Podcast appearances and mentions of eric brotman

Profitable Exit Strategy and Succession Planning with Eric Brotman   Are you building a business you can actually walk away from? What if the problem isn't how to exit—but how you think about it? This week on The Profit Answer Man, we sat down with the legendary Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, who's flipping the script on succession planning. For him, retirement isn't the end—it's a graduation into a new, exciting chapter. In this episode, we're not just talking theory—we're breaking down the actual moves Eric made over 15 years to build a business that thrives without him. If you're serious about maximizing the value of your business and exiting on your terms (without private equity hijacking your legacy), this is the playbook you need.   In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why Eric hates the word retirement—and what mindset shift could unlock your next level. How to start building your exit strategy a decade before you plan to leave. The difference between building a sellable company… and just owning your job. Real-world examples of internal succession done right—without sacrificing culture or control. The one metric you're probably not watching that could destroy your transition plan.   Key Takeaways: Start Your Exit Long Before You Need It. Eric started building his succession plan at 38. Today, he's gradually transferring ownership to internal partners—protecting culture, profitability, and legacy. “Graduation” Beats “Retirement”.  Instead of stepping away into boredom, Eric talks about moving into a chairman/advisory role, staying engaged with strategic vision without day-to-day stress. Internal Buyouts Aren't Always Lucrative—But They're Often More Fulfilling. He could've taken a big check from PE. Instead, he chose continuity, values, and staying true to the mission. Team Building Is Strategic Planning. This wasn't just about creating a leadership team. It was about building equity, commitment, and a business that thrives without dependency on one person. Succession = Culture + Cash Flow + Control. Get these right, and you've got options. Ignore them, and you're the bottleneck holding the whole thing back.   About Eric Brotman: Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, founder of Brotman Media Group, and author of Don't Retire…Graduate! With 30+ years in the financial planning world and over $700 million AUM, Eric is a true architect of long-term business and financial legacies. His firm's unique internal succession model offers a rare roadmap for owners who want to graduate instead of retire.   Conclusion:  Will Your Business Outlive You? Too many founders build a business that dies when they leave. Eric Brotman is living proof that with vision, systems, and intentional planning—you can build a company that survives and thrives without you. If you're not exit-ready, you're not growth-ready. It's time to change that.   Links:  https://www.facebook.com/BFGFinancialAdvisors/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bfgfa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/ https://www.instagram.com/bfgfinancialadvisors/ brotmanmedia.com   Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page  Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs. #profitfirst

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2021. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Eric Brotman is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, host of the Don't Retire… Graduate! Podcast, author of the Don't Retire… Graduate! book, and regular contributor to Forbes.com. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. It is not morbid to protect someone's human life value. 2. Leverage your opportunities. 3. Start immediately. Don't wait until there's a trigger event before you do this. Time is on your side. A division of Brotman Financial Group Inc - BFG Financial Advisors Sponsors HubSpot When you combine the power of Marketing Hub and Content Hub, you can have your best quarter, every quarter. Visit Hubspot.com/marketers to learn more Airbnb If you've got an extended trip coming up and need a little help hosting while you're away, just hire a co-host to do the work for you. Find a co-host at Airbnb.com/host Optimize To chat with JLD about Optimizing your life, click here EOFire.com/optimize.

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2021. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Eric Brotman is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, host of the Don't Retire… Graduate! Podcast, author of the Don't Retire… Graduate! book, and regular contributor to Forbes.com. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. It is not morbid to protect someone's human life value. 2. Leverage your opportunities. 3. Start immediately. Don't wait until there's a trigger event before you do this. Time is on your side. A division of Brotman Financial Group Inc - BFG Financial Advisors Sponsors HubSpot When you combine the power of Marketing Hub and Content Hub, you can have your best quarter, every quarter. Visit Hubspot.com/marketers to learn more Airbnb If you've got an extended trip coming up and need a little help hosting while you're away, just hire a co-host to do the work for you. Find a co-host at Airbnb.com/host Optimize To chat with JLD about Optimizing your life, click here EOFire.com/optimize.

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

What if retirement wasn't about slowing down but instead about leveling up? In this transformative episode, Eric Brotman, financial advisor, educator, podcast host, and author of Don't Retire, Graduate, challenges the outdated concept of retirement as the end of meaningful contribution. Instead, Eric proposes a new paradigm: viewing retirement as a "graduation" into the most fulfilling chapter of life. Together, we explore why the traditional retirement model no longer fits today's realities and how to embrace financial independence, purpose, and passion in the next stage of life.   About the Guest: Eric Brotman is a seasoned financial advisor, educator, and the visionary behind the Don't Retire, Graduate philosophy. With over 30 years of experience guiding families to achieve financial wellness, Eric empowers individuals to embrace retirement as a springboard to their most meaningful pursuits. He is also the host of a podcast by the same name and a sought-after thought leader in rethinking retirement. Eric's work is dedicated to helping people craft a future filled with purpose, joy, and financial freedom. Reach: https://bfgfa.com    Key Takeaways: Redefining Retirement: Retirement is not the end of work but a transition into a chapter where work becomes optional and life becomes intentional. Breaking the Linear Path: Life doesn't have to follow a fixed sequence of education, work, and retirement. We can dance between phases, creating a personalized and dynamic journey. Financial Independence as Freedom: Achieving financial independence enables individuals to focus on what brings them joy and purpose, rather than adhering to societal expectations. Retirement's Outdated Origins: The traditional idea of retirement as "the end" stems from historical concepts that no longer align with modern longevity and aspirations. Graduation, Not the Finish Line: View retirement as a graduation—a celebration of achievements and a launchpad to explore passions, new projects, and meaningful endeavors. Customizing Your Retirement Journey: Whether it's consulting, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies, retirement can be as structured or flexible as you desire, tailored to your passions and goals. Prepare to toss your cap in the air and embrace this exciting vision for your future!   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch, DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik  Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

In this episode of the Note Closures Show, host Scott Carson is joined by special guest Eric Brotman, host of the 'Don't Retire, Graduate' podcast. Eric, a seasoned financial advisor with nearly three-quarters of a billion in assets under management, shares insights into transitions, retirement planning, and financial independence. They discuss the importance of debt-free living, maintaining health, and having a sense of purpose post-retirement. The conversation also covers behavioral finance, the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, and misconceptions about financial planning. Eric outlines his journey in the financial advisory field, his approach to client management across 37 states, and the future growth of his firm, BFG Financial Advisors. Listeners are encouraged to take control of their financial futures and connect with Eric's resources at BFGFA.com and BrotmanMedia.com.Watch the original VIDEO HERE!Book a call with Scott HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join the Note Closers Show community today:WeCloseNotes.comThe Note Closers Show FacebookThe Note Closers Show TwitterScott Carson LinkedInThe Note Closers Show YouTubeThe Note Closers Show VimeoThe Note Closers Show InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest

Guest: Eric Brotman, CFP®, AEP®, CPWA®, is a Principal and the Chief Executive Officer of BFG Financial Advisors. Eric began his financial planning practice in Baltimore in 1994, and founded Brotman Financial Group in 2003, which later became BFG Financial Advisors. He and his team focus on supporting families and individuals by providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services. Eric is also the author of Don't Retire... Graduate!: Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age. In a Nutshell: As a founder/advisor, how does your role evolve over time? I frequently have these conversations with my coaching clients where we discuss what does the advisor want their role to be. In the early stages of your career, you have to do everything, but as the business grows, you have to decide what you're going to double down on and what you're going to let go of. There's no one answer that fits every advisor. Some advisors naturally and easily segue into a leadership role and give up most, if not all of their lead advisor client relationships. Other advisors do not enjoy the management role of running the business, managing people, and they prefer the relationship side of the business and business development. Regardless of which route you want to go, you have to figure out how to build the team and the infrastructure around you so that every function within the organization is getting taken care of at a high level such that you can focus on what you do best, what you enjoy the most, and that moves the needle for the company. On today's show, Eric Brotman and I have a wide-ranging conversation that touches on evolving your role over time, succession planning, transitioning clients, teamwork, scalable processes, and how to accelerate organic growth without losing a human touch.

Join the conversation! Send Magic a text here!Today I'm visiting with Eric Brotman, the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors and the host of the 'Don't Retire, Graduate' podcast. With over 25 years of experience in the financial sector, Brotman discusses the detrimental effects of traditional retirement on one's health and wellbeing, advocating instead for continuous engagement and purpose. He emphasizes the significance of financial literacy in optimizing emotional and spiritual health, likening money to oxygen—essential yet often overlooked when abundant. Brotman articulates that retirement should be a transition to meaningful pursuits rather than mere disengagement from life's activities. Financial wellbeing is crucial in reducing stress and improving overall life satisfaction.Businessowners, get your free e-book to support your employees' overall wellness here: https://brotmanmedia.com/financial-wellness-programs/Learn more about Eric and his financial literacy programs at: https://brotmanmedia.com/Support the showConnect with Magic:A Magical Life Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amagicallifepodcast/On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholisticnaturalhealth/Online: https://wholisticnaturalhealth.com.auA Subito Media production

Do you have a plan for your second chapter? What does retirement look like for you? Can you imagine life beyond your current 9-5 job? In today's episode of Get Your FILL, Financial Independence & Long Life Podcast, Eric Brotman shares how retirement has changed for many people and how financial and retirement planning must evolve and adapt to these changes to facilitate your best next chapter.

