Living Longer Changes Everything: Rethinking Retirement Planning

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 conversat…

The Hidden Cost of FOMO in 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 retiremen…

Understanding the U.S. Retirement Landscape

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 l…

The Psychology Behind a Well-Planned Retirement

What if the biggest factor shaping your retirement isn’t the market—but your mindset? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Bridget Engstrom explores how behavioral finance influences the decisions people make as they prepare for life after work. She introduces the ideas of being “anchored” and …

When Saving Stops: The Other Half of Retirement Planning

What happens when the paycheck stops, but the decisions don’t? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom breaks down the often-overlooked side of retirement planning: turning savings into sustainable income. She walks through the concept of a retirement blueprint, focusing on how i…

Are You Funding Your Kids’ Lives at the Expense of Your Retirement?

What happens when supporting adult children collides with planning for your own financial future? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom explores the balancing act many parents face as they approach retirement. She highlights why maintaining personal financial stability is essen…

The Financial Line Parents Are Struggling to Draw

What happens when supporting adult children starts reshaping a parent’s own financial future? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom dives into the rising trend of parents covering expenses for grown kids, often without realizing how it strains their long‑term plans. From rent …

Special Holiday Interview - Trisha Yearwood

Brigette Engstrom sits down with the award-winning Trisha Yearwood to reflect on her journey of personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and the balance between her music career and family life. She shares insights on how her experiences have shaped her music and her approach to life, empha…

Five Red Flags That Could Derail Your Retirement

Think you’re ready to retire? Think again. In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom dives into the often-overlooked details that can make or break your retirement plans. From understanding your financial numbers to planning for healthcare costs, Bridget explains why alignment betw…

Retirement Came Early—Now What?

What happens when retirement comes sooner than expected?  Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial dives into the realities of navigating an unplanned exit from the workforce. From understanding Social Security and budgeting wisely to evaluating health insurance options, this conversation offer…