Retire SMART Podcast

Financial advisor Mike Schudel joins Chip to discuss how families can pass wealth to the next generation while teaching financial responsibility and avoiding unnecessary family conflict. From strategic gifting and fair inheritance planning to Roth conversions and charitable giving, Mike explains how proactive estate and tax planning can help preserve more of your hard-earned money for the people and causes you care about.

David and Chip highlight Retire SMART’s ongoing commitment to local charities, including a recent volunteer event supporting Project Harmony, before examining how the upcoming midterm elections could influence the economy and financial markets. They also explore historical stock market trends following midterm elections and share good news for retirees: Social Security benefits are set to receive a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027, with a smaller-than-expected increase in Medicare Part B premiums.

With David taking a break from the radio show this week, we're bringing you one longer podcast episode in place of our usual four shorter episodes. David Brooks sits down with his longtime friend and ServeFirst partner Paul Carpenter to discuss how a simplified, client-focused sales process has helped transform David’s practice. They explain why advisors may not need more leads, but rather a better process for converting the opportunities they already have—and how consistent training, leadership, and discipline can drive long-term growth.

Higher mortgage rates could mean more homeowners have an opportunity to benefit from itemizing their tax deductions in 2026. David also weighs in on the Paramount-Skydance merger, Hollywood’s growing battle with AI, SpaceX’s impact on the cellular industry, and what Treasury yields could mean for the markets after the midterm elections.

Being retired military, with nice pensions, drawing on social security, and having our TSP accounts, we think there may be something better for us to do with these un-monitored accounts; what would David suggest we do? I just sold a property with $1 million in capital gains. What are my alternatives to reinvesting in property or paying $250,000 in taxes? And At 53, I’ve always invested in CDs and bonds, but after moving to a managed account, I’m unsure about the ups and downs and fees—should I stay invested or move back to bonds?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Retire SMART is making it easier for people across Nebraska, Iowa, and beyond to have meaningful conversations about their financial future without having to make the trip to Omaha. Josh Cheatle explains how the firm’s expanded virtual meeting options work, who they’re designed to help, and why a Zoom meeting doesn’t have to mean a less personal planning experience.

Nebraska football comes within a field goal of the defending national champions as David and Chip look ahead to the Huskers’ next challenge against Oregon. Then, they break down the latest inflation numbers, what’s driving prices higher, and why Bank of America is facing a $1.2 billion penalty over money-laundering compliance failures.

David and Chip explore why some states attract more residents and income through lower taxes, and why newly built homes can sometimes offer better deals than existing properties. They also examine why even high-income households are living paycheck to paycheck, highlighting how lifestyle inflation, rising housing costs, and poor financial planning can undermine long-term financial security.

What is the big deal with America.gov and what are David’s thoughts on it? What is David’s next big dream? And what is David’s outlook on the stock market for the month of October? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Brad Starken joins Chip to break down the expected 2027 Social Security updates, including projected cost-of-living adjustments, rising Medicare premiums, and the long-term challenges facing retirees. The conversation also shifts to Bitcoin’s volatility and the ongoing debate over cryptocurrency regulation, including the proposed Clarity Act.