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!

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!