Eric D. Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, started his financial planning career in 1994 in Baltimore. He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's in Financial Services, and multiple financial certifications. Eric founded Brotman Financial Group, Brotman Consulting Group, and Brotman Media Group. He's served on numerous boards, including the Maryland State Retirement & Pension System, hosted the Don't Retire… Graduate! podcast, authored the award-winning book, Don't Retire… Graduate!, and has contributed regularly to Forbes.com and WBAL TV. Listen to this insightful RIA episode with Eric Brotman about an innovative approach to financial planning. Here is what to expect on this week's show: - How BFG Financial Advisors distinguishes itself by having no asset minimums and employing a younger, diverse team compared to typical financial firms. - Why BFG Financial Advisors uses custom-developed, Excel-based tools instead of off-the-shelf financial planning software. - How financial advisors should have their own financial advisors to maintain objectivity. - Why financial advisors must manage client behaviors during market volatility. - How leveraging media, speaking engagements, and published works attracts new clients. Connect with Eric: Links Mentioned: bfgfa.com X @brotmanplanning Instagram @bfgfinancialadvisors Facebook facebook.com/BFGFinancialAdvisors LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/bfgfa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Wealth Architect Podcast with Mark Yegge. Today's guest is Eric Brotman, author of Don't Retire, Graduate! and a key figure at BFG Financial Advisors. Eric, with over 31 years of experience, specializes in holistic and individualized financial planning. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, transparent family communication, and the role of a Certified Financial Planner as a financial primary care physician. Tune in for valuable insights on achieving financial independence and optimizing your financial health.   To reach Eric:   bfgfa.com or brottmanmedia .com

“Work less and spend more time with loved ones.” -Eric BrotmanJoin us on this episode of the Deep Wealth Podcast as we dive into financial planning and wealth management with Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors. With over 25 years of experience, Eric shares his journey from an English major to a financial advisor and successful entrepreneur. The episode covers the importance of financial literacy, the Deep Wealth Mastery Program, and succession planning. 00:00 Meet Eric Brotman: A Trusted Financial Advisor03:22 The Journey of Brotman Financial Group10:46 The Art of Business Valuation and Succession Planning17:34 The Importance of Open Communication and Employee Incentivization24:24 The Importance of Transparency in Business26:08 Building a Transparent Culture and Its Challenges30:14 Exploring the Themes of 'Don't Retire, Graduate'36:18 Final Thoughts and Resources for Listeners43:21 Closing Remarks and the Importance of Community EngagementClick here to subscribe to The Deep Wealth Podcast to save time and effort.SELECTED LINKS FOR THIS EPISODEEric Brotman (@brotmanplanning) / XDon't Retire, Graduate.Eric Brotman - BFG Financial Advisors | LinkedInBook: Don't Retire... Graduate!: Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any AgeLearn More About Deep Wealth MasteryFREE Deep Wealth eBook on Why You Suck At Selling Your Business And What You Can Do About It (Today)Book Your FREE Deep Wealth Strategy Resources To Have You Thrive And ProsperLooking to unlock your path to wealth and success? The Deep Wealth Podcast is your go-to source to extract your deepest wealth in business and life. Picture yourself mastering the foundational strategies that led our founders to a 9-figure exit. Ready to grow your profits, boost the value of your business, and optimize your life post-exit? Shoot us a quick email at insights[at]deepwealth.com with "Deep Wealth" in the subject line for more info. Click the links below to explore the resources, gear, and books that have paved the way for our guests and the high-achieving Deep Wealth team to reach remarkable success. Looking forward to helping you unlock the riches and success you deserve! https://www.deepwealth.com/thriveContact Deep Wealth: Client testimonials The Deep Wealth Strategy Map LinkedIn Instagram Subscribe to The Deep Wealth Podcast Help us pay it forward by leaving a review.May you continue to thrive and prosper while remaining healthy and safe!

On today's episode, Matt has a great conversation with Eric Brotman, the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors based in Maryland.  Eric and Matt talk about a wide array of topics.   They discuss why Financial Literacy is still chronically underprioritized, how retirement doesn't have to be the end of meaningful work, and what is the future of college education.  In addition to his career as a Financial Advisor, Eric has built a media company to reach people who may not have access to professional advice, including a book and podcast called "Don't Retire...Graduate!"  

This episode explores some of the intricacies of succession planning and the idea of graduating rather than retiring. Our guest, Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors in Baltimore, sheds light on intentionally structuring his firm uniquely from the start. By recruiting the right talent and creating plans for equity partnerships, the firm has surpassed expectations in its market reach and achievements. In this episode, Rob, Phil, and Eric delve into:Building your firm successfully with young advisors. Selling equity to your team to help with your succession planning. Why most financial advisors are not planning for the future. A peek into the new edition of Eric's Book, Don't Retire…Graduate!.Key Takeaways: It's better to educate and invest in your team and have them leave than to not educate them and have them stay.Bring in junior advisors who are much younger than you. Your team should be staggered over ages for a successful transition and for your future retirement to be successful. You need the right mentors and coaches, in any industry, to know the right tools for the right job. This is no different in the financial advising and planning industry. Retirement should not be the absence of work, but rather, the absence of the need to work. Retirement is not the end of your life, it's the start of a different chapter. “What I am doing in every conceivable way is trying to take care of everyone here whose skin is in the game. And if I do that, and it doesn't require private equity, everyone here will not only benefit, but it will feather their nest for a generation.” – Eric BrotmanAbout Eric Brotman: Eric D. Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, started his financial planning career in 1994 in Baltimore. He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's in Financial Services, and multiple financial certifications. Eric founded Brotman Financial Group, Brotman Consulting Group, and Brotman Media Group. He's served on numerous boards, including the Maryland State Retirement & Pension System, hosted the Don't Retire… Graduate! podcast, authored the award-winning book, Don't Retire… Graduate!, and has contributed regularly to Forbes.com and WBAL TV.Connect with Eric Brotman: Website: https://bfgfa.com/ Website: https://brotmanconsultinggroup.com/Website: https://brotmanmedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/ X: https://x.com/brotmanplanning Book: https://brotmanmedia.com/books/ Podcast: https://brotmanmedia.com/podcasts/ Episode References:The Truest Fan MastermindConnect with Rob Brown & Phil Calandra:Website: http://truestfan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truestfan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/truestfan/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@truestfancoachingLinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8496989/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truestfan

You don't have to view retirement as an end to a journey. Instead, you can take author Eric Brotman's advice and “graduate” instead of “retire”. Explore the different cultural understandings of retirement and discover a new, refreshing view on redefining your later years.

Ever made a financial mistake that made you cringe? Share your experience and let's start a conversation about financial decisions. Your insights could help others avoid similar missteps. Let's engage!

Eric Brotman is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors. He has 30 years of financial experience and he helps his clients find financial freedom. Eric and Josh discuss the current financial climate in America and how it has changed and what they would like to see happen. They give their advice on how to become financially literate and start earning more money sooner. Learn more about Eric here: https://brotmanmedia.com/

Steven is joined this week by Eric Brotman to discuss how he has built a successful practice by looking at everyone around him, even other Advisors, as potential collaborators and not competition. Eric shares what he has learned over 30 years in the industry that he is STILL applying in the practice he runs and with the clients he serves. Listen to Steven and Eric share tactics they have seen really work that consistently result in better outcomes for clients and more growth for advisors willing to put in the work to make it happen. https://zurl.co/ocyP

In this groundbreaking episode of Money Matters, host Chris Hensley dives deep into a transformative conversation with Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors and the author of "Don't Retire, Graduate." Eric shares invaluable insights on how to rethink retirement planning, strategies for financial independence, and the steps you can take at every life stage to secure your financial future. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to redefine their journey to retirement and discover how to make their wealth work for them. Introduction: Chris Hensley introduces the theme of the episode: transforming the concept of retirement into a new phase of opportunities. A brief introduction of Eric Brotman, highlighting his contributions to redefining retirement planning. Eric's Vision on Retirement: Eric discusses the outdated concept of retirement and emphasizes planning for a life where your wealth provides security, freedom, and growth opportunities.  Financial Planning for Different Life Stages: The conversation covers strategies for financial independence tailored to various stages of life, from early career to senior years. Eric outlines actionable steps for achieving financial independence, including communication with partners, avoiding adverse debt, and strategic tax planning. Preparing for Economic Downturns: Strategies to fortify finances against future recessions and the importance of not timing the market but being prepared for its fluctuations. Avoiding the Tragedy of Outliving Your Money: Eric shares three strategies for utilizing money in retirement, focusing on withdrawal rates and the necessity to adjust strategies based on those rates. The Importance of Financial Literacy: Initiatives to make financial planning accessible across different income levels and the launch of Eric's second book edition with updated insights and timeless advice. Seeking Professional Financial Advice: When and why individuals should consider getting professional financial advice, especially during significant life changes. Closing Thoughts: Eric reflects on what he wants to be "when he grows up," emphasizing continuous growth, succession planning, and evolving career paths. Call to Action: For more insights and to begin transforming your retirement planning, visit BrotmanMedia.com for resources, white papers, and access to Eric's book. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more financial wisdom on Money Matters!    

Summary Eric is the founder and CEO of BFG Financial Advisors a large financial planning business in Baltimore, USA that specialises in retirement planning. As well a writing his book Eric hosts a podcast by the same name and id a regular contributor to forbes.com and Sunday morning TV in Baltimore In this conversation Eric and I discuss the concept of retirement as a graduation and the need to redefine retirement as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Eric highlights the significance of having an abundance mindset and being open to reinventing oneself in retirement.  Eric shares the three secrets to the happiest retirees: being debt-free, taking care of your health, and having a sense of purpose. Takeaways Retirement should be seen as a graduation and an opportunity for growth and exploration. Financial independence is key to a fulfilling retirement, and it is important to plan for it early in life. Having an abundance mindset and being open to reinvention can lead to a more fulfilling retirement. Financial literacy is crucial in achieving financial independence and making informed decisions. The fear of running out of money in retirement can be alleviated by working with a financial advisor and having a well-thought-out plan. The three secrets of the happiest retirees include embracing a second childhood, cultivating wisdom and mindset, and finding purpose and identity in retirement. Being debt-free or adverse debt-free is important in retirement to reduce anxiety and ensure a peaceful retirement. Taking care of your health is crucial, as it is easier to stay healthy than to get healthy. Having a sense of purpose gives retirees a reason to get out of bed every morning and brings fulfilment to their lives. Retirees should plan and have intention in their retirement to ensure a smooth transition and make the most of their time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:03 Redefining Retirement as a Graduation 09:25 Embracing a Second Childhood 14:10 Compounding Mindset and Wisdom 19:25 Finding Purpose and Identity in Retirement 23:21 The Emotional and Psychological Challenges of Retirement 28:20 The Importance of Financial Literacy 35:25 The Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement 37:47 Achieving Financial Independence without Being Good with Money 42:56 The Three Secrets of the Happiest Retirees 43:05 The Three Secrets to the Happiest Retirees 44:05 Taking Care of Your Health 45:01 Having a Sense of Purpose 46:44 Debt and Financial Freedom 48:29 The Importance of Good Health 49:26 The Value of Purpose in Retirement 50:23 The Inflation Rate for Retirees 52:13 Planning and Intention in Retirement 53:10 Finding a Sense of Purpose in Retirement 54:08 What Financial Freedom Looks Like Episode Links & Resource Buy Eric's book Don't Retire… Graduate! Listen to Eric's Podcast Connect with Eric on LinkedIn WealthGPS – Lifestyle Financial Planning by TFP Download My FREE Retirement Toolkit Subscribe to my Super Sunday Retirement Roundup Newsletter  

