Connection * Communication * COMMON GROUND * Change Already!
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CHANGE ALREADY With Jillian Podcasts
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 steppi ...
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New Perspectives in Finance: Jillian Howell’s Story of Growth and Motivation
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11:49Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today’s episode, we’re excited to bring you another entry in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, where we spotlight the unique voices, journeys, and motivations of financial professionals passionate about their clients’ success. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jillian Howell, a rising star …
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Seven Money Conversations That Will Change Your Life with Skyler Fleming
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30:07Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re deep diving into the power of money conversations—why talking about your finances is crucial, and how it can serve as the foundation for a life of financial independence and fulfillment. Joining me is Skyler Fleming, financial coach and host of the “Money Talk with Skyler Fleming” po…
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Football, Finance, and Finding Purpose: Manny Essien’s Journey to Financial Advisor and Advocate
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13:56
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13:56Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! I’m your host, Eric Brotman, and today’s episode offers a unique peek behind the curtain at the real-life journeys of financial professionals with our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” series. Our focus is on career growth, diversity in the financial planning field, and the powerful impact of financial literacy.…
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Strategic Giving, Estate Planning, and Fostering Lasting Legacies in Underserved Communities
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35:33Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we dive into the intersection of estate planning, philanthropy, and building legacies—especially within underrepresented communities. I’m joined by the remarkable Shari Fleming, an estate planning attorney and philanthropic advisor whose passion for service, education, and bridging communi…
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Empowering Female Advisors and Building Inclusive Firms with Lena Nebel
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15:07
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15:07Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m excited to bring you a very special installment from our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” series. We’re diving into the professional journey, passions, and perspectives of an inspiring leader in the financial world: Lena Nebel, CFP®. Lena is not only my business partner and dear friend, …
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Making Downsizing Manageable: How to Organize, Donate, and De-Stress Before Retirement
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35:11Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode is all about conquering clutter, downsizing with dignity, and organizing your life for the next big transition—whether that’s retirement, a move, or simply refreshing your space for a more purpose-driven future. Joining me in the studio is Tara Donohue Rudo, founder of No More Piles, an organi…
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Redefining Retirement: Eric Brotman on Legacy, Mentorship, and Financial Wellness
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13:59
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13:59Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode turns the tables for a special edition of our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment. Instead of my usual role as host, I’m stepping into the interviewee seat and handing the mic over to Tony Breen, BFG’s talented intern and a student at Stevenson University. Tony came prepared—having read my …
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Empowering Women to Master Money: A Conversation with Chelsea Williams, the Money Whisperer
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32:46Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the intersection of financial empowerment, psychology, and redefining money conversations—especially for women. Joining me is Chelsea Williams, also known as the Money Whisperer, and the host of the Always and Never about the Money podcast. With nearly a decade of entrepr…
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From Intern to CFO: Yanni Niebuhr’s Fourteen-Year Financial Journey at BFG
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11:43Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome someone I know not only as a colleague but as a friend and business partner—Yanni Niebuhr. As part of our Diary of a Financial Advisor series, I got to sit down with Yanni, who’s celebrating an incredible 14 years at BFG. From unpaid intern to Chief Investment Offic…
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Navigating Divorce and Retirement: Insights from 50 Years in Family Law with Leon Berg
30:12
30:12
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30:12Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into a critical and sometimes overlooked topic: divorce and its profound impact on your financial and personal future. I’m joined in the studio by Leon W. Berg, a highly awarded divorce attorney with 50 years of experience practicing law, primarily in Baltimore County. Leon is…
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How Teaching Skills Translate to Client Success with Hannah Dennis
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12:31Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! I’m your host, Eric Brotman, and today’s episode features a unique perspective in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” series. While we typically interview seasoned professionals in the financial planning space, this episode spotlights someone who is building a career in the world of finance from a different an…
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Healing Through Art: How Dr. Vasu Tolia Transformed Her Life and Career
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30:08Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode is one that speaks directly to the heart of reinvention and the pursuit of passion long after the first chapter of your career has closed. I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Vasu Tolia as my guest—a remarkable individual whose journey from a tenured professor of pediatrics at Wayne State University t…
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The Realities of Becoming a Financial Advisor: Career Lessons from Cody Niedermeier
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14:34
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14:34Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it means to grow—personally and professionally—within the world of financial advising. I’m joined by Cody Niedermeier, who returns for his second visit to our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment. Cody’s journey is one for the books: he began his ca…
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Breaking Financial Trauma and Building Abundance with Alejandra Rojas
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33:12Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the intersection of money, mindset, and healing from financial trauma. I’m thrilled to be joined by Alejandra Rojas, an entrepreneur, writer, and founder of the Brown Way to Money platform. As a financial mentor and the host of the Brown Way to Money podcast, Alejandra …
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Planning for Parenthood: Financial Advising and Family Planning with Cody Niedermeier
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13:35Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s Diary of a Financial Advisor entry, we’re shining a light on one of life’s biggest transitions: preparing—personally and financially—for starting a family. I’m thrilled to be joined by Cody Niedermeier, who brings both professional and personal insights to the table. Not only has Cody been a truste…
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Blended Family, Missing Will: What Happens When You Don’t Plan for the Unexpected
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29:11Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s heartfelt and illuminating episode, we take a closer look at one of the most challenging—and often overlooked—topics in financial planning: preparing for the loss of a loved one, managing estates, and navigating the complexities of family and finances, especially in blended families. My guest is Ka…
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Networking, Leadership, and Impact: Andrew Harrell’s Role in the Future of Financial Advice
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12:38
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12:38Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the financial planning profession with our recurring segment, Diary of a Financial Advisor. I’m excited to welcome back Andrew Harrell—a second-time guest and a perfect example of what it looks like to excel and give back in the financial advisory fiel…
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Lessons from Gaming: Building a Career with YouTube Skills in the Financial World
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26:50Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On today’s episode, we’re digging into the evolving world of content creation, self-directed IRAs, and the power of pivoting careers—especially when your passions and professional path take an unexpected but rewarding turn. I’m excited to introduce my guest, Jasmine Trocchia, former Marketing Manager for Amer…
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Building Financial Wellness and Community: Kobe Bolanos’ Journey at BFG Financial Advisors
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11:17
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11:17Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m delighted to bring you another entry in our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment, where we dive deep into the journeys, motivations, and unique perspectives of professionals in the financial planning world. Today, my guest is Kobe Bolanos, an Investment Operations Associate turned Fi…
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Shifting the Prism: Karyn Polak on Impact Investing and Doing Good with Your Money
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31:18Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of values-driven finance and social impact investing—a topic that blends doing well financially with doing good in the world. I’m joined in the studio by Karyn Polak, founder and Chief Activator of Shift the Prism. Karyn is a lawyer by training and a passionate …
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Behind the Scenes at BFG: Beth Nori on Tax Planning and Financial Advisor Life
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8:20
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8:20Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode takes you behind the scenes of the financial planning world with an in-depth look at what it means to be a financial advisor dedicated to serving clients’ best interests—sometimes from out of the spotlight. I’m joined by Beth Nori, a talented and detail-oriented CFP practitioner from BFG, who …
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Multifamily Real Estate Investing: Risks, Rewards, and Getting Started with Veena Jetti
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31:15
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31:15Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of real estate investing, with a special focus on multifamily properties. Joining us is Veena Jetti, founding partner of VIVE Funds, a commercial real estate firm known for curating conservative investment opportunities. Veena's expertise in driving corporate st…
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Camden Roots to Financial Growth: Shakirrah Clarke Gunther’s Inspiring Journey
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11:34
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11:34Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s Diary of a Financial Advisor entry, we dive into the journey of a dedicated financial professional who rose from humble beginnings to making impactful strides in the financial services industry. Joining us on the podcast is Shakirrah Clarke Gunther, a Client Service Associate at BFG Financial Advis…
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How to Buy a House Without a Buyer’s Agent with Nick Aufenkamp
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31:55
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31:55Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today's episode, I'm excited to dive deep into the world of real estate with our special guest, Nick Aufenkamp. Nick is a real estate agent who's embarked on a unique path, teaching homebuyers how to navigate the buying process without a buyer's agent, aiming to save them significant money. With a backgrou…
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Empowering Client Success: Kirby Ososki on the Heart of Financial Services
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9:48
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9:48Welcome back to another Diary of a Financial Advisor segment of Don't Retire... Graduate! . Our special guest is Kirby Ososki, a remarkable individual with 18 years of experience in the financial industry, currently working at BFG—not as a financial advisor, but as a Registered Client Service Associate. Kirby brings a distinct perspective to our in…
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The Road to Inclusive Planning: DJ Jeyaram on Trusts and Special Needs
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33:43
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33:43Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate! On today’s episode, we’re returning to a topic we began discussed earlier in the season: planning for families with special needs. I am thrilled to be joined by DJ Jeyaram, a dedicated attorney whose personal journey into this field was profoundly influenced by his own family's experiences. DJ shifted his l…
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Finding Purpose in Finance: Akram Ibrahim’s Journey with BFG
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12:08
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12:08Welcome back to another Diary of a Financial Advisor segment of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" Joining Eric today is Akram Ibrahim, who brings a unique perspective to his role as the firm's lead trader. His journey at BFG didn't start from a calculated career plan but rather from a serendipitous encounter at a career fair during his time at Stevenson …
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Wealth-Building Secrets for HENRYs (High Earners, Not Rich Yet)
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32:33Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate! In today’s episode, we're focusing on a specific group of people: HENRYs, or High Earners, Not Rich Yet. Joining us on the podcast today is Jude Wilson, Chief Financial Strategist at Centrist Financial Strategies. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in retirement income planning and tax reducti…
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From Graduation to Retirement: Andrew Harrell’s Journey as a Financial Advisor
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18:17
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18:17Welcome to another episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" where I, Eric Brotman, explore the unique journeys of financial advisors and how they help others achieve financial independence. In today's Diary of a Financial Advisor segment, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Harrell, a dedicated financial advisor at BFG Financial Advisors. Andr…
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Special Needs Trusts and Elder Care: What You Need to Know
