Don't Retire...Graduate!

Strategic Giving, Estate Planning, and Fostering Lasting Legacies in Underserved Communities

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we dive into the intersection of estate planning, philanthropy, and building legacies—especially within underrepresented communities. I’m joined by the remarkable Shari Fleming, an estate planning attorney and philanthropic advisor whose passion for service, education, and bridging community gaps is truly inspiring. Shari’s credentials are impressive: Magna Cum Laude graduate of Lincoln University with degrees in History and Black Studies, J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law, Accredited Estate Planner, and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy. In addition to her own thriving law practice, she serves as the Planned Giving Officer at Bowie State University and founded the “Our Legacy Matters” community to advance ownership and generational wealth in communities of color. In our conversation, Shari and I explored her unconventional path to law, sparked not by an early passion but by process of elimination and an urge to help others. We discussed how her two worlds—the professional estate planning sphere and her home community—often felt disconnected, leading her to create “Our Legacy Matters” as a bridge built on accurate, accessible information. Shari described how her practice begins with clients’ intentions and dreams, not just the technical “tools” of estate law. We addressed the deeply personal side of philanthropy and why time, talent, and treasure all play crucial roles in building legacies, especially when generational conversations about giving may look different across cultures. She also touched on the challenges of building a solo practice, the critical influence of true mentors, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of diverse professionals. We also talked honestly about work-life balance, the importance of joy, and her decision to hit “pause” and reflect after years of hard work—while keeping her eyes on new dreams, including the possibility of a book! 5 Key Takeaways: Philanthropy Is Personal: Shari emphasized that charitable planning always begins with the client’s unique intent and dreams—never just the technical tools. Professionals must listen deeply to turn intentions into meaningful strategies. Bridging Community Gaps: Recognizing the disconnect between the professional estate planning world and communities of color, Shari founded “Our Legacy Matters” to provide a safe, educational space and bridge miscommunication with accurate, accessible information. Mentorship Matters: A pivotal relationship with her mentor, Aquanetta Betts, shaped Shari’s career and underscored the value of seeking (and becoming) lasting mentors, especially for those without inherited networks or practices. Redefining Generational Philanthropy: Philanthropy in underrepresented communities often centers more on service, time, and talent than on financial gifts—yet these are powerful forms of legacy that deserve recognition and strategic support. The Power of Joyful Reflection: Success isn’t just about relentless achievement. Shari’s decision to pause and intentionally reflect—to “let the sun shine” and dream anew—shows how purposeful rest and pursuit of joy are essential for continued growth. Join us to discover how intention, compassion, and strategic planning can help you not only secure your family’s future, but also uplift your community and find fulfillment along the way. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with those on a journey to transform their legacy—financially and beyond! Register for our October 7 webinar together here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hNEOpAhcQF65OjJkI-qS-Q More details to come! [embed]https://youtu.be/CpkqJJ_zBAk[/embed] Meet Shari Fleming Shari Fleming is a Maryland licensed attorney with a sincere desire to help individuals and families preserve and pass generational wealth while also supporting the causes they love. She is Principal of the Law Office of Shari Fleming, which is a law firm geared towards helping individuals and businesses build, protect, and preserve their wealth and legacy. The firm’s areas of legal practice include business formation and succession planning, real estate, estate planning, and estate administration (trusts and probate). Website: www.sharifleming.com

