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What if the biggest retirement risks aren’t the ones you’re planning for? 

In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services unpacks common myths around long-term care and why it’s more than just nursing homes; it’s about preparing for life’s unexpected turns. With healthcare costs steadily rising and Medicare expenses up significantly over time, having a thoughtful strategy matters. Brigette walks through key considerations like creating multiple income sources, exploring alternatives to traditional insurance, and building a comprehensive retirement blueprint designed for flexibility. The conversation highlights how longevity, healthcare needs, and income planning all intersect, and why waiting to plan could create unnecessary pressure later. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach retirement with more clarity and intention, this episode offers practical insights to help you start thinking ahead.

Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

 

What if the biggest retirement risks aren&rsquo;t the ones you&rsquo;re planning for? 
In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services unpacks common myths around long-term care and why it&rsquo;s more than just nursing homes; it&rsquo;s about preparing for life&rsquo;s unexpected turns. With healthcare costs steadily rising and Medicare expenses up significantly over time, having a thoughtful strategy matters. Brigette walks through key considerations like creating multiple income sources, exploring alternatives to traditional insurance, and building a comprehensive retirement blueprint designed for flexibility. The conversation highlights how longevity, healthcare needs, and income planning all intersect, and why waiting to plan could create unnecessary pressure later. If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered how to approach retirement with more clarity and intention, this episode offers practical insights to help you start thinking ahead.
Visit <a href="https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/">www.bluemonarchfinancial.com</a> for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.
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Are You Really Prepared for Retirement’s Hidden Costs?

What if one of the biggest risks to your retirement has nothing to do with how much you’ve saved, but when you use it?

In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services breaks down key retirement planning considerations, including sequence of returns risk and some of the most common myths surrounding retirement finances. The conversation explores how market timing, withdrawal strategies, and expectations can shape the retirement experience, especially in the early years. Bridget also discusses why planning goes beyond balances and percentages and requires understanding how different risks can interact over time. Whether retirement is approaching or still on the horizon, this episode offers thoughtful insights designed to help listeners better understand the challenges and the planning conversations that matter most as they prepare for the next chapter.

Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

 

What if one of the biggest risks to your retirement has nothing to do with how much you&rsquo;ve saved, but&nbsp;when you use it?
In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services breaks down key retirement planning considerations, including sequence of returns risk and some of the most common myths surrounding retirement finances. The conversation explores how market timing, withdrawal strategies, and expectations can shape the retirement experience, especially in the early years. Bridget also discusses why planning goes beyond balances and percentages and requires understanding how different risks can interact over time. Whether retirement is approaching or still on the horizon, this episode offers thoughtful insights designed to help listeners better understand the challenges and the planning conversations that matter most as they prepare for the next chapter.
Visit <a href="https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/">www.bluemonarchfinancial.com</a> for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.
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Retirement Readiness Podcast - 042826

What do most people get wrong about retirement planning, and how can those misunderstandings quietly derail their plans?

 In this episode, we’re joined by Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services to unpack some of the most overlooked and misunderstood aspects of preparing for retirement.

Brigette breaks down common long-term care myths, explains how different income sources may work together in retirement, and highlights why having a coordinated, big-picture plan matters more than focusing on just one piece of the puzzle. The conversation explores how planning decisions made today can impact flexibility, confidence, and financial clarity later in life, especially when it comes to healthcare costs and sustainable income.

Whether retirement is right around the corner or still years away, this episode encourages listeners to think more critically about how all the moving parts of a retirement strategy fit together.

Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

What do most people get wrong about retirement planning, and how can those misunderstandings quietly derail their plans?
&nbsp;In this episode, we&rsquo;re joined by Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services to unpack some of the most overlooked and misunderstood aspects of preparing for retirement.
Brigette breaks down common long-term care myths, explains how different income sources may work together in retirement, and highlights why having a coordinated, big-picture plan matters more than focusing on just one piece of the puzzle. The conversation explores how planning decisions made today can impact flexibility, confidence, and financial clarity later in life, especially when it comes to healthcare costs and sustainable income.
Whether retirement is right around the corner or still years away, this episode encourages listeners to think more critically about how all the moving parts of a retirement strategy fit together.
Visit <a href="https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/">www.bluemonarchfinancial.com</a> for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

Income, Long-Term Care, and the Gaps No One Talks About

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Most people plan for retirement… but few plan for how retirement changes over time.

