The Retirement Referee with Brooks Bernhagen

The Retirement Question Every Adult Child Eventually Asks

What if your family's biggest concern about retirement isn't the money—but the uncertainty? Brooks Bernhagen explains why retirement conversations often involve more than the retiree, and how bringing spouses and adult children into the planning process can replace fear with clarity. Brooks discusses income strategies, market protection, taxes, healthcare considerations, and the importance of having a roadmap that helps families understand where retirement income comes from and how potential risks are addressed. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA [https://www.kotaradio.com/]. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ [https://brooksfg.com/] to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Retirement Mistake That Happens When Fear Takes Over

The biggest retirement mistake may not be what’s in your portfolio—but how you react when markets get shaky. Brooks Bernhagen explores why the years just before and after retirement are especially vulnerable to emotional investing decisions. From sequence-of-returns risk to the temptation to move everything to cash during volatility, he explains how panic can create lasting consequences. Using a real client example, Brooks highlights the value of income planning, portfolio rebalancing, and having the right assets available when markets fluctuate. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA [https://www.kotaradio.com/]. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ [https://brooksfg.com/] to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Warren Buffett’s Warning and What It Means for Your Retirement

Is today’s stock market investing or just a high-stakes casino in disguise? Brooks Bernhagen reacts to Warren Buffett’s warning about growing market speculation and explains why retirees need guardrails when emotions run high. From defined withdrawal strategies to cash reserves, principal protection, and long-term growth buckets, Brooks outlines a practical framework designed to help retirees avoid costly decisions during market volatility. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA [https://www.kotaradio.com/]. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ [https://brooksfg.com/] to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Your Retirement Paycheck vs. Inflation: Who Wins?

Inflation isn’t loud—but it’s quietly draining your retirement paycheck every day. This episode unpacks what “hedging inflation” really means and why it’s less about complexity and more about protecting your income. Brooks Bernhagen explains how a retirement plan can outpace rising costs using growth-focused investments, inflation-linked options like TIPS and I Bonds, and flexible income strategies. Hear how bucket planning, income annuities, and cost-of-living adjustments help retirees stay ahead of inflation without panic—and why a static plan can fall behind. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA [https://www.kotaradio.com/]. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ [https://brooksfg.com/] to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Hidden Fees Eating Your Retirement

What if hidden fees are quietly draining your retirement without you ever noticing? This episode breaks down the often-overlooked costs inside retirement accounts, from expense ratios to advisor and transaction fees. Brooks Bernhagen explains how to calculate your true “all-in” cost and why understanding what you pay matters just as much as what you earn. The conversation also explores how to evaluate value—looking beyond investments to planning, tax strategy, and ongoing service—while sharing a real-world example that highlights how fees can add up. Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA [https://www.kotaradio.com/]. Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ [https://brooksfg.com/] to connect with Brooks and his team today! See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.