

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

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

Mar 11, 2021 • 6min
TurboTax or a CPA: Which is Better for Me?
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Harvey's question: Who needs a CPA vs. just using TurboTax for filing your taxes? 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 4, 2021 • 31min
What Comes Next: Understanding the Legal Process After a Loved One Dies
Eric is joined by Tara Faquir and Leah Del Percio to talk about the legal and administrative processes that people go through after a loved one dies, and the ways they can save money during these processes. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode: The stresses of estate administration while grieving a loss, and the ways you can ease the burden Necessity of human factor throughout the estate process The importance of having someone specialized in estate planning rather than a regular lawyer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 25, 2021 • 9min
Transitioning into a Post-Career Lifestyle
In today’s Office Hours, Eric is joined by Susan Latremoille to answer Steve's question: When I'm transitioning from my career and trying to figure out what's next, how do I determine what a post-career lifestyle should be and how do I make that happen? 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

Feb 18, 2021 • 31min
Just Say Yes: Getting Out of a Routine and Embracing New Experiences
Eric is joined by Heidi Herman to talk about how removing the pressure of work and routine can help you spread more living onto your everyday life. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode A 94-year-old woman's journey through a life of adventures. Just say yes: getting out of the rut of your own routine in order to have new experiences. The power of spontaneity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 11, 2021 • 7min
Opening Roth IRAs for Minors
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers David's question: Can you open Roth IRAs for minors? 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

Feb 4, 2021 • 31min
Budgets Made Easy: Setting Smart Goals and Getting Yourself Out of Debt
Eric is joined by Ashley Patrick to talk about the coaching elements of finance and managing your debt. What is covered during the episode: The student loan crisis, alternative opportunities, and the future of virtual education Behavioral modifications you can make to help manage your money Reducing debt by establishing financial goals and building a course of action Setting specific goals with deadlines in order to reach them Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 28, 2021 • 6min
Risk Tolerance When Approaching Retirement
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Chris's question: If one intends to retire at age 65 and they're currently 52, should they leave their 401(k) in high risk? 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

Jan 21, 2021 • 32min
Budgeting Debunked: No-Stress Budgeting for Young Adults
Eric is joined by Jim Miller to discuss the importance of financial education and non-restrictive methods of saving money so that budgeting doesn’t have to suck. What is covered during the episode: Budgeting in a non-restrictive way. Paying yourself first: Save, Invest, Spend Useful software for tracking your spending Using credit cards as a tool Merging finances and having open conversations in relationships www.iamjimmiller.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


