The Field Guide: Simplify, Navigate and Elevate Your Financial Life

The Field Guide: Simplify, Navigate and Elevate Your Financial Life

You are at the heart of the story behind Bonfire Financial. We believe that like a bonfire, life should be filled with celebration and memorable experiences. Money is often the way to get there, and that is what the Filed Guide Podcast is about, helping you find creative solutions to balance living for today and saving for tomorrow. Hosted by the CEO of Bonfire Financial, Brian Colvert, CFP®, each episode will bring you ideas to simplify, navigate and elevate your financial life.

Episodes

November 26, 2025 13 mins

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: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/fee-only

To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure 

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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. 

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/future-of-money
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

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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: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/should-i-pay-off-my-mortgage-before-retirement
To ...

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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: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/high-income-to-high-net-worth
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

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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.  

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/charitable-giving-strategies 
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

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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.  

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/qualified-vs-non-qualified-accounts
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

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  • 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.  

  • Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/maxed-out-401k

    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
    Disclosure:...

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    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.  

    Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/old-401k

    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
    Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

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    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: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/best-age-to-retire
    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.co...

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    Think 401(k)s are the limit? A Cash Balance Plan could change everything, especially for business owners and high earners who want to catch up on savings fast.

    https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/cash-balance-plan

    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
    Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

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    Think you’ve covered all your bases for retirement? Think again. In this episode, we uncover the most common expenses retirees overlook. These hidden costs can derail even the best-laid plans.

    Tune in to learn how to spot them early and protect your future.https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-planning-mistakes

    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
    Disclosure: https://www.bonf...

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    Market shifts can quietly change your portfolio’s risk profile. Rebalancing helps preserve wealth, maintain diversification, and keep long-term plans aligned. Tune in to learn how rebalancing keeps your portfolio aligned with your goals, through both bull and bear markets. Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/rebalancing
    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
    Disclos...

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    Wills and trusts aren’t just necessary legal documents, they’re the tools that determine how smoothly your wealth transfers across generations. In this episode we explore the nuanced differences between the two, when each makes sense, and how to preserve both privacy and control while protecting your legacy.

    Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/wills-and-trusts
    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: htt...

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    ETFs or mutual funds, which one’s right for you? In this episode, we cut through the jargon and break down the real differences (and surprising similarities) between these two investment staples. Tune in to learn how they work, why it matters, and which option is best for you. 

    Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/etfs-vs-mutual-funds

    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com

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    Listen in to unlock your HSA’s full potential, from tax savings to unexpected uses, and why it can be a game changer for your retirement plan.  

    Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/hsa-benefits 

    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com

    Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

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    RMDs can be a retirement game-changer, and not always in a good way. In this episode, we break down what they are, when they hit, and smart moves to keep them from wrecking your tax bill. Learn how to make RMDs work for you instead of against you.  

    Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/required-minimum-distributions

    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com

    Disclosure: https...

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    Think your old insurance policy is still doing its job? Think again. In this episode, we break down why a quick insurance review could save you thousands, boost your coverage, and bring your protection strategy into the present.  

    Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/insurance-review

    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com


    Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/discl...

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    The Big Beautiful Bill Act brought major tax changes, but also big planning opportunities. In this episode, we break down what retirees and near-retirees need to know to make the most of the new rules, tax cuts, and optimize their strategy.  
    Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/big-beautiful-bill-tax-cuts

    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com


    Disclosure: https://www...

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    Learn how to spot FOMO-driven decisions, avoid buying at the top, and stick to a strategy that actually builds wealth. Brian shares practical tips to keep emotions out of your investing.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/fomo-investing
    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
    Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

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    Business owners and self-employed professionals: uncover powerful retirement planning strategies that reduce taxes today and build serious wealth for tomorrow using SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and more.

    Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/self-employed-retirement-planning
    To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
    Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

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