Empowering Female Advisors and Building Inclusive Firms with Lena Nebel

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, I’m excited to bring you a very special installment from our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” series. We’re diving into the professional journey, passions, and perspectives of an inspiring leader in the financial world: Lena Nebel, CFP®. Lena is not only my business partner and dear friend, but also serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at BFG Financial Advisors. With almost 25 years of experience, she’s made significant strides as an advocate for women in finance, blazing trails both inside and outside our firm. In this insightful conversation, Lena shares her story from her earliest career aspirations—sparked by her mother’s administrative role—to becoming the only woman on her college investment committee and ultimately advancing to executive leadership. Lena and I discuss the challenges she faced as a woman in an industry traditionally dominated by men, and why representation and mentorship matter not just to her, but for the future of our entire profession. We also delve into the importance of opening doors for the next generation of financial professionals—especially young women who might not see themselves reflected in the field. Lena provides concrete advice for those interested in personal finance as a career, highlighting the wide range of roles available beyond being a financial advisor, and underscoring the benefits of internships and job shadowing. We explore how true diversity—of background, experience, and ideas—fuels collaboration and strong decision-making at BFG, and discuss the positive impact of study groups, advisory boards, and male allies in advancing inclusivity across the industry. Our conversation wraps with Lena’s reflections on leadership, growth, and the ever-evolving answer to, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” 5 Key Takeaways: Diverse Career Paths in Finance: Lena emphasized that the financial services industry offers far more than just becoming an advisor. Roles in client relations, marketing, operations, and research are all vital, making it a great field for a wide variety of skill sets and interests. Mentorship and Representation Matter: As someone who experienced firsthand the lack of female role models early on, Lena is committed to mentoring young women and creating pathways for them to succeed in finance. She encourages firms to offer shadowing and internship opportunities to expose students to the real-world variety of financial careers. Collaboration Drives Better Decisions: One of BFG’s guiding principles is collaboration—not just among leaders but across all levels of the organization. Lena explains how inviting input from every team member, including interns, leads to richer discussions, stronger decisions, and a healthy workplace culture. The Value of Study Groups and Advisory Boards: Peer study groups, especially those focused on elevating G2 (second-generation) women leaders, are becoming important spaces for learning and growth within finance. Lena acknowledges that both male and female advocates are needed to accelerate industry-wide change. Progress Toward Inclusion: While change is happening, Lena notes that the industry still has a long way to go to achieve true diversity. She urges firms to look beyond appearances and seek diversity in experiences, perspectives, and education as well as backgrounds, ultimately enabling better connections with a diverse client base. Join us for this inspiring episode as Lena Nebel offers wisdom for established professionals, young people considering finance, and leaders committed to creating a more inclusive future. Subscribe, rate, and share if you’re ready for your own journey toward financial freedom, growth, and purpose—don’t retire… graduate! Get to know Lena here!...

Making Downsizing Manageable: How to Organize, Donate, and De-Stress Before Retirement

