Don't Retire...Graduate!

Eric Brotman
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Don’t Retire… Graduate! is the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner Practitioner Eric Brotman, we’re here to guide you in transforming the traditional concept of retirement into an exciting and enriching graduation—a time to embark on new adventures, embrace lifelong passions, and define what success and happiness look like in this new chapter of life. Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from a career; it’s about stepping into a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Whether you're on the brink of retirement or just starting to think about it, this podcast will help you discover what it takes to not just survive, but thrive in your post-career years. We’ll explore how to live a fun, productive, and meaningful life by setting new goals, pursuing passions that light you up, and building a legacy that truly reflects who you are. Each episode features in-depth conversations with a diverse range of guests—from award-winning authors and financial experts to influencers and everyday people with remarkable money stories. Together, we’ll uncover strategies for reaching financial independence, managing your wealth, and making informed decisions that support your dreams. You’ll learn practical tips on everything from saving money and paying down debt to raising financially literate children and growing your wealth at any age. From personal finance and investing to retirement readiness, taxes, and more, we’re here to provide the knowledge and tools you need to confidently step into this exciting new phase of life. Topics include everything from budgeting, credit, and debt to health savings accounts, insurance, social security, the FIRE movement, and the latest in fintech and finance apps. But we don’t stop at finances. Don’t Retire… Graduate! also dives deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement. We’ll discuss how to maintain your mental and physical health, nurture relationships, and stay connected to your community. You’ll gain insights on how to design a lifestyle that keeps you engaged, curious, and excited about the future. Our mission is to help you figure out what you want to be when you grow up—even if you’re already grown. We believe that work should become optional, not just because you've reached a certain age, but because you’ve achieved the freedom to choose how you spend your time and energy. Whether it’s volunteering, starting a new hobby, traveling the world, or launching a second career, this podcast is your guide to creating a retirement that’s anything but retiring. In addition to full episodes, we offer bonus content every other week where you get to meet the team of financial advisors at BFG Financial Advisors and hear their real stories from the frontlines of financial planning.  Retirement is not the absence of work, but the absence of needing to work. So why not graduate into a life of purpose, passion, and financial freedom? Tune in to Don’t Retire… Graduate! and let’s make your retirement the best years of your life.

  1. Discover Your Money Personality: Approachable, Practical, and Human Financial Wellness

    FEB 26

    Discover Your Money Personality: Approachable, Practical, and Human Financial Wellness

    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today's episode, we're diving into a topic that resonates with so many retirees and those preparing for retirement: how to graduate from guilt and finally feel good about spending in retirement. Joining me is Linda Grizely, a personal finance expert and financial wellness speaker who specializes in helping people turn financial overwhelm into empowerment. Linda makes money feel approachable, practical, and human, and today she's here to guide us through the emotional and psychological aspects of financial decision-making, especially as it relates to spending in retirement. During our conversation, Linda and I explored the shame and taboo that often surround both having and not having money. We discussed the importance of understanding your "money personality," a concept Linda developed to help individuals recognize how they interact with finances and why certain spending or saving behaviors feel easier or more challenging. In real time, I took Linda’s money personality assessment (available free on her website), which revealed me as a "spender"—a money personality that uses finances to invest in memories and express love rather than seeing spending as negative. Linda shared her ME! Money Method, a strategy that enables individuals (and couples) to set aside guilt-free funds for personal enjoyment, fostering mindfulness over restriction. We unpacked how this method helps different money personalities navigate retirement spending and overcome psychological hurdles, whether fear of running out of money for security seekers or unintentional overspending by risk-takers and spenders. Linda also illustrated, with both professional and personal stories, why self-awareness and reframing our approach to money are crucial for achieving true financial wellness and enjoying retirement. 5 Key Takeaways: Shame Is Universal: Whether you have too little or more than enough, shame around money is common. Recognizing this helps reduce isolation and encourages open, productive conversations about finances.Money Personalities Matter: Linda’s money personality assessment demonstrates that understanding your natural approach to money—whether spender, saver, security seeker, avoider, or risk-taker—can help inform better financial decisions and remove judgment.The ME! Money Method: Setting aside separate guilt-free funds for yourself (and your spouse or partner) empowers you to enjoy life and eliminates the guilt often associated with spending, especially for security seekers struggling in retirement.Self-Awareness Leads to Better Choices: Linda’s work, including her own experience and her husband’s, shows that having a structure around personal spending makes you more mindful and intentional without feeling restricted.Financial Wellness Is Human: True financial wellness is about more than numbers—it’s about understanding psychology, behavior, and emotions, which can free retirees to enjoy their resources without fear or guilt. Join us as we inspire and educate you on your journey toward financial freedom, empowering you to spend your retirement years with confidence, purpose, and joy. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone seeking a healthier, happier relationship with their money! [embed]https://youtu.be/6cMddsUFLAw[/embed]Mentioned in this episode: Don't Retire... Graduate! is presented by BFG Financial Advisors BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter. BFG Financial Advisors

