Don't Retire...Graduate!

Welcome to the premiere of the sixth season of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" I'm your host, Eric Brotman, and I'm thrilled to be back after a year-long hiatus. Our mission remains the same: to provide you with the insights and tools you need to achieve financial independence and live the life you’ve always dreamed of.   Today, our guest is a DRG regular, the incomparable Joe Saul-Sehy. Joe is an esteemed financial expert and the creator and co-host of the "Stacking Benjamins" podcast network. Joe is also a former financial advisor, a board member of the Plutus Foundation, and an author. With such a wealth of experience, he's the perfect guest to kick off our new season.   In this episode, Joe and I take a look at the intersections of politics, investments, and financial planning. With the recent election, we discuss the impact it will have on tax policy, the economy, and interest rates. Joe emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and taking action based on current realities rather than political outcomes. We discuss economic volatility, current stock market trends, and the significant influence of the Federal Reserve compared to political administrations.   Joe provides valuable investment strategies, stressing the impracticality of market timing and advocating for a long-term perspective. We also share personal anecdotes, including Joe’s new venture, "Stacking Adventures," a travel blog and podcast. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of enjoying life experiences early, leveraging personal hobbies, and maintaining quality family time.   5 Key Takeaways: Personal Accountability Over Politics: Joe emphasizes that regardless of recent election outcomes or political affiliations, personal accountability and action based on current facts are crucial for financial success. Quoting Jack Welch, Joe highlights the importance of accepting reality as it is, not how we wish it to be. Investment Strategy: Joe argues that successful investing requires comfort with uncertainty and avoiding market timing. He gives an example of a friend who took advantage of a market drop to invest more, advocating for a long-term perspective. Federal Reserve’s Influence: The discussion reveals that the Federal Reserve has more short-term economic influence than the presidency. This insight challenges the common perception that political changes drastically affect personal financial strategies. Enjoying Life Experiences: Joe and I stress the importance of not waiting until old age to enjoy meaningful experiences due to potential health issues. Experiencing life now, rather than delaying gratification, is crucial for overall well-being. Community and Family Time: Personal hobbies and shared experiences, such as building Lego sets or playing board games, can provide significant non-material value. These activities help build strong relationships and create lasting memories, emphasizing that finance is not just about money but about what it enables people to do.   I want to thank Joe Saul-Sehy for joining us today. Don't forget to check out his projects like "Stacked" and "Stacking Benjamins." As we move forward, stay tuned for more interviews and our new segment, "Diary of a Financial Advisor," every Thursday. Remember to subscribe, leave ratings, and share the podcast with your friends. Let's keep the conversation going and achieve financial graduation together! [embed]https://youtu.be/vgJCR45UX4E?si=UvY35mNMEQJXRCWb[/embed]

