Retire SMART Podcast

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.