Are you ready for Uncle Sam’s holiday surprise? This episode dives into the critical decisions around Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and why taking more than the minimum could reshape your retirement future. Brooks explains how tax brackets, account balances, and long-term planning intersect—and why timing matters. Plus, discover strategies like income layering and guaranteed income to weather market uncertainty and extend your financial confidence well into your 80s, 90s, or beyond. If retirement is on your horizon, this conversation is packed with insights you can’t afford to overlook.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

Are you ready for Uncle Sam&rsquo;s holiday surprise? This episode dives into the critical decisions around Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and why taking more than the minimum could reshape your retirement future. Brooks explains how tax brackets, account balances, and long-term planning intersect&mdash;and why timing matters. Plus, discover strategies like income layering and guaranteed income to weather market uncertainty and extend your financial confidence well into your 80s, 90s, or beyond. If retirement is on your horizon, this conversation is packed with insights you can&rsquo;t afford to overlook.
Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on <a href="https://www.kotaradio.com/">KOTA</a>.
Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit <a href="https://brooksfg.com/">https://brooksfg.com/</a> to connect with Brooks and his team today!

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 retirement tips you’re looking for, the Retirement Referee is always a podcast instant replay. Listen and subscribe today!

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 retirement tips you’re looking for, the Retirement Referee is always a podcast instant replay. Listen and subscribe today!

The Retirement Referee with Brooks Bernhagen

The Retirement Referee

Uncle Sam’s Holiday Surprise: RMDs Explained | Should You Take More Than Your Minimum? | Income Layering: The Key to Stress-Free Retirement

Retirement may be on the horizon, but the real question is whether your income is ready for the road ahead. In this episode, Brooks breaks down how guaranteed income can bring clarity, stability, and confidence as you transition from saving to spending. From defining your true monthly number to mapping income sources, stress‑testing your plan, and clearing up common annuity misconceptions, this conversation reveals how understanding your options can reshape your retirement outlook. Discover why separating investment performance from guaranteed income can lift the fog and help you move forward with purpose.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

Retirement may be on the horizon, but the real question is whether your income is ready for the road ahead. In this episode, Brooks breaks down how guaranteed income can bring clarity, stability, and confidence as you transition from saving to spending. From defining your true monthly number to mapping income sources, stress‑testing your plan, and clearing up common annuity misconceptions, this conversation reveals how understanding your options can reshape your retirement outlook. Discover why separating investment performance from guaranteed income can lift the fog and help you move forward with purpose.
Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on <a href="https://www.kotaradio.com/">KOTA</a>.
Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit <a href="https://brooksfg.com/">https://brooksfg.com/</a> to connect with Brooks and his team today!

The Truth Behind Guaranteed Paychecks in Retirement

What do RVs, retirement, and hand sanitizer have in common? They all remind us that life is full of unexpected risks—and your retirement plan is no different. In this episode of Retirement Referee, Brooks uncovers the hidden threats that can quietly derail your financial future, from market volatility and emotional decision-making to sneaky portfolio fees. You’ll learn how to “test drive” your retirement plan, why true diversification goes beyond your 401(k), and how to build a strategy that stands strong—even if Social Security takes a hit. Whether you’re five years away or already retired, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you stay confident and in control.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

What do RVs, retirement, and hand sanitizer have in common? They all remind us that life is full of unexpected risks&mdash;and your retirement plan is no different. In this episode of Retirement Referee, Brooks uncovers the hidden threats that can quietly derail your financial future, from market volatility and emotional decision-making to sneaky portfolio fees. You&rsquo;ll learn how to &ldquo;test drive&rdquo; your retirement plan, why true diversification goes beyond your 401(k), and how to build a strategy that stands strong&mdash;even if Social Security takes a hit. Whether you&rsquo;re five years away or already retired, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you stay confident and in control.
Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on <a href="https://www.kotaradio.com/">KOTA</a>.
Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit <a href="https://brooksfg.com/">https://brooksfg.com/</a> to connect with Brooks and his team today!

Retirement Under Pressure: Outsmarting Risks Before They Strike | Beyond the 401(k): Building a Retirement Plan That Lasts | Hidden Retirement Risks—and How to Beat Them

Worried about the stock market roller coaster as retirement approaches? In this episode, Brooks shares strategies for building stability without sacrificing growth, including how fixed index annuities can protect your principal while capturing upside potential. We also dive into the “great wealth transfer,” why much of it will go sideways to surviving spouses, and the steps women should take to prepare for managing significant assets. Plus, Brooks breaks down common inheritance pitfalls and how to avoid turning a windfall into a burden.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

Worried about the stock market roller coaster as retirement approaches? In this episode, Brooks shares strategies for building stability without sacrificing growth, including how fixed index annuities can protect your principal while capturing upside potential. We also dive into the &ldquo;great wealth transfer,&rdquo; why much of it will go sideways to surviving spouses, and the steps women should take to prepare for managing significant assets. Plus, Brooks breaks down common inheritance pitfalls and how to avoid turning a windfall into a burden.
Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kotaradio.com/">KOTA</a>.
Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit <a href="https://brooksfg.com/">https://brooksfg.com/</a> to connect with Brooks and his team today!

Uncle Sam’s Holiday Surprise: RMDs Explained | Should You Take More Than Your Minimum? | Income Layering: The Key to Stress-Free Retirement

The Retirement Referee with Brooks Bernhagen

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