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode is all about conquering clutter, downsizing with dignity, and organizing your life for the next big transition—whether that’s retirement, a move, or simply refreshing your space for a more purpose-driven future. Joining me in the studio is Tara Donohue Rudo, founder of No More Piles, an organization that has helped countless families and busy professionals in the Baltimore metro area manage life’s transitions with less stress and more organization. Tara brings more than 23 years of expertise in move management, downsizing, estate clear outs, and general home organizing. In our candid and wide-ranging conversation, Tara and I dig into the emotional and practical challenges of tackling decades of accumulated “stuff,” often spanning several generations—not just our own collections, but those of our parents, adult children, and relatives who have passed on. We talk about why people keep things for so long, how daunting the downsizing process can feel, and why it’s usually better to tackle it early rather than wait for a crisis. We also discuss some of the surprising treasures Tara and her team have uncovered hidden in old boxes and back drawers, from forgotten life insurance policies and valuable coin collections to heirlooms and important financial documents. Tara shares tips for making family conversations about decluttering easier, explains her methodical approach to breaking the process down into manageable steps, and emphasizes the importance of community and philanthropy in letting go. One thing I really appreciated was how Tara approaches downsizing proactively—not just as something you do in retirement, but as a habit worth practicing at every stage of life. She’s full of actionable advice, from digitizing old photos and creating organized shopping lists to setting up systems for periodic purging, getting the whole family involved, and making certain your “secret stuff” is handled with care. There’s also a wealth of resources and professional networks for people seeking help wherever they live. If you or your family are facing a big transition or you simply want to lighten your load, this episode packs a powerful punch with both wisdom and tangible steps to make the journey smoother. 5 Key Takeaways: Start Early, Start Small: Don’t wait for a crisis to begin decluttering and downsizing. Tackle one room or even one pile at a time, and if you’ve lived in a home for decades, plan for at least a month per decade to manage the process without unnecessary stress. Professional Organizers as Allies: Hiring a reputable, experienced organizer (often through the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) gives you access to trusted resources, emotional support, and systems for uncovering and preserving valuables as well as clearing out everything else effectively. Treasures Among the Chaos: It’s common for teams like Tara’s to discover valuable items such as forgotten life insurance policies, coins, stock certificates, or important documents—sometimes totaling tens of thousands of dollars or more. Properly sorting and investigating paperwork can truly pay off. Involve the Family and Give Back: Downsizing isn’t just about “stuff”—it’s also a chance to talk about memories, philanthropy, and family storytelling. Regular purges, creating donation bins, and thoughtfully redistributing goods keeps giving at the center of the process. The Power of Three Friends: For peace of mind, identify three trusted people: one who knows your finances, one who knows your passwords, and one who knows about any “secret stuff.” This trio can help ensure your legacy and information are handled as you wish in any emergency. Join us as we explore how to shed physical and emotional baggage, preserve what truly matters, and set the stage for a future full of intention and possibility. If you loved this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share it with anyone ready to take their next step toward living lighter and retiring with purpose! [embed]https://youtu.be/lGcJjxcur4c[/embed]

Redefining Retirement: Eric Brotman on Legacy, Mentorship, and Financial Wellness

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! Today’s episode turns the tables for a special edition of our “Diary of a Financial Advisor” segment. Instead of my usual role as host, I’m stepping into the interviewee seat and handing the mic over to Tony Breen, BFG’s talented intern and a student at Stevenson University. Tony came prepared—having read my book and even “graduated” from Retire University—to dig into my professional journey and the core philosophies behind our work at BFG. In this conversation, Tony and I explored what “graduation” means beyond the standard notion of retirement, and why I believe it’s a model for living a life of growth, purpose, and continual reinvention. We discussed the legacy I hope to leave at BFG, and why mentorship and a collaborative, teaching-hospital-style environment set our firm apart in the financial services industry. I shared details on our unique ensemble practice model, the importance of spreading financial literacy, and the role mentoring has played in my career. Tony asked insightful questions about choosing a financial advisor, emphasizing authenticity and transparency over complexity and secrets—a message I’m passionate about. We also dug into why financial literacy is so crucial for everyone, young and old, and I pointed to resources both within and beyond BFG for anyone looking to boost their financial know-how. We wrapped up by talking about what I might “graduate” into next and what accomplishment I’m most proud of—hint: it’s not about personal accolades, but about building something meaningful and enduring for my team and our clients. 5 Key Takeaways: Redefining Retirement as Graduation: I shared my belief that retirement shouldn’t be a retreat, but a “graduation” into something even better—another chapter of purpose, relevance, and contribution, no matter your age or stage. A Legacy Built to Last: One of my greatest professional aspirations is to build a legacy at BFG that not only endures but thrives beyond my own career and lifetime, continuing to serve clients and foster great talent. The Power of Mentorship and Collaboration: Modeled after a teaching hospital, BFG offers advisors a place to learn and thrive without pressure to “sell”—demonstrating that collaboration and ethical mentorship are the cornerstones of a meaningful career. The Critical Need for Financial Literacy: Navigating the financial world requires knowledge and vigilance. I highlighted accessible resources like our free online financial literacy course at BFG University and recommended involvement in programs like Junior Achievement to help bridge the gap. Choosing the Right Financial Advisor: When seeking an advisor, trust and transparency are paramount. I cautioned listeners to seek professionals who are honest, open, and clear about their offerings—making the advisor-client relationship as authentic and supportive as possible. Join us for this unique insider’s perspective on purposeful growth and building a legacy in the financial world. If today’s episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with anyone looking to transform their approach to retirement—and to life! [embed]https://youtu.be/e1TfEAT8zC8[/embed]