EPISODE SUMMARY: Join me on a journey through the realm of financial fortitude with Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors and author of "Don't Retire Graduate." Eric and I explore the necessity of robust financial planning and the art of estate protection, likening it to a medieval castle that safeguards not only wealth but also the well-being of loved ones. We unravel the significance of cybersecurity, insurance, and legal documents in creating an impervious financial moat for your assets. ERIC'S BIO: Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors and author of the award-winning book, Don't Retire… Graduate! He and his team believe that financial literacy is the key to financial freedom, so they provide free and affordable educational resources and accessible financial planning with no asset minimums. Achievements: Built a financial planning and wealth management firm from start-up in 2003 to a firm with 20 employees and $650,000,000 under management. GET IN TOUCH WITH ERIC : www.bfgfa.com www.brotmanmedia.com https://www.facebook.com/BFGFinancialAdvisors https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/ EPISODE CHAPTERS: (0:00:00) - Financial Planning and Estate Protection Eric Brotman discusses financial planning and literacy, emphasizing the need for risk management and protection of assets in today's world. (0:09:43) - Wealth Building Strategies and Tax Planning Nature's wealth goes beyond finances, including experience, knowledge, and legacy. Life insurance, tax-advantaged savings, and diversification are important for future challenges. (0:21:36) - Legacy and Retirement Redefined Collaboration between financial planning and legal counsel, redefining retirement, and the broader implications of legacy. (0:27:43) - Planning for Retirement and Financial Freedom Retirement planning involves more than finances, including healthy habits, resilience, and the impact of life events. (0:34:00) - Financial Advisor's Motivation and Generational Impact Our financial expertise guides individuals and families towards positive changes through scholarships, literacy programs, and personal efforts. (0:38:03) - College Experience and Financial Planning English and science majors have different college experiences, and it's important to start new ventures immediately and seek financial advice. (0:44:06) - Uncovering Your Why for Success Taking action and uncovering one's 'why' leads to success in authorship and fitness, with gratitude for Eric's contributions. If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast: https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara Audio Track: Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/  

Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, host of the Don't Retire… Graduate! podcast, author of the Don't Retire… Graduate! book, and regular contributor to Forbes.com.   bfgfa.com socialsecharity.org

In this episode, Jim talks with financial advisor and wealth manager Eric Brotman. With almost 30 years of experience, Eric shares insights on financial literacy, empowering families, and the unique approach he takes.  Three Key Takeaways: Purposeful Financial Planning: It's critical to utilize financial planning that goes beyond managing assets and instead using a more holistic approach. Tax Diversification: Be wary of the potential pitfalls of traditional retirement planning, particularly the assumption that tax rates will be the same or lower in the future. Generational Shifts: With each new generation, we are seeing shifts in financial perspectives. Learn how Gen Xers differ from Gen Z, and what those of us who are older can learn from the newer generation.  The conversation also delves into the evolution of employer-sponsored plans, with Eric challenging the conventional 401(k) approach.  Remember, Breakaway Wealth is here to guide you towards financial empowerment and success. Question: Have you ever reevaluated your approach to retirement planning in light of changing financial landscapes and tax considerations? Share your thoughts on embracing financial freedom and any strategies you've explored to navigate the evolving landscape of wealth generation. Connect with Eric Brotman: Website: www.brotmanmedia.com / www.brotmanconsultinggroup.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bfgfa/

Download Chris's FREE E-Book on “How To Find Ultra High Net Worth Clients" from ⁠https://UHNWC.com/⁠ Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, (https://bfgfa.com/) is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, host of the Don't Retire… Graduate! podcast, author of the Don't Retire… Graduate! book, and regular contributor to Forbes.com. He and his team believe that financial literacy is the key to financial freedom, so they provide free and affordable educational resources and accessible financial planning with no asset minimums. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/ Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/bfgfa/ Website: https://bfgfa.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/brotmanplanning Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BFGFinancialAdvisors/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfgfinancialadvisors/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximize your marketing, close more clients, and amplify your AUM by following us on: Instagram: https://instagram.com/ultrahighnetworthclients TikTok: https://tiktok.com/ultrahighnetworthclients YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@uhnwc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UHNWCPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/uhnwcpodcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ultra-high-net-worth-clients-with-chris-brodhead/id1569041400 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Guqegm2CVqkcEfMSLPEDr Website: https://uhnwc.com Work with us: https://famousfounder.com/ DISCLAIMER: This content is provided by Chris Brodhead for the general public and general information purposes only. This content is not considered to be an offer to buy or sell any securities or investments. Investing involves the risk of loss and an investor should be prepared to bear potential losses. Investment should only be made after thorough review with your investment advisor considering all factors including personal goals, needs and risk tolerance.

In this episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management had the pleasure of speaking with Financial Advisor, Eric Brotman. Eric has been working in the financial industry for over 25 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share. Along with being a CFP® living in Maryland, Eric also is an author & host of the Don't Retire...Graduate! Podcast. Tune in now to hear from one of the top financial advisors in the industry. — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by providing education and guidance, we inspire our clients to make great decisions so they can Retire With Peace of Mind. Stay Connected With Us: Podbean: findingtruewealth.podbean.com YouTube: / @peakwealthmgmt Apple: rb.gy/1jqp6 (Trust the Plan Podcast) Facebook: Facebook.com/PeakWealthManagement Twitter: Twitter.com/nhopwood1 www.peakwm.com

Taylor Swift made even more headlines when she decided to sidestep traditional Hollywood studios and distribute her new movie, filmed as part of her Eras Tour, directly to movie theaters and millions of her adoring fans. What does Taylor know that the rest of us should about the value added by so-called middlemen? Joining us for this special roundtable discussion, we welcome back author and advisor Eric Brotman who joins Paula Pant and Len Penzo. In the second half of show, sponsored by DepositAccounts.com, we dive into in what cases hiring an advisor makes sense and what traits to look for when searching for an advisor. Be sure to stick around for the thrilling continuation of our year-long trivia competition. Doug has some 90s-sitcom-themed trivia on deck. Does this spell disaster for Paula? Or will she shock us all and extend her lead as we head into the final week of September? FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/friday-roundtable-taylor-swift-1412 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.StackingBenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric Brotman is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, President of Brotman Consulting Group, LLC, Host of "Don't Retire...Graduate!" podcast, and author of three books on personal finance including "Don't Retire...Graduate! - Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age"   On episode 135 of the "MODEL FA PODCAST," the spotlight is on Eric, the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors and author of "Don't Retire Graduate." The episode delves deep into the crucial role of company culture, mission statements, and the power of advisory boards in shaping businesses. As the conversation progresses, Eric emphasizes the value of building authority and influence through authentic podcasting, robust networking, and mastermind groups. The episode further underscores the significance of early exit strategy planning, collaboration over competition in the financial industry, and the potential of strategic alliances. Wrapping up, Eric discusses the indispensable nature of reading, recommending seminal books that provide foundational knowledge for financial advisors.   “I think it's incredibly important to be authentic. The key to podcasting is to be yourself, to be vulnerable, to be authentic and to be fallible. And then if you're relatable in that way people will seek you out.” - Eric Brotman   This week on The Model FA Podcast: Culture Culture Culture Culture. How often should you review your mission statement? The importance of building authority and influence. Two paths to build influence. The power of being yourself. The importance of having a succession plan. The importance of having an exit strategy. Strategic alliances and how they work. The importance of having a reading list.   Our Favorite Quotes:   “One of the things I loved when I was an advisor is the culture of joint work. And being able to learn from other folks, either in my office or throughout the countr; people who had different specializations.” - David DeCelle “I believe in collaboration over competition, I think our industry is one that's has the benefit of radical abundance. There are so many opportunities, so many people and families and businesses need our help. There's a shortage of financial advisors and an even bigger shortage of good ones.” - Eric Brotman “Culture, culture, culture, if you add people to your organization, not just clients, but particularly employees, or other advisors, the Fit has to be really, really perfect.” - Eric Brotman Connect with Eric:   Connect on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Website: https://www.brotmanconsultinggroup.com Email: ebrotman@bfgfa.com   About the Model FA Podcast   The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.    Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.    Our Team: President of Model FA, David DeCelle   If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm.  

Welcome 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 personal satisfaction beyond merely making money. He is here to walk us through the seven money milestones he and his team have identified in the financial planning journey, starting with financial education and leading to building and protecting wealth. Listen now for tips on cutting expenses, generating income through multiple streams, and protecting wealth with proper insurance coverage and investment in income-producing assets.  In this episode we'll talk about: • The importance of financial education  • The areas in our finances where most people are not protected, including life insurance and disability insurance • Rules of thumb for emergency funds and managing debt • Cash flow and how to begin building wealth • Investing in income-producing assets and creating multiple income streams • Avoiding one-size-fits-all financial advice and finding an advisor that can act as a copilot  Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode. About Troy Holt: Troy Holt is a skilled sales and account executive with over 20 years of experience in business growth, development and financial planning. As a Certified Financial Educator & Registered Financial Consultant, Troy is licensed in 20 states and is an independent coach, speaker, and trainer. He is well-versed in communication, leadership, and work ethic, and has a proven track record of success in his endeavors. He is the co-author of an Amazon Best Seller book and host of the Troy Talks podcast, where he shares his expertise and personal stories to inspire others. Troy is also the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of Troy Holt Consulting LLC, a growing financial consulting company focused on empowering and educating individuals and small business owners on wealth accumulation, preservation, and debt elimination. Troy is an engaging and motivating speaker, mentor, and Independent Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with The John Maxwell Company, who has made it a personal mission to eliminate financial illiteracy, particularly in the African American community with a focus on black women. Troy is a 33-year member of the same church, serving in ministry for 29 years and as a Licensed Elder with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World for 26 years. He currently resides in Pensacola, FL with his wife of 31 years, one adult son, and three grandchildren. Troy Holt's LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3dru6pP Troy Holt's Instagram: https://bit.ly/3YEo9OZ Troy Holt's Twitter: https://bit.ly/33EMQ2W Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://youtu.be/CO7uz_StrSY Eric Brotman is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, an independent firm assisting clients with wealth creation, preservation, and distribution. He is also the author of Don't Retire... Graduate!: Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age. We talk about multi-generational financial planning, the benefits of flexible leadership, and why retirement should not mean the end of your productive life.    --- Give Your Stakeholders a Say with Eric Brotman Our guest is Eric Brotman, the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, an independent firm assisting clients with wealth creation, preservation and distribution. Eric's been building his own firm since 2003 and has acquired eight wealth management related professional certifications. Never seen that, anyone do that many along the way. He is the host of the Don't Retire graduate podcast as well. So welcome to the show, Eric. Steve, it's great to be here. Thank you so much. I'm excited to dive into your topic and you've got a lot of information here. But let's start about this journey of, you know, you've been investment for about 10 years and you founded your own company and then you've been growing this since 2003. So tell me about the journey and how you got to the point where you are now. It was a complete accident. I came out of college with an English and psychology background and was planning on law school and was thinking about tax law or corporate law or something like that and I I took a job out of school at a brokerage firm, a major brokerage firm in their legal department and I fell in love with their, with the brokerage world, with the financial world and decided not to go to law school and so in 1994 I started a practice as a young guy who knew nothing and had no network worth a darn other than recent college graduates, I started a practice. And at that point in time, it was important for me because I looked like I was 12, Steve. It was important for me to build my knowledge base so that I could speak intelligently. And one of the reasons why I have so many certifications is because early in my career, I didn't have a lot of clients, but I did have a lot of time. And so I took a lot of school because I thought I need to know more than the people I'm speaking to, to be intelligent about this, even though I don't have the life experience, I need to make sure I have the technical piece. And of course, the life experience comes now it's 30 years later. And I rely as much on if not more on my real world human experience than I do on the technical piece. I can hire technical people now. So it's so the journey was an accident. In 2003, I started this firm partly because I had helped launch another firm four years prior with a more senior partner. And he and I were going in different directions. And you know, it's nice because it was never a divorce. It was a, we referred to it kind of as a graduation. It was kind of like, all right, you're ready, go get them. And so that's sort of where some of this graduation idea came from. And I know we'll talk about that a little bit later today, but the idea of constantly advancing and moving forward was very important to me. And so in 03, I started the business, bootstrapped like crazy, borrowed money from everywhere and everyone and said, I'm all in, this is either going to work or it's not. And fortunately it's worked and it's worked abundantly. And now we have 21 people and seven financial advisors and we're growing exponentially and we're having a whole lot of fun. We're taking care of families all over the country and even outside of the US. So I always admire entrepreneurs who manage to build a professional service firm because it's a tough challenge. You basically are working, your raw material is your people and it takes, especially in your area, it takes a long time for someone to become really proficient and you have to support them and keep them. When they are successful,

From financial wellness to tough love on what it really takes to control how and when you retire, Don't Retire.. Graduate author Eric Brotman shares a unique perspective on how financial grownups can make their long term goals a reality- even if the math doesn't work at first. For more information, visit the show notes at https://www.bobbirebell.com/podcast/eric-brotman

Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors and host of the podcast "Don't Retire...Graduate!", joins The Trulyfit Podcast._Don't Retire...Graduate! is also Eric's most recent book and serves as a how-to manual for understanding and putting key financial planning principles into practice._You can find everything about Eric below:Instagram: @eric.brotmanWebsite: https://bfgfa.com/

Positioning yourself for financial freedom early on in life is the best way to do it, and creates a greater chance of success. However, this can be done at any age through discipline and planning. Certified Financial Planner Eric Brotman has written several books on the process and helped countless people to achieve their goals. That's why on this episode of the podcast I wanted to talk to Eric about his books, his experience, and the advice he gives to his clients to help them to build their path to financial freedom. In this episode you will learn: - How to Pay Yourself First and Ensure Retirment Savings - How Saving for Retirement in Your 20s is Easier Thank You Think - About the Importance of Tax Planning in Your Retirement Portfolio - How to Leverage Your 401k If You Have Student Loans - How to Pay Down Debt Through Financial Triage

Shellee and Eric discuss: - Financial literacy is not taught in school and young adults don't understand the concept of how much the cost of living is. - It is hard to teach kids the concept of earning and saving money. - Things you can do as a parent to help your child be prepared to manage money. - Do you go to a school you really want to go to or a school where you received a big scholarship? - If you sacrifice your own retirement to send your teen to college, you are not doing them any favors. - Understand your Return On Investment when choosing a college. "You can afford to do almost anything, but not everything in this life."- Eric Brotman Eric D. Brotman, CFP™, AEP, CPWA is a financial advisor, wealth manager, mentor, and host of the podcast Don't Retire...Graduate! As CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, he has been advising his clients on investing, risk management, retirement, and financial planning for over 25 years. Eric believes that financial literacy is the key to well-being and is on a mission to help families and professionals achieve financial freedom. As part of his mission, he has served as an adjunct faculty member at Stevenson University, teaching the Certified Financial Planner curriculum to graduate students. In addition, he is serving on the Board of Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan and he has testified before the Maryland Senate in favor of financial literacy education. Eric's approachable and actionable financial advice has been featured on Baltimore WBAL's 11 News Sunday Morning, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, Yahoo! Finance, The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, Investment Advisor, Fidelity Investor's Weekly, and numerous other publications. His podcast, Don't Retire…Graduate!, is dedicated to inspiring individuals to advance into retirement seamlessly. Eric is the author of several books on personal finance, including Retire Wealthy: The Tools You Need to Help Build Lasting Wealth, Debt-Free for Life: The Tools You Need to Free Yourself from Debt, and Pay Less Taxes Now! Four Strategies to Help Reduce Your Income Taxes Legally, which can be downloaded for free at www.lowtaxbook.com. Eric is an avid traveler who calls Lutherville, Maryland home. He plans to “graduate” to living on the beach but hopes to never retire in the traditional sense. You can learn more about Eric at www.bfgfa.com or about the Don't Retire…Graduate! podcast at www.brotmanmedia.com Connect with Eric: Facebook: www.facebook.com/Dont-Retire-Graduate-111328207099985/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/dontretiregraduate/ Website: https://brotmanmedia.com Connect with Shellee Howard: Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Take away: Getting to financial independence is an incredibly wonderful goal Action step: Take inventory, and figure out where you are. Money Learnings: Eric has no real financial training learned from school. They also did not talk much about money as he was growing up.    Bio: Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, host of the Don't Retire… Graduate! podcast, author of the Don't Retire… Graduate! book, and regular contributor to Forbes.com. He and his team believe that financial literacy is the key to financial freedom, so they provide free and affordable educational resources and accessible financial planning with no asset minimums.   Highlights from this episode:  How Eric got into the financial advising business Eric talks about his book, “Don't retire… Graduate!” Find what you love to do Get help if you need help How to deal with inflation   brotmanmedia.com Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!   Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/   Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes   If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ rocky@richersoul.com Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast   Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.  

Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, host of the Don't Retire… Graduate! podcast and the author of the book, Don't Retire… Graduate! He is also a regular contributor to Forbes.com. He and his team believe that financial literacy is the key to financial freedom, so they provide free and affordable educational resources and accessible financial planning with no asset minimums. Company: www.bfgfa.com https://www.facebook.com/BFGFinancialAdvisors/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bfgfa/ https://www.instagram.com/bfgfinancialadvisors/ Podcast: www.dontretiregraduate.com https://www.facebook.com/DontRetireGraduate https://www.instagram.com/dontretiregraduate/  Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/ Special thanks to our sponsors: Hello Fresh: We know you're going to love Hello Fresh as much as we do because it's America's #1 Meal Kit! Go to https://www.hellofresh.com/onlyone/65 and use code theonlyone65 for 65% off…PLUS free shipping! PATREON SHOUT OUTS: Mercedes Cusick LMFT, Website: www.mercedescusick.com, IG: @recoverhealbloom Check Out How To Do The Pot Thanks to Kathleen Hahn Cute Booty Lounge is made right here in the USA, by women and for women. The company is incredible, female, and minority-owned and all of their leggings make makes your booty look amazing. Go to https://cutebooty.com/ today! Embrace your body, love your booty! Join our Patreon: Become an Only One In The Room patron by joining us on Patreon! Starting at only $5.00 per month, you'll get bonus content, access to outtakes that the general public will NEVER see, extremely cool merch, and depending on what tier you get, monthly hang time with Scott and Laura. Join our Patreon today at https://www.patreon.com/theonlyonepodcast Be sure not to miss our weekly full episodes on Tuesdays, Scott Talks on Wednesdays and our brand new series On My Nightstand on Fridays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts.  Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series.  Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more. We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's Talking Wealth podcast, Dale takes a look at retirement and shares Talking Wealth TV expert Eric Brotman's view from his book ‘Don't Retire, Graduate'. Eric suggests that retirement is a beginning and not an end and that it is about having the choice whether you work or not.

Join Shalom Klein on his weekly radio show, Get Down To Business with guests: Bryan Gray Eric Brotman Genady Knizhnik & Chris MacDonald

Welcome back to Don't Retire... Graduate! Our guest today did what nobody thought was possible: left Eric speechless. Sharita Humphrey has a remarkable story of grit and resilience. From a homeless mother of two living out of a motel, Sharita promised her sons that she would change their situation and did not rest until she did. The now award-winning financial educator is here to share that story and spread her message that just because you lose things, you can never lose hope.  In this episode we'll talk about: • The importance of having money conversations at home  • Sharita's story of becoming a mom early, the feelings of failure that came with losing her home, and her experience living in a motel for close to a year • How financial literacy education can change your financial trajectory  • How it feels to leave traditional employment and scratch an entrepreneurial itch • Keeping experiences as a line item on a budget  • Creating a safety net by building an emergency fund  • Creating jobs and abundance through agriculture  • Seeing your budget as a blueprint to keep you in the driver's seat     Visit dontretiregraduate.com for a full transcript of this episode. www.sharitamhumphrey.com www.changeinmotion.co About Sharita M. Humphrey Sharita M. Humphrey is a nationally recognized, award-winning finance expert and money mentor. Having previously been broke and homeless herself, Sharita knows first-hand that financial freedom has a blueprint and she's committed to helping individuals change the financial trajectories of their lives.   Sharita is a certified financial educator, speaker, and coach. At her namesake financial consulting company, Sharita helps minority women better understand, manage, and grow their money. Sharita also helps Black and Brown entrepreneurs learn how to accelerate their businesses and secure funding through her other company, Change In Motion, which offers a comprehensive education program.   In 2020, Sharita was named National Financial Educator of the Year for her work within her local community and across the country. She is a regular contributor to entrepreneurial publications and has been featured in top-tier media including CNBC, iHeartMedia, Forbes, Yahoo Finance and BBC World News.   This year, Sharita and her family set a goal of purchasing hundreds of acres of land over the next few years to build a family-run farm. During their journey, Sharita is teaching minority farmers how to obtain monies to acquire farmland and helping them to retain their land for generations to come.   Sharita M. Humphrey Facebook  Sharita M. Humphrey Instagram Sharita M. Humphrey Linkedin

