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Brad Biren — Bio
Financial Coaching with Brad Biren, Esq., LL.M. (Tax)
I’m Brad Biren, founder of Keep Asking How®—an attorney, financial coach, and writer. My work blends clear money systems with gentle coaching, so you can see what to do this week, not someday.
What I do
- Coach individuals and households toward predictable months, lower unnecessary expenses, and resilient habits.
- Help clients navigate retirement, big life changes, leadership transitions, and living abroad planning.
- Write the upcoming book Keep Asking How and publish columns like Moneytawk.
How I work
- One page, two habits. Simpler plans get used.
- Friction‑first. We trim avoidable costs before adding complexity.
- Proof you can see. Cash‑flow calm, buffers growing, and choices in writing.
My Passion:
I’m a long‑time advocate for practical access, and a sponsor of the Brad Biren Scholarships offered through the Autism Society of Iowa. I also run employASD, a free, small‑batch fellowship for autistic adults focused on job‑skills coaching.
Note: Coaching here is educational. Legal services, when appropriate, are handled under a separate written engagement.
Mission • Approach • Ethos — Financial Coaching
Our Mission
To equip people at life’s turning points with practical financial coaching that creates calm, predictable months. Using plain‑English systems—Money Map, weekly caps, and fee‑cutting routines—Keep Asking How® helps individuals and households reduce unnecessary expenses, align cash‑flow with purpose, and make steady progress.
We specialize in financial coaching for retirees, people navigating major life changes (divorce, job loss, bereavement), LGBTQ+ professionals and families, leaders and managers, and those planning to live abroad. The goal is simple: fewer surprises, clearer decisions, and a plan you’ll actually use.
Our Approach
We believe meaningful change starts with one question: How? Our method turns uncertainty into two doable moves this week—then repeats.
- One page, two habits. Plans stay visible and simple: a one‑page Money Map and two weekly habits you can keep.
- Friction‑first. Before adding complexity, we cut avoidable costs and smooth bill rhythms.
- Proof you can see. Every step shows up in the numbers—lower recurring costs, growing buffers, and a month that runs on autopilot.
- Tailored beginnings. The coaching engine is the same; the first two sessions match your context:
- Retirement financial coaching: align Social Security, pensions, annuities, and RMD cash‑in/cash‑out to a predictable month; prompt beneficiary reviews (education only).
- Life‑change financial coaching: triage, order of operations, renegotiation scripts, and a steady rhythm after disruption.
- LGBTQ+ financial coaching: benefits questions, negotiation prep, chosen‑family budgeting, and dignity‑forward decision support.
- Leaders & managers: ROI‑minded money stories, comp/offer prep, and a quieter household money system so you can lead lighter.
- Living‑abroad (expat‑curious) financial coaching: residency‑month budget, banking/FX options (education only), insurance questions, and a 90‑day cash plan.
Educational—not advisory. We provide financial coaching, not investment, tax, immigration, or clinical advice. When specialist input is needed, we help you prepare questions and connect you with neutral referrals (no referral compensation).
Our Ethos
Curiosity over certainty. Compassion over judgment. Progress over perfection. We honor each person’s path as unique and capable—not broken or behind. Keep Asking How® is built on humility and hope: we won’t claim to have every answer, but we will keep asking the right questions until your money feels steady.
We measure success by calm: cash‑flow you can trust, expenses you can explain, and habits you can keep. Our commitment extends to community: we sponsor the Brad Biren Scholarships administered by the Autism Society of Iowa and run employASD, a free, small‑batch fellowship for autistic adults focused on job‑skills coaching.
Compliance note: Coaching is educational. Legal, tax, investment, or immigration matters are handled by licensed professionals; legal work, if appropriate, proceeds under a separate written engagement.
In the News
As Seen In:
Iowa Bar Association – Iowa Lawyer Magazine
Feature highlighting Brad Biren’s work at the intersection of law, disability rights, and tax compliance, emphasizing his leadership in ethical innovation and client advocacy.
🔗 Read on Iowa Bar Association
University of Iowa College of Law – Alumni Diversity Council
Profile of Brad Biren’s ongoing contribution to diversity and inclusion efforts at his alma mater, focusing on mentorship and systemic access to legal careers.
🔗 View Council Page
Iowa Public Radio – River to River (Podcast, April 2024)
Interview on neurodivergent identity and workplace inclusion, discussing autism awareness, acceptance, and how organizations can design more inclusive environments.
🔗 Listen to the Episode
Care.com – “Debt Forgiveness for Seniors”
Quoted as an expert in elder law and Medicaid planning, Brad Biren provides insights into legal strategies for debt relief and asset protection for aging adults.
🔗 Read Article
Des Moines Register – Storytellers Project (2018)
Personal story shared on stage about resilience, humor, and self-discovery — part of the Des Moines Storytellers Project’s live event series.
🔗 Read Feature
Yahoo! Finance – “When the Rich Work Normal Jobs”
Quoted as a financial and legal analyst discussing wealth behavior, career reinvention, and the psychology of work among high-net-worth individuals.
🔗 Read Article
Forbes – “Predicting How, When, or If the Great Resignation Will End”
Featured contributor offering commentary on workforce transformation, risk management, and adaptive leadership during shifting labor trends.
🔗 Read on Forbes
Authority Magazine – “The Future of Money and Banking”
In-depth interview exploring innovation, ethical finance, and the intersection of social purpose with economic systems, featuring Biren’s work with IQMOP.
🔗 Read Interview
YouTube – Iowa Autism Society Presentation
Recording of Brad Biren’s keynote on resilience and advocacy, emphasizing the Keep Asking How™ framework for families navigating neurodiversity.
🔗 Watch on YouTube
University of Iowa College of Law – News Feature (2022)
Highlight of Biren’s Authority Magazine feature and his community-building efforts through urban farming, leadership, and sustainable local development.
🔗 Read Feature
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) – Blueprint for Change
Showcasing Iowa’s collaborative approach to disability inclusion and policy reform, with contributions from Brad Biren on legal systems and collective impact.
🔗 Read Article
GoBankingRates – “Ways to Redefine Your Relationship with Money”
Quoted for insights on behavioral finance, mindset shifts, and aligning financial goals with personal values.
🔗 Read Article
The New York Times – “The Summer Sabbatical: A Creative Hiatus”
Included in a national feature exploring how professionals take time away from work to rediscover purpose and creativity.
🔗 Read Article