Welcome to Don’t Retire… Graduate!—the podcast that’s here to challenge the way you think about retirement. I’m your host, Eric Brotman, Certified Financial Planner Practitioner, and I’m excited to guide you in transforming retirement from a final destination into a new beginning—a graduation into the next great chapter of your life.Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from a career; it’s about stepping into a life that’s filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Whether you’re counting down the days to retirement or just starting to plan, we’re here to help you not just survive, but thrive in your post-career years.In every episode, we’ll explore how you can make the most of this exciting time by setting new goals, pursuing passions that light you up, and building a legacy that truly reflects who you are. You’ll hear from award-winning authors, financial experts, influencers, and everyday people with inspiring stories. Together, we’ll uncover strategies for achieving financial independence, managing your wealth, and making decisions that support your dreams.We’ll cover everything from personal finance and investing to retirement readiness, taxes, and more. And it’s not just about the money—we’ll dive deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement too. How do you maintain your mental and physical health, nurture relationships, and stay connected to your community? We’re here to help you design a lifestyle that keeps you engaged, curious, and excited about the future.And don’t forget to check out our bonus content every other week, where you’ll get to meet the incredible team of financial advisors at BFG Financial Advisors. We’ll share real stories from the frontlines of financial planning and give you insider tips on how to make your retirement dreams a reality.Retirement is not the absence of work—it’s 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 these years the best ones of your life.Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app and join us as we turn the page on traditional retirement and step into a life of limitless possibilities. I’m Eric Brotman—let’s get you graduated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a very special episode of Don't Retire... Graduate!: our finale. After five seasons, we're graduating from the podcast in order to take financial literacy education into a new format, with a new edition of the Don't Retire... Graduate! book releasing soon and our new financial wellness program taking off. Rounding out the show with a bang, we have Cara Macksoud of Money Habitudes here to talk about her journey from Wall Street trader to leading a company that helps people identify their financial biases and make positive changes in their habits. We'll explore the importance of being open-minded and empathetic towards clients with different attitudes and behaviors, as well as the gradual nature of habit change. Key takeaways: Financial security is important for a comfortable retirement transition. It involves having a certain level of income and assets to maintain a desired lifestyle. It's crucial to understand your money habits and attitudes, as they play a significant role in your financial decision-making. The Money Habitudes assessment helps individuals gauge where they fall along six domains and identify biases or areas for improvement. Money is relational and tied to associations such as family, culture, and community. Understanding the non-verbal messages and influences around money can help shape healthy money habits and attitudes. Giving and philanthropy can bring joy and satisfaction, and it's important to align your philanthropic efforts with your values and passions. Incorporating philanthropy into your financial plan can bring both status and personal fulfillment.   Thank you to everyone who has supported this show over the last five years and allowed us to be part of your personal finance journey. Also, a special thank you to our executive producer Sara Lohse and our audio engineer Russ Riba for making this podcast happen. [embed]https://youtu.be/vS4oA0HDlFU?si=6eNKioElZbtCAqbX[/embed] Cara Macksoud, FBS® is the CEO of Money Habitudes. She completed the Financial Therapy Graduate Certificate at Kansas State University and holds a BS in Finance from NYU Stern School of Business. She is a Certified Financial Behavior Specialist® and a member of the Financial Therapy Association where she serves on their membership committee. She is also a member of the Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) and is an AFC candidate. www.moneyhabitudes.com www.linkedin.com/company/money-habitudes

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Noah's question: “What can you tell someone in their 20s who is already worried about not being able to retire in the future?” This is a lot of stress to put on yourself so early in your life and career, but there are a few pieces of advice that Eric can share for you. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]https://youtu.be/uWVhGkvzi6w?si=kG-pYomiGccFAleG[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today's episode, we're getting personal and bringing in a member of the BFG family. Financial advisor Cody Niedermeier recently got married and is sharing his experience and advice for handling financial conversations before and after saying "I do." Even as a financial advisor, it can be hard to handle conversations around money within a relationship. Cody talks about dropping a whopping $15 on her plastic engagement ring (on top of the diamond one, of course), how he proposed, and the plans they have for the future. Communication and transparency are key when it comes to financial planning for couples. It is important to have open conversations about joint accounts, bill payments, and beneficiary designations to ensure that both partners are on the same page and have a clear understanding of their financial goals. When planning a wedding, it is advisable to save for the engagement ring rather than borrowing money. Using a credit card to purchase the ring means that the spouse is essentially paying for it, leading to unnecessary debt. The cost of weddings can vary greatly. It is crucial for couples to financially plan for their wedding and manage expectations. By understanding their budget and prioritizing expenses, couples can prevent financial strain and focus on what matters most to them. Geography plays a significant role in financial and legal matters. Couples should ensure that their estate planning documents are done in the state they are living in, as state laws differ. It is also important to consider insurance policies and beneficiary designations, especially when moving between different states. The importance of comprehensive financial planning cannot be overstated. From consolidating old retirement accounts to adjusting employee benefits, couples should seek guidance from financial advisors to help them navigate this complex process. This includes finding professionals for tax planning, legal matters, and other important areas to ensure a solid financial foundation for their marriage. Learn more about Cody here! [embed]https://youtu.be/iMAkf9MDdVI?si=1xVzgQG7S3ahpUzv[/embed]