Today it's host to host in the latest episode of The Disruptive Successor show. Jonathan Goldhill welcomes the host of the “Don't Retire…Graduate!” podcast, Eric Brotman. Eric is a certified financial advisor and the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors. Eric and his team are firm believers that financial literacy is the key to financial freedom, which inspires them to provide free and affordable educational resources and accessible financial planning with no asset minimums. HIGHLIGHTSKey elements to a good succession planning frameworkEric on successions and exitingEric on giving the equityEric's role in the succession planningThe “Don't Retire… Graduate!” bookWhat BFG Financial Advisors is aboutQUOTESEric: “I think the two that are most important beyond everything else, our communication, which to me also includes transparency, and goal alignment.”Eric: “I'm generally not a believer that you give equity away, I think equity is always sold, and even in a family business situation, I think equity is sold.”Eric: “I have to balance what the expectations are on a transaction. Because everyone thinks their business is worth more than potentially it is, in the same way, we all think our house is the nicest one on the block.”Start building your legacy now by connecting with Eric using the links below: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ebrotmanEmail: ebrotman@bfgfa.comWebsites: bfgfa.comA special gift from Christian to Disruptive Successor listeners! Visit https://www.instantnonprofit/disruptive-successor to get his Nonprofit Boot Camp for free!If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, review and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you're interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill's book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com.

Eric Brotman is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, an independent firm assisting clients with wealth creation, preservation, and distribution. He is also the author of Don't Retire... Graduate!: Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age. We talk about multi-generational financial planning, the benefits of flexible leadership, and why retirement should not mean the end of your productive life.    Time Stamps [00:43] Eric's entrepreneurial journey [03:24] Eric's experience with management blueprints [06:54] The benefits of flexible leadership [09:31] Understanding visionary leadership and why it's so effective [12:39] Why some entrepreneurs sell shares to their best-performing employees [14:35] What is multi-generational planning? [18:50] How multi-generational planning helps families avoid internal conflict [21:47] How Eric helps young multi-generational planners gain experience in the field [23:26] Eric's multi-generational planning and financial literacy tools [27:07] Collaborative financial planning and the role of the advisor [30:51] Why retirement should not mean the end of your productive life [32:58] The retirement problem and why some retirees go back to working [35:52] Growth drivers at Eric's firm BFG Financial Advisors [38:11] Parting thoughts    Links and Resources Eric's LinkedIn Brotman Consulting Group Bfgfa.com Don't Retire... Graduate by Eric Brotman  Don't Retire...Graduate Podcast Buyable: Your Guide to Building a Self-Managing, Fast-Growing, and High-Profit Business Complete the Buyability Assessment for Your Business https://StevePreda.com  

In this episode we talk with Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG financial advisors, and host of the podcast Don't Retire….Graduate about not only the importance of achieving financial freedom but advancing into retirement seamlessly.  During our discussion we talk about:the concept of graduating instead of retreating into retirement how to think about and plan for your transition to retirementwhat to do in the different stages of your life/career to prepare for graduating into retirementwhat to do if you are a little behind in planning for your retirementthe role of the leader when it comes to helping those around you prepare for retirementIf you are interested in more from Eric, visit brotmanmedia.com

Today, I interview Eric Brotman who was very entertaining in childhood. He loved doing standup comedy or singing, always mimicking his favorite stars. He enjoyed putting on a show for his friends and family, goofy and carefree. But he never actually used his own voice or his own style when he did these things. In school, he fit in everywhere and was friends with everyone, now referring to his younger self as "chameleon-esque". Still to this day, he has a tendency-- as many of us do-- to tailor his speaking style to his audience. However, the changes that took place after his parents' divorce led this high schooler to face adulthood much earlier than expected. Eric began working at age 14, made his way through college, and completed some internships that led him toward the finance industry (although his studies were in English and Psychology). In this field and in his work with clients, he realized the vulnerable work he was doing as people shared their fears, the financial mistakes they'd made in the past, and their hopes and dreams for the future. He found his voice through moving forward, trying different things, and being open-minded to opportunities that came his way. He didn't plan to end up working in finance, but he says it's the best outcome he could have ever hoped for, and he loves helping others to open their minds to the possibilities that life has to offer. __________________ Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, host of the Don't Retire… Graduate! podcast, author of the Don't Retire… Graduate! book, and regular contributor to Forbes.com. He and his team believe that financial literacy is the key to financial freedom, so they provide free and affordable educational resources and accessible financial planning with no asset minimums. Free Resources: Ebook to help you save on taxes can be downloaded at lowtaxbook.com Ebook to help understand the financial planning process can be downloaded at whatisfp.com Complete library of resources, including webinars, podcasts, and articles can be found at brotmanmedia.com Find Eric here: ebrotman@bfgfa.com linkedin.com/company/bfgfa linkedin.com/in/ebrotman facebook.com/BFGFinancialAdvisorsfacebook.com/DontRetireGraduate twitter.com/brotmanplanning__________________I'm your podcast host, Dr. Doreen Downing, and I help people find their voice so they can overcome anxiety, be confident, and speak without fear. Get started now on your journey to your authentic voice by downloading my Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://www.doreen7steps.com. 

Financial Independence is not an easy feat to conquer because money is always accompanied by shame. When you don't have enough, you are ridiculed; when you manage to get by, you are embarrassed by people who think you make more than you do. Financial advisor Eric Brotman joins us in this episode to demystify the shame around money. He sits with Zeona McIntyre to talk about his journey to financial freedom and what went wrong along the way. Listen in as Eric shares his financial planning strategies and the different avenues he used to grow his money. Go to www.rentredi.com and use our CODE: INVEST2FI to get 50% off on your first 6 months!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! invest2fi.com

Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, host of the "Don't Retire… Graduate!" podcast, author of the "Don't Retire… Graduate!" book, and regular contributor to Forbes.com. He and his team believe that financial literacy is the key to financial freedom, so they provide free and affordable educational resources and accessible financial planning with no asset minimums. Use code "HAPPY" at checkout for $20 off of Eric's financial literacy course! Link below ------------ Follow me on Instagram Connect on Facebook & Linkedin Subscribe to the free "Healthy, Happy Newsletter" Eric's Facebook https://bfgfa.com/ https://brotmanmedia.com/

This week on The Millionaire Choice Podcast, Tony talks with Eric Brotman, host of Don’t Retire…Graduate!, about empowering families through financial planning. Raising a family isn’t easy, but it can be easier with the right financial planning and decisions! About EricEric D. Brotman, CFP®, AEP®, CPWA® is Chief Executive Officer of BFG Financial Advisors, an independent firm assisting clients with wealth creation, preservation, and distribution. Mr. Brotman began his financial planning practice in Baltimore in 1994, and founded Brotman Financial Group in 2003, which later changed its corporate identity to BFG Financial Advisors. He provides investment, retirement, estate, insurance, and comprehensive financial planning services for families, professionals, executives, and business owners, all of whom enjoy extraordinary client service from working with multiple CFP® Practitioners and a team of specialists. Mr. Brotman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) certification in 1998, and completed his Master’s Degree in Financial Services (MSFS) at the American College in 2003. He is also an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®), a Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®), a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), a Chartered Advisor in Senior Living (CASL), and a Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®). Mr. Brotman is a Registered Representative with Kestra Investment Services and an Investment Advisor Representative with Kestra Advisory Services. Mr. Brotman is serving a four-year term on the Board of Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement & Pension System as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan. He is a champion for financial literacy education, serving on the Business Advisory Council for the Comptroller of Maryland. He is a 2009 alumnus and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Maryland. Additionally, Mr. Brotman serves on the Board of Trustees and is the Chairman of the University Advancement Committee at Stevenson University, where he previously served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching financial planning and investment planning courses to CFP® students. He is a 2006 alumnus and former board member of Leadership-Baltimore County, the Past-President and Chairman of the Board of the Financial Planning Association of Maryland, and a member of the Baltimore Estate Planning Council. Mr. Brotman is the host of the “Don’t Retire… Graduate!” podcast, available at www.dontretiregraduate.com, and recently published “Pay Less Taxes Now! Four strategies to Help Reduce Your Taxes Legally,” available for free download at www.lowtaxbook.com. His most recent book, “Retire Wealthy: The Tools You Need to Help Build Lasting Wealth – On Your Own or With Your Financial Advisor,” was published in 2014 and is available at most online book retailers. A sought-after speaker, he frequently gives seminars and workshops for companies, membership organizations, and fellow financial advisors. Mr. Brotman appears regularly on television on 11 News Sunday Morning on WBAL in Baltimore, and has also been interviewed by WMAR Baltimore / ABC2 News. He has appeared in print in Wall Street Journal, The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal,The Daily Record, Smart CEO, Investment Advisor, Fidelity Investor’s Weekly, Investment News, Journal of Financial Planning, Crain’s Baltimore, and numerous other publications. He has been featured on various websites, including Yahoo! Finance, ChiefExecutive.com, Reuters.com, Financial-Planning.com, and Forbes.com, and has appeared on a variety of radio programs, including the Marilu Henner Show and KGO News in San Francisco. Mr. Brotman was named as one of the “Maryland Power Players” by The Gazette of Politics and Business in 2010 and one of the “Very Important Professionals” by The Daily Record in 2011.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who's your ideal client and what's the biggest challenge they face?What are the common mistakes people make when trying to solve that problem?What is one valuable free action that our audience can implement that will help with that issue?What is one valuable free resource that you can direct people to that will help with that issue?What's the one question I should have asked you that would be of great value to our audience?When was the last time you experienced Goosebumps with your family and why?Find free resources here: BFG UniversityDownload Eric's Free Ebooks Pay Less Taxes Now and What is Financial Planning?Eric's book on Amazon (Non-affiliated link): Don't Retire... Graduate!: Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any AgeGet in touch with Eric: Website, Brotman Media, Financial Planning For AllSocial media: Facebook BFG, Facebook MediaLearn more about how Uwe helps in-demand professionals and their VIPs to get back their family mojo, double their financial security, and live in abundance in all areas of their life (without feeling guilty or constantly questioning themselves): Visit www.uwedockhorn.com. Or when you feel you'd be interested in working together you can Book A Chat With Uwe

Tend to your nest egg like an orchard instead of treating it like an ATM.Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, AEP®, CPWA® is Chief Executive Officer of BFG Financial Advisors, an independent firm assisting clients with wealth creation, preservation, and distribution. Eric has over 25 years of experience in financial planning and founded the firm in Baltimore in 2003. BFG provides investment, retirement, estate, insurance, and comprehensive financial planning services. Additionally, Eric is the host of the Don't Retire… Graduate! podcast, dedicated to teaching listeners how to advance into retirement rather than retreating into it. Today we talk about how different generations view financial planning and expectations, steps we can take to better prepare ourselves financially for our futures, the perks of “graduating” instead of retiring, and how Eric can read Jamie's mind.Thank you for listening!Please like and subscribe here and on your podcast app of choice. Also, share freely!

