Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance with hosts Dave Shotwell and Nick Nonna! In this quarterly market update, Dave and Nick walk through the rollercoaster that was Q2 2025. From unexpected returns to ongoing uncertainty, this episode offers a grounded, no-nonsense take on what’s happening in the markets—and what it might mean for your financial plans.

Q2 Surprises: Despite a rocky start in April, markets closed the quarter on a strong note. A 60/40 portfolio returned an impressive 6.5% for the quarter.

https://youtu.be/Uf9SXXxUO0k

Large-cap U.S. stocks bounced back, with big names driving growth

Bonds held strong, even as the U.S. debt was downgraded

Inflation declined to 2.4% by May, despite tariff pressures

Labor and macroeconomic data remained solid

Trade policy and tariffs continue to create uncertainty

The U.S. credit downgrade in May raises long-term concerns

Ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine

Unclear full impact of tariffs on prices and inflation

The S&P 500 hit 9 all-time highs in the first half of 2025

A 9.5% single-day increase in April proves timing the market is nearly impossible

Real-world example: Dave shares how a small business passed along a 10% tariff on a product from Italy—and what that means for consumers and small businesses alike

Inflation uptick in June to 2.67% might signal future pressures

Even with market noise, surprises, and headlines, long-term planning remains the cornerstone of financial success. This episode reinforces why staying disciplined and focused on your plan is more important than reacting to short-term news.

Looking for guidance through the ups and downs of the market? It all starts with a Fit Meeting—a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to see if we’re the right financial partner for you.

Contact us at [email protected] or visit srbadvisors.com

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more updates and episodes!

With Michigan State University announcing potential layoffs and buyouts, financial anxiety is growing—not just in East Lansing, but across many university communities. In this episode, Dave and Nick share practical, down-to-earth advice for those facing employment uncertainty.

This isn’t just for MSU employees—anyone experiencing a rocky job outlook can benefit from the financial strategies shared in today’s conversation.

https://youtu.be/CSGaoVsvG-4

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The #1 thing to have in place before a job loss: a well-funded emergency fund

How to cut discretionary spending and increase your financial “runway”

Why now is a good time to review your retirement readiness—even if you don’t plan to retire yet

Health insurance options if you lose employer coverage (COBRA, ACA Marketplace, Medicare)

Smart moves around debt, 403(b) loans, and accessing retirement accounts

How to avoid emotional decision-making in uncertain times

Strategic ideas like home equity lines of credit or Roth conversions in low-income years

Why a financial check-in helps—even if layoffs never happen

Resources Mentioned:

Need Help Planning?
If you’re feeling uneasy about your financial future, we’re here to help. Contact SRB for a no-pressure conversation at [email protected] or visit srbadvisors.com to schedule a chat.

Subscribe for More:
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When the kids move out and the house gets quieter, life—and your finances—enter a whole new chapter. In this episode, Dave and Nick talk about the often-overlooked financial opportunities (and pitfalls) that come with becoming an empty nester. From downsizing and budgeting to increasing retirement contributions or finally testing the snowbird lifestyle, this is your chance to reimagine the next stage of life.

https://youtu.be/4nZfHhDv_kA

How becoming an empty nester creates new financial flexibility

Tips for reevaluating your budget, savings goals, and mortgage

Why this is a prime time to ramp up your retirement planning

The emotional (and financial) difference between “empty nester” and “off the payroll”

Why having honest conversations with your adult kids is more important than ever

How grandkids and geography might play into your future plans

Real stories from Dave and Nick’s own families

Whether you’re already in the empty nest phase or you see it on the horizon, use this time intentionally. Make a plan. Talk to your spouse. Talk to your kids. And most of all—know how your choices today will shape your retirement tomorrow.

At Shotwell Rutter Baer, it all starts with a no-pressure fit meeting. Visit srbadvisors.com or email us at [email protected] to take the first step.

In this episode, Dave and Nick (back from vacation) tackle a wide mix of financial headlines so you don’t have to. From stock market shifts to Social Security panic, long-term care planning, and yes—even pet insurance—this episode covers the real-life stuff affecting your money and your future.

https://youtu.be/Pst2wmkjOC8

Here’s what we dig into:

Mistakes in Today’s Stock Market
What Jason Zweig says about growth vs. value stocks, and why diversification and rebalancing are more important than ever.

Social Security: Fear vs. Facts
We break down recent updates, insolvency projections, and why panic may not be the smartest plan.

Retirement Medical Costs You Might Not See Coming
Drug coverage, isolation, concierge care—the hidden costs that can sneak up on retirees.

Wall Street Journal: The Underestimated Cost of Healthcare in Retirement

Annuities: Are They Right for You?
Christine Benz offers a balanced view, and we chime in with when annuities can actually be a smart move.

Financial Advice: Who’s Selling You Candy?
Not all free financial advice is created equal. We explain how to spot the difference between helpful insights and someone trying to sell you something.

