Retire SMART Podcast

We welcome back financial advisor, Brad Starken, who is here to talk about what’s been happening in the world of digital assets, including Bitcoin’s recent price swings and why volatility is part of the crypto space. They also discuss the growing role of stablecoins, how they could lower transaction costs, and what widespread adoption might mean for businesses, accounting, and everyday transactions in the years ahead.

Today, David and Chip look at major political and economic changes happening around the world -- from leadership changes in Chile and Japan to what pro-growth policies could mean for the global debt problem. They also discuss the Fed’s latest interest rate decision, ongoing money printing, and why some former Fed officials are raising concerns about how the central bank is being run.

In this episode, we explore major shifts impacting affluent families — from the rise of modern family offices to the growing need for fully coordinated, “under-one-roof” wealth planning. The discussion also dives into new Trump Accounts for children, the power of long-term compounding, and real-world tax pressures showing up today in places like Boston real estate and Midwest farmland valuations.

After selling a 7-figure commercial property, I’m expecting a hefty tax bill; how should prepare for that? Should my husband, who is to retire next year, take the lump sum option or the pension? And as a 53-year-old construction business owner, should I get “Key Man” insurance? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

We welcome back elder law and estate planning attorney Colin Kastrick, and focus on how estate planning and long-term care strategies work together to protect families from costly spend-downs. The discussion covers proactive and crisis planning options, Medicaid-compliant tools, and how modern insurance innovations can help preserve assets and pass more on to the next generation.

Today’s conversation reflects on the importance of education, community involvement, and smart planning—highlighting everything from Social Security classes to a holiday giving initiative with the Open Door Mission. The discussion then turns to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision, labor market signals, and what potential leadership changes at the Federal Reserve could mean for inflation, employment, and the broader economy heading into next year.

David and Chip break down global headlines shaping markets—from Switzerland’s rejection of a wealth tax to rising tensions in Venezuela. They dig into how policy shifts, regime changes, and Federal Reserve leadership could influence economic trends here at home. The conversation wraps with a look at why some believe AI and robotics may be key to tackling America’s growing debt.

As a married 64-year-old, is it a bad idea to take money out of our IRA for a house downpayment? At 66, My wife thinks we need to be planning for a situation where I can’t work anymore, what should I do about my investments? And what are my retirement savings options if I never got a 401(k)? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David welcomes back Candice Gregory from Open Door Mission to talk about the growing needs in our community during the holiday season. They discuss the rising demand for meals, shelter, and volunteer support, along with how programs like the Toy & Joy Shop and Christmas Bells are changing lives. It’s a powerful reminder of how far a small act of generosity can go this time of year.

David and Chip kick things off with Nebraska sports, leadership shake-ups, and the growing chaos of college football’s coaching carousel. They also dive into the mixed signals from this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, plus why online shopping continues to reshape holiday retail. Finally, the discussion turns to Tesla’s sky-high valuation and Michael Burry’s latest warning about the company’s future.

David breaks down Nvidia’s latest earnings and why alarming growth in receivables may signal deeper risks beneath the AI hype. He also explains Warren Buffett’s surprising investment in Google—and how emerging competition in AI chips could reshape the tech landscape. Finally, the conversation shifts to new IRS migration data showing which states are losing taxpayers fastest, including a warning sign for Nebraska.

To keep peace between my spouse and I, is it okay to pay off debt with money from my IRA? Should I take money from each of my IRA accounts for RMDs next year, or just one? And with 75% of my assets being rental properties and classic cars, should I sell some of them to give myself more liquid money to work with? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David sits down with financial advisor Jacob Orand to break down the year-end charitable giving strategies that can still move the needle on your 2024 tax return. They unpack upcoming 2026 legislative changes, smarter ways to give—whether it’s $100 or $100,000—and key opportunities like donor-advised funds, SALT bunching, and qualified charitable distributions. If you want to maximize impact while minimizing taxes, this is a timely conversation you won’t want to miss.

David and Chip kick the holiday season off with a roundup of community impact, from Operation Christmas Child to supporting the Open Door Mission. They also break down fresh economic headlines, including developments in the Russia-Ukraine peace discussions, shifting Fed rate-cut expectations, and what new jobs and market data mean for investors.

In this episode, David and Chip break down a wave of Nebraska headlines—from the nation’s first digital asset bank launching in Norfolk to rising outside money pouring into the state’s competitive second congressional district. They also tackle a major budgeting error that left Omaha Public Schools with a $30 million overpayment and discuss the broader issue of accountability in local government. The show wraps with a lighter look at a Korean bank rewarding customers for staying active.

What did President Trump mean when he said he’d rather pay American’s and let us secure our own health insurance? What policies would David advocate for to make life in America more affordable? And with only a few years until retirement, should I focus on paying off debt or stockpiling more money in my account? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Today, David Brooks and Josh Cheatle shine a light on Long-Term Care Awareness Month with personal stories and a candid look at the rising cost of caregiving. They explain how modern LTC solutions have evolved beyond traditional policies, offering more flexibility, home-care options, and guaranteed-issue alternatives. It’s a reminder that medical and longevity planning must be part of every comprehensive retirement plan.

In this episode, David and Chip look at a 20% jump in foreclosures and why some boomtowns are now feeling real estate pressure. They cover higher retirement savings limits for 2026, Michael Burry’s retreat from the spotlight, and renewed questions around AI-driven valuations. It’s a level-headed walk through the stories shaping financial decisions right now.

In this episode, David and Chip break down new data showing Gen Z’s move away from cash and what a fully digital future could mean for security, financial habits, and everyday resilience. They also touch on Warren Buffett’s accelerated charitable giving and end with encouraging news about more Americans than ever saving for retirement. It’s a wide-ranging look at money trends shaping the next generation.

Can I open a 401(k) on my own or can it only be done through an employer? What should I do with an old 403(b) account from my previous job? And what is what is the ideal model for a successful health insurance system? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Today, David welcomes back Alex Murray, CFP, for a deep dive into IRMAA—how it works, why it catches so many people off guard, and what proactive planning can do to soften the impact. They cover the latest estimates, key income cliffs, and real examples from clients navigating these penalties. If Medicare is on your horizon, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

David and Chip unpack the market’s response to the shutdown’s resolution and the concerning job trends that agencies haven’t been able to report. They dive into workforce shifts, the real story behind layoffs, and how taxes and policy decisions are influencing where businesses choose to call home. It’s a wide-ranging look at economic pressures from Wall Street to Main Street.

David and Chip dive into global headlines around the massive $80 trillion wealth transfer and what it could mean for future inheritance and estate taxes. They also spotlight a few surprising stories—from the former Fiserv chief’s $300 million move to government service to Diane Keaton’s alleged $5 million pet trust—before closing with a bullish look at market momentum heading into next spring.

What are the most effective methods to reduce mandatory spending? What tax increases will have the least negative impact on retirement income? And was President Trump teasing when he said we could solve our debt problem with a cryptocurrency transaction? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David sits down with advisor Charles Dzama, a guest from Southern California specializing in financial planning for federal employees. Together, they unpack the unique retirement challenges and opportunities facing this group, from managing TSP allocations to leveraging tax-efficient strategies like qualified charitable distributions and Roth conversions.

David and Chip celebrate their 400th episode with gratitude for listeners and a look at how recent elections could trigger major shifts in the U.S. economy. They cover everything from Texas’ investor-friendly tax amendment to global market moves in Europe, all while highlighting how policy decisions today could alter the financial world of tomorrow.

David and Chip explore two headlines that highlight America’s economic divide — California’s proposed wealth tax and Florida’s push to eliminate property taxes. Their discussion unpacks the idea of a “K-shaped economy,” where opportunity rises for some and falls for others, and ends with a look at how innovation and optimism continue to shape our future.

With the disconnect between record market returns and the weak job market, what is happening in this economy? Do we see a bust in AI due to no workforce to build data centers? And is there anything in the Big Beautiful Bill to allow Roth conversions without penalty? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

In this episode, David and CPA Evan Marshall break down how the government shutdown is creating IRS backlogs while filing and payment deadlines remain unchanged. Evan also highlights key 2026 tax law changes affecting charitable giving and outlines timely year-end strategies for entrepreneurs focused on tax efficiency and exit planning.

Today, David and Chip tackle a full slate of economic headlines — the prolonged government shutdown, Fiserv’s massive stock drop, and a surprising boost for PayPal tied to OpenAI. They also break down the latest housing data and Social Security updates, connecting the dots on how each story could impact investors and retirees alike.

Today, David and Chip start with some good news, as Nebraska ranks among the happiest states in America despite high property taxes. From there, they discuss the latest on the U.S. budget deficit, tariffs, and the growing divide in the “K-shaped” economy before wrapping up with a look at rising education costs—and a funny story about smart beds gone wrong.

Where did the term “Quintile” come from? Are government tax-free bonds a good tool for income in retirement? And given the 2-year look-back for IRMAA limits, how much could we comfortably “overshoot” the 2025 limits without being affected in 2027? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David welcomes back Mike Shudel, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, to discuss proactive strategies for business owners looking to grow, protect, and eventually exit their companies. Together, they break down key topics like tax structure, key-person planning, and succession strategies that can turn a lifetime of work into lasting value.

David shares insights from his recent trip to Beverly Hills, where he attended the CAS ALTS Summit focused on alternative investments for accredited investors. He explains why private markets are becoming more accessible and what investors should know about liquidity before turning to global headlines, including Japan’s historic appointment of its first female prime minister.

We are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. President and founder of Wealth Trac Financial, Kurt Fillmore, covers multiple topics with David, from the psychological changes retirement brings to giving purpose to the “why” when it comes to planning for retirement. This conversation has been broken down into 4 parts for podcast presentation; make sure to listen to the other 3 segments for the entire conversation.

We are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. President and founder of Wealth Trac Financial, Kurt Fillmore, covers multiple topics with David, from the psychological changes retirement brings to giving purpose to the “why” when it comes to planning for retirement. This conversation has been broken down into 4 parts for podcast presentation; make sure to listen to the other 3 segments for the entire conversation.

We are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. President and founder of Wealth Trac Financial, Kurt Fillmore, covers multiple topics with David, from the psychological changes retirement brings to giving purpose to the “why” when it comes to planning for retirement. This conversation has been broken down into 4 parts for podcast presentation; make sure to listen to the other 3 segments for the entire conversation.

We are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. President and founder of Wealth Trac Financial, Kurt Fillmore, covers multiple topics with David, from the psychological changes retirement brings to giving purpose to the “why” when it comes to planning for retirement. This conversation has been broken down into 4 parts for podcast presentation; make sure to listen to the other 3 segments for the entire conversation.

In this episode, David and Chip break down Nebraska’s rising property taxes and the growing frustration among homeowners. They discuss new tax proposals targeting billionaires, why they could backfire on the broader economy, and close with Warren Buffett’s newest major purchase and what it signals for investors.

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.