Mind Your Money with Bradshaw Rogers Financial Partners

What do hot dogs, fireworks, and small-town parades have to do with building wealth? More than you might think. In this special Fourth of July episode, Trent and Brandon use some of America's favorite Independence Day traditions to illustrate timeless financial planning principles. From emergency funds to protecting the people you love and pursuing financial independence, these holiday traditions...

What happens when retirement arrives sooner than expected? In this unique case-study episode, we walk through the real-life story of Fran, a 62-year-old former teacher who found herself retired after a career change and workplace restructuring. Along the way, you'll hear how a comprehensive financial plan can uncover opportunities, address risks, and provide confidence for the road ahead. Here's s...

It's summer and nothing says summer quite like Tom Cruise as Maverick soaring across the sky in Top Gun. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the original film, and with Tom Cruise's birthday on July 3rd, Trent figured it was the perfect excuse to revisit some of the most iconic quotes from the franchise and see what they have to say about your financial life. Because Maverick didn't become the...

Everyone has financial opinions these days, especially famous authors, podcast hosts, billionaires, and TV personalities. In this episode, Trent and Brandon react to popular money advice from the big names and explore where some of these ideas make sense, where they may go too far, and why personal financial planning matters more than one-size-fits-all advice. Before you blindly follow another fin...

Inheriting a home can bring more questions than answers, especially when taxes enter the conversation. Many families hesitate to sell because they're worried about a massive tax bill… but that fear is often misunderstood. Today, we take a closer look at how inherited home taxes work and how one well-intentioned decision could cost you far more than expected. We also talk about the real challenges...

Turning 62 opens the door to Social Security, but it also introduces one of the most permanent retirement decisions you'll ever make. Many people claim early for understandable reasons, yet few fully grasp the long-term tradeoffs involved. Brandon and Trent walk through how, when it comes to Social Security, the shortcut can sometimes be the most expensive path. Here's some of what we discuss in t...

Rising daycare costs are forcing many families into tough conversations, and grandparents often feel caught in the middle. In this episode, we explore the emotional pull of helping with grandkids and the long-term financial tradeoffs that come with retiring earlier than planned. These decisions are rarely about money alone, but the consequences can last for decades. Finding the right balance matte...

If you suddenly came into a large sum of money, where would it actually belong? The answer isn't as simple, or as universal, as most headlines make it seem. Brandon and Trent explore how different perspectives can lead to very different strategies, and why context matters more than trends. Before you copy someone else's playbook, it's worth understanding what should drive decisions at this level....

Big financial decisions rarely happen in isolation, and many involve family, timing, and long-term consequences. In this mailbag episode, Trent and Brandon respond to listener questions that highlight the importance of thoughtful planning before making major moves. Tune in for a practical conversation for anyone navigating complex financial choices with real-world implications. Here's some of what...

Financial planning is often treated like a numbers-only exercise, but emotions play a much bigger role than most people realize. Today, we explore how things like personal preferences, comfort with risk, and lifestyle priorities can influence financial decisions just as much as spreadsheets and projections. Understanding the emotional side of money can help create a plan that not only works on pap...

2025 was relentless, bursting with financial headlines that just wouldn't let up. But how many truly deserved your attention? In this episode, we push aside the endless, attention-grabbing noise to zero in on the stories that really moved the needle for real financial plans. Spoiler: some of the most hyped headlines turned out to be far less important than you were led to believe. In 2026, don't l...

Kick off your retirement with confidence! In this episode, we reveal the powerful "first year rule" and the five must-do steps to creating healthy habits with your finances, lifestyle, and well-being. Discover why these areas set the stage for lasting fulfillment, and what most retirees overlook. If you want to thrive from day one, click play! Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🕰️ Fir...

Many retirees are surprised to learn that Medicare isn't always as "set it and forget it" as they expected. In this episode, we demystify IRMAA, the income-related surcharge that can quietly reduce your Social Security check if your income crosses certain thresholds. What planning strategies can help reduce or avoid IRMAA altogether? Tune in to find out.   Here's some of what we discuss in this ep...

It's one of the toughest financial moments you'll ever face: someone you care about needs help, and you feel torn between wanting to support them and protecting your own financial future. In this episode, we talk openly about the emotional pressure of lending money to friends and family, and the real consequences most people don't think about until it's too late. You'll hear a balanced look at bou...

In the book The Five People You Meet in Heaven , each person the main character meets helps him understand his life in a new way. So who are the five people you should meet before retirement? People who can guide your next chapter and help you retire with clarity, confidence, and purpose. After all, retirement isn't just about money, it's about people, preparation, and purpose. You'll hear why eac...

Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They're now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice… or just the easiest one? Let's look closer at the rising popularity of target-date funds and explain what you really need to know if your 401(k) is riding on one. These "set it and...

You've worked hard, saved well, and now you're thinking about giving back—maybe to your kids, your grandkids, or a cause you care about. But should you wait and pass that wealth on later, or give while you're still around to enjoy the impact? Let's talk about how to make that decision with confidence. Today, Trent and Brandon break down the practical and emotional aspects of gifting during your li...

The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let's be honest, it's always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision? Today we'll break down what the 4.7% update really means for your ret...

Back-to-school season isn't just for kids; it's a good reminder for pre-retirees and retirees to sharpen their financial knowledge, too. In this episode, Trent and Brandon put listeners through a "retirement planning pop quiz" covering Social Security, IRA contributions, RMDs, and more. Think of it as a back-to-school refresher course designed to test what you know and teach you what you don't. Th...

You've heard about the "One Big Beautiful Bill," but let's get to what really matters: your questions. In this listener mailbag episode, Trent and Brandon tackle real concerns from clients and pre-retirees trying to make sense of what this tax overhaul actually changes. They've read all the fine print, so you don't have to. Should you still consider moving to a no-income-tax state like Florida? Ca...

Big tax law changes always bring big rumors. But before you assume Social Security is now tax-free or that you're getting a $40K deduction just for breathing, let's set the record straight on what this new bill didn't actually do. In this episode, Trent and Brandon tackle the myths swirling around the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill" and give you the facts you need to make smart financial deci...

A new tax bill has officially passed (you've probably heard it mentioned as the "Big Beautiful Bill"). And while most headlines are focused on politics, we're focused on what it means for your retirement. The choices you make in the next year or two could have a significant impact on how much you keep and how much goes to Uncle Sam. In this episode, Trent and Brandon break down the most important...

Today, we're talking about Type A personalities. If you're driven, competitive, and goal-oriented, then you're part of the club that often struggles during difficult markets. When things get tough, your instinct is to work harder, push more, and fix the problem. But in investing, that instinct can sometimes backfire. In this episode, Trent and Brandon break down a list of hard-hitting questions ma...

Market dips can rattle even the most seasoned investors. In this episode, Trent and Brandon tackle some of the most common questions they're hearing from clients right now. From pre-retirees worried about protecting their portfolios to investors wondering if it's time to buy the dip, the discussion focuses on practical ways to stay steady and avoid costly mistakes. They emphasize the importance of...

Retirement isn't a full stop- it's a new chapter! For many, it's not about doing nothing; it's about doing something different. Whether it's boredom after the first six months, the desire to stay active, or a financial nudge to earn a little extra, more retirees are choosing to "unretire" with purpose. In this episode, Trent and Brandon share creative and meaningful ways retirees can stay active,...