Shotwell Rutter Baer

Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance, where we serve up bite-sized financial wisdom with a side of common sense. In this episode, Dave and Nick tackle one of the biggest financial questions for retirees: Should you buy a house in retirement—or just stay put?

Here’s what’s on the table:

Why timing the housing market is just as tricky as timing the stock market

The emotional side of downsizing—yes, those red velvet ropes for the kids’ old rooms count!

Why small homes are in big demand—and what that means for prices

Mortgages in retirement: fact vs. fiction (Hint: You can get one)

The pros and cons of paying off your mortgage vs. keeping your investments liquid

Real-life scenarios showing the costs of “downsizing” and whether it actually saves you money

Alternatives like renting, reverse mortgages, and bridge loans

The surprising truth about homeownership and wealth-building

https://youtu.be/P5JAiS8dDuY

It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about your goals, lifestyle, and peace of mind. Whether you’re dreaming of a maintenance-free condo or a cozy ranch to age in place, there are lots of options to make it work.

Need help sorting through the details of your own housing plan? Let’s chat. Start with a free, no-pressure Fit Meeting to see how we can help you build a retirement that fits you.

👉 Visit srbadvisors.com or email us at [email protected] to get started.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Kitchen Table Finance!

Roth Conversions: Worth It or Not?

Welcome back to the Kitchen Table! In today’s episode, Dave and Nick take a deeper dive into the world of Roth conversions—what they are, how they work, and whether or not they make sense for your retirement plan.

This isn’t your average tax talk. We’re serving up a practical, no-pressure conversation about a tool that gets a lot of hype—and a lot of confusion. From “backdoor” and “mega backdoor” conversions to tax brackets, timing, and even state-by-state considerations, we break it down so you can decide if a Roth conversion fits into your financial picture.

https://youtu.be/1R9DGmRya_Q

What is a Roth conversion and how does it work?

The pros, cons, and “it depends” of using this strategy

How tax brackets and future income impact your decision

Real-life scenarios: early retirement, variable income, and legacy planning

Roth conversions and their effect on RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions)

When it’s better to wait—and when it might pay to act now

Roth conversions can be a smart move, but they’re not for everyone. As always, your financial goals, current tax situation, and long-term plans matter most. Don’t follow the crowd—make a choice that fits YOU.

💬 Have questions or want to nerd out with us?
Email us at [email protected] or visit SRBAdvisors.com to schedule a friendly, no-pressure fit meeting.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode—and let’s keep simplifying your money and your life.

☕ Until next time, keep the coffee hot and your questions coming.

Hosts: Nick and guest advisor Cole Williams
Special Guest Absence: Dave is off living his best life in Bozeman, Montana (hopefully catching trout and not taxes).

In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, we take a deep dive into one of retirement’s least sexy—but most critical—topics: taxes. Whether you’ve just filed and are ready to forget about them until next year (don’t), or you’re actively planning your golden years, this episode is packed with straight talk and strategies to help you keep more of what you’ve worked so hard for.

https://youtu.be/1XkZhAKdR-A

How taxes work in retirement – Spoiler: it’s not like your working years.

Three ways to pay your taxes once the paycheck stops – Withholding, estimated payments, or via pensions/social security.

Which accounts to draw from and when – Taxable, pre-tax, or Roth? The order matters more than you think.

What RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) mean for your tax bill – Plus, when they start depending on your birth year.

Tax traps to avoid – Including Medicare surcharges (IRMAA), net investment income tax, and surprise Social Security taxation.

When Roth conversions make sense – Hint: it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Giving back smartly – How Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) can keep your heart warm and your taxes low.

Special account strategies – HSA withdrawals, leftover 529 plans, and even employer stock gains through Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA).

What if the tax laws change? – Because, well… they will.

Nick and Cole don’t just dump info—they break it down so you can understand how to apply it, avoid common missteps, and stay ahead of Uncle Sam without losing sleep.

Related: How to Adjust Your Retirement Income

Flowcharts and planning tools available upon request

Income Lab software insights for long-term planning

A healthy dose of common sense and humor (yes, about taxes)

Ready to get a grip on your retirement tax strategy?
Start with a Fit Meeting—no pressure, just a chat. Visit srbadvisors.com or email us at [email protected].

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more down-to-earth finance guidance.

Welcome back, friends!
Today, Dave and Nick roll up their sleeves and dive into the wild and wonderful world of retirement headlines from March and April. Think of it as your financial cliff notes — so you can sound smarter than your neighbor without actually having to read all the boring articles yourself. Get the February Retirement Headlines HERE.

https://youtu.be/SfyJRISwYIw

Hold up — private equity is trying to sneak into your retirement plan! Dave and Nick explain why this might not be the fabulous idea it sounds like at first. Liquidity issues, risk, and fine print galore.

Learn more about Private Equity in Retirement Plans (WSJ)

How our brain tricks us into believing whatever fits our narrative — and how that’s totally wrecking how we all read the news.

