Don't Retire...Graduate!

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we dive into the intersection of estate planning, philanthropy, and building legacies—especially within underrepresented communities. I’m joined by the remarkable Shari Fleming, an estate planning attorney and philanthropic advisor whose passion for service, education, and bridging community gaps is truly inspiring. Shari’s credentials ar...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m excited to bring you a very special installment from our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” series. We’re diving into the professional journey, passions, and perspectives of an inspiring leader in the financial world: Lena Nebel, CFP®. Lena is not only my business partner and dear friend, but also serves as President and Chief Operating O...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode is all about conquering clutter, downsizing with dignity, and organizing your life for the next big transition—whether that’s retirement, a move, or simply refreshing your space for a more purpose-driven future. Joining me in the studio is Tara Donohue Rudo, founder of No More Piles, an organization that has helped countless families and busy...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode turns the tables for a special edition of our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment. Instead of my usual role as host, I’m stepping into the interviewee seat and handing the mic over to Tony Breen, BFG’s talented intern and a student at Stevenson University. Tony came prepared—having read my book and even “graduated” from Retire University—t...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the intersection of financial empowerment, psychology, and redefining money conversations—especially for women. Joining me is Chelsea Williams, also known as the Money Whisperer, and the host of the Always and Never about the Money podcast. With nearly a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Chelsea has helped countless...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome someone I know not only as a colleague but as a friend and business partner—Yanni Niebuhr. As part of our Diary of a Financial Advisor series, I got to sit down with Yanni, who’s celebrating an incredible 14 years at BFG. From unpaid intern to Chief Investment Officer and soon-to-be CFO, Yanni’s path is a testament...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a critical and sometimes overlooked topic: divorce and its profound impact on your financial and personal future. I’m joined in the studio by Leon W. Berg, a highly awarded divorce attorney with 50 years of experience practicing law, primarily in Baltimore County. Leon is known for his thoughtful approach to family law,...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! I’m your host, Eric Brotman, and today’s episode features a unique perspective in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” series. While we typically interview seasoned professionals in the financial planning space, this episode spotlights someone who is building a career in the world of finance from a different angle: Hannah Dennis. Hannah isn’t a financial advis...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode is one that speaks directly to the heart of reinvention and the pursuit of passion long after the first chapter of your career has closed. I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Vasu Tolia as my guest—a remarkable individual whose journey from a tenured professor of pediatrics at Wayne State University to a celebrated visual artist in Michigan encapsula...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it means to grow—personally and professionally—within the world of financial advising. I’m joined by Cody Niedermeier, who returns for his second visit to our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment. Cody’s journey is one for the books: he began his career at BFG Financial Advisors in investment opera...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the intersection of money, mindset, and healing from financial trauma. I’m thrilled to be joined by Alejandra Rojas, an entrepreneur, writer, and founder of the Brown Way to Money platform. As a financial mentor and the host of the Brown Way to Money podcast, Alejandra specializes in helping women—especially women of c...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s Diary of a Financial Advisor entry, we’re shining a light on one of life’s biggest transitions: preparing—personally and financially—for starting a family. I’m thrilled to be joined by Cody Niedermeier, who brings both professional and personal insights to the table. Not only has Cody been a trusted advisor to countless families over the past six...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s heartfelt and illuminating episode, we take a closer look at one of the most challenging—and often overlooked—topics in financial planning: preparing for the loss of a loved one, managing estates, and navigating the complexities of family and finances, especially in blended families. My guest is Katie George, a seasoned IT recruitment specialist f...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the financial planning profession with our recurring segment, Diary of a Financial Advisor. I’m excited to welcome back Andrew Harrell—a second-time guest and a perfect example of what it looks like to excel and give back in the financial advisory field. Andrew’s journey is marked by involvement and l...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today’s episode, we’re digging into the evolving world of content creation, self-directed IRAs, and the power of pivoting careers—especially when your passions and professional path take an unexpected but rewarding turn. I’m excited to introduce my guest, Jasmine Trocchia, former Marketing Manager for American IRA. Her journey is both fascinating and inst...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m delighted to bring you another entry in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, where we dive deep into the journeys, motivations, and unique perspectives of professionals in the financial planning world. Today, my guest is Kobe Bolanos, an Investment Operations Associate turned Financial Advisor at BFG Financial Advisors, and a d...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of values-driven finance and social impact investing—a topic that blends doing well financially with doing good in the world. I’m joined in the studio by Karyn Polak, founder and Chief Activator of Shift the Prism. Karyn is a lawyer by training and a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion through finance....

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode takes you behind the scenes of the financial planning world with an in-depth look at what it means to be a financial advisor dedicated to serving clients’ best interests—sometimes from out of the spotlight. I’m joined by Beth Nori, a talented and detail-oriented CFP practitioner from BFG, who has been with our team for over eight years. While...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of real estate investing, with a special focus on multifamily properties. Joining us is Veena Jetti, founding partner of VIVE Funds, a commercial real estate firm known for curating conservative investment opportunities. Veena's expertise in driving corporate strategy and leveraging cutting-edge technologies ma...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s Diary of a Financial Advisor entry, we dive into the journey of a dedicated financial professional who rose from humble beginnings to making impactful strides in the financial services industry. Joining us on the podcast is Shakirrah Clarke Gunther, a Client Service Associate at BFG Financial Advisors. Shakirrah brings over thirteen years of exper...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today's episode, I'm excited to dive deep into the world of real estate with our special guest, Nick Aufenkamp. Nick is a real estate agent who's embarked on a unique path, teaching homebuyers how to navigate the buying process without a buyer's agent, aiming to save them significant money. With a background in pastoral ministry and extensive experience i...

Welcome back to another Diary of a Financial Advisor segment of Don't Retire... Graduate! . Our special guest is Kirby Ososki, a remarkable individual with 18 years of experience in the financial industry, currently working at BFG—not as a financial advisor, but as a Registered Client Service Associate. Kirby brings a distinct perspective to our industry, one that underscores the critical roles be...

Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate! On today’s episode, we’re returning to a topic we began discussed earlier in the season: planning for families with special needs. I am thrilled to be joined by DJ Jeyaram, a dedicated attorney whose personal journey into this field was profoundly influenced by his own family's experiences. DJ shifted his law firm's focus towards helping families with spec...

Welcome back to another Diary of a Financial Advisor segment of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" Joining Eric today is Akram Ibrahim, who brings a unique perspective to his role as the firm's lead trader.   His journey at BFG didn't start from a calculated career plan but rather from a serendipitous encounter at a career fair during his time at Stevenson University. Throughout our conversation, Ak...

Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate! In today’s episode, we're focusing on a specific group of people: HENRYs, or High Earners, Not Rich Yet. Joining us on the podcast today is Jude Wilson, Chief Financial Strategist at Centrist Financial Strategies. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in retirement income planning and tax reduction strategies for baby boomers and retirees. Jude...