Retire SMART Podcast

Is the current grading system for schools in California a red flag for those trying to get people engaged in financial literacy? Is it worth it to switch from insurance through an employer to a faith -based group where members share expenses?  And am I stuck with a major tax hit, regarding a couple million in tax-deferred IRAs, or is there another option?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Join us as we talk with Chief Tax Strategist, Evan Marshall, about the latest "Big Beautiful Bill" and what it means for your financial planning. We’ll discuss new tax incentives for business owners and a limited-time opportunity for retirees to potentially reduce their Social Security tax burden. Plus, we'll dive into an upcoming class on proactive tax and exit planning for entrepreneurs.

From wine tastings to making the Inc. 5000 list for the fourth year in a row, David and the team celebrate growth, share candid lessons from scaling, and look ahead to new opportunities. Then they dig into Trump’s executive orders on “debanking” and expanded 401(k) investment access, explore the risks and rewards of private equity, and examine how data center construction is reshaping the job market—and why trades may be the smartest career path for the next generation.

We're diving into the stock market's recent concentration and asking what it could mean for your investments, especially as some of the biggest tech companies are looking a little top-heavy. We'll also get a little local and celebrate Omaha's latest national ranking as a top city for jobs, plus we'll break down the true costs of retirement—from healthcare to how you can grow your net worth over time.

Is it possible to go beyond standard 401(k) contribution limits at a certain age? With the kids all grown up and self-sufficient, what should we expect to drive our spending in retirement? And what is the difference between a Roth account and a designated Roth account? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Today, we are joined by attorney Colin Kastrick to discuss the recent legislative changes to Nebraska's transfer-on-death deeds that affect real estate. We'll also explore how a new bill allows for major tax savings by utilizing non-grantor trusts to pass on assets like farmland, potentially helping you avoid probate and take advantage of new tax deductions.

After a much-needed excursion across the pond, David Brooks returns to a surprising U.S. jobs report that sparked political drama, market jitters, and questions about the accuracy of government labor data. David breaks down the numbers, the impact of shifting labor force trends, and the political fallout at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, a closer look at the quiet but powerful reindustrialization of America, as steel production and key manufacturing jobs make their way back home.

Announcement for Retire SMART Podcast taking the week off.

We kick things off with a barrage of standout headlines: LinkedIn’s list of up-and-coming U.S. cities, a political shake-up in New York led by Zohran Mamdani, and In-N-Out heiress Lynsi Snyder’s high-profile move from California to Tennessee. David and Chip explore what these cultural shifts reveal about deeper economic and political undercurrents.

For military members, is the blended retirement system automatically managed, or should they seek financial advice? With retirement around the corner, is it better to pay off debt, or pile up more money in my 401(k)? And should I invest my saved up $50,000 in cash, or with all the news of a market correction coming, should we wait for the right moment? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.