The Economics of Polarization (WSJ)

Spoiler alert: you won’t be happy just binge-watching “The Office” reruns for four hours a day. (Although, honestly, tempting.) Plan your time intentionally for a fulfilling retirement.

How You Spend Time in Retirement Matters (WSJ)

Buckets: not just for cleaning or gardening! Divide your cash into short-term, mid-term, and long-term “buckets” so you’re not freaking out every time the stock market sneezes.

Bucket Investing for Retirement (Morningstar)

Spoiler: If you’ve done your homework (hello, diversified cash reserves!), you’re fine. If you haven’t…well, maybe work a tiny bit longer.

Is This a Bad Year to Retire? (Kiplinger)

Sequence of return risk = fancy finance speak for “don’t pull out money when your investments are down.” Simple? Nope. Important? You betcha.

Avoiding Outliving Your Savings (Morningstar)

Got questions? Need a second opinion on your retirement plan?
📞 Call us at 517-321-4832
📧 Email [email protected]

👉 And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

In this episode, Nick and Dave take a seat at the kitchen table to unpack the highs and lows of the first quarter of 2025. From global diversification wins to U.S. economic uncertainty, they break down what investors need to know—and what they don’t need to stress over.

https://youtu.be/iXrCvNCGtO0

Diversification Pays Off: International stocks outperformed U.S. markets in Q1, offering a little sunshine in an otherwise cloudy domestic market.

Strong Labor Market: Unemployment remains low, with a resilient workforce keeping things steady despite headline doom and gloom.

Inflation Easing: February inflation reading at 2.8% shows a softening trend, starting Q2 on a hopeful note.

Tariff Uncertainty: Global trade tensions and tariff talks are creating ripple effects in consumer sentiment and investor confidence.

Fed Rate Cut Expectations Dwindle: Initial optimism about multiple rate cuts is fading fast amid inflationary pressures and policy wait-and-see approaches.

Consumer Confidence Dips: Despite spending holding strong, consumers are increasingly cautious about what’s ahead.

Nick and Dave remind listeners that short-term dips and economic jitters are nothing new. They share a powerful chart (linked below!) showing that even with frequent downturns, the market trends upward over time. It’s a comforting nudge to stay the course, breathe, and trust the process.

Why international markets are leading the pack in 2025

What tariffs might mean for your portfolio and your wallet

Why the Fed’s holding steady—and what that means for you

How to keep your cool amid market noise

Schedule a chat with the team at Shotwell Rutter Baer—they’re always happy to help you cut through the clutter and make smart financial decisions for your future.
👉 Visit SRB’s website to schedule your appointment.

Don’t miss a moment at the kitchen table!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for full episodes, quick tips, and more updates straight from Nick and Dave.

💬 As always, thanks for listening. Keep your heads up and your long-term goals in sight—because this too shall pass.

Join hosts Nick and Dave as they dig into one of the most important aspects of financial planning for retirees: when and how to adjust your retirement income. Whether you’re navigating market volatility, planning for worst-case scenarios, or wondering if you can spend more than you thought, this episode is packed with actionable insights for retirees and those planning their next chapter.

https://youtu.be/f8NIi_CfYw8

Learn how defining your income rules early on helps reduce emotional decision-making later.

Understand the differences between necessary expenses (like bills) and discretionary spending (like travel), and how these categories play into market ups and downs. Check out our episode on HOW to Adjust Your Retirement Income.

Discover techniques for adjusting your spending in bear markets to keep your long-term plan on track, including tips on finding a sustainable withdrawal rate.

Why many retirees may be underspending and how to recognize when it’s safe to increase your discretionary budget.

Dive into historical scenarios like the Great Financial Crisis and stagflation to see what they teach us about retirement income adjustments.

From Monte Carlo simulations to strategies for creating fixed income sources, Nick and Dave break it down step-by-step.

Resources Mentioned:

Market downturns happen, but you don’t need to panic. This episode will give you the confidence and tools to stick to your financial principles, make informed adjustments, and sustain your retirement income for the long run.

Got questions or want help with your retirement income plan?

Thank you for tuning in! Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode, and join us next time for more insights at the intersection of finances and retirement at Kitchen Table Finance!

In this heartfelt and timely episode, Dave and Nick step away from charts and market trends to focus on something just as important—the emotions behind the numbers. If you’re retired or nearing retirement, you’ve likely felt the weight of recent market turbulence. Maybe you’re wondering if your plan is still on track or feeling that itch to “do something” in response to all the headlines.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone.

Related: How to Put Together a Retirement Income Strategy

https://youtu.be/HmFVuNyDiCw

Why fear and uncertainty are natural (and even expected) during volatile markets

The importance of emotional awareness and knowing your personal reaction style

Why “just staying the course” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a lifesaver

Powerful insights from financial legends like Warren Buffett, Carl Richards, Morgan Housel, and Dr. Daniel Crosby

Practical ways to cope: from revisiting your risk tolerance to knowing when it’s OK to delay purchases

The value of talking it out early—with your advisor, your partner, or your financial planning team

💬 Key Takeaway:
Before making any big moves, it’s crucial to acknowledge your emotions, take a deep breath, and revisit your plan—not your panic. And remember: if your plan was built to weather storms (and it should be), odds are it’s more durable than you think.

