Retire SMART Podcast

Can a “near-retiree” move to Roths without tying up the money for 5 years? Are there any risks to a Roth IRA, and if so, what are they? And will we see any lasting positive results from DOGE cuts? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

In this episode, David sits down with former Green Beret and safety consultant Trevor Thrasher to talk about street smarts and situational awareness. They cover how to recognize potential threats, make smart decisions under pressure, and build confidence to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In this episode, David unpacks the latest updates on the government shutdown and jobs report delays. The team discusses what the current labor numbers reveal about a cooling economy and why it could matter for investors and retirees alike.

From the rise of the Texas Stock Exchange to shifting pharmaceutical supply chains, David and Chip discuss how policy and politics are reshaping markets. They also share warning signs to look for in financial advisors and why, despite AI’s potential in investing, human judgment and trust still matter most.

How will the politics of the far left or the far right affect future market moves? What could congress do to help the economy and begin paying down the national debt? And is there any chance of a balanced budget amendment becoming a reality? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David welcomes Financial Advisor, Blake Grimm, back to unpack the ins and outs of Medicare open enrollment. From choosing between Advantage and Original Medicare to understanding drug plans, premiums, and out-of-pocket risks, this episode helps listeners prepare for smart, informed decisions this enrollment season.

This episode opens with Retire SMART’s ongoing support for Project Harmony, a crisis center serving kids in need. From there, David and Chip break down the latest government shutdown drama, why it’s more political theater than crisis, and what it could mean for jobs, markets, gold, and long-term economic forecasts.

David and Chip kick things off with a look at the best U.S. cities for stretching retirement savings, showing why affordability and income planning matter more than just the size of your nest egg. From there, they dive into surprising stock stories like Build-A-Bear’s surge, new IRS rules on retirement contributions, and NVIDIA’s financial maneuvers in the AI space.

Are there other tax-free accounts in addition to Roth IRAs? What are the chances of Roth accounts being taxed in the future? And will social security benefits be reduced in 2032 as funds run out? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David is joined by financial advisor Brad Starken to unpack how stablecoins, ETFs, and crypto adoption are reshaping the financial landscape. They explore how these innovations could impact treasuries, cross-border payments, and even 401(k) allocations, while highlighting both the opportunities and risks for investors.

This episode highlights upcoming Teammates events to recruit mentors for the nearly 1,100 kids waiting in Omaha and Lincoln. From there, David and Chip break down Trump’s proposed H1B visa fees, new tariff debates, interest rate cuts, and the case for gold as the dollar weakens.

David takes on the question of whether college is still worth the cost, pointing to skyrocketing tuition, lackluster job outcomes, and the burden of federal loan guarantees. He also highlights alternative paths like trade schools, the military, and self-education, before turning to housing and construction data as a warning sign for the broader economy.

Could President Trump’s tariffs improve the woeful budget outlook for our economy? What are the chances that lower tax rates will remain truly permanent? And is Social Security safe? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

This episode dives into the growing financial strain on Medicare and what it means for retirees. David and Financial Advisor, Jacob Orand, explain how IRMAA surcharges, rising premiums, and legislative risks are creating hidden taxes—and share strategies to help protect income and avoid unnecessary penalties in retirement.

David and the team open with reflections on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it says about America’s growing polarization. From there, the focus shifts to Becky Swansburg’s insights at their annual Speaker Series, the Federal Reserve’s looming rate cuts, U.S.–China tensions over TikTok, and pension unrest in Europe.

Today’s episode highlights the power of mentorship through the Teammates program and its call for more volunteers, before diving into troubling stories of government waste and fraud across several states. David and Chip also unpack what rising long-term bond yields reveal about global confidence in government debt, and the potential reckoning ahead for financial markets.

As a 65-year-old who plans to work till 70, and has health insurance through my job, should I switch stick with my current plan or make the switch to Medicare? What is a good strategy to able to support our kids when they need help while also ensuring we don’t over-drain our nest egg? And what’s David’s take on the recent NBC poll on priorities for Gen Z?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David welcomes back financial advisor, Mike Schudel, to discuss the unique challenges high-net-worth families and business owners face in planning for succession, taxes, and wealth transfer. They unpack why no single advisor can cover all the complexities, the importance of building a coordinated team, and how research-backed models like Wharton’s help manage risk for retirees and entrepreneurs alike.