Retire SMART Podcast

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.

Join us as financial advisor, Brad Starken, discusses the latest in digital assets. We'll cover Coinbase joining the S&P 500, the rise of stable coins for efficient cross-border transactions, and how mainstream investors can gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through ETFs. Plus, learn about our upcoming class on digital assets and blockchain technology.

On today's podcast, we discuss the growth of Retire Smart and the upcoming third annual teammates golf tournament. We'll also investigate current events, including President Trump's recent statement on a trade deal with China, the latest U.S. job numbers, and the impact of AI on companies like Google. Join us as we break down these topics and more!

Today, we explore the seismic shift in office real estate as companies move away from traditional large buildings toward smaller, regional offices and adaptive reuse of spaces. We also look into misconceptions around Warren Buffett’s treasury investments and take a close look at evolving housing market trends in major cities. Stay tuned for insights on what these changes mean for banks, urban development, and investors.

Should I sign up for Medicare at 65, even though I have good health insurance through my job? What is a 770 account and how do I get one? And should I retire at 59, even if my advisor tells me I should be able to do so comfortably? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Jacob Orand returns to break down the complexities of Medicare’s IRMAA penalties and how the SSA-44 form can help retirees push back on unexpected costs tied to a life-changing event. From sneaky Medicare Advantage fees to the IRS’s two-year income lookback, the team unpacks what proactive retirees need to know. Bonus: a few laughs about government bureaucracy and Ghostbusters along the way.

We kick off today’s episode by celebrating Chip Maxwell’s five-year anniversary at Retire SMART, reflecting on the firm’s growth from humble beginnings to a thriving, 40+ person team. The conversation then shifts to current market dynamics and what they could mean for investors heading into the second half of the year. Tune in for a mix of reflection, strategy, and forward-looking insights.

Today, we dive into the surprising uptick in consumer confidence and what it could mean for short-term spending—and why that optimism might be short-lived. From Manpower Group’s dividend cut to rising delinquency rates and early signs of stress in the housing market, we explore the growing disconnect between consumer sentiment and economic reality.

Is it possible for David to drive a client’s tax burden down to zero in retirement? Is the best way to keep my assets safe to get out of the markets, once I retire? And does Retire SMART use the benchmark of one’s 401(k) should be 10 times larger than your annual salary? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David Brooks and Sean Swanson unpack the top questions they get about Social Security, including whether the program will still be around and the best time to claim your benefits. They also discuss the upcoming “Social Security Blueprint” class, designed to help retirees and pre-retirees make confident, informed decisions about their benefits.