The Retirement Referee with Brooks Bernhagen

When spouses are years apart in age, retirement may run on two very different clocks. Brooks Bernhagen discusses how age gaps can affect portfolio longevity, healthcare costs, withdrawal rates, and Social Security decisions. He also examines why planning around the younger spouse’s timeline and considering survivor income may be essential when one pool of money must support two retirement horizons.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

That Medicare paperwork in your mailbox could contain changes that matter more than you think. Brooks Bernhagen explains why Medicare isn’t a “set it and forget it” decision, especially during annual enrollment. He discusses potential changes to premiums, prescription drug coverage, formularies, provider networks, and out-of-pocket costs. Brooks also explores why the lowest monthly premium may not always mean the lowest overall healthcare costs and why reviewing coverage each year can be an important part of retirement planning. 

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the retirement you’ve spent decades planning for turns out nothing like you expected? Brooks Bernhagen explains why many retirees discover their biggest fears never materialize and how retirement often evolves into something simpler, more fulfilling, and more flexible than imagined. From changing spending habits and unexpected income sources to shifting priorities around family, travel, and purpose, Brooks shares real-life examples of retirement plans that took surprising turns. Plus, he outlines why building a flexible strategy, rather than a rigid roadmap, may be one of the most important parts of retirement planning.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think Medicare will make healthcare costs disappear in retirement? Brooks Bernhagen breaks down why a Fidelity study estimates retirees could spend more than $185,000 on healthcare after age 65. He explains the gaps Medicare leaves behind, including premiums, deductibles, dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care expenses. Brooks also compares Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, discusses healthcare inflation, and shares why long-term care can become a major retirement expense. Plus, he highlights steps pre-retirees can take now to better understand and prepare for future healthcare costs.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest retirement mistake isn't spending too much, but spending too little? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen explores the growing challenge of retirement underspending and why many retirees hesitate to enjoy the money they've worked decades to save. The conversation examines how inflation headlines, market uncertainty, and lifelong saving habits can create unnecessary fear, even when retirement plans remain strong. Brooks shares common signs of underspending, explains the value of personalized income planning, and discusses how guaranteed income strategies may help reduce financial stress and improve confidence in retirement.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the most valuable part of your estate isn't the money you leave behind? Inspired by reflections on Dolly Parton’s legacy, Brooks Bernhagen explores how estate planning can pass along values, traditions, purpose, and charitable impact alongside financial assets. He shares practical thoughts on defining your legacy, involving future generations in the planning process, and avoiding common mistakes that can undermine long-term goals. Through a real client story, Brooks illustrates how thoughtful planning can create a lasting connection between family, community, and the causes that matter most.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the famous 4% rule giving retirees a false sense of certainty? Brooks Bernhagen examines William Bengen’s updated 4.7% withdrawal rate and explains why retirement income planning shouldn’t rely on a single percentage. The conversation explores how market volatility, inflation, healthcare costs, longevity, and sequence of returns can impact withdrawals over time. Brooks shares why flexibility, guardrails, guaranteed income sources, and a bucket strategy may be more practical than following a rigid rule. The episode also looks at why many retirees worry more about overspending than fully enjoying the money they worked hard to save.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if a misunderstanding about Social Security spousal benefits could quietly cost your household thousands of dollars in retirement? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen breaks down some of the most common mistakes couples make when claiming Social Security, including misconceptions about delayed retirement credits, claiming too early, coordinating benefits as a team, and the impact of the earnings test. Brooks explains why spousal benefits follow different rules and why getting the decision right the first time can make a meaningful difference in retirement income planning.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest risk in retirement isn’t the stock market, but not knowing where your next paycheck will come from? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen explains why guaranteed income can play a critical role in retirement planning and how it may help cover essential expenses when work income stops. Using a real client scenario, Brooks compares two retirement strategies and discusses how tools like Social Security and income annuities fit into an overall income plan. He also addresses common misconceptions about annuities and highlights the importance of covering life’s non-negotiable expenses.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the biggest thing keeping you from retiring isn't your finances, but your fear? In this episode, Brooks Bernhagen discusses why many Americans plan to work longer than expected, even when they may already be financially prepared for retirement. He explores the emotional side of leaving a paycheck behind, common concerns about market volatility, and how retirement income planning can help create confidence. Brooks also shares real-world examples of retirees who discovered they were closer to retirement than they thought and explains key milestones that can signal retirement readiness.

Listen to Brooks every Saturday at 7 a.m. on KOTA.

Ready to build your retirement plan? Visit https://brooksfg.com/ to connect with Brooks and his team today!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.