The Retirement Referee with Brooks Bernhagen

Even Oprah’s Social Security check comes with a surprising lesson for the rest of us.
This episode explores why Social Security replaces only a portion of retirement income and what that shortfall means for everyday retirees. Brooks breaks down how dependable income sources can work alongside Social Security to create stability, clarity, and confidence in retirement. The conversation covers building an income floor, separa...

What if the smartest money move you ever made was the money you never touched? A surprising story from Rob Gronkowski sparks a practical conversation about building a wall between today’s spending and tomorrow’s security. Brooks breaks down a simple two‑bucket approach that separates living money from long‑term money, helping everyday earners avoid lifestyle creep and build wealth quietly. From automation to side‑car sa...

What happens when retirees chase tech‑stock excitement without seeing the hidden risks? In this episode, Brooks breaks down how sector imbalances quietly build inside portfolios and why an X‑ray of your holdings can reveal far more “catch‑up” than true diversification. He explains how guardrails, disciplined rebalancing, and income‑first planning help retirees participate in growth without relying on any one sector. The...

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 c...

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 Secur...

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...

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 ...

Retirement may be on the horizon, but the real question is whether your income is ready for the road ahead. In this episode, Brooks breaks down how guaranteed income can bring clarity, stability, and confidence as you transition from saving to spending. From defining your true monthly number to mapping income sources, stress‑testing your plan, and clearing up common annuity misconceptions, this conversation reveals how understandin...

Are you ready for Uncle Sam’s holiday surprise? This episode dives into the critical decisions around Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and why taking more than the minimum could reshape your retirement future. Brooks explains how tax brackets, account balances, and long-term planning intersect—and why timing matters. Plus, discover strategies like income layering and guaranteed income to weather market uncertainty ...

What do RVs, retirement, and hand sanitizer have in common? They all remind us that life is full of unexpected risks—and your retirement plan is no different. In this episode of Retirement Referee, Brooks uncovers the hidden threats that can quietly derail your financial future, from market volatility and emotional decision-making to sneaky portfolio fees. You’ll learn how to “test drive” your retirement pla...

Worried about the stock market roller coaster as retirement approaches? In this episode, Brooks shares strategies for building stability without sacrificing growth, including how fixed index annuities can protect your principal while capturing upside potential. We also dive into the “great wealth transfer,” why much of it will go sideways to surviving spouses, and the steps women should take to prepare for managing sign...

What do smartphones, remote controls, and retirement plans have in common? They all need regular updates to stay relevant. In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen draws parallels between evolving tech and financial planning, urging retirees to treat their retirement strategy as a living document. From optimizing Social Security and annuities to navigating Medicare changes and preserving purpose post-paycheck, Brooks shares insights to he...

What do Shohei Ohtani’s contract and your retirement plan have in common? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down how income deferment strategies—like annuities, Roth conversions, and delayed Social Security—can create flexibility and reduce tax burdens. From Medicare premiums to market risk, Brooks shares how to build a retirement game plan that balances growth and protection. Whether you're 50 or already r...

What do scented candles and retirement accounts have in common? They both can hide toxic surprises. In this episode, financial advisor Brooks Bernhagen breaks down the invisible risks lurking in your portfolio—from high fees and outdated allocations to misleading “premium” investments. Using relatable analogies and real-world examples, Brooks explains how to clean up your financial plan and manage risk like a pro,...

Is your retirement plan ready for the unexpected twists ahead? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen, the Retirement Referee, breaks down the latest Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, reveals why gold’s record highs spark both excitement and caution, and shares strategies to separate emotion from smart investing. Tune in for practical insights on budgeting, Medicare, and building a resilient retirement portfolio—plu...

What do road trips, tantrums, and taxes have in common? Each brings unexpected twists—just like retirement. Brooks Bernhagen, your Retirement Referee, unpacks the financial curveballs that can catch retirees off guard. From building emergency funds to spotting hidden tax traps in Social Security, RMDs, and Medicare, Brooks shares real stories and actionable advice to help you stay ahead. Whether you’re nearing retiremen...

When the seasons change, should your retirement strategy shift too? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down how interest rate changes, spending volatility, and overlooked financial “cavities” can impact your retirement plan. Discover why proactive income planning, regular portfolio checkups, and flexible withdrawal strategies are essential for navigating the unpredictable landscape of retirement—so you can a...

Is your retirement plan ready for the twists and turns ahead? This episode tackles the Medicare maze, reveals what to do if your plan gets discontinued, and uncovers common retirement mistakes that could cost you. Learn how guaranteed income brings peace of mind and why flexibility is the secret to a fulfilling retirement. Tune in for practical insights and real-world advice from trusted retirement strategist Brooks Bernhagen.

List...

Is your retirement plan ready for the unexpected twists—like a discontinued Medicare plan or shifting income streams? This episode of the Retirement Referee Podcast tackles the maze of Medicare open enrollment, the real meaning of “guaranteed income,” and why flexible thinking is essential for a fulfilling retirement. Discover how outdated rules and assumptions can trip you up and learn practical strategies to des...