Retire SMART Podcast

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.

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150 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes150

Newest first

Friday · 14 min
Ep 453. Advisor Talk: Protecting Your Retirement Beyond Investments (Part 3)
Today, we are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. David Brooks joins with Charles Dzama, founder of CD Financial out of Southern California. In the final installment of this special three-part conversation, they explore often-overlooked retirement topics including long-term care planning, risk management, and why retirees need more flexibility than many employer-sponsored retirement plans provide. They also discuss common mistakes federal employees make during the retirement process and how comprehensive planning can help protect both retirees and their families for years to come.
Thursday · 10 min
Ep 452. Advisor Talk: What Every Federal Employee Should Know (Part 2)
Today, we are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. David Brooks joins with Charles Dzama, founder of CD Financial out of Southern California. As this special three-part conversation continues, they dive deeper into the unique retirement planning challenges facing federal employees, from maximizing pension and survivor benefits to reducing future tax burdens and Medicare surcharges. They also explain why successful retirement planning is about much more than investments, covering income strategies, healthcare decisions, and building a comprehensive retirement plan.
July 29 · 10 min
Ep 451. Advisor Talk: The Tax Mistakes Most Retirees Never See (Part 1)
Today, we are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. David Brooks joins with Charles Dzama, founder of CD Financial out of Southern California. In this first installment of a special three-part conversation, they discuss how proactive tax planning can become one of the greatest value-adds a financial advisor provides. They cover charitable giving strategies, required minimum distributions, why many retirees unknowingly pay more in taxes than necessary, and how fiduciary advisors can help clients keep more of what they've worked so hard to save.
July 25 · 13 min
Ep 450. Buffett Cuts off Donation to Gates Foundation
Should investors jump into one of the year's biggest IPOs? David Brooks explains why patience may be the better strategy with SpaceX, discusses Warren Buffett's changing philanthropic plans, and explores why government housing policies continue to fuel affordability challenges. Plus, the conversation wraps up with a broader discussion about capitalism, economic incentives, and why financial literacy matters more than ever.
July 24 · 9 min
Ep 449. Safeguarding the Retirement Nest Egg While Helping Our Children
As a 65-year-old who will probably retire in 5 years, what is the rule about Medicare I should know? With 3 children all in their 30s who need help from time to time, how can we help them while also protecting our retirement nest egg? And I inherited an annuity from my mom who passed away earlier this year, but the agent she bought it from is no longer in business; what should I do with this account? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
July 23 · 12 min
Ep 448. Five Most Common Pitfalls in Retirement Planning
What are the biggest retirement planning mistakes financial advisors see over and over again? David Brooks is joined by Financial Advisor Alex Murray to break down the five most common pitfalls—from tax planning and withdrawal strategies to healthcare costs, portfolio management, and the often-overlooked challenge of finding purpose in retirement.
July 22 · 7 min
Ep 447. Lindstrom's Independent Bid for Governor
David Brooks discusses Nebraska's governor's race following Brett Lindstrom's independent bid, examines the latest developments in Iran and their impact on oil prices, and breaks down encouraging inflation data that could shape the Federal Reserve's next moves. Learn what these headlines could mean for markets, interest rates, and the economy moving forward.
July 18 · 12 min
Ep 446. The Cost of Divorce in the Retirement Years
David Brooks discusses the growing trend of "gray divorce" and the significant financial challenges divorce can create during retirement. He also shares his thoughts on proposed retirement system changes, why Omaha and Lincoln continue to rank among America's least-stressed cities, and the importance of building a retirement plan that prepares you for both life's opportunities and unexpected changes.
July 17 · 10 min
Ep 445. A "No Brainer" Retirement Move for Wealthy Athletes
Why don’t we see more athletes who make 7-figure financial deals putting at least 1 million dollars in a retirement account to set them up for success in the future? Being four years away from retirement, is it wiser to focus on paying off debt or piling up money in my account? And is there a good rule of thumb for how much of my IRA should be invested in safe investments at age 60? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
July 16 · 11 min
Ep 444. Trump Accounts; Take Advantage Now!
Today, David Brooks and Director of Wealth Management Josh Cheatle discuss the new "Trump Accounts" (Section 530A accounts), explaining how families can take advantage of government seed money and long-term investing to build wealth for the next generation. They also break down the latest Social Security funding projections, what they could mean for future retirees, and why having a personalized retirement income plan is more important than reacting to political headlines.
July 15 · 10 min
Ep 443. Major Changes for Electronic Payments
David Brooks discusses the latest economic headlines, from global tensions in the Middle East and their impact on inflation and oil prices to the latest jobs report and what it could mean for the U.S. economy. Plus, he explains why investors should pay close attention to diversification as major changes reshape the electronic payments industry and long-held company stocks face increasing disruption.
July 11 · 11 min
Ep 442. Minimum Wage Increases on the Horizon
David examines the growing concentration of semiconductor stocks within the S&P 500 and what it could mean for investors if market leadership begins to shift. He also shares his perspective on minimum wage policy, Nebraska's fiscal health, rising holiday costs, and why homebuyers and real estate investors should be cautious as housing markets begin to normalize after the post-pandemic boom.
July 10 · 11 min
Ep 441. Is Real Estate Investing a Good Idea During Retirement?
Is it true that the government could potentially raid retirement or savings accounts for additional tax revenue? And if so, how do we protect ourselves? Once I start taking RMDs, am I required to withdraw the same amount on the same date every year? And is real estate as an investment really a good plan for supplemental income during retirement? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
July 9 · 11 min
Ep 440. Protecting Your Family's Wealth
David is joined by estate planning attorney Colin Kastrick for a practical conversation about protecting family wealth and avoiding costly disputes over businesses, farms, real estate, and other legacy assets. They explain why proactive estate planning, clear communication, and the right legal structures can help preserve both your assets and your family's relationships for generations to come.
July 8 · 11 min
Ep 439. Happy 250th 'Merica!
In this special Independence Day edition, David reflects on the freedoms that make the American dream possible before shifting to the latest economic headlines. He breaks down how geopolitical events, energy prices, global currency markets, and the rapid rise of AI are shaping inflation, investment risk, and what investors should be watching in the months ahead.
July 4 · 12 min
Ep 438. Political Insider Trading
Today, David Brooks reveals what the dramatic rise and fall of the SpaceX IPO can teach investors about market hype and long-term investing. He also discusses why there's no universal "magic number" for retirement, explores concerns over congressional stock trading, and explains how thoughtful estate planning can help families preserve both wealth and relationships for generations.
July 3 · 9 min
Ep 437. What is an ILIT?
Am I able to schedule the first initial appointment with Retire SMART without first answering so many questions beforehand? What is an “ILIT,” why should I do it, and who benefits from it? And even though David dislikes dishing out more taxes than necessary, why is he in favor of the ROTH IRA, where taxes are due upfront? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
July 2 · 11 min
Ep 436. How the Strait of Hormuz Hits Your Portfolio
Geopolitical tensions, inflation, interest rates, and the markets continue to dominate investor conversations. This week, David Brooks is joined by Mike Shudel to discuss how global events—from the Strait of Hormuz to Federal Reserve policy—could impact your portfolio, tax planning strategies, and retirement outlook, while highlighting why proactive financial planning matters more than ever.
July 1 · 12 min
Ep 435. RIP Alan Greenspan
David and Chip off this week's episode by reflecting on recent community events, a unique behind-the-scenes look inside a high-security precious metals vault, and the passing of former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. They also examine what record-high stock valuations, slowing corporate stock buybacks, and continued geopolitical uncertainty could mean for investors and why staying disciplined in today's market environment is more important than ever.
June 25 · 11 min
Ep 434. Advisor Talk with Mark Rowlette (pt 2)
We continue our conversation with financial advisor Mark Rowlette, exploring how ongoing education, proven business systems, and holistic financial planning can create lasting value for both advisors and the families they serve. With David attending industry conferences and meetings this week, we're bringing you this special two-part episode in place of our usual four-episode schedule.