Retire SMART Podcast

David shares an exciting behind-the-scenes look at his recent visit to the Chicago Board Options Exchange, where he rang the closing bell to celebrate the launch of a new ETF. The conversation then shifts to Washington, as David and Chip break down the latest developments in Trump’s spending bill, fiscal responsibility, and the political roadblocks preventing meaningful debt reform.

David dives into Ray Dalio's stark warning about U.S. treasuries and the mounting global debt crisis, with insights into what Moody’s downgrade means for taxpayers and markets. Plus, a cautionary tale out of New Jersey—how a tiny deli became the centerpiece of a $100 million fraud, and what it teaches us about risk and responsible investing.

After a recent purchase with a surprising result on the receipt, has the “tariff fee” become a common practice in the retail market? And if I feel that I’m set with my pension and full-retirement social security, do I really need to hire an advisor if they’re likely going to just tell me to stay the course? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David is joined by Josh Cheatle, Retire SMART’s new Director of Wealth Management, to talk about what it takes to grow a firm the right way—from building culture and leadership to developing a deep bench of skilled advisors. We’ll share how a nationwide search led us to a surprising local connection, and how Josh is helping shape the future of our team and client experience.

David and Chip look into Omaha's surprising mayoral election outcome, where John Ewing unseated incumbent Jean Stothert, and what that could mean for the city’s future. They also explore the latest developments in tax legislation, SALT deduction debates, and why some market optimism might be premature according to JP Morgan’s Jamie Dimon.

David unpacks a growing disconnect between rising bond yields and falling oil prices, signaling potential economic trouble ahead. He also explores key indicators—from auto loan delinquencies to depleted savings—that suggest consumer strain and a slowing economy, despite optimistic headlines. To top it off, the Labor Department admits to overstating job growth by nearly 400,000 positions, raising serious concerns about the reliability of government-reported economic data.

Will schools in states with NIL exemptions, or no state income taxes, have an advantage on landing football recruits over states that don’t? Does the election of a new pope impact financial markets? And should I or should I not own my own life insurance policy? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

We’re joined by Bill Williams from Patriotic Productions — the team behind the powerful Honor Flights and the national Remembering Our Fallen memorial. From flying thousands of veterans to D.C. to honoring 5,500 service members lost since 9/11, Bill shares how he and his wife are keeping the legacy of our heroes alive. This is a conversation about remembrance, gratitude, and impact.

From the newly announced U.S.-UK trade deal to shifting dynamics in the U.S.-China relationship, we explore the market’s reaction to recent announcements, including Trump’s proposed executive order targeting pharmaceutical pricing. Is the administration’s tariff strategy finally paying off? And what could lower drug prices mean for American consumers? Here is David’s take.

David and Chip investigate the shifting landscape of the U.S. housing market, highlighting growing concerns from home builders and a surge in excess inventory—especially in Florida. The conversation also touches on economic cycles, historical comparisons to 2007, and the return of home builder incentives. From real estate trends to labor economics, this episode is a data-driven look at current market realities.