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 Does Fee Only Really Mean

Unlock the truth behind fee only advice and find out how to make sure your financial advisor is truly working for YOU and not a commission.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/fee-onlyTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure 

11-26
13:57

The End of the Penny and What It Means for The Future of Money

The last penny has been minted. What does it mean for inflation, digital payments, and where money is headed next? Learn what this small "change" says about a much bigger shift. Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/future-of-moneyTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

11-19
07:05

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Before Retirement?

Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement, or keep your low-interest loan and let your money work elsewhere? In this episode, we break down the numbers, mindset, and myths around the “debt-free” dream. Learn when paying off your home makes sense and when investing the difference could set you up for a stronger retirement.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/should-i-pay-off-my-mortgage-before-retirementTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

11-12
13:29

High Income to High Net Worth: The Smart Way to Build Wealth That Lasts

Making money is one thing. Keeping it, and growing it, is another. In this episode, discover the simple habits that turn high income into high net worth over time.Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/high-income-to-high-net-worthTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

11-05
14:15

Charitable Giving Strategies to Maximize Your Tax Deductions

Learn how to give smarter and keep more. From donor-advised funds to QCDs, discover powerful charitable giving strategies to lower your tax bill and make a bigger impact.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/charitable-giving-strategies To learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

10-29
13:00

Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Accounts: What It Really Means for Your Money

The account type you choose could change your tax bill, and your retirement timeline. Learn how Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Accounts impact your flexibility, taxes, and long-term wealth.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/qualified-vs-non-qualified-accountsTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

10-22
16:54

Maxed Out Your 401k? Here’s What to Do Next

You’ve hit the 401k limit, congratulations! But now comes the big question: where should your money go next? In this episode, we break down smart strategies beyond your 401k, from Roth options to taxable accounts, so you can keep building wealth without missing a beat.  Full show notes: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/maxed-out-401kTo learn more about Bonfire Financial, please visit: https://www.bonfirefinancial.comDisclosure: https://www.bonfirefinancial.com/disclosure

10-15
12:33

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

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