In this episode of the Retirement Optimism Podcast, David Hicks tackles the rising anxiety around the future of Social Security.

With headlines swirling and misinformation spreading fast, David cuts through the noise to clarify what’s really going on—directly from the Social Security Administration itself. From staffing changes and service delays to the reality of the trust fund depletion timeline, he shares perspective and facts that help you stay grounded and informed.

David also shares practical guidance for listeners, including one essential action step everyone should take today to protect their future benefits.

In this episode of the Retirement Optimism Podcast, David explores one simple but powerful question: What do you think your future self would be most grateful you did today?

It’s easy to get caught up in headlines, market noise, and emotional reactions—especially when things feel uncertain. But real retirement success isn’t about timing the market or predicting the next big trend. It’s about your behavior, your discipline, and the steady decisions you make along the way.

David breaks down three common behavioral traps that often derail investors—loss aversion, recency bias, and herd mentality—and shares practical ways to navigate them. You’ll also hear a real-world client story that brings these principles to life, along with three timeless takeaways to keep your financial plan on track.

If you’re looking for a dose of clarity and calm in your financial journey, this episode is for you.

Markets have been volatile, headlines are loud, and once again, it feels like the world is on edge. In this first episode of Retirement Optimism, David Hicks cuts through the noise and offers timely perspective on why market pullbacks are more normal than they feel — and why your plan was built for moments just like this.

From tariff tensions to tech sector dips, David breaks down what’s really going on underneath the surface — and why disciplined planning beats emotional reacting every time.

If you’ve been feeling unsettled or wondering whether this time is different… this one’s for you.