Don't Retire...Graduate!

Welcome to another episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" where I, Eric Brotman, explore the unique journeys of financial advisors and how they help others achieve financial independence. In today's Diary of a Financial Advisor segment, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Harrell, a dedicated financial advisor at BFG Financial Advisors. Andrew shares his journey in the financial advising fi...

Welcome back to "Don't Retire... Graduate!" Today, we’re talking about a topic that impacts many families and is often overlooked in financial planning—preparing for special needs children and aging parents' care. These stages of life present unique challenges that require careful planning and expert guidance to ensure both financial stability and familial harmony.   In this episode, I am ple...

Welcome back to another episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" I'm your host, Eric Brotman. In our "Diary of a Financial Advisor" segment, we introduce you to financial advisors and explore their professional journeys and their dedication to helping clients achieve financial success.   Today, I'm delighted to have Dan Halla, a valuable member of our BFG team, join me. Dan is our go-to special...

Welcome back to "Don't Retire... Graduate!" On this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jasper Smith, a dedicated financial educator and visionary behind the Build Wealth Movement. With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jasper is on a mission to disrupt generational poverty and help families create sustainable wealth.   Jasper Smith is a trailblazer in the financi...

Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate!: the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means.   In our Diary of a Financial Advisor segment, I, Eric Brotman, interview financial advisors about their professional journeys and their dedication to aiding others in their financial success. Today, we are lucky enough to be joined by BFG's own Cody Niedermeier before he begins hi...

Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate!: the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means.   In today's episode, we're taking a look at college admissions and financial aid with our special guest, Dr. Kuni Beasley. With over 40 years of experience in helping students and their families navigate the complexities of getting into college and securing financial aid, Dr. Beas...

Welcome back to another episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" I'm your host, Eric Brotman. Our podcast aims to guide you to a fulfilling and passionate retirement by asking you the important question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"   In our "Diary of a Financial Advisor" segment, we interview financial advisors about their unique journeys and their dedication to helping others su...

Welcome to the premiere of the sixth season of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" I'm your host, Eric Brotman, and I'm thrilled to be back after a year-long hiatus. Our mission remains the same: to provide you with the insights and tools you need to achieve financial independence and live the life you’ve always dreamed of.   Today, our guest is a DRG regular, the incomparable Joe Saul-Sehy. Joe is a...

Welcome to Don’t Retire… Graduate!—the podcast that’s here to challenge the way you think about retirement. I’m your host, Eric Brotman, Certified Financial Planner Practitioner, and I’m excited to guide you in transforming retirement from a final destination into a new beginning—a graduation into the next great chapter of your life. Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from a career; it’s ab...

Welcome to a very special episode of Don't Retire... Graduate!: our finale. After five seasons, we're graduating from the podcast in order to take financial literacy education into a new format, with a new edition of the Don't Retire... Graduate! book releasing soon and our new financial wellness program taking off. Rounding out the show with a bang, we have Cara Macksoud of Money Habitudes here t...

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Noah's question: “What can you tell someone in their 20s who is already worried about not being able to retire in the future?” This is a lot of stress to put on yourself so early in your life and career, but there are a few pieces of advice that Eric can share for you. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today's episode, we're getting personal and bringing in a member of the BFG family. Financial advisor Cody Niedermeier recently got married and is sharing his experience and advice for handling financial conversations before and after saying "I do." Even as a financial advisor, it can be hard to handle conversations around money within a relationship. Cod...

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Olivia's question: “What advice would you give today that you wouldn't have expected to 10 years ago?” The advice does change over time, but with 30 years of experience as a financial advisor, it's clear that some of the basic fundamentals don't: paying yourself first and avoiding adverse debt. But economic conditions and products do change and there are thing...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this episode we’re joined by Hassan Thomas, the creator of the FYI FLI (For Your Information Financial Literacy and Investing) app and host of the FYI FLI podcast.   He is here to share his story of beginning his entrepreneurial journey during a global recession, having to pivot a future after an injury, and growing a brand focused on teaching person...

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Charlotte's question: “What movie taught you the most about money?” Eric chose the movie The Ultimate Gift based on a book by Jim Stovall because of how it taught the value of money and how you can use it to make a difference. This is the opposite of one we often mention as more of a cautionary tale, which is Billy Madison. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this special 100th episode, we’re joined by Marika Stimac, a life coach dedicated to helping people improve their financial literacy and achieve their financial goals. Marika, who has written a book called "Keys to Financial Confidence: Unlock Your Best Life," shares valuable insights and actionable steps to create a positive financial legacy.   Mari...

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Oliver's question: “What should I know about finances before I buy my first home?” Well done for thinking ahead! There are so many costs that go into home ownership that are different from renting, like maintenance, taxes, and furnishing. Listen to what Eric thinks is important to know before you make the purchase. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPl...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this episode we’re joined by John Crane, a financial advisor and author of The One Number Budget.   In the episode, Eric and John share their dislike of traditional budgeting—which Eric less-than-affectionately calls the “B-word”—and go through John’s exercise of finding the “one number” you need for this new budgeting concept.   In this episode...

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jake's question: "How can I open a Roth IRA for my child?” This is a great question and a great way to set your kids up for success, but you need to understand how they work and how to use them. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]https://youtu.be/IJ6ncLsH...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this episode, Eric Brotman chats with financial industry veteran Troy Holt about the importance of financial literacy and shares some key strategies for managing your personal finances.   Troy is passionate about financial literacy and explains how a job in finance can provide both community impact and personal satisfaction beyond merely making money...

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Colby's question: “When should somebody start investing?” The short answer is as soon as you have money available to invest, but the conversation doesn't stop there. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]https://youtu.be/xN-1MKc2Wfs?si=6WngnmPe6DsgWP1V[/embe...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest has used Airbnb to reach financial freedom early and is teaching others how to do the same.   Zeona McIntyre is an author, realtor, investment consultant, and speaker who has been helping people house hack and build their portfolios of short and medium-term rentals for several years. She sat down with Eric to talk about how she has reached...

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Ava's question: “How much does money matter in a relationship?” This is a multifaceted question with different types of relationships, but in all types, it is necessary to have communication, transparency, and honesty. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]h...

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! This is an episode unlike any we’ve done before. Our guest is Rachael Schlimmer, a nomad who is traveling more often than she isn’t but is ready to start putting down roots and planning out her future. While we promised not to call this an intervention (or a séance for that matter), Rachael was at a crossroads and needed someone to interfere, if only to help...

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Matt's question: “How do you effectively balance among saving, retirement, and expenses?" There is no rule of thumb here, but we may be able to find a balance that works for you. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!