    35 min
  2. Storytelling, Sacrifice, and Success: Secrets to Thriving in Life and Business

    FEB 12

    Storytelling, Sacrifice, and Success: Secrets to Thriving in Life and Business

    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode invites you on a journey from small-town Alabama to the boardrooms and stages of South Florida as we dive deep into the power of mindset, legacy, and building wealth with intention. I’m thrilled to introduce my guest, Neal Oates Jr.—bestselling author of The Affluent Negroes, keynote speaker, award-winning instructor, executive business growth coach, and host of the Beyond the Velvet Rope podcast. Neal works with entrepreneurs and high-performing professionals, with a special emphasis on helping minority business owners accelerate financial independence and create generational legacies. In our engaging conversation, Neal and I explore his unique upbringing as the son of a Navy veteran and entrepreneur who instilled the value of “choosing the great” over the easy—and how that perspective shaped Neal's drive to expand beyond the borders of his rural hometown. We discuss Neal’s journey of reinvention as he moved from Alabama to Florida, making conscious choices to adapt and grow along the way. Neal opens up about career pivots, from being an educator to keynote speaking, consulting, and authorship, demonstrating how leaning into natural gifts and passions can unlock both fulfillment and financial opportunities. 5 Key Takeaways: Mindset Fuels Growth: Neal’s journey underlines the importance of believing not only that big dreams are possible, but also that they’re possible for you—for everyone, regardless of background.Legacy and Preparation: The power of generational wisdom and intentional networking sets the stage for both financial independence and emotional resilience. Neal’s upbringing surrounded by older mentors was key to his success.Principles for Affluence: The NEGROES acronym (Network strategically, Educate yourself, Generate wealth through entrepreneurship, Reinforce resilience, Own it all, Excel everywhere, Serve others) offers a blueprint for sustainable wealth and community impact.Embracing Leadership: Leadership isn’t innate—it’s made through conscious choices, preparation, and the willingness to learn from failure. Anyone can grow into a leader.Generational and Cultural Perspectives Matter: Understanding the context—whether growing up in a segregated rural town or breaking barriers in new cities—is crucial to appreciating the nuances in building both personal and financial legacies. Join us as we rethink what it means to “graduate” into your next chapter with purpose, authenticity, and an abundance mentality. As always, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did. Let’s continue learning, leading, and redefining the journey toward a truly meaningful retirement—and a truly prosperous life! [embed]https://youtu.be/uWY2Fdx8GBg?si=9L_3g1Q6Lt3yjpFb[/embed] Mentioned in this episode: Don't Retire... Graduate! is Presented by BFG Financial Advisors BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter. BFG Financial Advisors

    38 min
  3. Women Leading the Way in Finance: Erin Voisin on Team Building and Empowerment