Empowering Women to Master Money: A Conversation with Chelsea Williams, the Money Whisperer

Welcome back to Don’t Retire… Graduate! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the intersection of financial empowerment, psychology, and redefining money conversations—especially for women. Joining me is Chelsea Williams, also known as the Money Whisperer, and the host of the Always and Never about the Money podcast. With nearly a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Chelsea has helped countless business owners and individuals find financial clarity, dispel myths, and uncover the empowering stories that money can tell. Chelsea and I explored how it’s “always and never about the money”—challenging the black-and-white thinking that often holds us back from understanding our true relationship with finances. From Chelsea’s journey of necessity as a young single mom, to her emergence as a beloved financial educator and crusader for women’s financial literacy, we covered the unique challenges women face in the financial world and why their role in wealth-building is only growing stronger. We looked at money not as a source of stress or conflict, but as a mirror that reflects deeper life patterns—be it in setting boundaries with loved ones, or breaking generational cycles of financial exclusion. Our conversation spanned the practical application of personal and business budgets (or, as Chelsea and I agree to call it—the “B word”), the importance of emergency funds, and how to “pay yourself first” with systems like Profit First. We also went deep into financial planning as both an art and a science, the importance of regular course adjustments, and the need to own your financial understanding rather than abdicate responsibility to others. 5 Key Takeaways: Money Is a Mirror, Not a Monster: Chelsea drives home that financial problems often reflect deeper issues like boundaries, communication, or beliefs—money simply brings these patterns to the surface. Women Are Reshaping Financial Power: Despite only recently entering the world of independent finance (about 1% of the time financial institutions have existed!), women now control a growing share of wealth and are learning to own their money narratives. Pay Yourself First—Every Time: Whether personally or in business, prioritizing savings before spending allows you to break the common “net zero” habit and set yourself up for long-term success—even if you’re only saving “50 cents at a time.” The “B Word” Isn’t About Restriction: Creating a budget—whether for a business or household—is about establishing boundaries and protecting your future self, not about deprivation. Think of it as building freedom within guardrails you create for yourself. Financial Planning Is an Ongoing Art: No plan can predict the future perfectly—what matters is having a clear “shot to call,” monitoring and adjusting regularly (even quarterly check-ins can make a big difference), and being comfortable with pivoting as life happens. Join us in this energetic and insightful episode as Chelsea and I challenge old-school money thinking, provide real-world tools for financial mastery, and inspire everyone—especially women—to step confidently into their financial power. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone ready to reimagine their financial future! [embed]https://youtu.be/j1eM9cyc64s[/embed] About Chelsea Williams Bio: With over a decade of working with entrepreneurs and their money, Chelsea has come to understand that it's always and never about money. So she's on a mission to splash some color around this very black-and-white topic. School never taught us about money, yet we use it every day. Financial clarity can be the thing that shatters glass ceilings. With over a decade of bookkeeping for lawyers experience, she has the knowledge to not just get your financial house in order, but set it up for long-term sustainability at a healthy profit. Accounting for law firms feels like a burden, a necessary evil, and that thing you have to do to get taxes done. The truth is, you’ll lose more money, by not keeping your books up to date than you will pay to keep them current. Why? It’s simple. Updated books produce financial reports that can be your roadmap to profitability. You started your firm to get two things back, your time and money. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_money_whisperer/ https://www.instagram.com/core_solutions_group/ Website: https://www.moneymastery.work/ https://www.yourcoresolution.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseamwilliams-themoneywhisperer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelseathemoneywhisperer/ https://www.facebook.com/yourcoresolution/