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Retirement Readiness

Brigette Engstrom

Wisdom and guidance for your retirement journey just landed on your favorite streaming platform. Blue Monarch Financial Services brings you Retirement Readiness, your resource for on-the-go financial and retirement solutions to help your golden years take flight and flourish.

On each episode, your host Brigette Engstrom, Founder and CEO of Blue Monarch Financial Services, will share her experience, knowledge, and personal stories to help you cultivate greater empowerment and confidence in your own financial journey. Whether your retirement is still in its beginning stage or already in flight, Retirement Readiness with Brigette Engstrom is your go-to companion for transforming your retirement into a bright and purposeful new beginning.

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20 episodes
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June 30 · 47 min
Retire Smarter: Building Income Streams That Actually Last
Retirement planning isn’t just about saving; it’s about strategy. In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services breaks down the key elements of building a sustainable retirement plan, from debunking common long-term care myths to creating diversified income streams that last. As longevity increases and healthcare costs rise, having a clear, structured approach becomes essential, not optional. You’ll hear insights on how to prepare for life’s uncertainties, design a reliable income strategy, and develop a comprehensive retirement blueprint tailored to your future. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already there, this conversation highlights the importance of planning beyond savings to help create long-term financial confidence. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 23 · 37 min
The Hidden Risk That Can Drain Your Retirement Savings Faster Than Expected
Are common retirement beliefs quietly putting your future at risk? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom breaks down some of the biggest myths in retirement planning and explains how overlooked factors, like sequence of returns risk, can impact long-term financial security. This often-misunderstood risk highlights how early market downturns combined with withdrawals can significantly deplete a retirement portfolio over time. Are common retirement beliefs quietly putting your future at risk? In this episode, Bridget Engstrom breaks down some of the biggest myths in retirement planning and explains how overlooked factors, like sequence of returns risk, can impact long-term financial security. This often-misunderstood risk highlights how early market downturns combined with withdrawals can significantly deplete a retirement portfolio over time. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 16 · 18 min
Are Your Kids Costing You Your Retirement?
Are you helping your kids at the expense of your own retirement? You’re not alone, and the cost may be higher than you think. Studies show that nearly 27% of parents who financially support adult children delay retirement, while many sacrifice their own financial security to keep helping. From covering monthly bills to offering housing, the “Bank of Mom & Dad” has become a growing trend, but it can come with serious long‑term consequences. In this episode, Brigette Engstrom breaks down the real price of supporting adult children, when help becomes harmful, and how to have that tough, but necessary, conversation about financial independence. Because here’s the truth: you can fund education… but you can’t fund retirement. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 9 · 26 min
Retire Smarter: Building Income Streams That Last a Lifetime
What does it really take to build a confident retirement plan? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services joins us to break down the essentials of creating a personalized retirement blueprint. From identifying reliable income sources to navigating inflation and rising healthcare costs, Bridget explains how each piece of the plan works together. The conversation dives into the real challenges retirees face—like protecting purchasing power and preparing for long-term expenses—while outlining practical strategies to help align financial decisions with long-term goals. Whether you’re approaching retirement or just starting to plan, this episode offers a clear look at how thoughtful preparation can turn uncertainty into a structured, adaptable strategy for the years ahead. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 5 · 47 min
Are You Really Prepared for Retirement’s Hidden Costs?