    JAN 29

    Women Leading the Way in Finance: Erin Voisin on Team Building and Empowerment

    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the path to purposeful financial planning, how the industry is evolving, and the pivotal role empathy and advocacy play in our profession. I’m thrilled to be joined by Erin Voisin, a powerhouse in the wealth management space. As a financial advisor at EP Wealth and a leader who's grown her team from three to over 60 in less than a decade, Erin brings a wealth of real-world experience. She’s also devoted to pro bono work, particularly through the Financial Planning Association’s initiatives and volunteer work supporting cancer patients. In our conversation, Erin and I explored the unpredictable roads that lead so many of us into financial planning—often “falling into” the profession unexpectedly—and why that non-linear journey matters. We discussed her remarkable leadership journey, growing a department and cultivating a culture that values both technical expertise and the human side of finance. Erin shared how her team’s growth has been fueled by a commitment to providing clients with not just planning, but an entire suite of hands-on, multi-disciplinary services—from tax and estate planning to specialized family office offerings. 5 Key Takeaways: The Human Side Sets Us Apart: Erin emphasized that while all advisors have access to similar tools, it’s the client experience, the team approach, and the genuine relationships that differentiate great firms from the rest.Growth Through Opportunity and Diversity: Her remarkable team expansion wasn’t just about numbers—it was built through organic and strategic growth, focusing on both service breadth and hiring talent from all backgrounds, especially by nurturing young professionals through internships.Combatting Industry Misconceptions: We discussed the persistent negative stereotypes about financial advisors, tracing them to media portrayals like “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Erin believes showing up with empathy, advocacy, and authenticity is key to changing minds.Financial Literacy and Pro Bono Advocacy: Erin’s commitment to pro bono work—particularly supporting cancer patients and educating women—shines a spotlight on the importance of making financial advice available to everyone, not just the wealthy.The Future is Relational, Not Transactional: Looking ahead, Erin and I agreed that the next evolution in financial planning will revolve around holistic financial wellness—where coaching, empathy, and mental preparation for major life transitions are as vital as investment returns. Join us for this candid and inspiring conversation as we talk about building a more inclusive, human-centered future in financial planning. As always, I hope you find ideas and motivation to spark your own journey toward financial freedom and purposeful living. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show to help us spread the word. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4_9KFnJP38[/embed] Mentioned in this episode: Don't Retire... Graduate! is presented by BFG Financial Advisors BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter. BFG Financial Advisors

    30 min
  4. The Power of Women’s Money: Janine Firpo on Creating Change Through Values-Based Investing

    JAN 15

    The Power of Women’s Money: Janine Firpo on Creating Change Through Values-Based Investing

    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of values-aligned investing and exploring how women can create a more just and equitable society through the power of their money. Joining me is Janine Firpo, a social innovator, author, and one of Forbes’ 50 Over 50 female leaders making a remarkable impact later in life. After a successful 35-year career in technology and international development—including a role at the Gates Foundation—Janine pivoted toward helping women take control of their financial futures and founded Invest for Better, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women investors. Janine and I shared insights about reinventing ourselves after long careers, challenging the traditional concept of retirement, and finding new passions and purpose in the next chapter of life. Janine candidly discussed the fears and uncertainties she faced when leaving her corporate career, and how she discovered her calling in values-based investing—ultimately leading to her highly collaborative book, Activate Your Money, and the founding of several platforms, including SheEconomy AI, to help women align their investments with their values. 5 Key Takeaways: Reinvention Requires Both Courage and Planning: Janine’s story demonstrates that moving into a new chapter of life—whether post-career or post-retirement—can be intimidating, but financial planning and trusting your intuition pave the way for success.Values-Aligned Investing Is More Accessible Than Ever: Anyone, even those just starting out or with only a bank account, can make meaningful investment choices that reflect their personal values and contribute to societal change.Women Are Financial Powerhouses: By 2030, women are projected to control 40% of U.S. wealth, and research shows they consistently outperform men in investing when they employ long-term, buy-and-hold strategies.Community and Collaboration Drive Lasting Change: Janine’s collaborative approach—engaging over 150 women in the development of her book and uniting 100+ organizations in the SheEconomy campaign—highlights the importance of collective action and shared resources.Financial Freedom Fuels Purpose: Redefining retirement means seeing work as optional and living a life of contribution, impact, and continual growth, no matter your age or stage—don’t retire, graduate! Join us for a journey of inspiration and practical ideas to help you achieve financial freedom, invest with purpose, and create positive change. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone ready to graduate into their next chapter with passion! Mentioned in this episode: Don't Retire... Graduate! is presented by BFG Financial Advisors BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter. BFG Financial Advisors

    37 min
  5. Retire Today: Five Steps to Avoid Costly Retirement Mistakes with Jeremy Keil

    JAN 1

    Retire Today: Five Steps to Avoid Costly Retirement Mistakes with Jeremy Keil

    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! I’m excited to kick off our seventh season with a powerful conversation about redefining retirement—and how to do it with confidence, purpose, and a solid financial plan. For our season premiere, I had the pleasure of hosting Jeremy Keil, author of the highly acclaimed book Retire Today. Jeremy is not only an experienced financial advisor with over two decades of expertise, but he’s also a passionate advocate for helping people move from confusion to clarity with retirement planning. Together, we delved deep into the “battle of the books”—comparing his vision of retiring today with my philosophy of graduating into your next chapter. In our discussion, Jeremy and I explored the five-step framework from his book designed to help you maximize income, minimize taxes, and sidestep costly retirement mistakes. We tackled the critical concept of “retirement longevity” and why getting your timeline right is as important, if not more so, than knowing how much you’ll spend. Jeremy shared actionable insights on planning for spending spikes in the early go-go years of retirement and preparing for potential healthcare costs in the later stages. We broke down one-time decisions like Social Security, pensions, and annuities and talked candidly about the importance of optimizing these choices—especially when they’re irreversible. We also discussed the often-overlooked art of tax planning in retirement, how to make the most of your investment accounts, and why wise estate planning means leaving behind a legacy, not a mess. Throughout, Jeremy emphasized process, preparation, and having a thoughtful plan for everything from cash flow and investments to healthcare and long-term care. Finally, we sparred a bit on the qualitative side of retirement, discussing whether full retirement is the ultimate goal or if “graduating” to financial independence is the best way to live a meaningful, high-impact life. 5 Key Takeaways: Retirement Longevity Matters Most: Jeremy introduced the concept of the “retirement longevity number”—the importance of planning not only when you’ll retire but how long you’ll need your money to last, factoring in early retirements and underestimated life expectancies.Spending Is Not One-Dimensional: Expect higher spending in your first decade of retirement. Do detailed cash flow planning that accounts for one-time costs like travel or home renovations and prepare for possible healthcare spikes in your later years.One-Shot Decisions Require Strategy: Social Security, pension choices, and annuities are often irrevocable. Plan ahead using net present value calculations and seek advice that considers math—not just gut feeling or sales incentives.Tax Planning Is a Game Changer: Post-retirement offers tremendous flexibility for tax strategies. Learn how different account types are taxed, and consider timing and sizing Roth conversions to optimize your lifetime tax outlay.Invest After You Plan—Not Before: Good financial planning puts investments near the end, not the beginning. Build your foundation first by aligning investments with your spending, income, and risk tolerance. Join us for this enlightening episode and discover why retirement isn’t just a final destination—it’s the start of your next, most purposeful chapter. Subscribe, rate, and share our show so others can join you in reimagining—and graduating into—a life of financial freedom and fulfillment! [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek-tPBMYcyg[/embed] Mentioned in this episode: Don't Retire... Graduate! is presented by BFG Financial Advisors BFG Financial Advisors helps individuals and families design a financial future that supports the life they want to live—not just the numbers on a page. From retirement income and tax strategies to legacy planning and investment management, our team builds personalized plans designed for clarity and confidence. Ready to take the next step? Visit bfgfa.com to schedule a free consultation and start planning your next chapter. BFG Financial Advisors

    37 min
  6. The Power of Early Money Talks: How Joey Mills Built Financial Confidence

    12/25/2025

    The Power of Early Money Talks: How Joey Mills Built Financial Confidence

    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of a financial advisor, featuring a special guest from our own team: Joey Mills, who recently became a Certified Financial Planner™ and is on the path to becoming an associate advisor at BFG Financial Advisors. I’m excited to introduce Joey, who joined us in 2022 after graduating from Towson University with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Financial Planning. Beyond his financial expertise, he’s also a baseball enthusiast who recently checked off a major personal goal: visiting every major league baseball stadium in the country—even though we still haven’t converted him from being a Yankees fan! 5 Key Takeaways: The Value of Specialized Education: Joey Mills shared how Towson University’s financial planning concentration gave him both a solid foundation and the flexibility to shift from corporate finance to a more people-focused career.Lifelong Learning Is Essential: Success as a financial advisor requires constant learning—both through formal education and by keeping up with ever-changing financial rules and best practices.Mentorship and Community Matter: Having peers and mentors who’ve followed a similar career trajectory provides invaluable support, insight, and motivation for professional growth.Behavioral Finance Is the Game-Changer: Understanding not just the numbers, but also the psychology behind money decisions—both in clients and oneself—is critical to effective advising.Start Early, Communicate Often: Open family conversations about money and starting good financial habits early—like saving and living below your means—are powerful tools for long-term success. Join us for this candid conversation as we demystify the career path of a financial advisor and share lessons that can help anyone on their own journey to financial freedom. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who’s passionate about meaningful work, lifelong learning, and living with purpose!

    14 min
  7. Tax Planning Without Tears: Artist and Expert Hannah Cole’s Guide

    12/18/2025

    Tax Planning Without Tears: Artist and Expert Hannah Cole’s Guide

    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! For our season six finale, I was thrilled to talk taxes in a way you’ve probably never heard before. Today’s episode features a conversation with Hannah Cole, tax expert, author, founder of Sunlight Tax, and a practicing artist who is on a mission to demystify tax planning for creatives, freelancers, and small business owners. Not only does Hannah Cole bring a wealth of knowledge from both the art and tax worlds, but she also brings a bit of humor and a whole lot of practicality—just check out her new book, "Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self Employed," and her PG-rated "Tax Dominatrix" character! In this episode, Hannah Cole and I dig into why tax education is so hard to find for creatives and what inspired her to blend a career as a professional artist with expert tax advice. We talk about her journey—staying an artist while becoming a tax pro—and why that dual perspective matters for artists, freelancers, and anyone trying to turn a side hustle into a sustainable business. We get into the weeds on the distinctions between LLCs, S Corps, and sole proprietorships, but with an approach that isn’t just technically sound—it’s grounded and totally accessible. Hannah Cole breaks down concepts like her "Power Triangle" (tax-smart saving, tax planning, and investing), discusses the difference between tax planning and tax filing, and explores the shades of gray between tax avoidance, evasion, and truly strategic tax moves. We also don’t shy away from big issues: the structure and complexity of the U.S. tax code, how to find a good and ethical tax pro, the realities of audits and IRS letters (why they’re scary for everyone!), and why a fairer and simpler system could benefit us all. We even debate the merits of estate taxes, VAT taxes, and the potential for a flat tax—always with respect, openness, and a sense that, with a little creativity, we could do more to make the tax system equitable and human friendly. Whether you’re an artist with a side hustle, a small business owner, or just allergic to the idea of tax planning, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and maybe just a little bit more optimistic about taxes. 5 Key Takeaways: Creatives Need Tailored Tax Help:Hannah Cole identified a huge gap for artists and freelancers, who are often stereotyped as being "bad at money," and built resources to help them thrive, including her book and visual guides.Tax Planning, Not Just Tax Paying:Tax planning is about making the system work for you—not just paying what you owe. It’s about grabbing “the coins in the couch cushions” and using the tax code’s incentives to your advantage, which is very different from the pain of cutting a check.Choosing the Right Tax Pro Matters:Not all CPAs are created equal. Hannah recommends prioritizing respect in your tax adviser relationships and being wary of anyone who’s aggressive to the point of danger. A good adviser makes you part of the decision-making process.Myths About the IRS and Enforcement:The societal fear of the IRS is often fueled by those who benefit from weakened tax enforcement. Hannah contends that, in practice, IRS agents are often kinder and easier to deal with than their reputations suggest—and that real “tax terror” often serves the interests of high-net-worth rule breakers.Calls for a Fairer, Simpler System:We debate estate taxes, sales tax, VAT, and even the promise of a flat tax. Regardless of where you stand politically, we agree: a fair, equitable tax code—one that doesn’t require an army of CPAs and endless stress—would benefit everyone. Join us for this engaging and lively conversation that will leave you rethinking what taxes can mean for your life and work. As we wrap up season six, don't forget to subscribe so you won’t miss our season seven premiere in January 2026. Share this episode with anyone dreading tax season—or dreaming of their next creative endeavor—and remember: don’t retire… graduate! [embed]https://youtu.be/ERJrIIFZVn8[/embed]

    37 min
  8. Real Estate as a Tool for Growth: Meredith Mears on Investing With Purpose and Passion

    12/11/2025

    Real Estate as a Tool for Growth: Meredith Mears on Investing With Purpose and Passion

    Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of building wealth through commercial real estate, entrepreneurial leaps, and personal growth. Joining me is Meredith Mears, an accomplished Senior Advisor at SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate and co-chair of the SVN National Self Storage Product Council. Meredith brings decades of experience in commercial real estate, specializing in industrial and office assets—and her unique journey from the rural Eastern Shore of Virginia to a trailblazing career in development and brokerage is as inspiring as it is instructive. In our conversation, Meredith and I trace her path from humble beginnings—growing up with a scarcity mindset in a family of immigrants and Depression survivors—through her education at Salisbury University and formative roles in workforce and economic development. We discuss how she made the courageous leap from public sector “safe” employment to private consulting, development, and eventually managing her own investment portfolio. Meredith shares how real estate can be a powerful long-term vehicle for wealth, why she values owner-occupied properties, and the intricate dynamics of landlord-tenant negotiations. We also dig into the gender dynamics of commercial real estate, the critical role of mentorship, shifting from scarcity to abundance mentality, and why developing properties that serve and uplift her community is her true definition of “success” as she continues to grow—personally and professionally. 5 Key Takeaways: Long-Term Wealth Through Real Estate: Meredith emphasizes that real estate is not a “get rich quick” endeavor but rather a slow, steady path to building family and generational wealth, requiring patience, liquidity, and a focus on long-term holds.The Value of Owner-Occupied Properties: We discuss how owner-occupants place higher value on their spaces, often investing more into the property—making these transactions particularly beneficial for both the buyer and the asset itself.Courage in Career Transitions: Meredith’s leap from secure government work to the uncertainty of private development and brokerage highlights the importance of preparation (financial and emotional), calculated risk-taking, and capitalizing on opportunity.The Power of Mentorship and Networks: Throughout her journey, mentors and professional networks provided Meredith with opportunities, support, and knowledge—demonstrating the necessity of seeking out guidance even (and especially) as you advance in your career.Purpose-Driven Development: Meredith’s vision for “when I grow up” is centered around creating and redeveloping properties that serve community needs—like transforming a dilapidated dentist office into a thriving therapist center—underscoring how wealth-building and positive impact can go hand in hand. Join us for this energetic and enlightening episode as we explore the jungle of commercial real estate, the importance of mindset shifts, and how courage and community can fuel financial freedom. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone who’s ready to make their own leap into a wealthier, more purpose-filled future! To learn more about Meredith Mears, visit m3synergies.com or find her advisor profile at svnmiller.com   [embed]https://youtu.be/BXL6T6XXnTs?si=NamIWBOm4KmpgXiJ[/embed]

    30 min
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About

Don’t Retire… Graduate! is the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner Practitioner Eric Brotman, we’re here to guide you in transforming the traditional concept of retirement into an exciting and enriching graduation—a time to embark on new adventures, embrace lifelong passions, and define what success and happiness look like in this new chapter of life. Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from a career; it’s about stepping into a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Whether you're on the brink of retirement or just starting to think about it, this podcast will help you discover what it takes to not just survive, but thrive in your post-career years. We’ll explore how to live a fun, productive, and meaningful life by setting new goals, pursuing passions that light you up, and building a legacy that truly reflects who you are. Each episode features in-depth conversations with a diverse range of guests—from award-winning authors and financial experts to influencers and everyday people with remarkable money stories. Together, we’ll uncover strategies for reaching financial independence, managing your wealth, and making informed decisions that support your dreams. You’ll learn practical tips on everything from saving money and paying down debt to raising financially literate children and growing your wealth at any age. From personal finance and investing to retirement readiness, taxes, and more, we’re here to provide the knowledge and tools you need to confidently step into this exciting new phase of life. Topics include everything from budgeting, credit, and debt to health savings accounts, insurance, social security, the FIRE movement, and the latest in fintech and finance apps. But we don’t stop at finances. Don’t Retire… Graduate! also dives deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement. We’ll discuss how to maintain your mental and physical health, nurture relationships, and stay connected to your community. You’ll gain insights on how to design a lifestyle that keeps you engaged, curious, and excited about the future. Our mission is to help you figure out what you want to be when you grow up—even if you’re already grown. We believe that work should become optional, not just because you've reached a certain age, but because you’ve achieved the freedom to choose how you spend your time and energy. Whether it’s volunteering, starting a new hobby, traveling the world, or launching a second career, this podcast is your guide to creating a retirement that’s anything but retiring. In addition to full episodes, we offer bonus content every other week where you get to meet the team of financial advisors at BFG Financial Advisors and hear their real stories from the frontlines of financial planning.  Retirement is not the absence of work, but the absence of needing to work. So why not graduate into a life of purpose, passion, and financial freedom? Tune in to Don’t Retire… Graduate! and let’s make your retirement the best years of your life.

Information

  • Creator
    Eric Brotman
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved 2022-25
  • Show Website
    Don't Retire...Graduate!

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