Retire SMART Podcast

By Retire SMART LLC

We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of investment and insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives.

Episodes

Ep 372. Nebraska Outperforms on Income Growth
This episode covers some surprising economic trends — including why Nebraska is outperforming much of the country when it comes to real income growth — and what that means for workers and business owners. We also dig into concerns about government spending, business incentives, and the challenges small businesses face navigating bureaucracy. Plus, an important conversation about retirement that goes beyond money — focusing on purpose, fulfillment, and why having a plan for life after work truly matters.
12 min
Ep 371. Inheriting an Annuity from the Passing of a Loved One
With long-term care being a complicated and expensive process for us, while we’re in our 60s and in good health, is it really worth the trouble going through? What am I supposed to do with an annuity I inherited after my mother’s passing? And what are David’s thoughts on me rolling over my 401(k) while I’m still working? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
9 min
Ep 370. Tips for Business Owners During Tax Season
This episode focuses on what business owners should be thinking about during tax season — from proactive tax planning to maximizing the value of your company. We break down strategies like the Qualified Business Income deduction, accelerated depreciation, and how proper planning could potentially save millions in taxes when exiting a business. If you’re an entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with opportunities you may not even realize exist.
11 min
Ep 369. The Biggest Loss From Winning the Big Game
This episode covers everything from hosting client events to breaking down the latest economic headlines. We dive into strong jobs data, what it could mean for interest rates, and even the surprising tax hit an NFL Big-Game–winning quarterback could face. It’s a fast-paced conversation on money, markets, and the real-world impact of policy decisions.
12 min
Ep 368. The 32K Crock Pot
This episode dives into rising U.S. manufacturing data and the debate over tariffs, taxes, and economic growth. The guys also share a wild $32,000 antique crock story before turning to bigger issues — falling test scores, housing market nerves, and why looser mortgage rules could revive old financial risks. It’s a fast-moving look at how policy and market trends connect to your money.
10 min
Ep 367. Can I Meet David Brooks?
What do the terms “flat-fee, fee-only, and fee-based” mean? What are short-term reserves and what are the risks of messing with a 401(k) in relation to a recent reddit post encouraging people to protest the current presidential administration. And when I call to schedule an appointment with Retire SMART, why can’t I meet with David? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
12 min
Ep 366. The Business of Sports
What starts as Big Game chatter turns into a fascinating look at the business of sports. Financial Advisor, Alex Murray and David Brooks break down ticket prices, sports betting, and how host cities can see hundreds of millions in economic impact from major events — then bring it closer to home with Omaha, Lincoln, and the power of Husker athletics. It’s football, finance, and why stadiums and sports culture can be serious economic engines.
11 min
Ep 365. Warsh for Fed Chair
David and Chip kick things off with some big-game banter but quickly pivot to a major economic shake-up: the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair. They break down why markets reacted so hard, what a tighter Federal Reserve could mean for inflation, interest rates, and gold, and why investors—especially near retirement—can’t afford a “set it and forget it” strategy. Big policy shift, real portfolio impact.
13 min
Ep 364. Insider Trading and Earmark Spending in Congress
From companies relocating to low-tax states to questions about lawmakers trading stocks, this episode tackles where money flows — and why. The conversation breaks down how tax policy influences economic growth, why government incentives matter, and the growing debate over insider trading and earmark spending in Congress. It’s a big-picture discussion on power, policy, and the impact on everyday investors.
10 min
Ep 363. What Sets Retire SMART Apart From the Others
What are the pros and cons of rolling out a 457 to buy a rental property? What should I do when I’m 57 and ready to be done with my job, but unsure if I have enough money to walk into retirement? And how is Retire SMART a different than other brokers? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
12 min
Ep 362. Possible Social Security Reforms, With Brad Starken
Social Security takes center stage, with advisor Brad Starken, as the conversation tackles new projections, funding concerns, and the real story behind potential benefit changes. Brad and David explain how demographics, taxes, and possible reforms could shape the program’s future, plus why when and how you claim matters more than most people realize. It’s a practical look at turning a complex system into a smarter retirement decision.
