With rising geopolitical tensions and a volatile stock market, many investors are feeling uncertain about their next move. In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down what's really driving the recent market sell-off and how it could impact your retirement plan.

Whether you're close to retirement or still years away, we cover what you should (and shouldn't) be doing with your portfolio right now, and why emotional decisions can cost you long-term.

👉 In this episode:

• What's happening in the Middle East and why it matters
• Why the market has been volatile
• How this impacts your retirement accounts
• What smart investors are doing right now

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey! Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

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

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we dive into an article from Schwab's Financial Research Center written by Rob Williams, CFP®, who at the time served as Vice President of Financial Planning at Charles Schwab. Rob outlines the three most common mistakes retirees make, and we break down each one while sharing how you can avoid letting these pitfalls sneak into your retirement strategy. Check out the full article here: https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/3-...

We'd love the opportunity to help you build your portfolio—and, more importantly, your Retirement Atlas™, a personalized plan designed to guide you through all Five Worlds of Retirement™. These three mistakes are just a few of the many challenges retirees may face, and our goal is to help you avoid not only these but also other common pitfalls that can quietly erode confidence over time.

At the top of the show, we also share an update to our podcast review process. If you've been listening and haven't yet left a rating or review, we'd be so grateful if you did. Every review helps us reach more families—and with every life we touch, we move closer to our vision: a world where retirees live with confidence and use that freedom to enrich the lives of those around them. We believe a retiree who feels less stress about money can be more present—as a spouse, a grandparent, a parent—and that's exactly why we do what we do.

👂 In this episode, you'll hear:

• What Schwab's Rob Williams identifies as the 3 most common retirement mistakes

• Why these mistakes are so common—and how to avoid them

• How we help families build a plan using the Retirement Atlas™

• Why your podcast review truly makes a difference

📩 Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? Email us at [email protected] Give our team a call at 270.600.PLAN! Or schedule a time to talk here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ 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 break down the most important (and often overlooked) pieces of a successful retirement plan- especially as you approach the income phase.

Many people believe retirement planning is all about investing… but the truth is, that's only one part of the equation.

Today, we walk through how to build a complete, coordinated retirement strategy that goes far beyond your portfolio, including:

• Income planning: How to create reliable, sustainable retirement income
• Tax planning: Strategies to reduce long-term tax burden
• Investment planning: Positioning your portfolio for growth and protection
• Healthcare planning: Preparing for one of retirement's biggest expenses
• Legacy planning: Protecting and passing on your wealth efficiently

The key isn't just having these pieces- it's making sure they work together as one cohesive plan.

If you're nearing retirement or already in the income phase, this episode will help you understand what truly matters when it comes to building a plan that lasts.

🎯 If you find value in this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast to help others build smarter retirement strategies.

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey! Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

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

Dale joins Stuart Varney on Fox Business to discuss one of the biggest questions investors are asking right now: Have we reached the market bottom and is it finally safe to buy?

We dive into the recent tech stock selloff, including opportunities in companies that have dropped 20% or more, and why AI-driven stocks like Amazon may present strong long-term value. We also discuss why Microsoft may not be the best buy just yet, and what signals to watch before adding it to your portfolio. If you're wondering whether to buy the dip, sit on the sidelines, or shift your strategy, this video covers:

Have stocks reached a true market bottom? Best tech stock opportunities right now AI demand and long-term growth potential Why Microsoft may still have downside Smart strategies for different investing phases Roth conversion opportunities during market dips The role of 10-year Treasury yields (4%+) in your portfolio Risk-on vs. risk-off investing strategies

Whether you're investing for growth or income, the key is sticking to a personalized plan and understanding your time horizon- especially in volatile markets.

Always remember 'losses hurt you more than gains help you'.

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey! Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ 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

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we explore how economic forces- including oil prices and inflation- can influence your retirement strategy and long-term financial plan.

Many retirees focus primarily on investments, but successful retirement planning requires understanding how broader economic trends may affect your income, spending, and overall financial security.

In this episode, we discuss how fluctuations in energy prices and the economy can impact inflation and the markets, and why building a flexible retirement plan can help you navigate uncertainty while still enjoying the journey of retirement.

We also take a deeper dive into Medicare planning and why it should never be handled in isolation. Medicare decisions play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy and should be integrated alongside tax planning, income planning, and investment planning to create a truly comprehensive retirement plan.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How rising oil prices and inflation can affect retirement planning • Why economic uncertainty doesn't have to derail your retirement goals • The importance of integrating Medicare planning into your retirement strategy • How a comprehensive plan can help retirees feel more confident during market ups and downs

The Retirement Matters Podcast is designed to help you navigate the complex decisions that come with retirement so you can build a plan that supports both financial security and peace of mind.

If you know someone approaching retirement who could benefit from this conversation, we encourage you to share this episode.

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey!

Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

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

When planning for retirement, most people focus on investments- but the real challenge begins once retirement starts.

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we explain why Social Security planning, Medicare decisions, and tax strategy must work together in order to build a successful retirement income plan.

Too often, retirees approach these areas separately: • Investments with a financial advisor • Taxes with a CPA • Medicare decisions somewhere else

But when these pieces don't coordinate, it can dramatically impact how much income you actually take home in retirement.

In this conversation, we break down:

• Why Social Security timing impacts your taxes • How Medicare premiums can increase based on income • The importance of coordinating tax strategy with retirement income • Why retirees need a unified plan rather than separate strategies

Think of retirement planning like landing an airplane- every control must work together. When your tax plan, Medicare strategy, and Social Security decisions align, you create a much smoother retirement income plan.

If you're approaching retirement or already retired, this episode will help you understand how to bring these critical pieces together.

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey!

Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

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

Retirement is not the finish line- it's the starting point of an entirely new financial phase.

In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down why entering retirement (age 59 and beyond) requires a completely different strategy than your accumulation years.

Climbing the mountain during your growth phase is one challenge. Coming safely down the mountain during your retirement income phase is another.

We discuss why every retiree needs three core plans in place:

• A retirement income plan • A retirement tax strategy • An investment plan designed for distribution

Without coordination between these three areas, retirees risk unnecessary taxes, market exposure mistakes, and income gaps.

We also introduce our ATLAS framework we call the Five Worlds of Retirement Planning: Income. Investments. Taxes. Healthcare. Legacy.

The day you retire is not the end. It is the beginning of complex decisions that will shape the rest of your life. That's why we believe retirement income planning requires a specialist- someone focused on navigating the distribution phase, not just the growth years.

If you are approaching retirement or already in it, this episode will help you understand why having a clear Retirement Atlas- a coordinated plan for all five worlds- is essential for long-term confidence.

Subscribe for practical retirement planning strategies designed for real life!

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey!

Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

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

Dale joins Julie at Yahoo Finance to analyze the potential savings tools this legislation could provide Americans, including the Trump administration's proposed retirement tax credits scheduled for 2027 under the Big Beautiful Bill. Dale breaks down what the federal match could mean for workers without employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, how small business employees may benefit, and why the added incentive could encourage more Americans to begin contributing to retirement accounts.

He also discusses the broader implications for long-term retirement planning and what individuals should consider as more details around the rollout become clear. With cash flow remaining a primary obstacle for many households,

Dale explains how this potential federal match may serve as a catalyst for younger workers and underserved employees to start building retirement savings sooner rather than later. #RetirementPlanning #401k #SecureAct #TrumpPolicy #PersonalFinance #RetirementSavings #FederalTaxCredit

"How much do I need to retire?" It's one of the most common and most misunderstood- retirement questions.

In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down how much money you actually need to retire based on your lifestyle, goals, and timeline- not generic rules or viral retirement math.

We walk through a practical framework to help you determine: • How much do I need to retire comfortably • How much do I need to retire early • How much do I need to retire at 65 • How much do I need to retire at 40

This conversation cuts through bad retirement advice and explains why one-size-fits-all numbers often do more harm than good. Retirement doesn't have to look the same for everyone- it can be anything you want it to be. The goal is understanding whether what you've saved today is enough to support the life you actually want tomorrow.

If you're wondering whether you're on track for retirement, thinking about retiring early, or questioning the advice you've heard online, this episode will help you get clarity and confidence around your retirement planning decisions.

👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey!

Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

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

Dale Smothers, joins Marley on Schwab Network to discuss the macro economic outlook, the Federal Reserve's path toward 2026, and why recent AI-driven market selloffs may be more opportunity than threat. In this conversation, Dale breaks down investor fears surrounding artificial intelligence- often described as the "AI angel of death"- and explains why innovation doesn't eliminate entire industries overnight. Instead, established companies with strong cash flow often acquire, integrate, and adapt new technologies, creating long-term value rather than permanent disruption. The discussion explores how recent AI headlines sparked sharp declines across software, financial services, trucking, freight, and commercial real estate- and why this may reflect short-term overreaction rather than structural damage. Dale also compares today's market sentiment to an inkblot test: investors look at the same economic data but interpret it differently based on philosophy, objectives, and emotion. Using the latest jobs report showing 130,000 jobs added, he explains why perspective matters more than headlines. 📊 Topics covered: Macro economic outlook and Fed expectations through 2026 AI disruption vs AI-driven opportunity Sector selloffs and investor overreaction Long-term investing during innovation cycles Market psychology and sentiment-driven volatility What strong economic data signals for markets This conversation offers clarity for investors navigating innovation-driven volatility and positioning portfolios for the decade ahead. Have any questions? Our team is here to help! Give us a call at 270.600.PLAN or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Our Channel: / @rdswealthmanagement 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