What if the biggest retirement risks aren’t the ones you’re planning for? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services unpacks common myths around long-term care and why it’s more than just nursing homes; it’s about preparing for life’s unexpected turns. With healthcare costs steadily rising and Medicare expenses up significantly over time, having a thoughtful strategy matters. Brigette walks through key considerations like creating multiple income sources, exploring alternatives to traditional insurance, and building a comprehensive retirement blueprint designed for flexibility. The conversation highlights how longevity, healthcare needs, and income planning all intersect, and why waiting to plan could create unnecessary pressure later. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach retirement with more clarity and intention, this episode offers practical insights to help you start thinking ahead. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 28 · 37 min
The Real Retirement Plan: Tackling Inflation, Healthcare & Financial Confidence
What if one of the biggest risks to your retirement has nothing to do with how much you’ve saved, but when you use it? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services breaks down key retirement planning considerations, including sequence of returns risk and some of the most common myths surrounding retirement finances. The conversation explores how market timing, withdrawal strategies, and expectations can shape the retirement experience, especially in the early years. Bridget also discusses why planning goes beyond balances and percentages and requires understanding how different risks can interact over time. Whether retirement is approaching or still on the horizon, this episode offers thoughtful insights designed to help listeners better understand the challenges and the planning conversations that matter most as they prepare for the next chapter. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 21 · 47 min
Income, Long-Term Care, and the Gaps No One Talks About
What do most people get wrong about retirement planning, and how can those misunderstandings quietly derail their plans? In this episode, we’re joined by Brigette Engstrom of Blue Monarch Financial Services to unpack some of the most overlooked and misunderstood aspects of preparing for retirement. Brigette breaks down common long-term care myths, explains how different income sources may work together in retirement, and highlights why having a coordinated, big-picture plan matters more than focusing on just one piece of the puzzle. The conversation explores how planning decisions made today can impact flexibility, confidence, and financial clarity later in life, especially when it comes to healthcare costs and sustainable income. Whether retirement is right around the corner or still years away, this episode encourages listeners to think more critically about how all the moving parts of a retirement strategy fit together. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 14 · 21 min
Three Phases of Retirement Almost No One Plans For
Most people plan for retirement… but few plan for how retirement changes over time. In this episode, Brigette Engrstrom breaks down the three often-overlooked phases of retirement—the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years, and why understanding them can shape smarter conversations about spending, lifestyle, and health as retirement unfolds. You’ll learn what typically defines each phase, how expenses may shift, and where many retirees are caught off guard, especially when it comes to healthcare and long-term care considerations. This discussion is designed to help listeners think more intentionally about timing, expectations, and communication with family as retirement evolves. Whether retirement is right around the corner or still a few years away, this episode offers a practical framework for thinking beyond a single “retirement number” and instead planning for the different seasons that may come with it. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 7 · 37 min
Is the 4% Rule Still Relevant in Today’s Retirement Reality?
What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn’t the market, but the order in which returns show up? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom breaks down several retirement planning concepts that often get misunderstood, including sequence of returns risk and why the popular 4% rule may not work the same way for everyone. The conversation also explores tax‑efficient withdrawal strategies and how taxes, timing, and market conditions can shape retirement income over time. Along the way, Bridget addresses common retirement myths and highlights planning considerations retirees and pre‑retirees should understand before turning their savings into income. This episode is designed to help listeners think more clearly about how different risks interact in retirement and why having a flexible, well‑thought‑out strategy matters. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 31 · 33 min
Why Retirees Often Pay More in Taxes Than They Expect
Many retirees are surprised to learn they may be paying more in taxes than they expected, sometimes without realizing why. In this episode, financial professional Brigette Engstrom breaks down how taxes work in retirement and why common assumptions about lower tax brackets can miss the mark. The conversation explores three often-overlooked areas where taxes can add up, including capital gains, Roth conversion timing, and Medicare IRMAA surcharges. Brigetet also shares how income sequencing, withdrawal timing, and the thoughtful use of tax-advantaged accounts can play a role in retirement income planning. If you want a clearer understanding of how different income sources interact with taxes in retirement, this discussion offers practical explanations and planning considerations to help you make more informed decisions. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 17 · 18 min
When Family, Timing, and Retirement Income Collide
What happens when family obligations and timing decisions quietly stretch retirement savings? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom will explore the real-world financial pressures many retirees face and why thoughtful retirement planning matters long before the paycheck stops. The conversation examines how helping adult children can affect long-term income, the trade-offs among Social Security claiming approaches, and how guaranteed-income tools, such as annuities, fit into a broader retirement strategy. Rather than focusing on products or predictions, this discussion centers on planning choices, trade-offs, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal priorities. It’s a practical look at the questions retirees and pre-retirees are asking today and the planning considerations that are often overlooked. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 10 · 21 min
Living Longer Changes Everything: Rethinking Retirement Planning
What if the biggest risks to retirement aren’t market swings, but the assumptions we rarely question? In this episode, Brigette Engstrom takes a holistic look at retirement planning through the lens of longevity, rising healthcare costs, legal preparedness, and the realities of aging. The conversation explores why living longer can complicate financial decisions, how healthcare expenses can quietly reshape retirement expectations, and the importance of having legal and personal plans aligned with financial goals. Bridget also addresses common misconceptions that may leave retirees exposed and highlights the value of thinking beyond investments alone. This discussion is designed to encourage a more complete view of retirement, one that considers not just money, but the life it’s meant to support. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 3 · 29 min
