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

Hosted by Bonfire Financial | Brian Colvert CFP®

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111

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

August 18, 20267 min

What to Do When Your Financial Adviser Retires. 8 Questions to Ask Your New Advisor

What happens when the financial advisor you’ve trusted for years retires and someone new suddenly takes over your accounts?In this episode, Brian walks through eight important questions to ask before deciding whether a new financial advisor is the right fit for your retirement. From fiduciary responsibility and total fees to tax planning, meeting expectations, market strategy, and your ability to leave the relationship, these questions can help you understand exactly who is managing your money and how they plan to protect it.If your advisor is retiring, your firm has assigned you someone new, or you’re simply considering a change, this episode will help you evaluate the relationship before making a long-term commitment. Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com /new-financial-advisor To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

August 11, 20269 min

The Best Investment Strategies for High-Income Earners at $100K, $300K and $600K+

Investment strategies that make sense at $100,000 may no longer be enough at $300,000 or $600,000. In this episode, Brian breaks down what high-income earners should prioritize at each level, which advanced strategies become available as income grows, and the common planning mistake that can limit long-term wealth. Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com /investment-strategies-for-high-income-earners To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

August 4, 20266 min

Recently Divorced After 50? How to Protect Your Retirement

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

July 28, 20267 min

Stop Overpaying the IRS: 3 Tax-Free Retirement Account Strategies

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.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

July 21, 202624 min

Understanding Bitcoin Part 2: How to Own It, Protect It, and Pass It Down

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 To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com To learn more about Bitcoin Minded, visit https://www.bitcoin-minded.com/ Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

July 14, 202627 min

Should I Buy Bitcoin? Part 1: What Cautious Investor Should Know

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.bonfirefinancial.com/should-i-buy-bitcoin To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com To learn more about Bitcoin Minded, visit https://www.bitcoin-minded.com/ Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

June 23, 202613 min

What Happens When You Retire? 5 Things That Disappear When You Stop Working

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 don't guarantee it, and it isn't a complete analysis of any topic. Viewing it creates no advisory relationship, so always consult a qualified professional about your own situation before acting. Advisory services are offered through Bonfire Financial, an SEC-registered investment adviser, only under a written agreement. Any strategies or examples are hypothetical and for illustration only. They don't reflect actual client results and don't guarantee future performance. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Comments are the views of individual users. They are unverified, possibly inaccurate, and not testimonials or endorsements.

June 16, 202611 min

Retirement Investing Strategy: How $100K Can Grow Into $2 Million

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

June 9, 202612 min

How Much Should You Have in Your 401(k) to Retire?

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: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/how-much-should-you-have-in-your-401k-by-age To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

June 2, 20268 min

8 Retirement Assets Wealthy Retirees Avoid

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