
Don't Retire...Graduate!
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.
Show episodes

Building Financial Wellness and Community: Kobe Bolanos' Journey at BFG Financial Advisors
Welcome 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
Welcome 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
Welcome 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 C

Multifamily Real Estate Investing: Risks, Rewards, and Getting Started with Veena Jetti
Welcome 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 exp
Welcome 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 As
Welcome 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 sign