are walking through key tips to automate, review, and maximize your financial plan so you can spend less time managing money and more time living your life.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/new-year-financial-tips To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure: ...

Learn how tax-efficient investing can help you keep more of what you earn. From Roths and HSAs to smart portfolio strategies, we break down where your money should go and why it matters. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/tax-efficient-investing To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/discl...

In this client Q&A, Brian breaks down how to tell if you are truly ready to retire, how much risk is appropriate, and what realistic investment returns actually look like once retirement is in sight. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/am-i-ready-to-retire To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinan...

Inheriting an IRA is common, but handling it correctly is not. In this episode, Brian breaks down how inherited IRAs and Roth IRAs work, the 10-year rule, and the costly mistakes to avoid so you do not pay more in taxes than necessary.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/inherited-ira To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure...

A practical rundown of the year end financial moves that matter most. From HSAs and FSAs to 401k contributions, Roth conversions, and RMDs, this quick two minute drill helps you wrap up the year with confidence and keep more of your money working for you. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/year-end-planning To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefi...

In this client Q&A episode, Brian breaks down the most common retirement questions, from Roth conversions to RMDs, to how you actually get your money once you stop working. Simple, clear answers to help you make smarter decisions. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-questions To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclo...

Unlock the truth behind fee only advice and find out how to make sure your financial advisor is truly working for YOU   and not a commission. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/fee-only To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure  

The last penny has been minted. What does it mean for inflation, digital payments, and where money is headed next? Learn what this small "change" says about a much bigger shift.  Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/future-of-money To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement, or keep your low-interest loan and let your money work elsewhere? In this episode, we break down the numbers, mindset, and myths around the “debt-free” dream. Learn when paying off your home makes sense and when investing the difference could set you up for a stronger retirement. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/should-i-pay-off...

Making money is one thing. Keeping it, and growing it, is another. In this episode, discover the simple habits that turn high income into high net worth over time. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/ high-income-to-high-net-worth To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

Learn how to give smarter and keep more. From donor-advised funds to QCDs, discover powerful charitable giving strategies to lower your tax bill and make a bigger impact.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/charitable-giving-strategies   To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure