In this conversation, retirement strategist Brooks Bernhagen discusses the essential concepts of retirement planning, focusing on the differences between qualified and non-qualified money, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the importance of maximizing retirement contributions. He also introduces the 10-10-10 rule for retirement savings, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to tax strategies in retirement.

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

In this conversation, retirement strategist Brooks Bernhagen discusses the essential concepts of retirement planning, focusing on the differences between qualified and non-qualified money, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the importance of maximizing retirement contributions. He also introduces the 10-10-10 rule for retirement savings, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to tax strategies in retirement.
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

Understanding Qualified vs Non-Qualified Money

What if the biggest retirement risk for couples isn’t the market—but silence at the dinner table? On this episode of the Retirement Referee Podcast, Brooks Burnhagen breaks down why treating money as a “one‑person job” creates stress, imbalance, and confusion when life throws a curveball. He explains how shared goals, short money conversations, and clear role‑sharing can keep both partners informed and involved. From saver‑spender tension to values‑based planning, this conversation reframes financial disagreements as alignment issues—not math problems—and shows how couples can stay on the same page through every stage of 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 risk for couples isn&rsquo;t the market&mdash;but silence at the dinner table? On this episode of the Retirement Referee Podcast, Brooks Burnhagen breaks down why treating money as a &ldquo;one‑person job&rdquo; creates stress, imbalance, and confusion when life throws a curveball. He explains how shared goals, short money conversations, and clear role‑sharing can keep both partners informed and involved. From saver‑spender tension to values‑based planning, this conversation reframes financial disagreements as alignment issues&mdash;not math problems&mdash;and shows how couples can stay on the same page through every stage of retirement.
Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kotaradio.com/">KOTA</a>.
&nbsp;
Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit <a href="https://brooksfg.com/">https://brooksfg.com/</a> to connect with Brooks and his team today!
&nbsp;

Why Letting One Spouse Handle the Money Can Backfire

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!

Understanding Qualified vs Non-Qualified Money

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