Retire SMART Podcast

Today, we sit down with Chris Wootton of Wootton Financial Group, a boutique wealth management firm just north of Houston. Chris shares his journey in the industry, insights on serving clients in energy-driven markets, and why advanced tax strategy is key to retirement success. From football rivalries to financial planning, it’s a lively conversation packed with expertise and perspective.

In this episode, we kick things off with a look inside the Tax Mastermind seminar, where advisors from across the country gather to sharpen their tax strategies and better serve their clients. From there, we dive into headlines on the risks of chasing “invest like the 1%” real estate promises, looming premium hikes under the Affordable Care Act, and how politics and policy ripple through your financial life.

Today, we explore the caution signs in today's economy, from the volatility in the AI sector to historically low corporate bond spreads and high price-to-sales ratios. We then shift our focus to the Nebraska agricultural landscape, where we discuss the mixed outlook for farmers and ranchers, highlighting how proactive planning is essential to navigate these varying market conditions.

Is the current grading system for schools in California a red flag for those trying to get people engaged in financial literacy? Is it worth it to switch from insurance through an employer to a faith -based group where members share expenses? And am I stuck with a major tax hit, regarding a couple million in tax-deferred IRAs, or is there another option? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Join us as we talk with Chief Tax Strategist, Evan Marshall, about the latest "Big Beautiful Bill" and what it means for your financial planning. We’ll discuss new tax incentives for business owners and a limited-time opportunity for retirees to potentially reduce their Social Security tax burden. Plus, we'll dive into an upcoming class on proactive tax and exit planning for entrepreneurs.

From wine tastings to making the Inc. 5000 list for the fourth year in a row, David and the team celebrate growth, share candid lessons from scaling, and look ahead to new opportunities. Then they dig into Trump’s executive orders on “debanking” and expanded 401(k) investment access, explore the risks and rewards of private equity, and examine how data center construction is reshaping the job market—and why trades may be the smartest career path for the next generation.

We're diving into the stock market's recent concentration and asking what it could mean for your investments, especially as some of the biggest tech companies are looking a little top-heavy. We'll also get a little local and celebrate Omaha's latest national ranking as a top city for jobs, plus we'll break down the true costs of retirement—from healthcare to how you can grow your net worth over time.

Is it possible to go beyond standard 401(k) contribution limits at a certain age? With the kids all grown up and self-sufficient, what should we expect to drive our spending in retirement? And what is the difference between a Roth account and a designated Roth account? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Today, we are joined by attorney Colin Kastrick to discuss the recent legislative changes to Nebraska's transfer-on-death deeds that affect real estate. We'll also explore how a new bill allows for major tax savings by utilizing non-grantor trusts to pass on assets like farmland, potentially helping you avoid probate and take advantage of new tax deductions.

After a much-needed excursion across the pond, David Brooks returns to a surprising U.S. jobs report that sparked political drama, market jitters, and questions about the accuracy of government labor data. David breaks down the numbers, the impact of shifting labor force trends, and the political fallout at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, a closer look at the quiet but powerful reindustrialization of America, as steel production and key manufacturing jobs make their way back home.

Announcement for Retire SMART Podcast taking the week off.

We kick things off with a barrage of standout headlines: LinkedIn’s list of up-and-coming U.S. cities, a political shake-up in New York led by Zohran Mamdani, and In-N-Out heiress Lynsi Snyder’s high-profile move from California to Tennessee. David and Chip explore what these cultural shifts reveal about deeper economic and political undercurrents.

For military members, is the blended retirement system automatically managed, or should they seek financial advice? With retirement around the corner, is it better to pay off debt, or pile up more money in my 401(k)? And should I invest my saved up $50,000 in cash, or with all the news of a market correction coming, should we wait for the right moment? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

In this special episode, David sits down with DeMoine Adams, CEO of the TeamMates Mentoring Program, to talk about the power of mentorship and its long-lasting impact on students and communities. From personal stories to leadership insights, DeMoine shares how TeamMates is building hope, purpose, and vision for the next generation.

David and Chip unpack growing concerns over the Federal Reserve’s expanding role, questioning its dual mandate, ballooning balance sheet, and politically influenced interest rate decisions. They also spotlight NVIDIA’s historic dominance in the S&P 500 and discuss Trump’s wavering stance on trade policy—and what all this means for investors and business leaders alike.

In this episode, David and Chip dig into what’s driving retirees to second-guess their 401(k)s—and why a pair of Denver office buildings just sold for the price of a pack of gum. From soaring interest rates to sneaky long-term care costs, they expose the risks hiding in plain sight and share how to build a retirement plan that won’t flinch when the market does.

What’s the benefit of getting an HSA? How often show clients be meeting with their financial advisors? And with my ineligibility to withdraw from my 401(k), should I try for a hardship distribution to cover my unexpected medical expenses? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Please welcome, for the first time on our show, financial advisor Darren Worthington! David and Darren unpack the latest retirement planning pitfalls and tax policy shifts, starting with a dramatic IRS ruling that could upend Roth conversions. They explain why this matters for high-net-worth savers and how Congress may—or may not—intervene. Plus, hear why investing without a plan is like running with scissors, and how a smarter strategy can protect your retirement future.

, David and Chip share some heartwarming moments from a the recent “Night at Memorial” event, highlighting the character and generosity of several Husker players. Then, the conversation shifts to a new tax policy “torpedo” that could hit high-income earners hard, especially in blue states—along with smart strategies to avoid the hit. Plus, a look at CNBC’s top states for quality of life and business, and the latest debate around inflation, interest rates, and tariffs.

We discuss the latest tax provisions aimed at seniors, including a new $6,000 deduction that could mean little to no taxes on Social Security for many retirees. We also unpack the crypto tax changes buried in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” highlighting a key shift in how wash sale rules apply. Plus, a deep look at market patterns, the risks of an overvalued U.S. stock market, and why Gen X’s lack of retirement confidence may be justified—but not irreversible with smart planning.

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.

David welcomes back Josh Cheatle, Director of Wealth Management, to discuss the impact of the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” on tax and retirement planning. They explore new provisions affecting seniors, Roth conversions, charitable giving strategies, and state and local tax deductions—plus what these changes mean for retirees and business owners alike. With real-world examples and upcoming educational events, this conversation emphasizes the value of proactive, flexible financial planning.

We look back on a one-of-a-kind client appreciation event at Memorial Stadium, reflecting the firm’s deepening partnership with Nebraska Athletics. David and Chip also spotlight the Journey of Hope charity and dive into major updates on the economy — from job numbers and government hiring trends to tax implications of the newly passed “big beautiful bill.” Plus, a candid look at political shifts, market indicators, and what it all means for your financial future.

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.