The Retirement Referee with Brooks Bernhagen

Brooks Bernhagen
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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 retirement tips you’re looking for, the Retirement Referee is always a podcast instant replay. Listen and subscribe today!

  1. 20H AGO

    The Truth Behind Guaranteed Paychecks in Retirement

    Retirement may be on the horizon, but the real question is whether your income is ready for the road ahead. In this episode, Brooks breaks down how guaranteed income can bring clarity, stability, and confidence as you transition from saving to spending. From defining your true monthly number to mapping income sources, stress‑testing your plan, and clearing up common annuity misconceptions, this conversation reveals how understanding your options can reshape your retirement outlook. Discover why separating investment performance from guaranteed income can lift the fog and help you move forward with purpose. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    11 min

  2. DEC 16

    Uncle Sam’s Holiday Surprise: RMDs Explained | Should You Take More Than Your Minimum? | Income Layering: The Key to Stress-Free Retirement

    Are you ready for Uncle Sam’s holiday surprise? This episode dives into the critical decisions around Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and why taking more than the minimum could reshape your retirement future. Brooks explains how tax brackets, account balances, and long-term planning intersect—and why timing matters. Plus, discover strategies like income layering and guaranteed income to weather market uncertainty and extend your financial confidence well into your 80s, 90s, or beyond. If retirement is on your horizon, this conversation is packed with insights you can’t afford to overlook. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    15 min

  3. DEC 12

    Retirement Under Pressure: Outsmarting Risks Before They Strike | Beyond the 401(k): Building a Retirement Plan That Lasts | Hidden Retirement Risks—and How to Beat Them

    What do RVs, retirement, and hand sanitizer have in common? They all remind us that life is full of unexpected risks—and your retirement plan is no different. In this episode of Retirement Referee, Brooks uncovers the hidden threats that can quietly derail your financial future, from market volatility and emotional decision-making to sneaky portfolio fees. You’ll learn how to “test drive” your retirement plan, why true diversification goes beyond your 401(k), and how to build a strategy that stands strong—even if Social Security takes a hit. Whether you’re five years away or already retired, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you stay confident and in control. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 min

  4. DEC 9

    The Wealth Transfer No One Talks About | Inheritance: Blessing or Burden?

    Worried about the stock market roller coaster as retirement approaches? In this episode, Brooks shares strategies for building stability without sacrificing growth, including how fixed index annuities can protect your principal while capturing upside potential. We also dive into the “great wealth transfer,” why much of it will go sideways to surviving spouses, and the steps women should take to prepare for managing significant assets. Plus, Brooks breaks down common inheritance pitfalls and how to avoid turning a windfall into a burden. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    12 min

  5. NOV 25

    Every Day Is Saturday—But Is Your Retirement Ready? | Retirement Plans Need Software Updates Too | From Jordan’s Final Game to Your Financial Future

    What do smartphones, remote controls, and retirement plans have in common? They all need regular updates to stay relevant. In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen draws parallels between evolving tech and financial planning, urging retirees to treat their retirement strategy as a living document. From optimizing Social Security and annuities to navigating Medicare changes and preserving purpose post-paycheck, Brooks shares insights to help listeners rethink how they prepare for life after work. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 min

  6. NOV 18

    Shohei Ohtani’s Paycheck Strategy Meets Retirement Planning | Defer Now, Gain Later: Retirement Lessons from the Ballpark | How to De-Risk Without Slamming the Brakes

    What do Shohei Ohtani’s contract and your retirement plan have in common? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down how income deferment strategies—like annuities, Roth conversions, and delayed Social Security—can create flexibility and reduce tax burdens. From Medicare premiums to market risk, Brooks shares how to build a retirement game plan that balances growth and protection. Whether you're 50 or already retired, it's all about knowing when to ease off the gas and shift into safer assets. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min

  7. NOV 11

    Is Your Retirement Plan Breathing Toxins? | The Hidden Costs That Could Pollute Your Portfolio | Why Bull Markets Feel Like Summer—But Winter Always Comes

    What do scented candles and retirement accounts have in common? They both can hide toxic surprises. In this episode, financial advisor Brooks Bernhagen breaks down the invisible risks lurking in your portfolio—from high fees and outdated allocations to misleading “premium” investments. Using relatable analogies and real-world examples, Brooks explains how to clean up your financial plan and manage risk like a pro, especially in uncertain markets. Whether you're nearing retirement or already there, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on protecting your future. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 min

  8. NOV 4

    Gold Rush or Fool’s Gold? Navigating Retirement’s Biggest Decisions | COLA, Costs, and Caution: The Retirement Referee’s Playbook | Don’t Let FOMO Derail Your Retirement—Brooks Bernhagen Explains How

    Is your retirement plan ready for the unexpected twists ahead? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen, the Retirement Referee, breaks down the latest Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, reveals why gold’s record highs spark both excitement and caution, and shares strategies to separate emotion from smart investing. Tune in for practical insights on budgeting, Medicare, and building a resilient retirement portfolio—plus a candid take on FOMO and financial headlines. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    12 min
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About

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 retirement tips you’re looking for, the Retirement Referee is always a podcast instant replay. Listen and subscribe today!

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