The Retirement Referee with Brooks Bernhagen

What do RVs, retirement, and hand sanitizer have in common? In this episode of  Retirement Referee , Brooks tackles the hidden risks that can quietly derail your retirement—like market volatility, emotional decision-making, and sneaky portfolio fees. They explore how to “test drive” your retirement plan, why diversification goes beyond your 401(k), and how to build a strateg...

What if your retirement plan includes going back to work? In this episode of  The Retirement Referee , Brooks challenges common “tips” for retiring in a volatile market—like cutting spending or picking up a part-time job—and explains why those may signal a lack of real planning. From stress-testing portfolios to optimizing Social Security, Brooks shares how to build a...

What do interest rate cuts, annuities, and dog bites have in common? They all impact your retirement more than you think. In this episode of  The Retirement Referee , Brooks Berhnagen breaks down how potential Fed rate cuts could ripple through your portfolio, why annuities might be the risk buffer you didn’t know you needed, and how to keep Uncle Sam from taking a bite out of your nest...

What if your retirement plan gave you the freedom to work because you want to—not because you have to? In this episode of The Retirement Referee, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down how to build a flexible retirement strategy that supports your lifestyle, whether you retire at 62 or keep working into your 70s. From optimizing Social Security and creating personal pensions to managing taxes and inco...

Legacy, income, and healthcare—this episode covers the retirement trifecta. Brooks Bernhagen explains how to turn your values into a lasting legacy, why comparing your portfolio to the S&P 500 can be misleading, and how to navigate the costly insurance gap if you retire before Medicare kicks in. Whether you're planning to leave a financial footprint or just want to retire on your terms,...

What do ketchup, TSA, and Roth conversions have in common? Retirement risks. In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down how to navigate economic uncertainty, avoid hidden portfolio hazards, and approach Roth conversions without triggering costly Medicare surprises. From the “bucket strategy” to the “IRMAA trap,” learn how to spot and manage the financial fire risks that...

Retirement is often seen as the beginning of a new chapter, but what does it truly mean to redefine identity and purpose beyond the 9-to-5 grind? Financial Advisor Brooks Bernhagen explores the emotional, financial, and social transitions of leaving the workforce, emphasizing the importance of crafting a holistic retirement plan tailored to one’s vision. From budgeting for travel and hobbies...

Ever wondered how tariffs could impact your retirement? Brooks Bernhagen goes through the effects of tariffs on the economy and how they can influence retirement plans. He explores strategies to manage financial stress caused by these economic changes, such as maintaining diversified investments and revising budgets. Additionally, he discusses the importance of flexible retirement strategies and t...

Looking to ensure a comfortable and stable retirement? Brooks Bernhagen delves into the significance of annuities in creating a reliable income stream post-retirement. He discusses the different types of annuities, such as fixed and variable, and how they can contribute to a predictable and enjoyable retirement. Learn the value of Roth conversions and strategically managing your retirement income...

In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen discusses the importance of protecting retirement income and common mistakes individuals make in asset protection. He explores the differences in asset protection strategies for individuals versus business owners, the impact of economic factors like inflation and interest rates, and the balance between growth and protection in wealth management. The conversation e...

In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen discusses the essential topic of life insurance, breaking down its various types, who needs it, and how to determine the right coverage. He explores the financial implications of life insurance, including its role as a tax strategy and common mistakes people make when purchasing it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of life insurance in overall financial...

In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen discusses the essential aspects of Social Security, including its function, benefits, common misconceptions, claiming strategies, and tax implications. He emphasizes the importance of early planning and understanding the rules surrounding Social Security to maximize benefits for retirement. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connec...

In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen discusses the importance of creating guaranteed income in retirement. He explores various sources of guaranteed income, including Social Security and annuities, and discuss strategies for minimizing taxes on retirement income. The conversation also covers the impact of inflation on retirement planning and shares success stories of clients who have effectively crea...

In this episode, financial advisor Brooks Bernhagen discusses essential aspects of retirement planning, including determining how much one needs to retire, the impact of inflation, tax implications, and strategies to ensure financial longevity. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting, stress testing financial plans, and understanding the changing landscape of tax laws. The conversation also high...

In this episode, financial advisor Brooks Bernhagen discusses the implications of the new administration's tax policies on American retirees and middle-class families. He reviews the key tax changes from Trump's first term, the potential impact of proposed tax policies, and the role of Congress in shaping tax legislation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of strategic retirement planning...

In this conversation, retirement strategist Brooks Bernhagen discusses the essential concepts of retirement planning, focusing on the differences between qualified and non-qualified money, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the importance of maximizing retirement contributions. He also introduces the 10-10-10 rule for retirement savings, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to t...

In this episode of The Retirement Referee, Brooks discusses significant changes in retirement planning for 2025, including updates to IRAs, 401ks, health savings accounts, and required minimum distributions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes to maximize retirement savings and avoid tax penalties. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect...

When your retirement gets down to game time, who do you want making the calls? Don’t settle for second-best – get the advisor that knows the rules. The Retirement Referee, hosted by Brooks Financial Group founder Brooks Bernhagen, shows how to go by the rulebook and get the most out of your retirement. With experienced insights, weekly deep dives into the financial trends of the day, and the retir...

In the inaugural episode of Retirement Referee, Brooks Bernhagen discusses the importance of retirement planning, the services offered by Brooks Financial Group, and the common misconceptions surrounding financial advisors. Brooks shares his personal journey into the financial services industry, emphasizing the significance of understanding clients' unique needs and goals. The conversation also hi...

In this episode of Retirement Referee, Brooks Bernhagen discusses the fundamentals of 401(k) plans, including their importance in retirement planning, the differences between traditional and Roth 401(k)s, the benefits of early contributions, withdrawal rules, and how to maximize contributions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding these financial tools to secure a comfortab...