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Episode Notes

Most people think of retirement as the finish line—but what if that mindset is setting you up for failure? What if, instead of retiring, you could graduate into a new phase of life—one filled with purpose, financial security, and freedom?

In this episode, Eric Brotman, a certified financial planner, author, and podcast host, discusses the biggest myths about retirement, why most people make critical financial mistakes, and how to set yourself up for success—without running out of money or feeling lost when your career ends.

Key Takeaways

• Retirement is a transition, not an endpoint. Instead of stopping work completely, think about what’s next and how you can continue to create impact and purpose in your life.

• Financial independence means having options. The goal isn’t just saving money—it’s reaching a point where you don’t have to work, but you still choose to.
• Estate planning mistakes can cost your family everything. Outdated beneficiary designations can lead to assets going to ex-spouses or the wrong heirs. Regularly update your estate plan!
• You need a life plan, not just a financial plan. Many people focus on numbers but forget to plan for what they’ll actually do with their time in retirement.
• Start today—waiting will only make it harder. Whether you’re 30, 50, or 70, the best time to take control of your finances is right now.

  Whether you’re years away from retirement or already there, this episode will change the way you think about money, work, and your future. Eric’s insights will help you feel more prepared, confident, and excited for what’s next.

Show Links

• Get in touch with Eric:

• BFG Financial Advisors Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BFGFinancialAdvisors/
• Don't Retire Graduate Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DontRetireGraduate
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/brotmanplanning
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/

About Eric D. Brotman

Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, AEP®, CPWA®, is Chief Executive Officer of BFG Financial Advisors. He began his financial planning practice in Baltimore in 1994, and founded Brotman Financial Group in 2003, which later became BFG Financial Advisors. He and his team focus on supporting families and individuals by providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification in 1998 and completed his master’s degree in financial services (MSFS) at the American College in 2003. He is also an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®), a Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®), a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), a Chartered Advisor in Senior Living (CASL), and a Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®). Eric is a Registered Representative with Kestra Investment Services and an Investment Advisor Representative with Kestra Advisory Services.

Eric is presently serving on the Board of Trustees for Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, Maryland. He previously served two four-year terms on the Board of Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement & Pension System as an appointee of former Governor Larry Hogan, and on the Business Advisory Council for former Comptroller, Peter Franchot. Eric served on the Board of Trustees and as Chairman of the University Advancement Committee at Stevenson University. He is a 2006 alumnus and former board member of Leadership-Baltimore County, a 2009 alumnus and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leadership Maryland, the Past-President and Chairman of the Board of the Financial Planning Association of Maryland, and a member of the Baltimore Estate Planning Council and the Investments and Wealth Institute.

In addition to BFG Financial Advisors, Eric founded Brotman Consulting Group, LLC, which works with other financial advising firms to amplify their practices and create influence, and Brotman Media Group, LLC, which focuses on creating and distributing educational resources to help spread financial literacy throughout the community.

Eric hosted the Don’t Retire…Graduate! podcast which has over 100 episodes available on all major podcast platforms. He has published three books on personal finance: Don’t Retire…Graduate! Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age in 2020, Retire Wealthy: The Tools You Need to Help Build Lasting Wealth – On Your Own or With Your Financial Advisor, in 2014, and Debt-Free for Life: The Tools You Need to Free Yourself from Debt, in 2009.

Eric has appeared on dozens of occasions on television on 11 News Sunday Morning on WBAL in Baltimore and has been a frequent contributor to Forbes.com. He frequently hosts financial wellness programs for companies and membership organizations and delivers educational workshops and facilitates professional groups for fellow financial advisors.

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