Don't F-Up Your Retirement: You Built It. Don't Let Retirement Break It.
Hi, I’m Brian 👋 a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and founder of Bonfire Financial. Most advice focuses only on investments, that’s where people get into trouble. The Bonfire Method brings together taxes, insurance, estate planning, and investing so every decision works together. Each week, I share practical insights on retirement, investing, and taxes to help you make smarter decisions and turn what you’ve built into a clear, coordinated plan for what’s next. Bonfire Financial is a Registered Investment Adviser.
Episodes
Most people think investing is about picking the right stock or timing the market, but that’s not what actually builds lasting wealth. In this Q&A conversation, we break down the misconceptions that even high earners get wrong, why relying too heavily on a 401(k) can limit flexibility, and the fundamentals that create real financial clarity over time. If you’ve ever wondered why making more money doesn’t always translate into m...
Investing isn’t about timing the market, it’s about having a plan that works. In this episode, we show you how to invest in 2026 without guessing or overcomplicating it. If you want clarity and a real plan, this is where to start.
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/how-to-invest-in-2026
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial....
Retirement changes more than your schedule. When your portfolio becomes your income, risk feels different. In this episode, we explain why the year you retire is the right time to revisit your portfolio and adjust for your new reality. Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retiring-in-soon
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/di...
When do RMDs really start, how are they taxed, and what happens when that money passes to your kids? We break down the rules, the common misconceptions, and the smart planning moves that can save you from costly surprises. Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/rmd
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure
In this episode, we break down the 2026 contribution limit changes and explain how to set up your investments so they run automatically. Learn how to adjust your 401(k), IRA, Roth, and HSA once a year and let consistent, effortless investing do the heavy lifting. Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/2026-contribution-limits
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Dis...
The new year is the perfect time to reset your finances. Today we are walking through key tips to automate, review, and maximize your financial plan so you can spend less time managing money and more time living your life. Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/new-year-financial-tips
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/...
Learn how tax-efficient investing can help you keep more of what you earn. From Roths and HSAs to smart portfolio strategies, we break down where your money should go and why it matters.
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/tax-efficient-investing
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosureÂ
In this client Q&A, Brian breaks down how to tell if you are truly ready to retire, how much risk is appropriate, and what realistic investment returns actually look like once retirement is in sight.
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/am-i-ready-to-retire
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosureÂ
Inheriting an IRA is common, but handling it correctly is not. In this episode, Brian breaks down how inherited IRAs and Roth IRAs work, the 10-year rule, and the costly mistakes to avoid so you do not pay more in taxes than necessary. Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/inherited-ira
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinanci...
A practical rundown of the year end financial moves that matter most. From HSAs and FSAs to 401k contributions, Roth conversions, and RMDs, this quick two minute drill helps you wrap up the year with confidence and keep more of your money working for you.
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/year-end-planning
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www....
In this client Q&A episode, Brian breaks down the most common retirement questions, from Roth conversions to RMDs, to how you actually get your money once you stop working. Simple, clear answers to help you make smarter decisions.
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-questions
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinanci...
Unlock the truth behind fee only advice and find out how to make sure your financial advisor is truly working for YOU and not a commission.
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/fee-only
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosureÂ
The last penny has been minted. What does it mean for inflation, digital payments, and where money is headed next? Learn what this small "change" says about a much bigger shift.Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/future-of-money
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure
Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement, or keep your low-interest loan and let your money work elsewhere? In this episode, we break down the numbers, mindset, and myths around the “debt-free” dream. Learn when paying off your home makes sense and when investing the difference could set you up for a stronger retirement.
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/should-i-pay-off-my-mortgage-before-retirement
To ...
Making money is one thing. Keeping it, and growing it, is another. In this episode, discover the simple habits that turn high income into high net worth over time.
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/high-income-to-high-net-worth
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure
Learn how to give smarter and keep more. From donor-advised funds to QCDs, discover powerful charitable giving strategies to lower your tax bill and make a bigger impact. Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/charitable-giving-strategiesÂ
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure
The account type you choose could change your tax bill, and your retirement timeline. Learn how Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Accounts impact your flexibility, taxes, and long-term wealth. Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/qualified-vs-non-qualified-accounts
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure
You’ve hit the 401k limit, congratulations! But now comes the big question: where should your money go next? In this episode, we break down smart strategies beyond your 401k, from Roth options to taxable accounts, so you can keep building wealth without missing a beat. Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/maxed-out-401k
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:...
Got an old 401k sitting with a past employer? You’re not alone. In this episode, we cover how to track down forgotten accounts, your best rollover options, and how to keep your retirement savings working for you. Â
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/old-401k
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure
Everyone asks, “What’s the best age to retire?” but the truth is, age has little to do with it. In this episode, we dig into the history of retirement, the myths about spending less, and the real question you should be asking: when will you have enough to live the life you want?
Full show notes:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/best-age-to-retire
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit:Â https://www.bonfirefinancial.co...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com