Retirement Readiness

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...

What if the biggest threat to your retirement isn’t the market—but when you retire?
In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom unpacks the hidden dangers of retiring during market volatility. She dives into the concept of sequence of returns risk—how timing can dramatically impact your financial future—and explains why a balanced investment strategy is more than just a buzzword. From ...

This conversation focuses on the essential aspects of retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of communication between couples, aligning dreams with financial realities, and understanding the intricacies of retirement savings and Social Security. Brigette Engstrom shares insights on how to create a personalized retirement blueprint that considers lifestyle, health, and financial goals, ensuring that individuals are prepared...

What if your 401 (k) isn’t working as hard as you are? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom explores the hidden pitfalls of underperforming retirement plans and the costly consequences of procrastination. From the overlooked power of compound interest to the critical role of healthcare and tax strategies, she breaks down the essentials of building a secure financial future. With a focus on practical insi...

What if your retirement plan is missing the milestones that matter most?
In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Bridgette Engstrom, Founder and CEO of Blue Monarch Financial, breaks down the overlooked financial pitfalls that can derail your future. From income gaps to unexpected spending shocks, she explains why generic retirement strategies often fall short—and how understanding your unique financial landscap...

What if your retirement plan is missing the one thing that truly secures your future? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom breaks down why thinking in terms of income—not assets—can reshape how you prepare for life after work. She explores the role of annuities in managing longevity risk and explains how strategic tax moves, like IRA to Roth conversions, can make a meaningful difference. It&rs...

Think DIY tax planning is smart? Think again. In this episode of Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom, we dive into why going it alone on taxes could cost you more than you think. From the hidden pitfalls of TurboTax confidence to the ever-changing political and economic landscape, Brigette unpacks the top five reasons why a professional tax advisor isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Learn how tax...

What if one overlooked rule could cost you thousands in retirement? In this episode of Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom, powered by Blue Monarch Financial Services, Bridget dives into the critical—but-often misunderstood—rules around IRA rollovers. From the 60-day deadline to the one-year waiting rule, and financial near-misses, to highlight how small missteps can lead to big penalties. Brigette shares p...

What if retirement didn’t mean stopping work, but reshaping it? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services unpacks the sweeping changes introduced by the Big Beautiful Bill. From Social Security taxation to estate planning, she breaks down what’s shifting and why it matters. The conversation also explores how retirement is becoming a gradual transition rather than a definitive end, and why a s...

What if your retirement plan is stuck in the past? This episode of Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom dives into how retirement planning has evolved—and why your strategy should too. She will explore timeless principles like living within your means and building emergency funds, while also tackling modern essentials like income diversification, debt literacy, and estate planning. You’ll hear how compound intere...

In this must-hear episode of Retirement Readiness, the Founder and CEO of Blue Monarch Financial, Bridgette Engstrom, reveals the critical milestones that can make—or-break your retirement. Discover the hidden costs most retirees overlook, and why a one-size-fits-all plan could leave you short. From income gaps to spending shocks, Bridgette breaks down what you need to know now to retire with confidence. Don’t wait...