Retire SMART Podcast

David recaps Nebraska’s season opener at Arrowhead and the unforgettable fan experience that came with it. Then the focus turns to the news—Trump’s clash with the Federal Reserve, questions around NVIDIA’s growth, and a closer look at how a consumption-based fair tax could reshape Nebraska’s future.

Zero fear in the markets, seasonal selloffs, and Jackson Hole patterns—David explains what these indicators might mean for investors right now. The conversation then spans hiring slowdowns, tax flight, global policy shifts, and ends with a deep dive into why annuities are gaining traction among wealthy investors as part of proactive tax planning.

What is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust and why should I do it? How much should I depend on an inheritance being a part of my retirement plan? And right before my retirement, should I focus more on paying off debt or piling up more money in my account?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

From the White House press office to Capitol Hill, Becky Swansburg has seen firsthand how policy decisions shape Americans’ financial futures. Becky joins in the conversation with David and breaks down the newest tax changes, the realities of legislative risk, and how to strategically plan for rising taxes over the next 20 to 40 years.

It’s Husker season kickoff, and the team shares their game-day predictions along with some personal football plans for the year. Then the conversation shifts to the economy, covering government intervention in private companies, the fallout of China’s real estate giant Evergrande, and a surprising twist in the housing market where brand-new homes are now selling for less than existing ones.

In our discussion today, we break down the shifting real estate landscape, from softening home prices in Florida, Texas, and beyond, to a surge in rental supply that’s driving rents down nationwide. We explore why new construction is suddenly cheaper than existing homes, how builders are responding with incentives, and what Warren Buffett’s latest bets on homebuilders might signal. Plus, we wrap with insights on market valuations, portfolio risk, and the surprising global migration of millionaires.

With all the reductions in employees and assets at well-known financial firms, is Retire SMART in trouble?  Why has the rate of the rise of the S&P 500 been unproportional to the return for the average investor? And what’s David’s take on the Buffett indicator saying the market is currently overvalued?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

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.