Don't Retire...Graduate!

Updated: 02 Oct 2025 • 234 episodes
brotmanmedia.com/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 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.

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Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re exploring the power of authentic connection, reinvention, and the art of building relationships—especially valuable skills for those finding their “next act” in life and in retirement. Joining me today is Steve Spiro, also known as the Master Connector.

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Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! I’m your host, Eric Brotman, and on today’s Diary of a Financial Advisor segment, we’re shining a light on the journey of college students and recent graduates as they navigate the complex world of higher education, student loans, scholarships, and financial planning. Joining me

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Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re going right into the heart of an anxiety-inducing topic for many: tax debt and IRS troubles. Whether it’s unexpected balance dues, inheritance issues, or business downturns, finding yourself in the IRS’s crosshairs is more common—and less shameful—than y

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Welcome 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

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Welcome 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 “Mone

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Welcome 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

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