The Hidden Cost of FOMO in Retirement Planning
What if the biggest risk to your retirement isn’t the market—but how you feel about it? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom explores the emotional side of financial decision‑making and how fear of missing out can quietly shape investment choices. She breaks down why retirement planning isn’t just about numbers, but about balancing emotion with clear strategy. The conversation takes a closer look at often-overlooked realities like healthcare expenses and long-term care, and how they fit into a sustainable retirement income plan. By addressing both mindset and mechanics, this episode highlights how thoughtful planning can bring clarity to complex decisions and help people approach retirement with greater confidence and perspective. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 24 · 11 min
Understanding the U.S. Retirement Landscape
Retirement isn’t just about how much you save—it’s about how your money works when the paycheck stops. In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom takes a clear-eyed look at the current state of the U.S. retirement system and the growing challenges individuals face as they plan for life after work. She explains why focusing solely on account balances can miss the bigger picture and why understanding retirement income is central to long-term financial clarity. The conversation explores the shift away from traditional pensions toward self-funded retirement through 401(k) plans, and what that change means for today’s workers and retirees. Bridget also discusses the value of having a financial blueprint to help navigate retirement decisions with confidence and context, encouraging listeners to engage more thoughtfully with how their retirement strategy is built. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 17 · 20 min
The Psychology Behind a Well-Planned Retirement
What if the biggest factor shaping your retirement isn’t the market—but your mindset? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Bridget Engstrom explores how behavioral finance influences the decisions people make as they prepare for life after work. She introduces the ideas of being “anchored” and “rooted” in financial planning, explaining how emotions, habits, and past experiences often guide choices just as much as numbers do. Bridget also discusses why retirement planning extends beyond dollars and dates, touching on social connections, personal fulfillment, and long-term well-being. The conversation highlights core considerations such as defining a personal retirement number and thinking through longevity risks, helping frame retirement as a multidimensional life transition rather than a single financial event. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 10 · 20 min
When Saving Stops: The Other Half of Retirement Planning
What happens when the paycheck stops, but the decisions don’t? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom breaks down the often-overlooked side of retirement planning: turning savings into sustainable income. She walks through the concept of a retirement blueprint, focusing on how income needs, tax considerations, and market volatility intersect once accumulation ends. The conversation explores why de‑accumulation planning deserves as much attention as saving, and how healthcare costs and longevity risk factor into long-term decisions. Listeners will hear how thoughtful coordination, rather than isolated choices, shapes retirement income strategy, and why planning for uncertainty is a core part of retirement readiness. This episode reframes retirement as an ongoing process that demands structure, clarity, and informed decision‑making. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 3 · 18 min
Are You Funding Your Kids’ Lives at the Expense of Your Retirement?
What happens when supporting adult children collides with planning for your own financial future? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom explores the balancing act many parents face as they approach retirement. She highlights why maintaining personal financial stability is essential, especially when adult children still rely on parental help. Bridget also discusses how Social Security fits into the bigger picture and the pressures many retirees feel as they work to cover their basic needs. Throughout the conversation, she offers perspective on the financial impact of continuing to support adult children and underscores the value of honest, practical family discussions around money and responsibility. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at Blue Monarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
January 20 · 18 min
The Financial Line Parents Are Struggling to Draw
What happens when supporting adult children starts reshaping a parent’s own financial future? In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom dives into the rising trend of parents covering expenses for grown kids, often without realizing how it strains their long‑term plans. From rent and phone bills to everyday spending, she unpacks the hidden costs, the emotional pressure behind saying “yes,” and why setting clear boundaries can protect both sides. Bridget shares relatable stories and practical ways to encourage financial independence while keeping retirement goals on track. She also breaks down Social Security’s role in retirement income and why it works best as part of a broader strategy—not the foundation. With future benefit changes possible, Bridget explains how diversified income sources, such as annuities, can help create stability. The episode encourages listeners to take an active role in shaping a retirement approach that fits their needs. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
January 1 · 8 min
Special Holiday Interview - Trisha Yearwood
Brigette Engstrom sits down with the award-winning Trisha Yearwood to reflect on her journey of personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and the balance between her music career and family life. She shares insights on how her experiences have shaped her music and her approach to life, emphasizing the significance of self-acceptance and the evolving nature of her career. You can order Trisha's new album, Christmastime, at www.trishayearwoord.com to get you into the Holiday Spirit! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 9, 2025 · 29 min
Five Red Flags That Could Derail Your Retirement
Think you’re ready to retire? Think again. In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom dives into the often-overlooked details that can make or break your retirement plans. From understanding your financial numbers to planning for healthcare costs, Bridget explains why alignment between spouses is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. She also reveals five warning signs that signal you may not be as prepared as you think. This conversation is packed with insights to help you spot potential pitfalls and take informed steps toward a secure and confident retirement. Visit www.bluemonarchfinancial.com for more details, to see upcoming events, and to book a complimentary consultation with Brigette Engstrom and the team at BlueMonarch Financial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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