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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103

Latest episode

Jun 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

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-strategyTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: 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-ageTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: 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-assetsTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com Disclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

May 19, 202610 min

Why a Pension Changes Everything in Retirement

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

May 12, 202612 min

The Retirement Tax Strategies Most People Miss

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. Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-tax-strategiesTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

May 5, 202610 min

How to Increase Your Social Security Benefits (Before It’s Too Late)

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-benefitsTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

April 28, 202610 min

What to Sell Before Retirement: 5 Things Most People Miss

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.com/before-retirementTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

April 21, 202632 min

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest? (What Actually Makes Sense)

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-investTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

April 11, 202627 min

Most People Get This Wrong About Investing

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 more peace, or what it actually takes to feel fully in control of your financial life, this is where to start.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/common-investing-mistakesTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

April 4, 202616 min

How to Invest in 2026 without Guessing or Taking Unnecessary Risks

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-2026To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure