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…

Is Your Portfolio Ready for the Next Chapter?

Are you ready for the financial reality of retirement? This episode, Brigette Engstom dives into why regular reviews of your investment accounts and asset allocation aren’t just smart, they’re essential. As retirement approaches, small oversights can lead to big consequences. We’ll explore practic…

Why Your Tax Bracket Isn’t What You Think

Think retirement means lower taxes? Think again. In this episode, Brigette Engstrom reveals how common income sources—like Social Security, pensions, and investments—can unexpectedly impact your tax bracket. She explains why tax-free income strategies and ongoing planning matter more than one-time …

Inflation, Income & the Retirement Puzzle

What if your retirement income isn’t as reliable as you think? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Bridget Engstrom breaks down the essentials of crafting a personalized retirement plan. She explores how to build dependable income streams, the role Social Security plays, and how fixed income i…