

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

Apr 4, 2019 • 30min
Housing in retirement. To downsize or not to downsize?
In this episode, Eric discusses the Dos and Don’ts of downsizing in retirement with residential real estate agent Tina Beliveau. In this episode: Tips for first-time homebuyers Why you should consult with a real estate agent before taking any next steps The dangers of PMI The differences between buying a first home and selling your home while buying a new one The additional costs of buying and selling a home Considerations when thinking about downsizing Maximizing the sale value of your home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 21, 2019 • 31min
How to choose a financial advisor and when to know you need one
In this episode, Eric discusses when "doing it yourself" stops making sense and how to choose an advisor with his guest, Lena Nebel. In this episode: Who needs a financial advisor and why Different types/specialties of financial planners How to find a financial planner Questions to ask when interviewing a financial advisor? Does the advisor represent specific companies or products? What gets done in-house as opposed to being outsourced? How often would an advisor meet with you? Who are the typical clients of the firm? What are the costs of doing business? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 7, 2019 • 30min
Estate planning basics – not only for the rich
Eric Brotman and his guest, Jill Snyder, discuss the greatest financial gift you can give your children: influence, not affluence. In This Episode: The importance of having an estate plan Why an estate plan is not only for the wealthy When to create an estate plan How to navigate estate planning with marriage, divorce, children and in-laws Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 21, 2019 • 30min
Legacy planning – Leaving behind something more important than money
In this episode, Eric Brotman and his guest, Rich Polt, discuss how important family is and that preserving a legacy isn’t always just about financial estate. In this episode: How will you be remembered? What can you leave to your children, grandchildren, and future generations of your family that are more valuable than money and "stuff?" Interview of a producer of Legacy Videos for families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 7, 2019 • 28min
Preparing for Act 2 Career
In this episode, Eric Brotman and his guest, Kathleen Benjamin, discuss how to prepare for Act 2 career and what to do professionally in retirement.In this episode:
You're graduating - what do you want to be when you grow up?
Life after "Career 1.0": Consulting? Entrepreneurship? Teaching? Mentoring?
Interview of an Act II success story.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 24, 2019 • 29min
Volunteering in retirement –time, talent & treasury
In this episode, Eric Brotman Dianne Gilbert discuss finding your calling and a higher purpose as a volunteer in retirement. Using your time, talent, and treasury to make a difference. Interview of a "graduate" who has mastered volunteerism. What is covered: Finding your calling and a higher purpose as a volunteer in retirement. Using your time, talent, and treasury to make a difference. Interview of a "graduate" who has mastered volunteerism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 14, 2018 • 29min
Envisioning Your Own Retirement as a Graduation
In this episode, Eric Brotman and his guest, Robyn Costello, discuss how to reframe retirement as a graduation, not a retreat. You'll hear: Why traditional retirement is bad for you and how to change the script. Reframing retirement as a graduation, not a retreat. Interview of a recent "graduate" into retirement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices