Retire SMART Podcast

This episode kicks off with a sharp look at China's economic struggles and what plunging industrial profits could signal for global trade negotiations. David and Chip also unpack a surprising new directive considering cryptocurrency in mortgage lending, examine an overheated stock market through the lens of price-to-earnings ratios, and explore the global migration of millionaires toward more favorable economies.

Due to inflation, would taking my social security out at 62 be much different than taking it out at 70? If I’ve already properly managed my assets, to reduce risk, do I really need a financial advisor then? And is there a way to get up-front financial assistance over the phone without having to disclose all my financial information? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David welcomes financial advisor, Alex Murray, to break down the latest proposed tax legislation and what it means for retirees. They discuss hidden "success taxes" like IRMMA penalties, major changes to itemized deductions and charitable contributions, and the potential impact of new tax brackets and retroactive rules. With over 80 amendments still in flux, this is a must-listen for anyone aiming to stay ahead with smart, tax-focused retirement planning.

David and Chip reflect on patriotism, small business, and community-building events at Retire SMART. They discuss Congressman Don Bacon’s retirement announcement and its implications for Nebraska’s political landscape, and then shift to market performance, breaking down the gap between strong technical indicators and concerning fundamentals.

In this episode, we look into a WalletHub study ranking Lincoln and Omaha among the best-run cities in the U.S., citing factors like affordability, healthcare, and economic stability—while also cautioning about fiscal challenges ahead. Then they explore the surging retail investor activity, the dangers of leveraged ETFs, and the need for smarter risk allocation. Finally, they tackle political tensions around interest rates, the Fed, and U.S.-China economic imbalances, warning investors to stay sharp during this period of global transition.

In times of geopolitical turbulence, should investors consider gold, treasuries, and other government bonds? For someone in their 30s, what attributes and red flags should I look for in an advisor? And what exactly constitutes as an “estate?” David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Financial advisor Mike Schudel returns to the studio to unveil the estate planning missteps surrounding Jimmy Buffett’s $275 million fortune—even with a plan in place. From celebrity-level complexities to real-world takeaways, Mike shares how lack of communication, trustee choices, and asset liquidity can all lead to costly legal battles. He also previews the upcoming estate and tax planning class designed to help families avoid similar pitfalls, no matter the size of their estate.

David and Chip reflect on the economic impact of the College World Series in Omaha, then break down the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran, including the U.S. intervention with a high-stakes precision airstrike. The conversation explores the surprising market response, potential supply chain impacts, and what these developments could mean for inflation, oil prices, and the economic outlook for American retirees.

Today, David and Chip discuss the M2 money supply and its potential contraction, and the implications for the economy. Plus, the Supreme Court's decision granting DOGE expanded access to social security data, weighing the concerns about privacy against the goal of government efficiency. Finally, they examine America's "secret weapon" in its economic competition with China: rare earth minerals and the push to re-shore key industries.

With retirement around the corner, but $20k left in my mortgage, should I use money from my 401(k) to pay it off so I can be debt free? What is the IRMAA penalty and how can I avoid it? And with only $125,000 in retirement accounts, are we doomed to work until we die, or is there hope of a decent retirement? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.