Retirement Readiness

Many retirees are surprised to learn they may be paying more in taxes than they expected, sometimes without realizing why. In this episode, financial professional Brigette Engstrom breaks down how taxes work in retirement and why common assumptions about lower tax brackets can miss the mark. The conversation explores three often-overlooked areas where taxes can add up, including capital gains, Roth conversion timing, and Medicare I...

What happens when family obligations and timing decisions quietly stretch retirement savings?

In this episode, Brigette Engstrom will explore the real-world financial pressures many retirees face and why thoughtful retirement planning matters long before the paycheck stops. The conversation examines how helping adult children can affect long-term income, the trade-offs among Social Security claiming approaches, and how guaranteed-i...

What if the biggest risks to retirement aren’t market swings, but the assumptions we rarely question?
In this episode, Brigette Engstrom takes a holistic look at retirement planning through the lens of longevity, rising healthcare costs, legal preparedness, and the realities of aging. The conversation explores why living longer can complicate financial decisions, how healthcare expenses can quietly reshape retirement expec...

What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn’t the market—but how you feel about it?
In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom explores the emotional side of financial decision‑making and how fear of missing out can quietly shape investment choices. She breaks down why retirement planning isn’t just about numbers, but about balancing emotion with clear strategy. The conversation takes a clos...

Retirement isn’t just about how much you save—it’s about how your money works when the paycheck stops. In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom takes a clear-eyed look at the current state of the U.S. retirement system and the growing challenges individuals face as they plan for life after work. She explains why focusing solely on account balances can miss the bigger picture and why understanding...

What if the biggest factor shaping your retirement isn’t the market—but your mindset?
In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Bridget Engstrom explores how behavioral finance influences the decisions people make as they prepare for life after work. She introduces the ideas of being “anchored” and “rooted” in financial planning, explaining how emotions, habits, and past experiences often guide...

What happens when the paycheck stops, but the decisions don’t? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom breaks down the often-overlooked side of retirement planning: turning savings into sustainable income. She walks through the concept of a retirement blueprint, focusing on how income needs, tax considerations, and market volatility intersect once accumulation ends. The conversation explores why de‑accumula...

What happens when supporting adult children collides with planning for your own financial future?
In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom explores the balancing act many parents face as they approach retirement. She highlights why maintaining personal financial stability is essential, especially when adult children still rely on parental help. Bridget also discusses how Social Security fits into the bigger pic...

What happens when supporting adult children starts reshaping a parent’s own financial future?

In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom dives into the rising trend of parents covering expenses for grown kids, often without realizing how it strains their long‑term plans. From rent and phone bills to everyday spending, she unpacks the hidden costs, the emotional pressure behind saying “yes,” an...

Brigette Engstrom sits down with the award-winning Trisha Yearwood to reflect on her journey of personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and the balance between her music career and family life. She shares insights on how her experiences have shaped her music and her approach to life, emphasizing the significance of self-acceptance and the evolving nature of her career. 

You can order Trisha's new album, Christmastime,...

Think you’re ready to retire? Think again. In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom dives into the often-overlooked details that can make or break your retirement plans. From understanding your financial numbers to planning for healthcare costs, Bridget explains why alignment between spouses is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. She also reveals five warning signs that signal you may not be...

What happens when retirement comes sooner than expected?

 Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial dives into the realities of navigating an unplanned exit from the workforce. From understanding Social Security and budgeting wisely to evaluating health insurance options, this conversation offers practical insights for staying financially secure. Beyond the numbers, Brigette explores how adaptability and engagement can trans...

Are you ready for the financial reality of retirement?

This episode, Brigette Engstom dives into why regular reviews of your investment accounts and asset allocation aren’t just smart, they’re essential. As retirement approaches, small oversights can lead to big consequences. We’ll explore practical strategies for keeping your portfolio aligned with your goals, managing risk, and ensuring your assets work as hard ...

Think retirement means lower taxes? Think again. In this episode, Brigette Engstrom reveals how common income sources—like Social Security, pensions, and investments—can unexpectedly impact your tax bracket. She explains why tax-free income strategies and ongoing planning matter more than one-time decisions, and how retirees often overlook key financial realities. It’s a candid look at the hidden side of retiremen...

What if your retirement income isn’t as reliable as you think?
In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Bridget Engstrom breaks down the essentials of crafting a personalized retirement plan. She explores how to build dependable income streams, the role Social Security plays, and how fixed income investments can support long-term goals. Bridget also tackles the often-overlooked threat of inflation and why a one-size-fits-a...

Are your retirement plans overlooking a silent tax trap?
In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Bridget Engstrom unpacks the often-misunderstood world of retirement tax planning. From juggling multiple retirement accounts to navigating IRA contribution and distribution rules, she sheds light on the complexities that can catch retirees off guard. Bridget also explores how recent tax legislation affects estate planning and benef...

What if your retirement plan is quietly leaking money through taxes you didn’t plan for?
In this episode, Brigette Engstrom dives into the often-overlooked but critical role of tax planning in retirement. The conversation explores how proactive strategies can help reduce tax burdens, from choosing tax-efficient investments to understanding how different income sources are taxed. You’ll also hear insights on how chari...

Think you know how taxes work in retirement? Think again. In this episode, Brigette Engstrom unpacks the often-misunderstood world of retirement taxation—where tax brackets aren’t always what they seem, and income sources like Social Security, pensions, and investments can trigger unexpected consequences. She breaks down how tax-free income options and proactive planning can make a real difference, and why ongoing strat...

What if your retirement plan is missing the most critical pieces?
In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom dives into the overlooked essentials of retirement planning—from understanding annuities to navigating year-end financial moves and preparing for long-term care. She highlights the importance of tailoring financial strategies to individual needs and stresses the value of proactive planning to ma...