

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

Oct 22, 2020 • 7min
Understanding Your Employee Benefits
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Susan's question: My daughter is starting her first job in a few weeks. Where can she get help with her benefit decisions? 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 15, 2020 • 37min
Making Money Mainstream: How Financial Therapy Can Take the Taboo Out of Finance
Stress and money go hand in hand, so the development of financial therapy is a welcome addition to the financial playing field. Eric is joined by Derek Hagen to discuss what financial therapy is and how we can make talking about money less taboo. What is financial therapy? How money scripts and financial flashpoints shape our behavior How to make talking about money less taboo Opening lines of communication within a family Moneyhealthsolutions.com/graduate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 8, 2020 • 6min
How You Can Use a Reverse Mortgage
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Amy's question: Can you use the proceeds from a reverse mortgage for anything you want or need? 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 1, 2020 • 32min
Health is Wealth: The Importance of Financial Fitness When Building a Business
Eric is joined by Tracey Bissett, host of the Young Money podcast, to talk about financial fitness and the mistakes that entrepreneurs should avoid when starting their business. What is covered during the episode: Financial fitness vs. financial literacy The importance of a business plan Pivoting business plans during a pandemic Understanding the value of your time The Money Meeting Agenda available at cashcoach.biz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24, 2020 • 6min
Dave Ramsey's Debt-Reduction Strategy
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Carl's question: Why does Dave Ramsey suggest paying off a low-interest mortgage instead of investing more than his 15% rule? 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

Sep 17, 2020 • 34min
Resiliency in the Wake of COVID-19: How HSAs and Automated Savings Can Keep Your Retirement on Track
Eric is joined by Jean Chatzky of NBC’s TODAY show to discuss their predictions for what the financial recovery post-COVID-19 will look like, plus everything you need to know about the upcoming HSA Day. Covered during the episode: COVID-19 financial “K” shaped recovery, Automatic contributions to retirement, Why HSAs are one of the most valuable retirement vehicles and COVID-19 financial impact to women vs men. For show notes and more: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 10, 2020 • 8min
The Financial Planning Process
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Malia's question: How many steps are there in the financial planning process? 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

Sep 3, 2020 • 34min
What Do You Want to Do Next?: Continuing Your Career Past Retirement Age
Eric is joined by Jeff Tidwell and Carole McManus, co-authors of the book “Next for Me” to discuss—and abolish—the stigma that follows older individuals as they look for work. The lesson: you don’t have to grow up just because you get older. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode Continuing to work past the traditional retirement age Age discrimination and the difficulties older people face when looking for work Careers are constantly evolving and don’t necessarily need to end Conquering the fear of making the next step in your career How to have an Act 2 Show notes & more: https://brotmanmedia.com/2-17/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 27, 2020 • 6min
Moving to Avoid State Taxes
In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Kristina’s question: Should I consider changing my state of personal residence for tax purposes? 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

Aug 20, 2020 • 30min
Your Happiness Portfolio: Finding Balance in Your Retirement
Eric is joined by retirement and relationship expert Marianne Oehser to explore an aspect of retirement planning that’s non-financial: planning for happiness. Bullet points of what is covered during the episode How retirement can adversely affect a marriage The importance of communication What the happiest retirees have in common Finding happiness in retirement https://brotmanmedia.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices