

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

May 20, 2021 • 7min
What You Probably Don't Understand About Financial Planning
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Justin's question: What are the biggest misconceptions around financial planning? For more, visit www.financialplanningforall.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

May 13, 2021 • 27min
Broadening Your Horizons: Moving Abroad For an Affordable Lifestyle
Eric is joined by author Tim Leffel to discuss his journey of moving abroad and how he helps others do the same. What is covered during the episode: Figuring out if the ex-pat life is right for you. How to live abroad with young children. Navigating real estate and finance in different countries. Trying out locations and where you can live on tourist visas. Tim’s Book: https://www.cheaplivingabroad.com/ Tim’s Blog: https://www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 6, 2021 • 7min
Breaking Up With Your Advisor
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Carl's question: How do I know if and when it's time to break up with my financial advisor? Get the interview questions in Eric's book: https://amzn.to/2O4uNPe 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

Apr 29, 2021 • 34min
Winning the Day: Regaining Control of Your Time and Your Life
Eric is joined by Kris Ward to discuss how you can win the day by rethinking how you spend your time—both in business and life. What is covered during the episode: The W.I.N. Method. Why your business should support your life, not consume it. Limiting the time you spend working while increasing your productivity. The 3 Ds of running a business. www.winthehourwintheday.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 22, 2021 • 7min
Teaching Your Kids About Personal Finance
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Steffany's question: How do I teach my kids about personal finance? Find the Introduction to Personal Finance online course at www.bfguniversity.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

Apr 15, 2021 • 32min
Shock Your Potential: Unlocking Your Capabilities in Life and Business
Eric is joined by Michael Sherlock to discuss the methods behind a growing business and how to manifest an audience to compliment your ideal business growth. What is covered during the episode: How the S.H.O.C.K. method can help you reach the next level in your life, career, and retirement. Imposter syndrome: getting past the feeling of self-doubt and accepting your worth. Accountability partners and how to talk about your successes and mistakes. https://shockyourpotential.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 8, 2021 • 8min
The Retirement Readiness Checklist
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jeff's question: What are the things we need to do when we're contemplating retirement that may be time-sensitive or urgent? Is there a checklist? 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

Apr 1, 2021 • 35min
Marrying Your Finances: What to do Before You Walk Down the Aisle
Eric is joined by his business partner, Lena Nebel, for a deep dive into the financial aspects of a marriage—from engagement rings to sharing finances and joint accounts. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode Talking about finances with your partner Best practices for purchasing an engagement ring Prenuptial/Postnuptial agreements Financial roles in a marriage Link to the webinar mentioned in the episode: https://brotmanmedia.com/then-comes-marriage-how-to-merge-your-financial-lives/ Link to Eric Brotman's latest book: https://amzn.to/2O4uNPe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 25, 2021 • 7min
Electing Social Security Benefits Strategically
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Anne Marie's question: How do I know when my husband and I should elect to start our social security benefits? 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

Mar 18, 2021 • 36min
Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding and Battling Diversity Issues in Finance
Eric is joined by William Hutson and Ekenna Anya-Gafu to discuss the issues around diversity in the financial services industry, financial literacy among minorities and children, and how these issues can be tackled. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode: Resiliency and grit for success in the business Diversity within the financial industry Finding passion in financial literacy Discussing finance at an impressionable age Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices