Retire SMART Podcast

What is going on with England’s banking and financial system? Will I get the same experience at the Lincoln Retire SMART office as I would at the Omaha office? And what ended up happening with the SALT tax in the Big Beautiful Bill? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

This episode kicks off with a sharp look at China's economic struggles and what plunging industrial profits could signal for global trade negotiations. David and Chip also unpack a surprising new directive considering cryptocurrency in mortgage lending, examine an overheated stock market through the lens of price-to-earnings ratios, and explore the global migration of millionaires toward more favorable economies.

Due to inflation, would taking my social security out at 62 be much different than taking it out at 70? If I’ve already properly managed my assets, to reduce risk, do I really need a financial advisor then? And is there a way to get up-front financial assistance over the phone without having to disclose all my financial information? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David and Chip reflect on patriotism, small business, and community-building events at Retire SMART. They discuss Congressman Don Bacon’s retirement announcement and its implications for Nebraska’s political landscape, and then shift to market performance, breaking down the gap between strong technical indicators and concerning fundamentals.

In times of geopolitical turbulence, should investors consider gold, treasuries, and other government bonds? For someone in their 30s, what attributes and red flags should I look for in an advisor? And what exactly constitutes as an “estate?” David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David and Chip reflect on the economic impact of the College World Series in Omaha, then break down the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran, including the U.S. intervention with a high-stakes precision airstrike. The conversation explores the surprising market response, potential supply chain impacts, and what these developments could mean for inflation, oil prices, and the economic outlook for American retirees.

With retirement around the corner, but $20k left in my mortgage, should I use money from my 401(k) to pay it off so I can be debt free? What is the IRMAA penalty and how can I avoid it? And with only $125,000 in retirement accounts, are we doomed to work until we die, or is there hope of a decent retirement? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Join us as financial advisor, Brad Starken, discusses the latest in digital assets. We'll cover Coinbase joining the S&P 500, the rise of stable coins for efficient cross-border transactions, and how mainstream investors can gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through ETFs. Plus, learn about our upcoming class on digital assets and blockchain technology.

On today's podcast, we discuss the growth of Retire Smart and the upcoming third annual teammates golf tournament. We'll also investigate current events, including President Trump's recent statement on a trade deal with China, the latest U.S. job numbers, and the impact of AI on companies like Google. Join us as we break down these topics and more!

Today, we explore the seismic shift in office real estate as companies move away from traditional large buildings toward smaller, regional offices and adaptive reuse of spaces. We also look into misconceptions around Warren Buffett’s treasury investments and take a close look at evolving housing market trends in major cities. Stay tuned for insights on what these changes mean for banks, urban development, and investors.

Should I sign up for Medicare at 65, even though I have good health insurance through my job? What is a 770 account and how do I get one? And should I retire at 59, even if my advisor tells me I should be able to do so comfortably? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Jacob Orand returns to break down the complexities of Medicare’s IRMAA penalties and how the SSA-44 form can help retirees push back on unexpected costs tied to a life-changing event. From sneaky Medicare Advantage fees to the IRS’s two-year income lookback, the team unpacks what proactive retirees need to know. Bonus: a few laughs about government bureaucracy and Ghostbusters along the way.

We kick off today’s episode by celebrating Chip Maxwell’s five-year anniversary at Retire SMART, reflecting on the firm’s growth from humble beginnings to a thriving, 40+ person team. The conversation then shifts to current market dynamics and what they could mean for investors heading into the second half of the year. Tune in for a mix of reflection, strategy, and forward-looking insights.