In this episode, Brigette Engrstrom breaks down the three often-overlooked phases of retirement—the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years, and why understanding them can shape smarter conversations about spending, lifestyle, and health as retirement unfolds. You’ll learn what typically defines each phase, how expenses may shift, and where many retirees are caught off guard, especially when it comes to healthcare and long-term care considerations. This discussion is designed to help listeners think more intentionally about timing, expectations, and communication with family as retirement evolves. Whether retirement is right around the corner or still a few years away, this episode offers a practical framework for thinking beyond a single “retirement number” and instead planning for the different seasons that may come with it.

Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

Most people plan for retirement&hellip; but few plan for how retirement changes over time.
In this episode, Brigette Engrstrom breaks down the three often-overlooked phases of retirement&mdash;the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years, and why understanding them can shape smarter conversations about spending, lifestyle, and health as retirement unfolds. You&rsquo;ll learn what typically defines each phase, how expenses may shift, and where many retirees are caught off guard, especially when it comes to healthcare and long-term care considerations. This discussion is designed to help listeners think more intentionally about timing, expectations, and communication with family as retirement evolves. Whether retirement is right around the corner or still a few years away, this episode offers a practical framework for thinking beyond a single &ldquo;retirement number&rdquo; and instead planning for the different seasons that may come with it.
Visit <a href="https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/">www.bluemonarchfinancial.com</a> for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

Three Phases of Retirement Almost No One Plans For

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn’t the market, but the order in which returns show up?


In this episode, Brigette Engstrom breaks down several retirement planning concepts that often get misunderstood, including sequence of returns risk and why the popular 4% rule may not work the same way for everyone. The conversation also explores tax‑efficient withdrawal strategies and how taxes, timing, and market conditions can shape retirement income over time. Along the way, Bridget addresses common retirement myths and highlights planning considerations retirees and pre‑retirees should understand before turning their savings into income. This episode is designed to help listeners think more clearly about how different risks interact in retirement and why having a flexible, well‑thought‑out strategy matters.

Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn&rsquo;t the market, but the order in which returns show up?
 In this episode, Brigette Engstrom breaks down several retirement planning concepts that often get misunderstood, including sequence of returns risk and why the popular 4% rule may not work the same way for everyone. The conversation also explores tax‑efficient withdrawal strategies and how taxes, timing, and market conditions can shape retirement income over time. Along the way, Bridget addresses common retirement myths and highlights planning considerations retirees and pre‑retirees should understand before turning their savings into income. This episode is designed to help listeners think more clearly about how different risks interact in retirement and why having a flexible, well‑thought‑out strategy matters.
Visit <a href="https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/">www.bluemonarchfinancial.com</a> for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

Is the 4% Rule Still Relevant in Today’s Retirement Reality?

Many retirees are surprised to learn they may be paying more in taxes than they expected, sometimes without realizing why. In this episode, financial professional Brigette Engstrom breaks down how taxes work in retirement and why common assumptions about lower tax brackets can miss the mark. The conversation explores three often-overlooked areas where taxes can add up, including capital gains, Roth conversion timing, and Medicare IRMAA surcharges. Brigetet also shares how income sequencing, withdrawal timing, and the thoughtful use of tax-advantaged accounts can play a role in retirement income planning. If you want a clearer understanding of how different income sources interact with taxes in retirement, this discussion offers practical explanations and planning considerations to help you make more informed decisions.

Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

Many retirees are surprised to learn they may be paying more in taxes than they expected, sometimes without realizing why. In this episode, financial professional Brigette Engstrom breaks down how taxes work in retirement and why common assumptions about lower tax brackets can miss the mark. The conversation explores three often-overlooked areas where taxes can add up, including capital gains, Roth conversion timing, and Medicare IRMAA surcharges. Brigetet also shares how income sequencing, withdrawal timing, and the thoughtful use of tax-advantaged accounts can play a role in retirement income planning. If you want a clearer understanding of how different income sources interact with taxes in retirement, this discussion offers practical explanations and planning considerations to help you make more informed decisions.
Visit <a href="https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/">www.bluemonarchfinancial.com</a> for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

Why Retirees Often Pay More in Taxes Than They Expect

What happens when family obligations and timing decisions quietly stretch retirement savings?

In this episode, Brigette Engstrom will explore the real-world financial pressures many retirees face and why thoughtful retirement planning matters long before the paycheck stops. The conversation examines how helping adult children can affect long-term income, the trade-offs among Social Security claiming approaches, and how guaranteed-income tools, such as annuities, fit into a broader retirement strategy. Rather than focusing on products or predictions, this discussion centers on planning choices, trade-offs, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal priorities. It’s a practical look at the questions retirees and pre-retirees are asking today and the planning considerations that are often overlooked. 

Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

What happens when family obligations and timing decisions quietly stretch retirement savings?
In this episode, Brigette Engstrom will explore the real-world financial pressures many retirees face and why thoughtful retirement planning matters long before the paycheck stops. The conversation examines how helping adult children can affect long-term income, the trade-offs among Social Security claiming approaches, and how guaranteed-income tools, such as annuities, fit into a broader retirement strategy. Rather than focusing on products or predictions, this discussion centers on planning choices, trade-offs, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal priorities. It&rsquo;s a practical look at the questions retirees and pre-retirees are asking today and the planning considerations that are often overlooked.&nbsp;
Visit <a href="https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/">www.bluemonarchfinancial.com</a> for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

When Family, Timing, and Retirement Income Collide

What if the biggest risks to retirement aren’t market swings, but the assumptions we rarely question?
In this episode, Brigette Engstrom takes a holistic look at retirement planning through the lens of longevity, rising healthcare costs, legal preparedness, and the realities of aging. The conversation explores why living longer can complicate financial decisions, how healthcare expenses can quietly reshape retirement expectations, and the importance of having legal and personal plans aligned with financial goals. Bridget also addresses common misconceptions that may leave retirees exposed and highlights the value of thinking beyond investments alone. This discussion is designed to encourage a more complete view of retirement, one that considers not just money, but the life it’s meant to support.

Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

 

What if the biggest risks to retirement aren&rsquo;t market swings, but the assumptions we rarely question? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom takes a holistic look at retirement planning through the lens of longevity, rising healthcare costs, legal preparedness, and the realities of aging. The conversation explores why living longer can complicate financial decisions, how healthcare expenses can quietly reshape retirement expectations, and the importance of having legal and personal plans aligned with financial goals. Bridget also addresses common misconceptions that may leave retirees exposed and highlights the value of thinking beyond investments alone. This discussion is designed to encourage a more complete view of retirement, one that considers not just money, but the life it&rsquo;s meant to support.
Visit <a href="https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/">www.bluemonarchfinancial.com</a> for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.
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Living Longer Changes Everything: Rethinking Retirement Planning

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn’t the market—but how you feel about it?
In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom explores the emotional side of financial decision‑making and how fear of missing out can quietly shape investment choices. She breaks down why retirement planning isn’t just about numbers, but about balancing emotion with clear strategy. The conversation takes a closer look at often-overlooked realities like healthcare expenses and long-term care, and how they fit into a sustainable retirement income plan. By addressing both mindset and mechanics, this episode highlights how thoughtful planning can bring clarity to complex decisions and help people approach retirement with greater confidence and perspective.

Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn&rsquo;t the market&mdash;but how you feel about it? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom explores the emotional side of financial decision‑making and how fear of missing out can quietly shape investment choices. She breaks down why retirement planning isn&rsquo;t just about numbers, but about balancing emotion with clear strategy. The conversation takes a closer look at often-overlooked realities like healthcare expenses and long-term care, and how they fit into a sustainable retirement income plan. By addressing both mindset and mechanics, this episode highlights how thoughtful planning can bring clarity to complex decisions and help people approach retirement with greater confidence and perspective.
Visit <a href="https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/">www.bluemonarchfinancial.com</a> for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.

The Hidden Cost of FOMO in Retirement Planning

Retirement isn’t just about how much you save—it’s about how your money works when the paycheck stops. In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom takes a clear-eyed look at the current state of the U.S. retirement system and the growing challenges individuals face as they plan for life after work. She explains why focusing solely on account balances can miss the bigger picture and why understanding retirement income is central to long-term financial clarity. The conversation explores the shift away from traditional pensions toward self-funded retirement through 401(k) plans, and what that change means for today’s workers and retirees. Bridget also discusses the value of having a financial blueprint to help navigate retirement decisions with confidence and context, encouraging listeners to engage more thoughtfully with how their retirement strategy is built.

 

Retirement isn&rsquo;t just about how much you save&mdash;it&rsquo;s about how your money works when the paycheck stops. In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom takes a clear-eyed look at the current state of the U.S. retirement system and the growing challenges individuals face as they plan for life after work. She explains why focusing solely on account balances can miss the bigger picture and why understanding retirement income is central to long-term financial clarity. The conversation explores the shift away from traditional pensions toward self-funded retirement through 401(k) plans, and what that change means for today&rsquo;s workers and retirees. Bridget also discusses the value of having a financial blueprint to help navigate retirement decisions with confidence and context, encouraging listeners to engage more thoughtfully with how their retirement strategy is built.
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Understanding the U.S. Retirement Landscape

Wisdom and guidance for your retirement journey just landed on your favorite streaming platform.  Blue Monarch Financial Services brings you Retirement Readiness, your resource for on-the-go financial and retirement solutions to help your golden years take flight and flourish.

On each episode, your host Brigette Engstrom, Founder and CEO of Blue Monarch Financial Services, will share her experience, knowledge, and personal stories to help you cultivate greater empowerment and confidence in your own financial journey.  Whether your retirement is still in its beginning stage or already in flight, Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom is your go-to companion for transforming your retirement into a bright and purposeful new beginning.

Wisdom and guidance for your retirement journey just landed on your favorite streaming platform.&nbsp; Blue Monarch Financial Services brings you Retirement Readiness, your resource for on-the-go financial and retirement solutions to help your golden years take flight and flourish. On each episode, your host Brigette Engstrom, Founder and CEO of Blue Monarch Financial Services, will share her experience, knowledge, and personal stories to help you cultivate greater empowerment and confidence in your own financial journey.&nbsp; Whether your retirement is still in its beginning stage or already in flight, Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom is your go-to companion for transforming your retirement into a bright and purposeful new beginning.

Retirement Readiness

Wisdom and guidance for your retirement journey just landed on your favorite streaming platform. Blue Monarch Financial Services brings you Retirement Readiness, your resource for on-the-go financial and retirement solutions to help your golden years take flight and flourish.

On each episode, your host Brigette Engstrom, Founder and CEO of Blue Monarch Financial Services, will share her experience, knowledge, and personal stories to help you cultivate greater empowerment and confidence in your own financial journey. Whether your retirement strategy is still in its beginning stage or already in flight, Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom is your go-to companion for transforming your retirement into a bright and purposeful new beginning.

Wisdom and guidance for your retirement journey just landed on your favorite streaming platform. Blue Monarch Financial Services brings you Retirement Readiness, your resource for on-the-go financial and retirement solutions to help your golden years take flight and flourish.
On each episode, your host Brigette Engstrom, Founder and CEO of Blue Monarch Financial Services, will share her experience, knowledge, and personal stories to help you cultivate greater empowerment and confidence in your own financial journey. Whether your retirement strategy is still in its beginning stage or already in flight, Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom is your go-to companion for transforming your retirement into a bright and purposeful new beginning.

Retirement Readiness

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