11 min
Ep 361. The FED Chose Politics
From subzero temps to red-hot topics, the guys kick things off with Husker basketball before breaking down what’s really driving the markets. They unpack the latest Fed meeting, what the statement signals about rate cuts, and why clarity matters more than the decision itself. Plus, a big-picture look at housing trends and how shifting supply could reshape prices in the years ahead.
11 min
Ep 360. State Tax Changes Forces Massive Migrations
David connects the dots between global debt concerns, tax policy, and a simple economic truth—money moves to opportunity and away from pressure. From Seattle tax proposals to shifting state trends, he explains how policy decisions can reshape where people live, work, and invest. The episode wraps with a look at the housing market, including easing mortgage lock-in, downsizing challenges, and why real estate may look different in the years ahead.
11 min
Ep 359. Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor
What questions should I ask when interviewing a financial advisor? And after dumping all my earnings back into my business for the past 25 years, while also wanting to scale back my involvement in my business, but not yet retire, what is a wise way to approach this situation? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
9 min
Ep 358. Strategies for the Tax Filing Season
David is joined by advisor Jacob Orand to break down key tax moves and charitable giving strategies as a new filing season approaches. They explain new above-the-line deduction rules for cash donations, why documentation matters more than ever, and how retirees could benefit from stacking deductions. The conversation also covers common tax filing mistakes, Roth conversions, crypto reporting, and why slowing down can save you from costly errors.
12 min
Ep 357. Why Greenland?
This episode opens with a major Retire Smart milestone, celebrating the firm’s first awards gala and growth to more than 1,000 households served. From there, David breaks down President Trump’s latest global economic comments, tariffs, and why Greenland has suddenly become a key geopolitical and market conversation. The discussion connects world events to what they could mean for trade, markets, and investors.
13 min
Ep 356. "Time In" the Market vs. "Timing" of the Market
This episode tackles big-picture issues shaping the economy, starting with healthcare costs, government spending, and why well-intentioned policies often drive prices higher. David also unpacks market history, including what strong rebounds can signal for the year ahead and why staying invested matters more than timing the market. The conversation closes with insights on trade data, gold, and why missing a Santa Claus rally may not be as scary as it sounds.
12 min
Ep 355. What Happens at a "Taxes & Retirement" Event?
We own a lot that’s never been built on, still owe $120,000 for it, and can’t seem to sell it; what are we to do? What is a 770 account and if I want one, where can I get it? And what can I expect if I come to one of your “Taxes in Retirement” events? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
8 min
Ep 354. Education For Retirement Planning, With Brandon Stuerke
David is joined by Brandon Stuerke, founder of The Retirement Institute, an online education platform built to help retirees and pre-retirees get real answers to real financial questions. They discuss why retirement planning needs specialists—not generalists—and how technology is helping close the growing advice gap as millions retire and advisors exit the industry. The conversation also dives into advisor training, Roth conversions, business succession planning, and why education is the future of retirement planning.
11 min
Ep 353. California's Controversial Wealth Tax
We open the show with a heartfelt tribute to Sandy Dodge, a true Omaha community leader whose legacy of service and giving back continues to inspire. From there, David breaks down key economic headlines, including cooling inflation, Fed drama, and what the latest data could mean for interest rates. Then we wrap with a deep dive into taxes, wealth tax proposals, and why policy decisions often come with serious unintended consequences.
14 min

Episodes

Ep 372. Nebraska Outperforms on Income Growth

Ep 371. Inheriting an Annuity from the Passing of a Loved One

Ep 370. Tips for Business Owners During Tax Season

Ep 369. The Biggest Loss From Winning the Big Game

Ep 368. The 32K Crock Pot

Ep 367. Can I Meet David Brooks?

Ep 366. The Business of Sports

Ep 365. Warsh for Fed Chair

Ep 364. Insider Trading and Earmark Spending in Congress

Ep 363. What Sets Retire SMART Apart From the Others

Ep 362. Possible Social Security Reforms, With Brad Starken

Ep 361. The FED Chose Politics

Ep 360. State Tax Changes Forces Massive Migrations

Ep 359. Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

Ep 358. Strategies for the Tax Filing Season

Ep 357. Why Greenland?

Ep 356. "Time In" the Market vs. "Timing" of the Market

Ep 355. What Happens at a "Taxes & Retirement" Event?

Ep 354. Education For Retirement Planning, With Brandon Stuerke

Ep 353. California's Controversial Wealth Tax