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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 retirement credits, claiming too early, coordinating benefits as a team, and the impact of the earnings test. Brooks explains why spousal benefits follow different rules and why getting the decision right the first time can make a meaningful difference in retirement income planning.

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 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 retirement credits, claiming too early, coordinating benefits as a team, and the impact of the earnings test. Brooks explains why spousal benefits follow different rules and why getting the decision right the first time can make a meaningful difference in retirement income planning.
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!

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

The Social Security Rule Couples Get Wrong

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 inflation headlines, market uncertainty, and lifelong saving habits can create unnecessary fear, even when retirement plans remain strong. Brooks shares common signs of underspending, explains the value of personalized income planning, and discusses how guaranteed income strategies may help reduce financial stress and improve confidence in retirement.

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 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 inflation headlines, market uncertainty, and lifelong saving habits can create unnecessary fear, even when retirement plans remain strong. Brooks shares common signs of underspending, explains the value of personalized income planning, and discusses how guaranteed income strategies may help reduce financial stress and improve confidence in retirement.
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!

Too Afraid to Spend in Retirement?

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 on defining your legacy, involving future generations in the planning process, and avoiding common mistakes that can undermine long-term goals. Through a real client story, Brooks illustrates how thoughtful planning can create a lasting connection between family, community, and the causes that matter most.

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 most valuable part of your estate isn't the money you leave behind? Inspired by reflections on Dolly Parton&rsquo;s legacy, Brooks Bernhagen explores how estate planning can pass along values, traditions, purpose, and charitable impact alongside financial assets. He shares practical thoughts on defining your legacy, involving future generations in the planning process, and avoiding common mistakes that can undermine long-term goals. Through a real client story, Brooks illustrates how thoughtful planning can create a lasting connection between family, community, and the causes that matter most.
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!

The Difference Between Leaving an Inheritance and Leaving a Legacy

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, longevity, and sequence of returns can impact withdrawals over time. Brooks shares why flexibility, guardrails, guaranteed income sources, and a bucket strategy may be more practical than following a rigid rule. The episode also looks at why many retirees worry more about overspending than fully enjoying the money they worked hard to save.

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!

Is the famous 4% rule giving retirees a false sense of certainty? Brooks Bernhagen examines William Bengen&rsquo;s updated 4.7% withdrawal rate and explains why retirement income planning shouldn&rsquo;t rely on a single percentage. The conversation explores how market volatility, inflation, healthcare costs, longevity, and sequence of returns can impact withdrawals over time. Brooks shares why flexibility, guardrails, guaranteed income sources, and a bucket strategy may be more practical than following a rigid rule. The episode also looks at why many retirees worry more about overspending than fully enjoying the money they worked hard to save.
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!

The Social Security Rule Couples Get Wrong

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