Pet Insurance: Necessary or Nonsense?
We unpack the rising cost of pet ownership and whether those monthly premiums really make sense.

The True Cost of Owning a Dog

Long-Term Care Planning in Michigan
A recent study shows most older Michiganders aren’t prepared. We walk through five important steps everyone should consider.

Retire Now or Wait It Out?
Is delaying retirement a smart move, or just headline-induced anxiety? We explain how to evaluate your real readiness.

Side Hustles, Late-Night Logins, and the Evolving Workforce
The post-pandemic work world is shifting fast. We talk about how remote work, second jobs, and burnout are changing retirement planning—and what that means for you.

Americans are Sidehustling Like We Are In a Recession

Pull Up a Chair
This episode is full of down-to-earth discussion, financial clarity, and a few laughs along the way. As always, we’re here to make your retirement and financial planning a little less overwhelming.

Have an article you’d like us to cover? Email us at [email protected]
Want to see Nick’s vacation shirt in all its glory? Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Ready to get serious about your finances?
Schedule your fit meeting today at srbadvisors.com

It’s been a bumpy ride in the markets this spring, and in this episode, Dave and Cole (filling in for Nick) sit down to talk through what happened, what it means for investors, and how to move forward with confidence.

https://youtu.be/OlXVM0GV66M

From steep drops to quick rebounds, the market has kept everyone on their toes. They break it all down in plain language and share their thoughts on:

What actually happened in March and April—and why it felt so extreme

The difference between risk tolerance and risk perception (and why you might feel differently now than you did a few months ago)

Why doing nothing might have been the smartest move

How diversification helped soften the blow for many investors

The importance of keeping short-term savings and goals top of mind

Whether you stayed calm, felt anxious, or made some changes to your portfolio, there are lessons to take from all of it. They offer practical advice for what to do next, how to think about your investments going forward, and why focusing on your long-term goals is still the best approach.

This is a great episode for anyone wondering: Did I handle that market swing the right way?

🎧 Listen now to hear why market timing is a trap, what to do if you bailed, and how financial advisors really invest their own money (hint: it’s simpler than you think).

🔗 Visit SRBAdvisors.com for more resources or to schedule a chat with one of our advisors.

📺 Subscribe to the Kitchen Table Finance podcast on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Dave and Nick dive into one of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—parts of retirement planning: how to actually enjoy it.

You’ve spent decades saving, investing, and working hard. But have you really thought about what your ideal retirement looks like? Spoiler alert: it’s not just endless rounds of golf and sunsets on a beach. It’s about purpose, lifestyle, relationships, and flexibility.

https://youtu.be/ddfIokXyRUg

Dave and Nick walk you through:

Why setting realistic expectations is the foundation of retirement planning

The surprising importance of part-time work, volunteering, or staying engaged

Top retirement concerns like healthcare costs, investment losses, and losing that steady paycheck

How to run tradeoff scenarios—like “What if I work just one more year?”

The idea of a “practice retirement” (hint: mini-retirements, RV rentals, and snowbird test runs)

Why flexibility is king, and how the best retirement plans are the ones that evolve

This episode is packed with relatable stories, expert advice, and just the right dose of humor to help you think differently about your future.

💡 Key Takeaways:

Retirement should be designed around your lifestyle and values, not just your finances.

“Practicing” retirement before you commit can save money and stress.

It’s okay to change your mind—retirement should be flexible and fulfilling, not rigid and stressful.

Planning ahead for healthcare, housing, and income strategy is just as important as your travel dreams.

📞 Ready to start planning?
It all starts with a no-pressure Fit Meeting at Shotwell Rutter Baer.
Let’s find out if we’re the right financial planning partner for your next chapter.

📧 Contact us at [email protected]
🌐 Visit srbadvisors.com

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe!
Join us each week for practical, real-world financial advice from two guys who’ve helped hundreds of people plan smarter retirements.

Subscribe to the Kitchen Table Finance Podcast HERE

Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance, where we serve up bite-sized financial wisdom with a side of common sense. In this episode, Dave and Nick tackle one of the biggest financial questions for retirees: Should you buy a house in retirement—or just stay put?

Here’s what’s on the table:

Why timing the housing market is just as tricky as timing the stock market

The emotional side of downsizing—yes, those red velvet ropes for the kids’ old rooms count!

Why small homes are in big demand—and what that means for prices

Mortgages in retirement: fact vs. fiction (Hint: You can get one)

The pros and cons of paying off your mortgage vs. keeping your investments liquid

Real-life scenarios showing the costs of “downsizing” and whether it actually saves you money

Alternatives like renting, reverse mortgages, and bridge loans

The surprising truth about homeownership and wealth-building

https://youtu.be/P5JAiS8dDuY

It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about your goals, lifestyle, and peace of mind. Whether you’re dreaming of a maintenance-free condo or a cozy ranch to age in place, there are lots of options to make it work.