This episode is your reminder to reach out to your financial advisor. We’re here for the hard conversations before sleepless nights set in. Sometimes all you need is a listening ear, a calming voice—and a little reassurance that your financial ship is still on course.

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode:

Carl Richards’ podcasts on emotions and investing

Warren Buffett’s timeless wisdom

Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money

Dr. Daniel Crosby’s tips on emotional discipline

Tune out the fear-mongering news

Check in with your plan

Focus on what you can control

Reach out and talk it through

Visit us at srbadvisors.com or email us at [email protected] to schedule a no-pressure chat. Let’s make sure you feel secure, no matter what the market is doing.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation that matters.

Join us for another engaging episode of Kitchen Table Finance! This week, Nick sits down with Nathan Gardner, an SRB intern and aspiring financial planner, to learn more about his background, experiences, and passion for financial planning. Nathan shares his transition from a small-town upbringing to Michigan State University, his involvement in the university’s Wealth Management Program, and how it shaped his career aspirations.

https://youtu.be/F72HlrqhqD8

Discover how Nathan became inspired by the life planning process and why he’s passionate about making a meaningful impact through financial planning. You’ll also hear his thoughts on navigating market volatility as an intern, the importance of connecting meaning to money, and the future of the financial planning profession.

This episode offers valuable insights for both aspiring professionals and seasoned planners alike!

👉 Want to learn more about how financial life planning can make a difference? Visit srbadvisors.com.

👉 Have a question or need assistance? Email us at [email protected] or call (517)-321-4832.

Did you enjoy the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Kitchen Table Finance and share it with anyone interested in personal finance, financial planning careers, or retirement strategies.

Thanks for listening! See you next time at Kitchen Table Finance.

Retirement planning isn’t just about getting to retirement—it’s about making sure your income lasts through retirement. In this episode, Dave and Cole break down how to adjust your retirement income to fit your lifestyle, changing expenses, and market conditions.

They keep it real with practical tips and a down-to-earth discussion on how to create flexibility in your financial plan, avoid common pitfalls, and make your money work for you in retirement.

Related: WHEN to Adjust Your Retirement Income

https://youtu.be/IDiHtKAKZdk

✔️ Why a static income plan doesn’t work for most retirees
✔️ How to manage withdrawals based on market performance
✔️ The role of annuities, pensions, and Social Security in your income mix
✔️ Strategies for adjusting spending while keeping financial security
✔️ How to prepare for unexpected expenses and rising costs

🔹 Know your income sources: A mix of guaranteed income (like Social Security) and investments can help create stability.
🔹 Stay flexible: Your retirement income plan should adapt to changes in the market and your expenses.
🔹 Be mindful of taxes: Strategic withdrawals can help you minimize taxes and keep more of your money.
🔹 Plan for healthcare costs: Medical expenses can rise over time, so budgeting for them is key.

 Questions or Need Guidance? Contact us at [email protected] or visit srbadvisors.com.

 Subscribe & Stay Updated! Don’t miss future episodes—click HERE to subscribe and join us at the Kitchen Table for more financial insights!

🎙️ Hosts: David Shotwell & Nick Nauta

In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, David and Nick break down the essential steps for creating a solid retirement income strategy. They discuss different income sources, withdrawal strategies, and key decisions that impact financial security in retirement. If you’re planning for retirement or are already there, this episode will help you piece together your financial puzzle.

https://youtu.be/VUvn3YXI-wE

✅ Identifying Your Income Sources

Social Security: How to estimate your benefits and when to start collecting

Pensions: Understanding your options and survivor benefits

Retirement Savings: Pre-tax vs. Roth accounts and how they fit into your plan

Other Income Sources: Real estate, annuities, side gigs, or part-time work

The Role of Bank Savings and Investments

✅ Deciding When to Take Social Security

The impact of delaying benefits vs. taking them early

How Social Security claiming strategies affect long-term financial security

Considerations for working while taking Social Security

✅ Withdrawal Strategies for Retirement Savings

The 4% Rule: A useful guideline, but not a one-size-fits-all solution

How to balance withdrawals from taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts

The impact of required minimum distributions (RMDs)

Roth conversions and tax planning considerations

✅ Personalized Retirement Planning

Life expectancy and family history as factors in financial decisions

The emotional side of retirement spending—how to transition from a saver to a spender

How different strategies fit different personalities and risk tolerances

Planning your retirement income strategy isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about your lifestyle, goals, and peace of mind. David and Nick emphasize the importance of making informed, personalized decisions to create a financial plan that works for you.

📩 Questions or Need Guidance? Contact us at [email protected] or visit srbadvisors.com.

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Updated! Don’t miss future episodes—click HERE to subscribe and join us at the Kitchen Table for more financial insights!