Retire SMART Podcast

What do the terms “flat-fee, fee-only, and fee-based” mean? What are short-term reserves and what are the risks of messing with a 401(k) in relation to a recent reddit post encouraging people to protest the current presidential administration. And when I call to schedule an appointment with Retire SMART, why can’t I meet with David? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

What starts as Big Game chatter turns into a fascinating look at the business of sports. Financial Advisor, Alex Murray and David Brooks break down ticket prices, sports betting, and how host cities can see hundreds of millions in economic impact from major events — then bring it closer to home with Omaha, Lincoln, and the power of Husker athletics. It’s football, finance, and why stadiums and sports culture can be serious economic engines.

David and Chip kick things off with some big-game banter but quickly pivot to a major economic shake-up: the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair. They break down why markets reacted so hard, what a tighter Federal Reserve could mean for inflation, interest rates, and gold, and why investors—especially near retirement—can’t afford a “set it and forget it” strategy. Big policy shift, real portfolio impact.

From companies relocating to low-tax states to questions about lawmakers trading stocks, this episode tackles where money flows — and why. The conversation breaks down how tax policy influences economic growth, why government incentives matter, and the growing debate over insider trading and earmark spending in Congress. It’s a big-picture discussion on power, policy, and the impact on everyday investors.

What are the pros and cons of rolling out a 457 to buy a rental property? What should I do when I’m 57 and ready to be done with my job, but unsure if I have enough money to walk into retirement? And how is Retire SMART a different than other brokers? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Social Security takes center stage, with advisor Brad Starken, as the conversation tackles new projections, funding concerns, and the real story behind potential benefit changes. Brad and David explain how demographics, taxes, and possible reforms could shape the program’s future, plus why when and how you claim matters more than most people realize. It’s a practical look at turning a complex system into a smarter retirement decision.

From subzero temps to red-hot topics, the guys kick things off with Husker basketball before breaking down what’s really driving the markets. They unpack the latest Fed meeting, what the statement signals about rate cuts, and why clarity matters more than the decision itself. Plus, a big-picture look at housing trends and how shifting supply could reshape prices in the years ahead.

David connects the dots between global debt concerns, tax policy, and a simple economic truth—money moves to opportunity and away from pressure. From Seattle tax proposals to shifting state trends, he explains how policy decisions can reshape where people live, work, and invest. The episode wraps with a look at the housing market, including easing mortgage lock-in, downsizing challenges, and why real estate may look different in the years ahead.

What questions should I ask when interviewing a financial advisor? And after dumping all my earnings back into my business for the past 25 years, while also wanting to scale back my involvement in my business, but not yet retire, what is a wise way to approach this situation? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David is joined by advisor Jacob Orand to break down key tax moves and charitable giving strategies as a new filing season approaches. They explain new above-the-line deduction rules for cash donations, why documentation matters more than ever, and how retirees could benefit from stacking deductions. The conversation also covers common tax filing mistakes, Roth conversions, crypto reporting, and why slowing down can save you from costly errors.