Need help sorting through the details of your own housing plan? Let’s chat. Start with a free, no-pressure Fit Meeting to see how we can help you build a retirement that fits you.

👉 Visit srbadvisors.com or email us at [email protected] to get started.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Kitchen Table Finance!

Roth Conversions: Worth It or Not?

Welcome back to the Kitchen Table! In today’s episode, Dave and Nick take a deeper dive into the world of Roth conversions—what they are, how they work, and whether or not they make sense for your retirement plan.

This isn’t your average tax talk. We’re serving up a practical, no-pressure conversation about a tool that gets a lot of hype—and a lot of confusion. From “backdoor” and “mega backdoor” conversions to tax brackets, timing, and even state-by-state considerations, we break it down so you can decide if a Roth conversion fits into your financial picture.

https://youtu.be/1R9DGmRya_Q

What is a Roth conversion and how does it work?

The pros, cons, and “it depends” of using this strategy

How tax brackets and future income impact your decision

Real-life scenarios: early retirement, variable income, and legacy planning

Roth conversions and their effect on RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions)

When it’s better to wait—and when it might pay to act now

Roth conversions can be a smart move, but they’re not for everyone. As always, your financial goals, current tax situation, and long-term plans matter most. Don’t follow the crowd—make a choice that fits YOU.

💬 Have questions or want to nerd out with us?
Email us at [email protected] or visit SRBAdvisors.com to schedule a friendly, no-pressure fit meeting.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode—and let’s keep simplifying your money and your life.

☕ Until next time, keep the coffee hot and your questions coming.

Hosts: Nick and guest advisor Cole Williams
Special Guest Absence: Dave is off living his best life in Bozeman, Montana (hopefully catching trout and not taxes).

In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, we take a deep dive into one of retirement’s least sexy—but most critical—topics: taxes. Whether you’ve just filed and are ready to forget about them until next year (don’t), or you’re actively planning your golden years, this episode is packed with straight talk and strategies to help you keep more of what you’ve worked so hard for.

https://youtu.be/1XkZhAKdR-A

How taxes work in retirement – Spoiler: it’s not like your working years.

Three ways to pay your taxes once the paycheck stops – Withholding, estimated payments, or via pensions/social security.

Which accounts to draw from and when – Taxable, pre-tax, or Roth? The order matters more than you think.

What RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) mean for your tax bill – Plus, when they start depending on your birth year.

Tax traps to avoid – Including Medicare surcharges (IRMAA), net investment income tax, and surprise Social Security taxation.

When Roth conversions make sense – Hint: it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Giving back smartly – How Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can keep your heart warm and your taxes low.

Special account strategies – HSA withdrawals, leftover 529 plans, and even employer stock gains through Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA).

What if the tax laws change? – Because, well… they will.

Nick and Cole don’t just dump info—they break it down so you can understand how to apply it, avoid common missteps, and stay ahead of Uncle Sam without losing sleep.

Related: How to Adjust Your Retirement Income

Flowcharts and planning tools available upon request

Income Lab software insights for long-term planning

A healthy dose of common sense and humor (yes, about taxes)

Ready to get a grip on your retirement tax strategy?
Start with a Fit Meeting—no pressure, just a chat. Visit srbadvisors.com or email us at [email protected].

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more down-to-earth finance guidance.

Welcome back, friends!
Today, Dave and Nick roll up their sleeves and dive into the wild and wonderful world of retirement headlines from March and April. Think of it as your financial cliff notes — so you can sound smarter than your neighbor without actually having to read all the boring articles yourself. Get the February Retirement Headlines HERE.

https://youtu.be/SfyJRISwYIw

Hold up — private equity is trying to sneak into your retirement plan! Dave and Nick explain why this might not be the fabulous idea it sounds like at first. Liquidity issues, risk, and fine print galore.

Learn more about Private Equity in Retirement Plans (WSJ)

How our brain tricks us into believing whatever fits our narrative — and how that’s totally wrecking how we all read the news.

The Economics of Polarization (WSJ)

Spoiler alert: you won’t be happy just binge-watching “The Office” reruns for four hours a day. (Although, honestly, tempting.) Plan your time intentionally for a fulfilling retirement.

How You Spend Time in Retirement Matters (WSJ)

Buckets: not just for cleaning or gardening! Divide your cash into short-term, mid-term, and long-term “buckets” so you’re not freaking out every time the stock market sneezes.

Bucket Investing for Retirement (Morningstar)

Spoiler: If you’ve done your homework (hello, diversified cash reserves!), you’re fine. If you haven’t…well, maybe work a tiny bit longer.

Is This a Bad Year to Retire? (Kiplinger)

Sequence of return risk = fancy finance speak for “don’t pull out money when your investments are down.” Simple? Nope. Important? You betcha.

Avoiding Outliving Your Savings (Morningstar)

Got questions? Need a second opinion on your retirement plan?
📞 Call us at 517-321-4832
📧 Email [email protected]

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