Are you looking for simple steps to achieve financial freedom? The COVID-19 pandemic may have left you with more stress and less financial freedom. In today's episode, we are joined by special guest, Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial. Eric shares actionable and simple steps to achieve financial freedom in this current state of financial uncertainty. These financial strategies will help you become financially independent and help you live your best life.

Eric Brotman, CFP, gives his strategies for turning this financial crisis and recession into a financial win for your family. Resources mentioned in this episode: Free Budget Spreadsheet: https://leads.budgetsmadeeasy.com/budget-sheet Full transcript: Welcome to the money mindset podcast, where you will find the inspiration and motivation. You need to manage your money better. So you can stress less and live the life you want. This is Ashley with budgets made easy and the money mindset podcast. Today, we are talking to Eric Brotman, who is a CFP and the CEO of BFG financial advisors. And he is the host of don't retire, graduate podcasts. So don't retire, graduate.com, check out his podcast is well. And he's going to give us some great advice for families on how to take advantage of certain things during this financial crisis. You know, if you can, if you're still working, he's got some really great tips on lowering your tax burden and some things that you can do to take advantage of certain things happening right now in the financial world. So you can take this crisis and turn it into a financial win. And so he's got some really great ideas on how to do that. Now, before we jump into his episode, be sure to go and check out my free spreadsheet. I put together a spreadsheet after years of people asking me to, and you can get a free one month sheet of that, or you can get the whole year, you get a special offer for the whole year. Once you sign up for the free sheet, go to www.leads.budgetsmadeeasy.com/budget-sheet. So go get your free paycheck budget spreadsheet. So this is the same spreadsheet that I use when we were paying off debt. It's broken down by Paychex. Plus you got a monthly view. Now, keep in mind the free sheet isn't as detailed as the yearly sheet. So if you want the yearly sheet, look for that. Once you sign up for the free sheet as well. Now, here is my interview with Eric. Hi Eric. Thank you so much for being with us today. Hi, Ashley. Thanks for having me. I am. So I'm excited to talk to you today. Um, it's my understanding that you've got some good advice for families in different stages, what to do with their finances right now during this whole crisis. And, um, I really want to talk to you about that today, but can you just kind of introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself? Absolutely. I'm a certified financial planner practitioner started a company, in 2003 in suburban, Maryland actually started my practice in 1994. So I'm dating myself. I realized at this moment we have 20 employees, each of us working from 20 different homes, which is a new experience, but, uh, eight financial advisors, 20 employees, we manage about $450 million for families in 31 and a few foreign countries. And we do financial planning and wealth management for multigenerational families. So in my spare time, I'm a husband and a father and a podcaster and author and a volunteer. Yes, as I was just hearing about your book coming out soon. So I'm excited to hear about that as well. So, um, you know, there's a lot of crazy stuff going on right now and I know people are scared and, you know, we don't know what the economy and everything is going to look like on the other side of this thing. Um, so, you know, what kind of advice would you give to families right now? Like, is there anything that they should be doing differently? Well, I think in each case, it depends upon the family situation somewhat. Um, right now there are a lot of families who are experiencing sudden job loss and for those families, um, the things to do differently are, are really based on almost triaged. You just have to get through this period of time, however long it lasts. And that's easier said than done sometimes. So for, for families, who've had sudden job loss. Uh, the first thing to do is to sort of take, uh, take inventory of resources, figure out what you're going to live on for the next couple of months, in addition to unemployment, uh, and, and really make a plan for getting back to work at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later. So, um, there's not as much opportunity quite candidly for folks who are out of work. And that's obviously a sad situation, um, for folks who are still able to work through this. I think we'll look back on this five years from now, not only as being memorable and remarkable on so many social levels, but also as being one of the great opportunities of a generation. Um, you know, we've seen some of this before in the Y2K epidemic, uh, in 99 and 2000, we certainly saw it in the great recession in Oh eight Oh nine and every decade or so there's some new crisis, some new wrinkle that causes economic turmoil and there are always winners and losers in those deals. And usually it's based on behavior, not circumstance. So, yeah, so that said, um, for young families, Ashley, this is an opportunity for young families who are working to continue to dollar cost, average, continue to add to your 401k, continue to add your HSA account, continue to fund your five 29 plans. Um, whatever you're doing, that's growing money, particularly in a way that's going to be tax-free later is a total home run. We have relatively low market value. So you're buying on sale and we have the lowest tax rate in modern history right now. And I assure you that is not going to last. And I don't think it matters. Uh, the outcome of the election in November is less important than the fact that there was just two plus trillion dollar stimulus plan. Somebody's got to pay the bill for. Yeah, exactly. I'm curious your, your thoughts on the stimulus plan. A lot of people have asked me, um, how that will affect, um, inflation. Do you have any kind of insight into that? Inflation is, is generally a factor of either fed policy, monetary policy, or it's a factor of, um, of interest rates around the world and, and the confluence of those. So what I would say is right now, there's no inflation on the horizon. Um, there is a, a blossoming national debt that if we haven't already decided that debt is a crisis, it's a crisis waiting to happen. So that'll be an issue. Um, but in terms of inflation, there's no reason to believe that that's on its way. We haven't seen significant inflation in this country, 30 years, more than that. And so there's an entire generation back two generations who don't really know what inflation looks like. Um, uh, you know, I remember it as a young person basically, and I know that the house I grew up in, we financed with a mortgage at like 16%. Oh, wow. Yeah. With a visa card, that's kind of what that looked like and so of course there were refinances all the way down. We're so used to cheap money. We're not going to know what to do when it gets more expensive. I actually believe that there is no meaningful inflation on the horizon right now. Um, the, uh, congressional budget office just suggested that the inflation rate over the next half decade to decade will be in the 2.2 to 2.4% ballpark. The only organization that has quoted a higher rate of inflation is social security administration because they're backward looking. So I actually think inflation is going to be a nonissue. I think money's going to stay cheap. The real question is, um, whether people are able to take advantage of the buying opportunities in equity markets, um, and whether bond markets are able to recover without too much of a, of a, an oversupply with lots of people trying to sell. Right. And then what happens in real estate because real estate is really, I think, going to take this on the chin, particularly commercial real estate. Um, there's, there's going to be some major changes in that, in that arena. Now, some people have asked me as well, um, you know, with the real estate now, the interest rates and stuff are already so low now with the fed dropping the rate down too. Well, last time I saw zero, um, I haven't been watching the news lately. It was just stressing me out. So, um, I don't believe that it's changed since then, but, um, you know, how will that affect like mortgage rates is my understanding that it won't really affect it because they're already so low. Well, not, not only are they so low, but they've actually come up and not because of what the fed has done, but banks are recognizing that if they lend at those prevailing rates, it will, it'll cripple them for decades. Imagine if, if you had the ability to lend money to somebody on a fixed rate at what is one and a half to two and a half percent for 30 years, if someone was willing to lend me personally, a hundred million dollars at 2%, I would take it because there's no way I wouldn't out earn that. And so banks are going to get collaborative. So mortgage rates have actually come up, even though the fed lowered their, their federal funds rate. And the reason they've come up, isn't because of economics. It's because of business. These banks don't want, they don't want to make loans. Oh, that makes sense though. Yeah. I didn't realize that part of it. That's why I have you here. Well, Wells Fargo has already turned off the spigot for the, for the payroll protection plan that came out as part of the cares act and they won't be alone. That number one, that plan is going to run out of money quickly. And number two banks who are lending at that rate, even with some federal support are going to get clobbered and they don't want to do it. Oh, I didn't realize that part. Yeah. It's great to borrow money at a low rate, long term, but has got to be willing to lend it. Exactly. Yeah. I did guess I didn't realize that it was going through the banks like that whole, and I know I really should, since I have a business, but I don't really have any employees, so I haven't like really dived into it. Um, for that stuff, I didn't realize it was having to like go through a bank. Well, it is. And the commercial banks, the private sector is working with the public sector on this, which generally public private partnerships are the most effective anyway, in my opinion. But if you own a business, actually, you want to be looking into this now, anyway, because there are provisions in there even for sole proprietors and folks with no employees. Yeah. I filled out something on the website the other day, but I was so confused. So I don't think I haven't filled it out. Right. But I don't, I don't think it was the payroll thing. I was, I'm so confused by all the different stuff going on, like the different, or at least it seemed like it was different. Maybe it's all the same thing. The pay, the payroll thing I thought was a different thing. And I don't know, I'm totally confused by all of it. And then I try and read it and I get more confused because it's like, everybody's saying different things. I'm like, I don't know, time. Anytime the federal government comes out with a plan you can expect, there'll be hundreds of pages long and, and completely opaque. And that's exactly what happened. And the implementation hasn't been smooth and, and the back end will be smooth. And, you know, the federal government generally doesn't run anything. Well, no, it's simply too enormous an organization. [inaudible] exactly. You're exactly right. I worked, uh, you know, for a local government and, you know, the same can be said for just about any government, just because of the politics involved. And then, you know, you've got the community to answer to, and you know, you, can't always, you can't make everybody happy. It's, you know, just the whole dynamic of it. And so I can imagine, you know, on the government scale, that's why I am very pleased to be neutral. I'm Switzerland. I truly don't want to take sides because I think both sides are messed up. Yeah. It's just, it's just a mess. Yeah, it is. Yeah. It's so confusing too. So now for my listeners that I do have a lot of listeners that are small business owners. So what would you recommend for them at this time? Well, if you were still able to, to be in business, if you still have customers or clients or patients, or, um, and are able to, to use your vendors and suppliers and all and so forth, and you're really impacted by this, um, then you're in the minority because most businesses are experiencing either supply chain issues or employment issues or technology issues or finance issues. Um, it's sort of a perfect storm. Actually. I think there's, there's a, um, there's definitely a sense that for business owners to get out of, what's sort of been thrust upon all of us. We really have to, um, number one, stop spending things that we can avoid spending really sort of clamped down on things that are unnecessary and focus on the things that will create longterm growth, things that might not work