The Retirement Referee
The Retirement Referee
When your retirement gets down to game time, who do you want making the calls? Don’t settle for second-best – get the advisor that knows the rules. The Retirement Referee, hosted by Brooks Financial Group founder Brooks Bernhagen, shows how to go by the rulebook and get the most out of your retirement. With experienced insights, weekly deep dives into the financial trends of the day, and the reti…Social links:
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Too Afraid to Spend in Retirement?
What if the biggest retirement mistake isn't spending too much, but spending too little? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen explores the growing challenge of retirement underspending and why many retirees hesitate to enjoy the money they've worked decades to save. The conversation examines how infla…
12:02Clean
The Difference Between Leaving an Inheritance and Leaving a Legacy
What if the most valuable part of your estate isn't the money you leave behind? Inspired by reflections on Dolly Parton’s legacy, Brooks Bernhagen explores how estate planning can pass along values, traditions, purpose, and charitable impact alongside financial assets. He shares practical thoughts …
11:05Clean
Retiring on Autopilot? The Risk Hidden in the 4% Rule
Is the famous 4% rule giving retirees a false sense of certainty? Brooks Bernhagen examines William Bengen’s updated 4.7% withdrawal rate and explains why retirement income planning shouldn’t rely on a single percentage. The conversation explores how market volatility, inflation, healthcare costs, …
11:38Clean
The Social Security Rule Couples Get Wrong
What if a misunderstanding about Social Security spousal benefits could quietly cost your household thousands of dollars in retirement? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down some of the most common mistakes couples make when claiming Social Security, including misconceptions about delayed r…
11:24Clean
The Retirement Question Most Savers Haven’t Answered
What if the biggest risk in retirement isn’t the stock market, but not knowing where your next paycheck will come from? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen explains why guaranteed income can play a critical role in retirement planning and how it may help cover essential expenses when work income stop…
12:44Clean
Can You Retire Sooner Than You Think?
What if the biggest thing keeping you from retiring isn't your finances, but your fear? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen discusses why many Americans plan to work longer than expected, even when they may already be financially prepared for retirement. He explores the emotional side of leaving a pa…
11:47Clean
Warren Buffett Went to Cash… Should Retirees Do the Same?
What if playing it safe in retirement could create a bigger risk than staying invested? Warren Buffett’s move of $373 billion into cash sparks a conversation about how retirees often react to market uncertainty and whether moving everything to cash is really the safest option. Brooks Bernhagen expl…
09:41Clean
Could Your Retirement Savings Trigger a Tax Bomb?
Could a successful retirement account become a costly tax headache later in life? Brooks Bernhagen breaks down the story of an 80-year-old facing a $300,000 required minimum distribution and explains how large IRAs and 401(k)s can create unexpected tax challenges in retirement. The conversation exp…
12:20Clean
Is FOMO Quietly Hijacking Your Retirement Plan?
When everyone seems to be making money in the market, how do you know if you're investing wisely or just chasing the crowd? Brooks Bernhagen explores how fear of missing out (FOMO) can derail retirement planning and why retirees need a different mindset than younger investors. Learn how income foun…
08:21Clean
Why Retirement Costs More Than You Think
What if the biggest surprises in retirement are the ones most people never see coming? Brooks Bernhagen explores several retirement realities that often feel foreign to future retirees, including why spending may increase during the early years of retirement, how taxes can remain a factor after lea…
08:11Clean