The Field Guide: Simplify, Navigate and Elevate Your Financial Life

You are at the heart of the story behind Bonfire Financial. We believe that like a bonfire, life should be filled with celebration and memorable experiences. Money is often the way to get there, and that is what the Filed Guide Podcast is about, helping you find creative solutions to balance living for today and saving for tomorrow. Hosted by the CEO of Bonfire Financial, Brian Colvert, CFP®, each episode will bring you ideas to simplify, navigate and elevate your financial life.

What to Do with an Old (or Forgotten) 401k

Got an old 401k sitting with a past employer? You’re not alone. In this episode, we cover how to track down forgotten accounts, your best rollover options, and how to keep your retirement savings working for you.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/old-401kTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

10-08
11:03

The Best Age to Retire? It’s Not What You Think

Everyone asks, “What’s the best age to retire?” but the truth is, age has little to do with it. In this episode, we dig into the history of retirement, the myths about spending less, and the real question you should be asking: when will you have enough to live the life you want?Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/best-age-to-retireTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

10-01
15:00

The Cash Balance Plan Advantage: Maximize Savings, Minimize Taxes

Think 401(k)s are the limit? A Cash Balance Plan could change everything, especially for business owners and high earners who want to catch up on savings fast.https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/cash-balance-planTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

09-24
15:31

Retirement Planning Mistakes: Don’t Forget These Hidden Costs!

Think you’ve covered all your bases for retirement? Think again. In this episode, we uncover the most common expenses retirees overlook. These hidden costs can derail even the best-laid plans. Tune in to learn how to spot them early and protect your future.https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/retirement-planning-mistakesTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

09-17
16:54

How Portfolio Rebalancing Can Help You Stay on Track for Retirement

Market shifts can quietly change your portfolio’s risk profile. Rebalancing helps preserve wealth, maintain diversification, and keep long-term plans aligned. Tune in to learn how rebalancing keeps your portfolio aligned with your goals, through both bull and bear markets. Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/rebalancingTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

09-10
15:14

Wills and Trusts: What You Need to Know to Pass On Your Wealth Wisely

Wills and trusts aren’t just necessary legal documents, they’re the tools that determine how smoothly your wealth transfers across generations. In this episode we explore the nuanced differences between the two, when each makes sense, and how to preserve both privacy and control while protecting your legacy.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/wills-and-trustsTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

09-03
27:26

ETFs vs. Mutual Funds: What’s the Real Difference?

ETFs or mutual funds, which one’s right for you? In this episode, we cut through the jargon and break down the real differences (and surprising similarities) between these two investment staples. Tune in to learn how they work, why it matters, and which option is best for you. Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/etfs-vs-mutual-fundsTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

08-27
19:01

HSA Benefits: How to Use Your Health Savings Account for Maximum Impact

Listen in to unlock your HSA’s full potential, from tax savings to unexpected uses, and why it can be a game changer for your retirement plan.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/hsa-benefits To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

08-20
12:26

Required Minimum Distributions: RMDs Explained

RMDs can be a retirement game-changer, and not always in a good way. In this episode, we break down what they are, when they hit, and smart moves to keep them from wrecking your tax bill. Learn how to make RMDs work for you instead of against you.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/required-minimum-distributionsTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

08-13
14:30

Old Policies, New Problems: When to Rethink and Review Your Insurance

Think your old insurance policy is still doing its job? Think again. In this episode, we break down why a quick insurance review could save you thousands, boost your coverage, and bring your protection strategy into the present.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/insurance-reviewTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

08-06
13:10

Breaking Down the Big Beautiful Bill: Tax Cuts and Opportunities

The Big Beautiful Bill Act brought major tax changes, but also big planning opportunities. In this episode, we break down what retirees and near-retirees need to know to make the most of the new rules, tax cuts, and optimize their strategy.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/big-beautiful-bill-tax-cutsTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

07-30
10:01

FOMO and Investing: Why Emotions Sabotage Your Strategy

Learn how to spot FOMO-driven decisions, avoid buying at the top, and stick to a strategy that actually builds wealth. Brian shares practical tips to keep emotions out of your investing.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/fomo-investingTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

07-23
14:08

Self-Employed Retirement Planning: How to Maximize Tax Savings and Wealth

Business owners and self-employed professionals: uncover powerful retirement planning strategies that reduce taxes today and build serious wealth for tomorrow using SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and more.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/self-employed-retirement-planningTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

07-16
12:40

What to Do After Maxing Out Your 401k

Maxed out your 401k? Learn what to do next to keep your investments growing with tax-efficient strategies and flexible account options.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/maxing-out-401kTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

07-09
12:42

Investing in CDs: A Low-Risk Strategy You’re Probably Overlooking

Thinking about investing in CDs but not sure if they’re worth it? In this episode, we break down what CDs are, how they work, and how strategies like laddering can help you stay flexible while growing your money with less risk.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/investing-in-cdsTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

07-02
11:15

The Difference Between Permanent Life Insurance and Term Life Insurance (and Why It Matters)

Life insurance can feel a bit overwhelming, and honestly, a little shady. Brian dives into the real difference between permanent life insurance and term life insurance, why term often makes more sense, and how to avoid getting sold on fear instead of facts.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/permanent-vs-term-life-insuranceTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

06-25
13:24

Your Medicare Choice Might Be Permanent - Here’s What to Know (with Medicare Specialist Andrew Mersereau)

In this episode, Medicare specialist Andrew Mersereau breaks down the critical decisions around Medicare enrollment, including why your initial choice could be permanent, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Whether you're nearing 65 or helping a loved one, this is a must-listen.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/medicare-choiceTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

06-18
49:43

Making It Count: How to Balance Living for Today and Saving for Tomorrow

You work hard, but are you enjoying the payoff? Today we are talking about how to spend with intention, save smart, and make room for the moments that matter most.Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/living-for-todayTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

06-11
14:16

How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits & Why It Still Matters, Even If You're Wealthy

Think Social Security doesn’t matter if you’re wealthy? In this episode, Brian explains why it does, and how to maximize your Social Security benefits so your kids or favorite charity will thank you.  Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/maximize-your-social-security-benefitsGet your Social Security Cheat Sheet: https://www.bonfire.financial/social-security-medicare-cheat-sheet  To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

06-04
06:55

Roth Conversion Strategies: Build Wealth for Your Family, Not the IRS

Most people think Roth conversions are just a retirement tax move. In reality, they can be one of the most powerful estate planning tools available. In this episode, we break down how a well-timed Roth conversion can help your family avoid a massive tax bill, and why paying a little now could save your family a lot later. If you’re serious about leaving a legacy (not a tax mess), this one’s for you.Full show notes:  https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/roth-conversion-strategiesTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

05-28
11:06

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