

Don't Retire...Graduate!
Eric Brotman
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 23, 2021 • 7min
How to Balance Saving, Retirement, and Expenses in your Budget
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Matt's question: How do you effectively balance between savings, retirement, and expenses? Of course, this is different for everyone, but listen to Eric explain how to determine a balance that may work for you, and adds a fourth category into the conversation: debt. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 2021 • 31min
Defeating the Villains: How to Save Your Retirement and Financial Plan from Devastation
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode has been teaching retirees and pre-retirees how to preserve their assets and increase their income for twenty years. Patrick Strubbe is the author of Save Your Retirement from Mass Destruction by the 7 Retirement Villains. He’s here to talk about those villains and how we can stop them from thwarting our retirement plans. In this episode we’ll talk about: The seven villains that put your retirement at risk Longevity and the fear of outliving your money Inflation and how it can derail retirement for those on fixed income The taxes we pay in retirement and the importance of planning for them Understanding what health care costs will be paid out of pocket in retirement, what will be covered by Medicare, and what protections you can put in place to help cover costs The importance of understanding the fees and costs associated with different savings and investment accounts Dollar cost averaging and why accounts should be strategically set up so that you aren’t pulling from principle Looking into alternative or nontraditional asset classes to diversify your portfolio away from only stocks and bonds About Patrick Strubbe: For over 20 years, Pat has taught retirees and pre-retirees how to preserve their assets and increase their income. Pat is a recurring guest on the WIS-TV (NBC) news. He has been featured in USA Today, Investor’s Business Daily and other national publications for his knowledge in the field of financial planning. Pat is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) and Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®). You can listen to Pat host the radio show “Save Your Retirement®” on WVOC-AM. He is also the author of the book “Save Your Retirement from Mass Destruction by the 7 Retirement Villains!” and “Retirement with Confidence.” Pat lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with his beautiful wife, Janelle. He is the proud father of four children: Carter, Ava, Gabriella and Isla. Pat enjoys watching NBA basketball games with his friends and family. He loves to see his favorite team, the L.A. Lakers, whenever he can. An active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Irmo, Pat has served as an elder of finances since 2003. Links: Patrick's books: The Retirement Secret: A Simple Approach to Financial Peace-of-Mind Save Your Retirement! 3rd Edition: Save Your Retirement From Mass Destruction by the 7 Retirement Villains! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2021 • 7min
Financial Advisor Red Flags
On today’s episode of Office Hours, Eric answers Nate's question: What would you consider a red flag when talking to a financial advisor? Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 2, 2021 • 35min
Finding Alternatives: Using Commercial Real Estate and Private Equity to Reach Your Financial Independence Goals
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is not a Grammy Award-winning singer songwriter, but he is a highly experienced investor who educates others on passive and alternative investing. Brian Adams is the president of Excelsior Capital and is joining us today to talk about how he’s using commercial real estate and private equity to reach his financial independence goals and how you can, too. In this episode we’ll talk about: Getting asymmetrical returns by taking asymmetrical risks What alternative investment classes are Investing in things like art, NFTs, masterworks, and crypto to diversify your portfolio How access to alternative investment options are growing Private equity becoming the next frontier of investing The J curve Risk versus volatility Why bonds and cash are not the answer What it’s going to take to reach financial independence and retirement with inflation devaluing the dollar How COVID will change commercial real estate when it comes to office space How to start investing in alternative asset classes About Brian Adams: Brian C. Adams is the President and Founder of Excelsior Capital, where he spearheads the investor relations and capital markets arms of the firm. He has 10 years of experience in real estate private equity and has advanced knowledge in best practices for strategic real estate investing. Prior to forming Excelsior Capital, Brian co-founded Priam Properties (an institutional real estate private equity sponsor) in 2010 and provided leadership and direction for the firm in connection with capital markets, investment management and investor relations. He has served on the Board of Sirrom Partners, LP, a single-family office investing across private and public asset classes since May of 2008. Since May of 2017 he has served on the Investment Committee for Solidus LP, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investment opportunities in Healthcare and Technology. From January of 2016 to January of 2018, Brian served as a member of the Board of Next Gen Advisory Faculty for the Institute of Private Investors / Campden, a program designed to support next generation family members in preparing the following generation for the responsibility of being a steward of family wealth. He has also served on the Advisory Committee for the Southeastern Family Office Forum since December of 2016. Brian is a former practicing attorney, earning his J.D. from Suffolk University and his B.A. from Wesleyan University with Honors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24, 2021 • 7min
Financial Advice I Wish I'd Never Been Given
On today’s episode of Office Hours, Eric answers Grace's question: What financial advice do you wish you'd never been given? Listen to the episode to hear three pieces of advice he was given or mistakes he has made along the way that haven't been talked about on this show before! Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 2021 • 35min
Simple Wealth: How Your Mindset and Core Values Can Grow Your Wealth
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is a visionary and pioneer in the personal finance industry. Holly Morphew is the CEO of Financial Impact and her journey to financial independence was truly a wild ride, eliminating overwhelming debt, combatting chronic illness, and reaching financial freedom while she was only in her 30s. She joins us today to talk about how she did it and share her tips for recreating some of her success. In this episode we’ll talk about: How growing up in a household that talks about money can inspire a life of entrepreneurship The importance of mindset in wealth-building The difference between people who call themselves coaches and those who are accredited financial coaches Telling the difference between a fiduciary advisor/coach and one that’s out for their own benefit Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and how it can be applied to your financial journey Discovering your core values and using them to shape your life Creating residual income The differences between financial advisors, financial coaches, and financial therapists and the value they each bring Links mentioned: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wealth-Practical-Transform-Relationship/dp/0578840308/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=simple+wealth&qid=1637083798&sr=8-6 About Holly Morphew: Holly Morphew is a visionary, financial coach, and multi-generational entrepreneur. She’s the founder + CEO of Financial Impact, which helps professionals and entrepreneurs create personal wealth and financial independence. A pioneer in the personal finance industry, Holly’s work has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, FemFounder, and more. Her own journey to eliminating $67k in debt in her twenties, reaching financial independence in her thirties, and overcoming chronic illness are what inspire her to help others realize their dreams too. Holly’s professional background in finance, real estate investing, and entrepreneurship are the foundation of her transformational programs, which also include well-being and mindfulness practices to align behavior and mindset. In 2008 Holly received the prestigious “Rotarian of the Year” award for her work in financial literacy, and in 2017 she was recognized by the Association for Financial Planning and Counseling Education ® with the "Bridging the Gap" award for outstanding work as an Accredited Financial Counselor® in private practice. Her book Simple Wealth is a #1 best seller in nine out of ten categories including money management, women & business, personal finance, real estate, retirement, budgeting, personal transformation, credit repair, and wealth management. Holly has a B.A. from the University of Colorado in International Affairs and Japanese with a Minor in Business. Today, Holly speaks, coaches, and writes about money, personal transformation, and creating a life of design. She now resides in Boulder, CO. Her favorite things to do are travel, hike fourteeners, and watch the sun rise. Connect with Holly: https://www.financialimpact.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HollyMorph https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollymorph/ https://twitter.com/HollyMorph Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 2021 • 6min
What Would You Do If I Gave You a Million Dollars?
On today’s episode of Office Hours, Eric answers George's question: What would you do if I gave you a million dollars? There are two ways to look at this question. 1. If you were to give the money to invest on your behalf or 2. if you were gifting the million dollars. Either way, you'll find your answer in this episode! Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 4, 2021 • 35min
The Joy of Saving: Strategies to Get You Excited About Saving Money
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is a true celebrity and has made a career out of helping consumers save money. Jeanette Pavini is an Emmy-award winning reporter and author who talks about the money mindset she learned from her Italian American father and how she has used her platform as a reporter to share simple money-saving strategies with viewers for more than 20 years. In this episode we’ll talk about: The importance of mindset in saving money How a single mother living paycheck to paycheck built a career out of her own need to save money The differences in mindsets between different generations The danger of student loans and how to save money on your education Finding a balance between saving money and living and having fun today Taking the time to find deals and discounts instead of shopping on impulse Separating your expenses into those that can’t change and those that can to find places you can save The key to wealth is not the right investments, luck, or salary. It’s time and behavior How a cashless society means not having a relationship with our money Apps are gamifying finances in a way that is dangerous to your financial future About Jeanette Pavini: Jeanette Pavini is an Emmy Award winning consumer and investigative reporter completely over 10,000 money-saving segments for CBS News, Hallmark’s Home & Family and MarketWatch among others. Her book: The Joy of Saving: Money Lessons I Learned From My Italian American Father & 20 Years As a Consumer Reporter, offers people unique money-saving strategies. Jeanette has been a guest contributor on The Today Show, and her advice has been featured with hundreds of media outlets including Good Morning America and Oprah.com. Links: www.JeanettePavini.com Twitter: @jeanettepavini Instagram: jeanette.pavini Book: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Saving-Italian-American-Consumer-Reporter/dp/1098341775 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 28, 2021 • 6min
Do Free Financial Resources Actually Have Value?
On today’s episode of Office Hours, Eric answers Rachel's question: Do free financial resources actually have value? How can you tell the difference between a quality piece of information and an infomercial? Find out in this Q&A session with your host, Eric Brotman! Find our resources at bfguniversity.com and brotmanmedia.com. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning and it may be answered in a future episode of Office Hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 21, 2021 • 35min
It’s Time to Stop Complaining: Surviving and Thriving in a State of Collective Trauma
Welcome back to Don’t Retire... Graduate! Our guest on today’s episode is a behavioral strategist, business coach, author, and host of the Other Side of Potential podcast. Sharon Spano has a Ph.D. in human and organizational systems and is here to talk about the state of collective trauma we’ve been living in throughout the pandemic and why changing the world starts with turning off the news. In this episode we’ll talk about: The various ways business owners pivoted (or didn’t) throughout the pandemic Scarcity and abundance mentalities in business and in life Looking for meaningful ways to apply your talents and passions during retirement The concept of collective trauma and how we can protect our minds from the negativity Why you should stop watching the news The lack of leadership in the country, whether in politics or in business Contributing to the world no matter what season of your life you’re in Entrepreneurs changing the landscape through collective learning and masterminds Turning off the news to protect yourself from negativity Sharon Spano As a Family Business Consultant, Sharon Spano helps thriving family business leaders develop family alignment so they can deepen their relationships, achieve sustainable business growth, maximize their impact, and secure a multi-generational legacy. Dr. Spano’s expertise in human and organizational systems and her research-based methodologies are designed to help these business leaders generate collaborative strategies for success and sustainability in our ever-changing landscape. “While there are many ways that we go about the process of transition and change, the ultimate goal is to empower my clients to view their life and business through a systemic lens. Once they learn to embody this level of knowledge, I find that everything else accelerates, and it does so in a way that allows for greater integration of the family-business many complex systems. The result is a unified family that is now fully positioned to contribute to one another and the world in more meaningful ways. Sharon is the author of The Pursuit of Time and Money: Step into Radical Abundance and Discover the Secret to a Meaningful and Prosperous Life (2017) and the host of the weekly podcast, The Other Side of Potential, which focuses on how family business leaders integrate their unique family dynamics with the complexity of running a successful business. Links: Sharon's book: https://amzn.to/3vpARmO Sharon's podcast: https://www.sharonspano.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices