Sara Lohse

You’re On Your Own: Rethinking Your Retirement Income Sources

Published on Forbes.com The classic model of retirement income is the three-legged stool: the largest chunk comes from your pension, then your Social Security. Your savings only needed to account for about 10% of your income. Throw out that idea and understand this model: you’re on your own. Click here

So You Think You Should Downsize

Published on Forbes.com As an empty nester with children who have grown up and started their own families, and a retiree with less of a steady income, downsizing your living arrangements may be something you need—and want—to do. Here are a few things you should and should not do when thinking about downsizing. Read Article

Episode 7: Housing in Retirement: To Downsize or Not to Downsize?

In this episode, Eric discusses the Dos and Don’ts of downsizing in retirement with residential real estate agent Tina Beliveau. In this episode: Who needs a financial advisor and why Tips for first-time homebuyers  Why you should consult with a real estate agent before taking any next steps  The dangers of PMI The differences between

From Diapers To Daycare: Financial Planning For Growing Families

Published on Forbes.com Having kids will likely be the best gift you ever give yourself—and also the most expensive. Be sure to consider the costs that will continue to add up as your kids grow into teenagers and adults. Here are some of the financial considerations to think about when growing your family. Read Article

Getting Married? It’s Time To Plan For Retirement

Published on Forbes.com Planning for a marriage doesn’t end at the wedding planning. You’re no longer planning your finances independently. Making sure you’re prepared to retire as a couple means starting to think about your financial situation even before you put on the rings. Read More

Episode 6: How to Choose a Financial Advisor and When to Know You Need One

In this episode, Eric discusses when “doing it yourself” stops making sense and how to choose an advisor with his guest, Lena Nebel. In this episode:Who needs a financial advisor and why   Different types/specialties of financial planners  How to find a financial planner  Questions to ask when interviewing a financial advisor? Does the advisor

Episode 5: Estate Planning Basics: Not Only for the Rich

In this episode, Eric Brotman and his guest, Jill Snyder, discuss the greatest financial gift you can give your children: influence, not affluence. In this episode: The importance of having an estate plan Why an estate plan is not only for the wealthy  When to create an estate plan How to navigate estate planning with

Episode 4: Legacy Planning: Leaving Behind Something More Important than Money

In this episode, Eric Brotman and his guest, Rich Polt, discuss how important family is and that preserving a legacy isn’t always just about financial estate.In this episode: How will you be remembered? What can you leave to your children, grandchildren, and future generations of your family that are more valuable than money and “stuff?”

Episode 3: Preparing for Act 2 of Your Career

In this episode, Eric Brotman and his guest, Kathleen Benjamin, discuss how to prepare for Act 2 career and what to do professionally in retirement. In this episode: You’re graduating – what do you want to be when you grow up? Life after “Career 1.0”: Consulting? Entrepreneurship? Teaching? Mentoring? Interview of an Act II success

Episode 2: Volunteering in Retirement – Time, Talent, & Treasury

Finding your calling and a higher purpose as a volunteer in retirement. Using your time, talent, and treasury to make a difference. Interview of a “graduate” who has mastered volunteerism. Guest BioDianne Gilbert is the mother of two grown children and five perfect grandchildren. After a varied career, which included teaching, years with Baltimore County