What do ketchup, TSA, and Roth conversions have in common? Retirement risks. In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down how to navigate economic uncertainty, avoid hidden portfolio hazards, and approach Roth conversions without triggering costly Medicare surprises. From the “bucket strategy” to the “IRMAA trap,” learn how to spot and manage the financial fire risks that could derail your retirement game plan.

 

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

What do ketchup, TSA, and Roth conversions have in common? Retirement risks. In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down how to navigate economic uncertainty, avoid hidden portfolio hazards, and approach Roth conversions without triggering costly Medicare surprises. From the &ldquo;bucket strategy&rdquo; to the &ldquo;IRMAA trap,&rdquo; learn how to spot and manage the financial fire risks that could derail your retirement game plan.
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Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit&nbsp;<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

Retirement X-Ray: Spotting Financial Fires Before They Burn

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 Social Security to create stability, clarity, and confidence in retirement. The conversation covers building an income floor, separating “dream” spending from baseline needs, and reducing reliance on market performance. You’ll also hear how early planning, cash buffers, and flexible withdrawal strategies can help retirees stay steady through market ups and downs—without chasing returns or guessing what comes next.

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!

Even Oprah&rsquo;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 Social Security to create stability, clarity, and confidence in retirement. The conversation covers building an income floor, separating &ldquo;dream&rdquo; spending from baseline needs, and reducing reliance on market performance. You&rsquo;ll also hear how early planning, cash buffers, and flexible withdrawal strategies can help retirees stay steady through market ups and downs&mdash;without chasing returns or guessing what comes next.
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!

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

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 from long‑term money, helping everyday earners avoid lifestyle creep and build wealth quietly. From automation to side‑car savings and subtle habit shifts, this episode explores how structure—not sacrifice—can create confidence around retirement while still enjoying life right now.

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 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&rsquo;s spending and tomorrow&rsquo;s security. Brooks breaks down a simple two‑bucket approach that separates living money from long‑term money, helping everyday earners avoid lifestyle creep and build wealth quietly. From automation to side‑car savings and subtle habit shifts, this episode explores how structure&mdash;not sacrifice&mdash;can create confidence around retirement while still enjoying life right now.
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 Money You Don’t Spend Might Matter Most

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, disciplined rebalancing, and income‑first planning help retirees participate in growth without relying on any one sector. The conversation then shifts to easing into retirement, exploring how part‑time work, budgeting, health‑care considerations, and a structured “retirement bridge” can protect lifestyle and peace of mind.

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 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 &ldquo;catch‑up&rdquo; than true diversification. He explains how guardrails, disciplined rebalancing, and income‑first planning help retirees participate in growth without relying on any one sector. The conversation then shifts to easing into retirement, exploring how part‑time work, budgeting, health‑care considerations, and a structured &ldquo;retirement bridge&rdquo; can protect lifestyle and peace of mind.
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 X-Ray: Spotting Financial Fires Before They Burn

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