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Olivia's question: “What advice would you give today that you wouldn't have expected to 10 years ago?” The advice does change over time, but with 30 years of experience as a financial advisor, it's clear that some of the basic fundamentals don't: paying yourself first and avoiding adverse debt. But economic conditions and products do change and there are things that we wouldn't have recommended a decade or even 5 years ago. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]https://youtu.be/CvBmI8Kj9WY?si=Q5giMuIzM1Kpcodn[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this episode we’re joined by Hassan Thomas, the creator of the FYI FLI (For Your Information Financial Literacy and Investing) app and host of the FYI FLI podcast.   He is here to share his story of beginning his entrepreneurial journey during a global recession, having to pivot a future after an injury, and growing a brand focused on teaching personal finance.   In this episode we’ll talk about:   • Understanding your goals and finding someone who can help you achieve them is crucial. • Building a comfortable and goal-oriented working relationship with a coach is essential. • The internet has made information more accessible, allowing for self-education and learning new skills. • During times of economic uncertainty, having multiple income sources and financial literacy is important. • The current generation faces more financial challenges, with the need for multiple jobs and side hustles to support a family. • Financial education and applying knowledge can have an immediate and positive impact on personal finances. • Establishing an emergency fund (or peace of mind fund) in a high-yield savings account is an excellent starting point for financial stability. • Continual learning and progress in financial education can lead to life-changing opportunities and success. • Having a plan, taking action, and being prepared are key factors in progressing and achieving financial goals. • Understanding how recessions impact individuals and their finances is essential for making informed financial decisions. Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode. [embed]https://youtu.be/MXP9a7Urg6Q?si=-L0MOKbQkDhHTp-w[/embed] About Hassan Thomas: Hassan R. Thomas: the new face of emerging FinTech and the Founder of a new APP called FYI FLI (For Your Information, Financial Literacy & Investing), and the CEO of HRT Enterprises LLC. @ceosanni @fyifli

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Charlotte's question: “What movie taught you the most about money?” Eric chose the movie The Ultimate Gift based on a book by Jim Stovall because of how it taught the value of money and how you can use it to make a difference. This is the opposite of one we often mention as more of a cautionary tale, which is Billy Madison. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours! [embed]https://youtu.be/4dYA099WuOs?si=p4V98pyudHiqzXzA[/embed]

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this special 100th episode, we’re joined by Marika Stimac, a life coach dedicated to helping people improve their financial literacy and achieve their financial goals. Marika, who has written a book called "Keys to Financial Confidence: Unlock Your Best Life," shares valuable insights and actionable steps to create a positive financial legacy.   Marika talks about the importance of bringing awareness to the impact of one's financial situation and shifting to a more positive mindset about money, highlighting that financial legacy is not just about leaving behind a large sum of money but also about the mindset and values that are passed down.   Join us to learn how you can be mindful about money and how your actions and words can influence others.   In this episode we’ll talk about: •Actions and words around money influence others in your life. •Shifting to a positive mindset about money can create a financial legacy. •Being mindful of how you handle money can potentially help others in their lives. •Financial legacy is not just about the amount of money one leaves behind, but also the mindset. •Leaving a financial legacy involves creating meaningful connections and thoughtful gestures. •Legacy is about leaving gifts of opportunity, experience, and influence for children, not just material possessions. •Mindset and habitual practices play a significant role in financial behaviors. •Identifying and understanding the origin of money stories can lead to healthier financial behaviors. •Overcoming money drama and reframing mindset is crucial for financial success. •Personalized investing aligned with your passions and goals can lead to meaningful financial growth. [embed]https://youtu.be/Jzhk6yAIXXs?si=M-CWu9XQ44u05Zb2[/embed] Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode. About Marika Stimac: I became a life coach with the intent of helping people unlock their best lives but quickly recognized how many people are held back by their financial insecurities. Now I am dedicated to empowering individuals to improve their financial literacy and feel confident in their ability to achieve their financial goals and live the life they desire. @thefinancialconfidencecoach www.linkedin.com/in/marikastimac www.facebook.com/marikastimac www.pinterest.ca/thefinancialconfidencecoach/ www.thefinancialconfidencecoach.com  

In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Oliver's question: “What should I know about finances before I buy my first home?” Well done for thinking ahead! There are so many costs that go into home ownership that are different from renting, like maintenance, taxes, and furnishing. Listen to what Eric thinks is important to know before you make the purchase. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode of Office Hours!