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31:14
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31:14Welcome back to "Don't Retire... Graduate!" Today, we’re talking about a topic that impacts many families and is often overlooked in financial planning—preparing for special needs children and aging parents' care. These stages of life present unique challenges that require careful planning and expert guidance to ensure both financial stability and …
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The Evolution and Future of Long Term Care Insurance with Dan Halla
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13:11Welcome back to another episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" I'm your host, Eric Brotman. In our "Diary of a Financial Advisor" segment, we introduce you to financial advisors and explore their professional journeys and their dedication to helping clients achieve financial success. Today, I'm delighted to have Dan Halla, a valuable member of our …
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Breaking Generational Poverty with Jasper Smith: Curiosity, Financial Education, and Building Wealth
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32:24
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32:24Welcome back to "Don't Retire... Graduate!" On this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jasper Smith, a dedicated financial educator and visionary behind the Build Wealth Movement. With over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jasper is on a mission to disrupt generational poverty and help families create sustainable wealth. J…
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Balancing Budgets While Becoming a Dad: Diary of a Financial Advisor
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13:35Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate!: the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means. In our Diary of a Financial Advisor segment, I, Eric Brotman, interview financial advisors about their professional journeys and their dedication to aiding others in their financial success. Today, we are lucky enough to be joined by BFG…
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Saving on College: Mastering the College Financial Aid Game with Dr. Kuni Beasley
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31:22
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31:22Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate!: the podcast that invites you to rethink what retirement really means. In today's episode, we're taking a look at college admissions and financial aid with our special guest, Dr. Kuni Beasley. With over 40 years of experience in helping students and their families navigate the complexities of getting into c…
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From Immigrant Roots to Investment Committee Chair: Diary of a Financial Advisor
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10:22Welcome back to another episode of "Don't Retire... Graduate!" I'm your host, Eric Brotman. Our podcast aims to guide you to a fulfilling and passionate retirement by asking you the important question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" In our "Diary of a Financial Advisor" segment, we interview financial advisors about their unique journey…
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Smart Financial Moves for 2025: Tax Policies, Investing, and Retirement with Joe Saul-Sehy
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39:15Welcome 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 regula…
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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…
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Breaking Financial Stereotypes: Money Attitudes and Behaviors in a Diverse World with Cara Macksoud
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44:00Welcome 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 ban…
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Office Hours: Worrying About Retirement in Your 20s
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6:58In 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 @Brotma…
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Love and Money: Financial Planning for Newly Weds
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36:36Welcome 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 con…
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Office Hours: Financial Advice That’s Different Than 10 Years Ago
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6:35In 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 con…
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From College to Covid to Recession: Navigating Finances in Changing Times with Hassan Thomas
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39:20Welcome 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…
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Office Hours: Money Lessons Learned from Movies
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5:42In 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 B…
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Building Financial Confidence: Knowing Your Numbers and Unlocking Your Best Life with Marika Stimac
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39:57
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39:57Welcome 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 …
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Office Hours: What You Should Know Before Buying a House
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8:24In 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 purch…
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The One Number Budget: Simplifying Financial Planning for Retirement with John Crane
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39:10Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this episode we’re joined by John Crane, a financial advisor and author of The One Number Budget. In the episode, Eric and John share their dislike of traditional budgeting—which Eric less-than-affectionately calls the “B-word”—and go through John’s exercise of finding the “one number” you need for this ne…
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Office Hours: How to Open a Roth IRA for Your Child
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8:06In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Jake's question: "How can I open a Roth IRA for my child?” This is a great question and a great way to set your kids up for success, but you need to understand how they work and how to use them. Have a question? Tweet it to us at @BrotmanPlanning or post it on our Facebook and it may be used in a future episode…
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Seven Money Milestones: Building and Protecting our Wealth with Troy Holt
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33:54Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! On this episode, Eric Brotman chats with financial industry veteran Troy Holt about the importance of financial literacy and shares some key strategies for managing your personal finances. Troy is passionate about financial literacy and explains how a job in finance can provide both community impact and perso…
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Office Hours: When Should I Start Investing?
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6:25In today’s Office Hours, Eric answers Colby's question: “When should somebody start investing?” The short answer is as soon as you have money available to invest, but the conversation doesn't stop there. 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]http…
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FIRE by AirBNB: Reaching Financial Freedom through Short-Term Rentals with Zeona McIntyre
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35:32Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s guest has used Airbnb to reach financial freedom early and is teaching others how to do the same. Zeona McIntyre is an author, realtor, investment consultant, and speaker who has been helping people house hack and build their portfolios of short and medium-term rentals for several years. She sat down …
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