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

The account type you choose could change your tax bill, and your retirement timeline. Learn how Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Accounts impact your flexibility, taxes, and long-term wealth.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/qualified-vs-non-qualified-accounts To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinan...

You’ve hit the 401k limit, congratulations! But now comes the big question: where should your money go next? In this episode, we break down smart strategies beyond your 401k, from Roth options to taxable accounts, so you can keep building wealth without missing a beat.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/maxed-out-401k To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://...

Got an old 401k sitting with a past employer? You’re not alone. In this episode, we cover how to track down forgotten accounts, your best rollover options, and how to keep your retirement savings working for you.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/old-401k To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinanc...

Everyone asks, “What’s the best age to retire?” but the truth is, age has little to do with it. In this episode, we dig into the history of retirement, the myths about spending less, and the real question you should be asking: when will you have enough to live the life you want? Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/best-age-to-retire To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visi...

Think 401(k)s are the limit? A Cash Balance Plan could change everything, especially for business owners and high earners who want to catch up on savings fast. https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/cash-balance-plan To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

Think you’ve covered all your bases for retirement? Think again. In this episode, we uncover the most common expenses retirees overlook. These hidden costs can derail even the best-laid plans. Tune in to learn how to spot them early and protect your future. https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-planning-mistakes To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinanci...

Market shifts can quietly change your portfolio’s risk profile. Rebalancing helps preserve wealth, maintain diversification, and keep long-term plans aligned. Tune in to learn how rebalancing keeps your portfolio aligned with your goals, through both bull and bear markets. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/rebalancing To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://w...

Wills and trusts aren’t just necessary legal documents, they’re the tools that determine how smoothly your wealth transfers across generations. In this episode we explore the nuanced differences between the two, when each makes sense, and how to preserve both privacy and control while protecting your legacy. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/wills-and-trusts To learn more about Bo...

ETFs or mutual funds, which one’s right for you? In this episode, we cut through the jargon and break down the real differences (and surprising similarities) between these two investment staples. Tune in to learn how they work, why it matters, and which option is best for you.  Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/etfs-vs-mutual-funds To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please vis...

Listen in to unlock your HSA’s full potential, from tax savings to unexpected uses, and why it can be a game changer for your retirement plan.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/hsa-benefits   To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

RMDs can be a retirement game-changer, and not always in a good way. In this episode, we break down what they are, when they hit, and smart moves to keep them from wrecking your tax bill. Learn how to make RMDs work for you instead of against you.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/required-minimum-distributions To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bo...

Think your old insurance policy is still doing its job? Think again. In this episode, we break down why a quick insurance review could save you thousands, boost your coverage, and bring your protection strategy into the present.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/insurance-review To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit :   https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure: ...

The Big Beautiful Bill Act brought major tax changes, but also big planning opportunities. In this episode, we break down what retirees and near-retirees need to know to make the most of the new rules, tax cuts, and optimize their strategy.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/big-beautiful-bill-tax-cuts To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinan...

Learn how to spot FOMO-driven decisions, avoid buying at the top, and stick to a strategy that actually builds wealth. Brian shares practical tips to keep emotions out of your investing.  Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/fomo-investing To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

Business owners and self-employed professionals: uncover powerful retirement planning strategies that reduce taxes today and build serious wealth for tomorrow using SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and more. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/self-employed-retirement-planning To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonf...

Maxed out your 401k? Learn what to do next to keep your investments growing with tax-efficient strategies and flexible account options. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/maxing-out-401k To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

Thinking about investing in CDs but not sure if they’re worth it? In this episode, we break down what CDs are, how they work, and how strategies like laddering can help you stay flexible while growing your money with less risk. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/investing-in-cds To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  http...

Life insurance can feel a bit overwhelming, and honestly, a little shady. Brian dives into the real difference between permanent life insurance and term life insurance, why term often makes more sense, and how to avoid getting sold on fear instead of facts.   Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/permanent-vs-term-life-insurance To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  ht...

In this episode, Medicare specialist Andrew Mersereau breaks down the critical decisions around Medicare enrollment, including why your initial choice could be permanent, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Whether you're nearing 65 or helping a loved one, this is a must-listen. Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/medicare-choice To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit...

You work hard, but are you enjoying the payoff? Today we are talking about how to spend with intention, save smart, and make room for the moments that matter most. Full show notes:   https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/living-for-today To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

Think Social Security doesn’t matter if you’re wealthy? In this episode, Brian explains why it does, and how to maximize your Social Security benefits so your kids or favorite charity will thank you.   Full show notes:   https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/maximize-your-social-security-benefits Get your Social Security Cheat Sheet:  https://www.bonfire.financial/social-security-medicare-cheat-sheet  ...

Most people think Roth conversions are just a retirement tax move. In reality, they can be one of the most powerful estate planning tools available. In this episode, we break down how a well-timed Roth conversion can help your family avoid a massive tax bill, and why paying a little now could save your family a lot later. If you’re serious about leaving a legacy (not a tax mess), this one’s for yo...

The word gets thrown around a lot. But what does it really mean to work with a fiduciary? In this episode, Brian breaks down what a fiduciary is, why it matters, and how it impacts your financial life. He shares real-life examples and explains how to tell whether your advisor is truly putting your interests first.  Full show notes:   https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/fiduciary-financial-advisor To...

Most investors think they understand their risk tolerance until markets drop or an opportunity knocks. In this episode, Brian breaks down why risk tolerance is more art than science, how asymmetric risk fits into a smart investment strategy, and how to take calculated risks without putting your long-term goals at risk.  Full show notes:   https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/asymmetric-risk To learn m...

What's actually in your mutual fund? Most people don't know. In this episode, we break down mutual funds and EFTs and clear up common misconceptions.  Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/mutual-funds-explained To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure