Don't Retire...Graduate Podcast Evergreen Podcasts

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 to talk about her journey from Wall Street trader to leading a company that helps people identify their financial biases and make positive changes in their habits. We'll explore the importance of being open-minded and empathetic towards clients with different attitudes and behaviors, as well as the gradual nature of habit change.
Key takeaways:

Financial security is important for a comfortable retirement transition. It involves having a certain level of income and assets to maintain a desired lifestyle.

It's crucial to understand your money habits and attitudes, as they play a significant role in your financial decision-making. The Money Habitudes assessment helps individuals gauge where they fall along six domains and identify biases or areas for improvement.

Money is relational and tied to associations such as family, culture, and community. Understanding the non-verbal messages and influences around money can help shape healthy money habits and attitudes.

Giving and philanthropy can bring joy and satisfaction, and it's important to align your philanthropic efforts with your values and passions. Incorporating philanthropy into your financial plan can bring both status and personal fulfillment.


Thank you to everyone who has supported this show over the last five years and allowed us to be part of your personal finance journey. Also, a special thank you to our executive producer Sara Lohse and our audio engineer Russ Riba for making this podcast happen.
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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 used in a future episode of Office Hours!
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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. Cody talks about dropping a whopping $15 on her plastic engagement ring (on top of the diamond one, of course), how he proposed, and the plans they have for the future.

Communication and transparency are key when it comes to financial planning for couples. It is important to have open conversations about joint accounts, bill payments, and beneficiary designations to ensure that both partners are on the same page and have a clear understanding of their financial goals.

When planning a wedding, it is advisable to save for the engagement ring rather than borrowing money. Using a credit card to purchase the ring means that the spouse is essentially paying for it, leading to unnecessary debt.

The cost of weddings can vary greatly. It is crucial for couples to financially plan for their wedding and manage expectations. By understanding their budget and prioritizing expenses, couples can prevent financial strain and focus on what matters most to them.

Geography plays a significant role in financial and legal matters. Couples should ensure that their estate planning documents are done in the state they are living in, as state laws differ. It is also important to consider insurance policies and beneficiary designations, especially when moving between different states.

The importance of comprehensive financial planning cannot be overstated. From consolidating old retirement accounts to adjusting employee benefits, couples should seek guidance from financial advisors to help them navigate this complex process. This includes finding professionals for tax planning, legal matters, and other important areas to ensure a solid financial foundation for their marriage.


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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 things that we wouldn't have recommended a decade or even 5 years ago.
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!
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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 personal finance. 

In this episode we’ll talk about:

• Understanding your goals and finding someone who can help you achieve them is crucial.
• Building a comfortable and goal-oriented working relationship with a coach is essential.
• The internet has made information more accessible, allowing for self-education and learning new skills.
• During times of economic uncertainty, having multiple income sources and financial literacy is important.
• The current generation faces more financial challenges, with the need for multiple jobs and side hustles to support a family.
• Financial education and applying knowledge can have an immediate and positive impact on personal finances.
• Establishing an emergency fund (or peace of mind fund) in a high-yield savings account is an excellent starting point for financial stability.
• Continual learning and progress in financial education can lead to life-changing opportunities and success.
• Having a plan, taking action, and being prepared are key factors in progressing and achieving financial goals.
• Understanding how recessions impact individuals and their finances is essential for making informed financial decisions.

Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode.

About Hassan Thomas:

Hassan R. Thomas: the new face of emerging FinTech and the Founder of a new APP called FYI FLI (For Your Information, Financial Literacy & Investing), and the CEO of HRT Enterprises LLC. 

@ceosanni @fyifli
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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.
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