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 tax efficiency to Social Security timing and the power of bridging, Brooks explains how retirees with $400K–$800K can create stable, predictable income without feeling behind.

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!

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&rsquo;t about hitting a magic number but about building a strategy that stretches what you&nbsp;do have. From income planning and tax efficiency to Social Security timing and the power of bridging, Brooks explains how retirees with $400K&ndash;$800K can create stable, predictable income without feeling behind.
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!

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

You Don’t Need $1 Million to Retire Well

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 explains the difference between reactive filers and proactive planners, how tools like Roth conversions, income timing, Social Security management, and capital‑gain harvesting work together, and why retirees can control more than they think.

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 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&rsquo;s a reminder that strategic, year‑round tax planning can meaningfully lower lifetime taxes. He explains the difference between reactive filers and proactive planners, how tools like Roth conversions, income timing, Social Security management, and capital‑gain harvesting work together, and why retirees can control more than they think.
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 $6,000 Deduction Every Retiree Should Understand

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‑fits‑all plans and confusing jargon meant to keep you in the dark. He also reveals how today’s scams have evolved far beyond phone calls and mailers, with fake advisor sites, AI videos, and phishing traps pushing harder than ever. Learn what to question, what to ignore, and how to protect the nest egg you’ve spent a lifetime building.

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!

Millions of Americans retiring at once are creating the perfect storm for financial predators... and most people don&rsquo;t even realize they&rsquo;re in the blast zone. In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down the red flags every retiree should watch for, from high‑pressure &ldquo;act now&rdquo; tactics to one‑size‑fits‑all plans and confusing jargon meant to keep you in the dark. He also reveals how today&rsquo;s scams have evolved far beyond phone calls and mailers, with fake advisor sites, AI videos, and phishing traps pushing harder than ever. Learn what to question, what to ignore, and how to protect the nest egg you&rsquo;ve spent a lifetime building.
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 Scams to Look Out For in 2026

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 family and familiar routines, he explains why geography can’t replace a well‑built income strategy. You’ll also hear the gut‑punching story of an 88‑year‑old forced to work after losing his pension, and how smart planning helps prevent an “Ed moment.” Whether you dream of staying put or moving away, this conversation reveals how to build a retirement that truly fits your life.

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!

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 &ldquo;perfect retirement city&rdquo; to the emotional pull of family and familiar routines, he explains why geography can&rsquo;t replace a well‑built income strategy. You&rsquo;ll also hear the gut‑punching story of an 88‑year‑old forced to work after losing his pension, and how smart planning helps prevent an &ldquo;Ed moment.&rdquo; Whether you dream of staying put or moving away, this conversation reveals how to build a retirement that truly fits your life.
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!

You Don’t Need $1 Million to Retire Well

In 1 playlist(s)

The Retirement Referee

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips