Don't F-Up Your Retirement: You Built It. Don't Let Retirement Break It.

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

August 4, 2026 6 mins

A divorced retirement can look very different from the plan you originally had, but it does not have to mean starting over from scratch. In this episode, Brian shares five financial moves that can help you protect your retirement, avoid costly mistakes, and rebuild with more clarity after divorce.

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/divorced-retirement

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

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You worked hard to build your retirement savings. Now the question is how much of it you will actually get to keep. In this episode, Brian reveals three tax-smart strategies that could help you reduce your future tax burden.

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/tax-free-retirement-account  

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

Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinan...

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What does it really mean to own Bitcoin? In Part 2, Brian and Pasco of Bitcoin Minded explore self-custody, private keys, security, and how to make sure your Bitcoin does not stop with you. From protecting your assets today to preparing the next generation, this episode breaks down the practical side of owning Bitcoin for the long term.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/understanding-bitcoin 

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Bitcoin is everywhere, but should it actually be part of your financial plan? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Brian sits down with Bitcoin educator Pascoe to break down what Bitcoin is, why it matters, how it works, and what cautious investors need to understand before buying. No hype, no pressure, just a conversation about Bitcoin, risk, education, and making smart decisions with a real plan.

Full show notes: https://www.b...

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Retirement changes more than your schedule. Here are 5 things that can quietly disappear after you stop working, and how to plan before they catch you off guard.

Full show notes: Bonfirefinancial.com/what-happens-when-you-retire

To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: Bonfirefinancial.com

This content is for educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. We believe it's accurate but do...

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Can $100K really grow into $2 million by retirement? In this episode, Brian breaks down the five retirement investing strategies that can make the biggest difference. If you want to build real wealth without guessing, timing the market, or chasing the next hot stock, this episode is for you.

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-investing-strategy

To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visith...

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Is your 401(k) actually enough to retire comfortably? In this episode, Brian breaks down how much you should have saved by age, why the “average” 401(k) balance may leave you short, and the hidden mistakes that can cost you in taxes, fees, and flexibility. You’ll learn why building a big balance is only part of the equation, and what it takes to create a retirement plan that actually works.

Full show notes: ht...

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Most retirement assets look smart on the surface, but some quietly drain your wealth for years. In this episode, we break down 8 retirement assets wealthy retirees often avoid and the hidden costs, fees, and financial traps many people never see coming.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-assets
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com 
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Most people with pensions are planning for retirement completely wrong. In this episode, we break down why a pension changes how much you need saved, how you should invest, the lump sum vs. monthly payment decision, and the critical mistake that could impact your spouse for life. If you have a pension, your retirement strategy should look very different.  

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/pension-reti...

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Most retirees focus on growing their money. Very few focus on how to keep more of it. In this episode, Brian breaks down powerful retirement tax strategies that wealthy families use to reduce taxes, avoid costly Medicare surcharges, and create more tax-free income in retirement. From Roth conversions and HSAs to the hidden IRMAA trap, you’ll learn practical strategies that could potentially save you thousands over time. ...

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Most people leave money on the table with Social Security without even realizing it. These 5 simple moves could increase your monthly check for life.  

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/how-to-increase-your-social-security-benefits

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

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

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You’ve spent years building your life… but what if the key to a better retirement is knowing what to let go of? In this episode, we break down 5 things you should consider selling before retirement, and a simple framework to decide what’s actually worth keeping. This isn’t about cutting back. It’s about making retirement feel like freedom, not stress.

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial....

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Should you pay off your mortgage or invest? It’s one of the most common financial questions, but the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this episode, we break down how interest rates, risk, and your personal situation all play into making the right decision.

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/pay-off-mortgage-or-invest

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

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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 alway...

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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: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/how-to-invest-in-2026
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure:&nb...

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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.  

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retiring-in-soon
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure: ht...

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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.  

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

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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.  

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/2026-contribution-limits
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfire...

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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.  

Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/new-year-financial-tips
To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com
Disclosure: https://...

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

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