for three months or six months, but that will make us better businesses three years from now. And so as an organization, you know, just our company, what we're doing is we're laying the foundation for the next, the next level of growth we're treating, uh, what started a month or two ago as a plateau that we're going to retreat from and then bust through. And that type of optimism is the only way I know how to do things. So that's, that's the way we're focused on it. And for business owners. Now, if you can keep your people employed with, or without the federal assistance program, that in and of itself is amazing. I think there'll be some amazing employee loyalty and great stories out of this, for those who are able to stay employed. I really hope so. And I think that, um, you know, this is going to be temporary and once we get through it that, you know, I hope it's not going to be, you know, as bad as some people may think it's going to be, you know, we had a good economy before this happened. So, um, you know, hopefully we'll bounce back, but you know, there's probably going to be some ripple effects, you know, for a couple months, at least. Um, but I think, you know, overall things are going to be okay. I mean, you have to think positively or, you know, you're just going to be all depressed in your house, eating all your food, like, well, I'm definitely not depressed, but what I will suggest to you though, is that we're not going to bounce back. Like it's like, it's, you know, elastic, this is not, and there is going to be a new sense of normal. I mean, the idea in the way that there is travel pre and post nine 11, there will be business and workforce pre and post COVID, and that's going to create some really amazing opportunities for certain folks. Like, for example, I think you'll see coming out of this, I think you'll see more telework. Yeah. See less boundaries and barriers in terms of hiring. So that you'll be able to work from anywhere. Companies are learning how to do this, and it's actually quite effective and efficient and saving some money. Well, it does. And I think you'll see better work life balance for people, which is something we've talked about, but never actually mastered Americans are lousy at that. We tend to be workaholics, but I do think there'll be some work life balance out of this and some appreciation for what's important. Um, I think there will be, um, as a result of some of this, there'll be less traffic. If there are less people have to commute every day, there'll be less traffic, less traffic means less pollution, less congestion, less expense on things like transportation. There there's some positives that'll come out of this because new behaviors are being created. Absolutely. There's also some challenges. One of which is, um, you know, retail and malls. I mean, retail has been on that on its heels since, uh, nine 11. And it got worse in Oh eight Oh nine and it never fully recovered. And I think this is a bit of a death knell for retail, as we know it. Um, there there's no middle there's no middle ground. You either have to be the cheapest or the best. And so the companies like the Louis Vuitton's of the world are probably going to be fine because they have their, their customers have an appetite for that and don't care, but everything else is going to look like Amazon or Walmart, because most people who are trying to pinch pennies or what have you are going to do that a different way. So retail is going to change. Office space is going to change. I mean, I would be darn nervous if I owned a, a 50, a 50 story office tower in a major urban area, I would be nervous right now that there will be companies saying, you know, we can get by on half this space, cause we're going to have some folks working from home or, you know, we just don't need all this space. So true. There'll be winners and losers out of this, but I really do think there'll be more winners than losers. I agree. I think that we, you know, just like you said, we're all gonna learn from this and there'll be some changes and you know, just like you said, a new normal, um, you know, everything's going to be a little bit different once we get on the other side of it. Yes, I think so. And I have a radical idea for you. Why don't we start making things in this country again? Yeah. Why don't we create jobs in, in manufacturing and in supply chain and be less reliant, not unreliant but less reliant on other nations. Why don't we put our people back to work, doing things that are important to us here at home as well? I just think there's opportunity there for anyone who can get it right. Yeah, absolutely. And I think that there will probably be a demand for that as well, with all the supplying issues, supply issues that we've had with, you know, all the, um, personal protective equipment and stuff. So, um, it'll be interesting to see how that changes in the future, um, just to kind of have more control over it. Um, so how can families turn this crisis into an opportunity, like when they're planning for the future? Cause that's, you know, that's what you do, you play it for the future. So what can we like for take me for example, I'm debt free. Um, I've got six months of emergency fund now in my situation, we don't know after this week, if my husband's going to get paid or not, but let's say he does keep getting paid. Um, you know, what would you advise? Like somebody, um, in that type of situation, they don't have any debt already. They have money and savings and they're still working. Um, you two ought to be maximizing your retirement plans. You ought to be making sure that you're taking advantage of every tax shelter that exists. Um, that means particularly since I know you have, uh, a handful of children, more, more than a handful of you guys can't even play man to man defense anymore. No, I know it's total chaos like that. What I would say is keep doing what you've ostensibly been doing. If you're debt free, it means you're already a good saver and not a big spender. Um, if you know, you're self employed, you ought to be funding a self-employed pension, a SEP IRA or something similar to make sure you're taking advantage of the tax codes. Um, you know, if your husband has benefits through his employer, take advantage of an HSA and it like crazy, but don't use it, let it grow for a few decades. Um, if you have five 29 plans or other college funding for your kids, whether it's just the two of you or whether it's with their grandparents, that would be nice if that was happening, keep doing those things. This is a, this is an opportunity to keep doing what you're doing. Um, I do think there's going to be one of the biggest opportunities coming out of this for all families who have resources. And I know not everyone does. And, and, and that's sort of an unfair thing, but for those families with resources, there's never going to be a better year than this year. I don't think to convert IRAs to Roth IRAs or, or, and the reason for that is that the combination of low tax rates, which I think we all know will go up and low market values, which I think we all believe will go up. If not immediately, then certainly over time means what a great year to pay taxes on some money and then let the recovery happen, tax free. Oh, that's a good idea. You know, I hadn't even thought of that. That's a good idea. The second time there's been a really good opportunity for Roth conversions. The first time was back in 2010 and 2011 because coming out of the great recession, the government needed money. And so what they said was, if you convert in 2010, you can actually split the income on your 2010 and 2011 tax return. So it doesn't creep up your bracket and so forth. I did my entire IRA at that time. Yeah. If I can split the taxes and not get crushed I'm in, um, this will be another opportunity like that. However, it's imperative that you have resources that are not in the IRAs to do this, do not pay the taxes from the retirement account. It defeats the entire purpose, right? So, you know, if you have $50,000 in an IRA and you can move it to a Roth IRA, pay taxes on the 50,000 this year, depending on your tax bracket, it might cost you 15 grand. But if it does, and if you have that in your non-qualified assets and mutual funds in cash, even, um, now's the time to consider that while markets are low and taxes are low, um, particularly the younger you are, the better it is. Absolutely. Now, can you kind of explain to somebody that may not know what you're talking about with the, like an IRA and a Roth IRA? Like, what is, what's the difference and why you would want to do that? An IRA, a traditional IRA, or a traditional 401k or four Oh three B are plans where you take a tax deduction typically for your contributions. And that means that you're contributing money on a pretax basis. You're not paying taxes in the year you contribute and they grow tax deferred for as long as you hold the account, there's no 10 99. There's no capital gains. There's no tax bill on the account until you make withdrawals. When you make withdrawals, it is taxed. Every withdrawal from an IRA is tax. Like it's a paycheck, it's ordinary income. So it'll be at whatever rates exist then. So if you're 30 years old and you're contributing to an IRA and you don't start making withdrawals till you're 70, the account will have grown for 40 years, it will have grown to a very big number. And then you'll be paying taxes on it at a future tax rate in 2060. Um, I have no idea what that tax rate is going to be. We don't know from month to month must let much less decade to decade, but it won't be lower than it is now. So you're not only amplifying the amount of the account. You're also amplifying the amount of future taxes. The Roth is where you fund with after tax dollars, you've already paid your taxes. The Roth can grow tax deferred for as long as you hold the account. And when you make withdrawals, they're tax free income tax free. So they don't affect your tax bracket. They don't affect whether you pay taxes on your social security as a retired person, they don't affect your Medicare premiums. When you're older, they don't affect your tax bracket at all. Um, and the beauty of that is that it, no matter what the tax rates are at that time, those assets are not taxable to you. Yeah. That's, I mean, that's a pretty good deal cause you're not getting, it's my understanding that you're not paying tax on, you know, any of it, like, like you said, like nothing, Oh, well that's, that's correct. But here's the, here's the rub for, um, since the demise of the defined benefit plan, you know, everyone used to have a pension years ago, companies were responsible for it. And the 401k was invented not as an employer, uh, I'm sorry, not as an employee benefit, but as an employer benefit. Cause it took the employers off the hook to provide for retirement for their people four Oh one K was not a gift to employees. It was a gift to employers who no longer had to be responsible. Right. That said the premise of the 401k and the IRA is you're going to want to, you're going to want to make deductible contributions. Now we're going to incent you to do it. Cause you're going to want to do that now because your tax brackets higher now than it will be when you're retired. Well, actually that's a plan to fail. Yeah. All things being equal. If we're all planning, like we make more money at 35 than we will at 65, we're doing it wrong. Yeah. That's true. That's I've never heard it said that way, but that's very true. So, you know, if yes, if you're planning to be nearly impoverished, an abject failure, when you're in your sixties and seventies, then that is the plan for you. But in the event, you're thinking, man, I'm really going to grow some significant wealth. You want your tax bracket and retirement to be as high as possible because it means you have money. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. So would you recommend somebody, um, you know, their, their, um, employer has a 401k and they have a match. Would you still recommend them meeting up to the match and then moving to a four? Well, a lot of these companies have Roth 401ks. You can actually contribute after tax. What Roth Worland, K and still get the match from your employer into the traditional plan. Oh yeah, that's right. That is gonna, um, at least with my last employer, that was kind of a newer thing that they had added, um, that you could do the Roth, your employer in terms of running that plan. They don't care whether you're in the traditional, the Roth makes no difference. It doesn't cost the employer more or less. Um, they're still making the match the same as, as they ever did. The match is not taxable to you when it happens. So it will be taxable when you retire and that's fine. That's typically 3% of your income. I hope you're putting away more than 3% or 5% or 6% of your income, or you will in fact be impoverished and you will need to have a, you will be in a lower tax bracket, you to, to not be putting away at least 15 cents of every dollar you make is a recipe for disaster. And sometimes higher than that, it depends how early or late you start. Now, I have a dumb question here. How did they know? Like which part is the employer match? Like, is it in a different fund or like, how is that? Is it just tracked in the account? Right? When you, when you look at a statement, the statement will have up to five or six different categories for money. So for example, it might have employee contributions, pretax, employee contributions, Roth, employer match, maybe there's an employer, safe Harbor or a profit share. There's forfeitures in the account because in a 401k, if one of your coworkers leaves the company and isn't fully vested air their money that wasn't vested actually gets shared amongst all the employees pro-rata Oh yeah. Um, so there, I mean, there's, there's going to be lots of different kinds of money in those retirement plans, but they all have access to the same mutual funds or investments. So yeah, it's really just an accounting thing. And if you look at your statement, you'll see a lot of the times it's not all in one line, it's multiple lines for that reason. Yeah. I don't, you know, I don't really look at it since I'm not planning to retire anytime soon. And you know, I have a financial advisor too, that kind of helps me with stuff, but yeah, that's not, I mean, it's like, I hadn't like really looked at it close enough to like, notice that difference, I guess, on the, on the broader account, you know, I think there is like, you know, the employer match and stuff, but I guess I didn't really like think about it. Well, if you have an advisor, ask your advisor, um, to, to provide you with some additional education on those kinds of things, it's important for you to not only understand what you're doing, but why. Yeah. And to be able to do that and to be able to articulate it so that you could say, this is what we're doing, this is our plan, and this is why we're doing it. It's empowering for you to know rather than say, Oh, we're in good hands. We've got a good person. That's very true. That is very true. Now with, um, the Roth IRAs, like, is that something that somebody can set up themselves or should they really get an advisor for that? I think almost anything we do as consumers, as American people, you can do any of it on your own. All right. This is not like a dental procedure. It's not a root canal. Um, there's, there's no reason people can't do it themselves. There are reasons maybe people shouldn't do it themselves. And a lot of that has to do with either the complexity of some of it or the, the, uh, emotion around it. I mean, people tend to make horrible decisions with money emotionally, particularly in times of crisis. There's a pendulum between greed and fear that never stops swinging. And you know, in 1999, when markets were going bonkers money magazine was publishing covers that said your neighbors are getting rich. Why aren't you? Mmm. And then you look at, at, at 2008 and it was, the world is ending and the markets could go to zero and we're all going to be broke. And you know, it's very sensationalized. So I guess my point, my point is that the biggest determinant to financial success in my opinion is behavior. Not, economy's not timing, not strategy. It's not about what funds you pick. It's not about, it's not about anything that's in a textbook. It's about the way you react, particularly under stress. Absolutely. What are some of those behaviors that we can kind of start working on now that'll benefit us in the future. I'm one of them, one of the things you can do to curb, some of the behaviors is to put as much on autopilot as possible. So in the same way that if you have an employer and you're putting money into your 401k with every paycheck, you don't have to think about that every other Friday and decided this is something you want to do. [inaudible] um, if you can automate your savings, your investment, your, uh, maybe your debt repayments, whatever you can automate. So that they're, you don't have to torture yourself based on what the news story does. Yours. You'll always be better off. That is a behavior that, um, that will pay dividends. Another is whatever your ability to save looks like today, make a commitment either to ratchet up that percentage every year or every time you get a raise, however you decided to do it, but make it an automatic thing. So if you're saving 8% of your income, make sure it's going to be nine next year. We're make sure when you get a raise, you at least stay at 8% of the higher number. [inaudible], you know, it's those kinds of things sound little and they sound simple. And frankly, once they're set, you can set it and forget it. If you want to look at your statement or quarter, you don't have to, as long as you know that you own a suitable portfolio for yourself and that you're adding to it, every check, you don't have to study it every, every quarter is not necessary, but those behaviors matter. The other thing is, um, do a full financial physical once a year. This is really simple. It's just like keeping yourself healthy, get a physical exam, have your financial advisor, walk you through a full, comprehensive plan once a year. And then everything else can be tactics and strategies and tweaks. But once a year know where you are and know where you are relative to your goal. And am I closer to her further from the goals that we set and how do we need to adjust to, to reset the trajectory? It's like, it's like planning a trip. You know, you know where you are, you know, where you want to be, but it's not linear. No, this is not your you're not going to get the same rate of return every year for 30 years and have the same inflation rate every, every year for 30 years. And it's not going to be simple like that. There'll be plus years and minus years and years where you get a bonus and years where you maybe are out of work for six months. And so it's important to be flexible, but I think once a year, you should take a full inventory, sort of do that full body scan like you would do in meditation for your finances. Yeah. That's a great idea. Um, I think that's really good advice. Um, do you have any last words of wisdom, any last pieces of advice? Yes. Um, what I would say is in, in, in the current environment, it is not, I think, wise to begin a financial planning Exodus today, because any planning you do right now will be impacted by whether you do it on Tuesday or Thursday this week, because markets are moving too much. So what I would say is if you want to consider engaging a financial advisor, go in with the idea right now that it's a second opinion, it's getting a once-over, it's looking at your portfolio, it's getting to know you, but it's not trying to build some kind of fancy trajectory. Don't pay a lot of money for a financial plan right now. Um, because it will not, I don't believe it will make sense for you. It'll be so different in three months that you almost have to start over and you'll, you'll kick yourself. So my advice is yes, get some advice. I do think there's a benefit. I wouldn't do my own tax returns. I think it's good to have an accountant or a tax preparer. Uh, I'm not using legal zoom or one of the websites to do that. I have a lawyer and I have a financial advisor and M financial advisor to hundreds of families. And I do think there's value in professional advice, particularly where it comes to behavior. Oh, absolutely. Yeah. I've got a CPA and a financial advisor. And I mean, obviously I don't know about all the investment stuff like, you know, of course, like you said, you should learn about some of that stuff and at least have a basic understanding of it, but you know, there's nothing wrong with hiring people to help you so that you can make more money and do things, uh, better. Well, th there, there are financial literacy tools out there. Um, there it's not taught in schools, it's, you can graduate with a, with a higher degree in philosophy, sociology, psychology, or, or biology and not have ever taken a course on personal finance cause they just don't exist. Um, but you can find them in the, in the, in the private sector, you can find them through your advisor. You can use various, um, various books or online tools. It just makes sense to educate yourself. It doesn't mean you have to do it yourself, but know what you're talking about, have some idea. Absolutely. Do you have any recommendations for books or, you know, websites of course, uh, your own website as well for learning about these types of things? Well, I, I would say that while there are several, um, the new book that's coming out that I'm publishing this fall, which is called don't retire, graduate is written to be like a college curriculum and it is a financial literacy tool and I'm very excited to have it come out. It matches the podcast that we're doing, and it really is designed to be educational. It's not preachy and it's not a textbook it's written in a very easy language and first person even. So there's that, um, I also put out a, an ebook, um, which is available for free download@wwwdotlowtaxbook.com. And it is on four strategies where you can put money, uh, and never have it taxed again. And of course the Roth is one of those areas, but, um, we've gotten a lot of positive feedback on those. They are ways to learn what some of these strategies are and how to reduce your taxes without reducing your wealth. So those are good. And then just in terms of, of general advice, there are some terrific columnists. I think one of the brightest in the world is Michael Kitces who writes a blog called nerds eye view. Um, and it's brilliant. It's very technical though. So you've gotta be, uh, you have to be interested in, in the, the technical side to really appreciate that. Um, I'm writing more in a, in a way that's, that's easy to understand. Yeah, that's what I need easy to understand. You've got me really excited about this book, so hopefully, um, whenever it gets closer to time to, uh, being ready for purchase, maybe we can talk again and, um, talk to people about, um, about what you're teaching in the book as well. Um, now I do always ask people what their favorite nonfiction book is, you know, besides your book, do you have, do you have a non favorite nonfiction book or, you know, just something to help improve our lives? I think the single greatest book ever written is Atlas shrugged. Um, and if, if you're familiar with Ann Rand, it is, it is a fictional story, but a lot of the book is nonfiction to the sense that it's philosophy, it's philosophy, it's economics, it's brilliant. Um, and it's a fascinating view of sort of how the world works and, and, and things that are happening now. It was written 60 years ago and it looks very much like our world today. So I think it's worth picking up. It is a heavy read. It's a long book. Um, but it's, it's definitely worth reading. All right, I'll have to add that to my list. I have a very long list and no time to read right now. So where can people find you if they want to learn more about you? Um, our company website is B F G F a.com and that's the BFG financial advisors site. I already mentioned low tax book.com and my podcast is that don't retire, graduate.com. So I'm pretty easy to find on social media and all the various sites you do. And, um, I look forward to connecting with some of your listeners. All right. Well, thank you so much for taking your time to speak with us today about all this great advice on what to do right now, when everybody's panicking and, you know, stressed about their finances, definitely their retirement accounts and things like that. So, um, I really appreciate you coming on and, you know, calming some of those fears for us. Well, I hope I helped a few folks and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks, actually for having me. Thanks. Thank you so much to Eric for taking the time to speak with us today. And don't forget to go get your free budget spreadsheet, budget, a paycheck budget spreadsheet@leadstopbudgetsmadeeasy.com slash budget dash sheet, and I will link to it in the show notes. And I will talk to you guys soon. Special Guest: Eric Brotman.

Hello and welcome! On this episode I have Eric Brotman come on the show and answer listener questions. Literally a wealth of knowledge and I think he's the funniest guest I've ever had. Lots of gems in there and I am so excited for you to hear them. Have more questions for Eric Brotman? He can answer them during the Office Hours segment of his podcast, Don't Retire… Graduate! Just send them to @DontRetireGraduate on Facebook or @BrotmanPlanning on Twitter. Please be on the look out for his new book Dont Retire…Graduate! (September 15th) His completely free ebook is online lowtaxbook.com where he has strategies for saving on taxes You can find more of his information Bfgfa.com - his firms website Dontretiregraduate.com - website for his podcast and other media Make sure to listen his podcast which is the title of the book and where he answers listen Don't Retire…Graduate! And make sure to follow me @them2mpodcast Subscribe, leave ratings, reviews, tell your friends, DM me and #keepitonemillion --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/paris-grant/support