On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss important considerations for anyone approaching retirement and evaluating a financial advisor. We cover why now may be the right time to review your retirement plans and the importance of understanding how advisors structure their fees, so you can make informed decisions that align with your goals.

We also explore the difference between a true partnership with a wealth management firm and a simple transaction, emphasizing guidance and support throughout your retirement planning journey.

Have any questions? Call us at 270-600-PLAN to connect with a member of our team who can help you navigate this important phase or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™!

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

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Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement™

DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

On this episode of the Retirement Matters podcast, we take a closer look at recent market conditions and discuss how ongoing uncertainty may influence retirees and pre-retirees. We explore several factors that could be contributing to recent market movements including the potential effects of the government shutdown and why having a well-structured plan matters during periods of volatility.

We also revisit our Risk-On/Risk-Off portfolio approach and discuss ways retirees might think about managing risk to help support long-term confidence. From there, we break down Roth conversions: when they may make sense, potential benefits, and key considerations when comparing Roth and traditional IRA strategies.

To wrap up, we talk about aligning your financial decisions with your life goals because retirement planning isn't just about timing the market; it's about creating a plan that supports your lifestyle, your purpose, and the impact you wish to make. As we move toward the 2025 holiday season, this episode encourages thoughtful planning around income, taxes, healthcare, and achieving balance in retirement.

Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™️!

Give our team a call at 270.600.PLAN or schedule a time that that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

Join Our Newsletter: here!

Visit Our Website: here!

Learn More Information: here!

Subscribe to our YouTube: here!

Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement™

R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss timely end-of-year financial strategies to help you make the most of your retirement plan. Recorded live just after Halloween, this episode offers valuable insights about the market, inflation, and the importance of proactive tax planning as the year comes to a close.

You'll hear thoughts on the current macroeconomic environment, lessons learned from inflation trends, and why strategic planning before year-end can make a meaningful impact on your retirement outlook.

At R.D. Smothers Wealth Management, our mission is to be your partner in planning and to help you move confidently toward your retirement goals. If you have questions or need help creating your personalized plan, reach out to our team at 270-600-PLAN. We'll take the time to understand where you are, where you desire to be, and the best next steps to get you there.

Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™️!

Schedule a time that that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

Join Our Newsletter: here!

Visit Our Website: here!

Learn More Information: here!

Subscribe to our YouTube: here!

Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement™

R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss a few retirement proverbs, short clips of financial wisdom that cover a variety of topics. Some insights may be familiar from financial news, while others are new perspectives to consider. We combine two or three of these topics into one cohesive section, offering reflections and observations for year-end thinking.

Have any questions? Call us at 270-600-PLAN to connect with a member of our team who can help you navigate this important phase or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™!

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™!

Join Our Newsletter: here!

Visit Our Website: here!

Learn More Information: here!

Subscribe to our YouTube: here!

Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement™

R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss important considerations if you're 10 years, 5 years, or fewer years away from retirement, especially given today's economic environment in 2025. With ongoing global trade tensions and recent developments in private credit and lending, many investors are reassessing how these factors could influence their retirement timelines and financial plans.

Our team shares insights on how to approach retirement planning during times of market uncertainty, including ways to evaluate your current strategy, review your income needs, and understand your overall risk exposure. Even if you're more than 10 years away, this discussion provides information to help you think proactively about your long-term financial goals.

Have any questions? Call us at 270-600-PLAN to connect with a member of our team who can help you navigate this important phase or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™!

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

Join Our Newsletter: here!

Visit Our Website: here!

Learn More Information: here!

Subscribe to our YouTube: here!

Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement™

R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we talk about the importance of having a plan and why every retirement strategy should begin with one essential question: Where do you want to go?

This idea came from a conversation between our CEO, Dale, and his six-year-old son. In the show, we introduced this concept with a question Dale asked him, and his answer truly astounded him. The wisdom of a six-year-old can absolutely be applied to retirement planning. Yet, this important question is sometimes overlooked. Many advisors focus primarily on the accumulation, or growth phase, which is an essential part of preparing for retirement. However, once retirement begins, you enter the income phase. This phase often involves considerations such as managing income streams, planning for healthcare expenses, understanding tax implications, and more.

Have any questions? Call us at 270-600-PLAN to connect with a member of our team who can help you navigate this important phase or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™!

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

Join Our Newsletter: here!

Visit Our Website: here!

Learn More Information: here!

Subscribe to our YouTube: here!

Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement™

DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss practical tools and strategies that can help reduce your retirement tax bill.

Whether you're nearing retirement or already in the income phase, understanding how to use these tools effectively can make a significant difference in your long-term financial plan.We explore the importance of tax planning as part of your overall retirement strategy and explain how proper use of accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s can improve your tax efficiency.

Every retiree's situation is unique, so it's important to work with a qualified advisor to create a personalized plan that fits your needs. Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you retire the way you have always imagined!

Give our team a call at 270.600.PLAN or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

Join Our Newsletter: here!

Visit Our Website: here!

Learn More Information: here!

Subscribe to our YouTube: here!

Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement™

DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

In this exclusive episode of the Retirement Matters podcast, we share insights on retirement planning strategies for every stage of life — from early career to pre-retirement.

This episode, recorded off-air and not available on radio, offers timely commentary on current market conditions, including the recent rise in AI-related stocks and the implications for investors at different life stages.

Some of the topics covered:

• Portfolio rebalancing strategies during market highs

• Retirement planning considerations for different age groups

• Tax-aware options including IRA rollovers and income planning

Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™! Give us a call at 270.600.7526 or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

Join Our Newsletter: here!

Visit Our Website: here!

Learn More Information: here!

Subscribe to our YouTube: here!

Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement™

DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we explore the five most important areas to address in your retirement plan. These core topics can help guide you toward a more confident and well-structured retirement—whether you're approaching retirement age or just starting to plan for the future.

Recorded live on September 13th during a challenging week in the news, this episode opens with a moment of reflection.

🎧 Listen in to discover:

• The 5 critical areas every retirement plan should cover

• Why each piece matters and how they work together

• Tips for both pre-retirees and younger investors navigating today's market

Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™! Give us a call at 270.600.7526 or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

Join Our Newsletter: here!

Visit Our Website: here!

Learn More Information: here!

Subscribe to our YouTube: here!

Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement

DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we explore financial winter—a seasonal slowdown in the markets that often begins in late summer and can extend through the fall. While it's not a reason to panic, it is a time to be prepared, especially for those nearing or in retirement.

We discuss why this seasonal trend occurs, what factors could make this year's financial winter more significant, and how to adjust your investment strategy based on where you are in your retirement journey. Whether you're approaching retirement in the next few weeks or already enjoying your retirement years, this episode will help you understand how to prepare your portfolio for potential volatility and stay focused on long-term goals.

Our team is here to help you Retire the Way You Desire™! Give us a call at 270.600.7526 or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

If you found today's episode helpful or enjoyable, we'd really appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating and a quick review. Your feedback means a lot to us and helps others discover the show. Thank you for tuning in to the Retirement Matters Show!

Join Our Newsletter: here!

Visit Our Website: here!

Learn More Information: here!

Subscribe to our YouTube: here!

Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement

DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.