Retirement Readiness

Are You Really Prepared for Retirement’s Hidden Costs?

What if the biggest retirement risks aren’t the ones you’re planning for? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services unpacks common myths around long-term care and why it’s more than just nursing homes; it’s about preparing for life’s unexpected turns. With healthcare costs steadily rising and Medicare expenses up significantly over time, having a thoughtful strategy matters. Brigette walks through key considerations like creating multiple income sources, exploring alternatives to traditional insurance, and building a comprehensive retirement blueprint designed for flexibility. The conversation highlights how longevity, healthcare needs, and income planning all intersect, and why waiting to plan could create unnecessary pressure later. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach retirement with more clarity and intention, this episode offers practical insights to help you start thinking ahead. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com [https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/] for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Retirement Readiness Podcast - 042826

What if one of the biggest risks to your retirement has nothing to do with how much you’ve saved, but when you use it? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services breaks down key retirement planning considerations, including sequence of returns risk and some of the most common myths surrounding retirement finances. The conversation explores how market timing, withdrawal strategies, and expectations can shape the retirement experience, especially in the early years. Bridget also discusses why planning goes beyond balances and percentages and requires understanding how different risks can interact over time. Whether retirement is approaching or still on the horizon, this episode offers thoughtful insights designed to help listeners better understand the challenges and the planning conversations that matter most as they prepare for the next chapter. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com [https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/] for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial.   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Income, Long-Term Care, and the Gaps No One Talks About

What do most people get wrong about retirement planning, and how can those misunderstandings quietly derail their plans?  In this episode, we’re joined by Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services to unpack some of the most overlooked and misunderstood aspects of preparing for retirement. Brigette breaks down common long-term care myths, explains how different income sources may work together in retirement, and highlights why having a coordinated, big-picture plan matters more than focusing on just one piece of the puzzle. The conversation explores how planning decisions made today can impact flexibility, confidence, and financial clarity later in life, especially when it comes to healthcare costs and sustainable income. Whether retirement is right around the corner or still years away, this episode encourages listeners to think more critically about how all the moving parts of a retirement strategy fit together. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com [https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/] for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Three Phases of Retirement Almost No One Plans For

Most people plan for retirement… but few plan for how retirement changes over time. In this episode, Brigette Engrstrom breaks down the three often-overlooked phases of retirement—the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years, and why understanding them can shape smarter conversations about spending, lifestyle, and health as retirement unfolds. You’ll learn what typically defines each phase, how expenses may shift, and where many retirees are caught off guard, especially when it comes to healthcare and long-term care considerations. This discussion is designed to help listeners think more intentionally about timing, expectations, and communication with family as retirement evolves. Whether retirement is right around the corner or still a few years away, this episode offers a practical framework for thinking beyond a single “retirement number” and instead planning for the different seasons that may come with it. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com [https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/] for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is the 4% Rule Still Relevant in Today’s Retirement Reality?

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn’t the market, but the order in which returns show up? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom breaks down several retirement planning concepts that often get misunderstood, including sequence of returns risk and why the popular 4% rule may not work the same way for everyone. The conversation also explores tax‑efficient withdrawal strategies and how taxes, timing, and market conditions can shape retirement income over time. Along the way, Bridget addresses common retirement myths and highlights planning considerations retirees and pre‑retirees should understand before turning their savings into income. This episode is designed to help listeners think more clearly about how different risks interact in retirement and why having a flexible, well‑thought‑out strategy matters. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com [https://bluemonarchfinancial.com/] for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.