The Hidden Cost of Dipping Into Your 401(k)

When everyday bills start competing with your retirement savings, the pressure can feel relentless. In this episode, Brooks walks through the real conversations he’s having with retirees who are considering tapping retirement accounts just to keep up with rising costs. From hidden tax consequences …

Why Social Security Alone Isn’t the Retirement Plan You Think It Is

Even Oprah’s Social Security check comes with a surprising lesson for the rest of us. This episode explores why Social Security replaces only a portion of retirement income and what that shortfall means for everyday retirees. Brooks breaks down how dependable income sources can work alongside Socia…

The Money You Don’t Spend Might Matter Most

What if the smartest money move you ever made was the money you never touched? A surprising story from Rob Gronkowski sparks a practical conversation about building a wall between today’s spending and tomorrow’s security. Brooks breaks down a simple two‑bucket approach that separates living money f…

The Hidden Risks Lurking Inside Your Retirement Portfolio

What happens when retirees chase tech‑stock excitement without seeing the hidden risks? In this episode, Brooks breaks down how sector imbalances quietly build inside portfolios and why an X‑ray of your holdings can reveal far more “catch‑up” than true diversification. He explains how guardrails, d…

You Don’t Need $1 Million to Retire Well

Only three out of one hundred Americans retire with a million dollars... so what does everyone else do? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down why successful retirement isn’t about hitting a magic number but about building a strategy that stretches what you do have. From income planning and …

The $6,000 Deduction Every Retiree Should Understand

What if one mindset shift could change how much of your retirement income you actually keep? In this episode, Brooks breaks down why the new $6,000 senior deduction is more than a tax-season perk... it’s a reminder that strategic, year‑round tax planning can meaningfully lower lifetime taxes. He ex…

Retirement Scams to Look Out For in 2026

Millions of Americans retiring at once are creating the perfect storm for financial predators... and most people don’t even realize they’re in the blast zone. In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down the red flags every retiree should watch for, from high‑pressure “act now” tactics to one‑size…

The Retirement Move Most People Regret And Why It Happens

Ever wondered why so many retirees end up moving back home after chasing sunshine and lower taxes? In this episode, Brooks breaks down the real drivers of retirement happiness: your plan, your priorities, and your people. From the myth of the “perfect retirement city” to the emotional pull of famil…

The Truth Behind Guaranteed Paychecks in 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 map…

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

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…