On today's podcast of the Retirement Matters Podcast, Retirement expert Tom Hegna joins Dale Smothers to discuss the retirement income strategies that help retirees create guaranteed lifetime income, reduce stress, and retire with confidence.

In this interview, Tom explains:

• Why retirement is about income, not just assets
• How guaranteed lifetime income works
• The truth about annuities and retirement planning
• Social Security claiming strategies for couples
• Long-term care planning mistakes retirees make
• Sequence of returns risk explained
• How to protect retirement income from inflation
• Why retirees need a retirement income blueprint

If you are nearing retirement or already retired, this conversation offers practical retirement planning advice designed to help you build financial security and long-term peace of mind.

📘 Featured Concepts: ✔️ Guaranteed Lifetime Income ✔️ Retirement Income Planning ✔️ Social Security Strategies ✔️ Long-Term Care Planning ✔️ Annuities Explained ✔️ Retirement Cash Flow Planning

📞 Learn more about retirement income planning with RDS Wealth Management

#RetirementPlanning #TomHegna #GuaranteedIncome #Annuities #SocialSecurity #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #DaleSmothers #RetireHappy #WealthManagement

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Tom Hegna 01:10 – How Tom Entered the Retirement Industry 04:20 – "Paychecks & Playchecks" Explained 06:00 – Why Retirement Is About Income 08:15 – The Truth About Annuities 12:45 – Biggest Retirement Mistakes 16:45 – Social Security Strategies for Couples 19:15 – Longevity & Inflation Risks 20:20 – The "Flooring" Retirement Income Strategy 22:30 – Sequence of Returns Risk Explained 24:15 – How Lifetime Income Creates Liquidity 27:35 – Advice for 2026 Retirees 29:10 – What Happy Retirees Have in Common

📞 Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/toolkit/ 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 Charles Payne on Fox Business how investors approaching retirement can navigate AI-driven market gains, avoid chasing returns, and protect their portfolios from volatility, inflation, and geopolitical risk. If you're within five years of retirement, now is not the time to chase high-flying AI stocks or take unnecessary risks. In this discussion, Dale Smothers explains why pre-retirees should stay disciplined, avoid overexposure to market volatility, and rethink the traditional 60/40 portfolio strategy. Learn how geopolitical tension, sticky inflation, AI-driven market concentration, and upcoming political events could impact your retirement income plan and what you can do to better protect your nest egg. Topics Covered: Retirement planning for those within 5 years of retirement Why chasing AI and technology stocks can be dangerous Traditional 60/40 portfolio alternatives Market volatility, inflation, and geopolitical risks How to generate reliable retirement income S&P 500 outlook and investment discipline If you're preparing for retirement, this video offers practical strategies to help you protect your wealth and stay on track. 📞 Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/toolkit/ 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

Our CEO, Dale Smothers joins Stuart Varney on Fox Business to break down the AI stock boom, Nvidia earnings, and the investment opportunities beyond the biggest tech names. In this interview, Dale explains why investors should look at the "picks and shovels" stocks powering the AI revolution, including semiconductor and infrastructure companies tied to artificial intelligence growth.

He also discusses Nvidia, Nebius, CoreWeave, Astera Labs, AI connectivity, semiconductor valuations, and why disciplined investing matters in today's market.

Topics Covered:

• Nvidia earnings and AI market impact

• AI infrastructure and semiconductor stocks • Nebius vs. CoreWeave

• Astera Labs and AI connectivity

• Why the S&P 500 could eventually reach 8000 • Risks of chasing returns in a volatile market

• Inflation, oil prices, and market "speed bumps"

• Long-term investing strategy and market discipline If you enjoy market insights, AI investing analysis, and stock market commentary, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more updates.

#Nvidia #AIStocks #StockMarket #Investing #FoxBusiness #DaleSmothers #ArtificialIntelligence #SP500 #Semiconductors #AsteraLabs #CoreWeave #Nebius

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.

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In this special sneak peek episode, Dale previews an upcoming in-depth conversation with renowned retirement expert Tom Hegna. Known for simplifying complex financial and retirement planning topics seen on national TV and stages across the country, Tom shares powerful insights on retirement income planning, market risk, financial security, and why traditional growth-focused financial advice may not be enough for retirees.

This episode dives into key retirement strategies, protecting your nest egg from stock market volatility, creating reliable retirement income, and understanding the risks many financial advisors overlook. If you're nearing retirement or already retired, this conversation offers valuable financial education designed to help you retire with confidence.

Topics include:

• Retirement planning strategies
• Market risk in retirement
• Retirement income solutions
• Financial planning for retirees
• Stock market volatility and retirement
• Safe retirement withdrawal strategies
• Long-term financial security
• Retirement mindset and wealth preservation

Don't miss this preview episode before the full podcast interview with Tom Hegna drops.

🔍 Are you within 5 years of retirement? Now is the time to make sure you understand who is advising you, how they're compensated, and whether the products in your portfolio are truly built for YOUR benefit.

📞 Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit Here!

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

Are you working with the RIGHT type of financial advisor for retirement? Most people don't even know there's a difference and it could be costing them thousands.

In this episode of the RDS Wealth podcast, we go deeper than we ever have into the financial services industry- breaking down the three types of advisors, the truth about annuities, and exactly how to know if your advisor is truly working in YOUR best interest.

📌 What you'll learn in this episode:

• The critical difference between an insurance advisor, a broker, and a true fiduciary and why it changes everything about your retirement
• Why so many retirees end up with annuities they didn't need (and who benefits when that happens)
• What a transparent, client-first annuity actually looks like- no annual fees, growth potential, downside protection
• How RDS Wealth is paid and why full transparency is the foundation of everything we do
• The questions you should be asking YOUR financial advisor right now

🔍 Are you within 5 years of retirement? Now is the time to make sure you understand who is advising you, how they're compensated, and whether the products in your portfolio are truly built for YOUR benefit.

📞 Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/

Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit Here!

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 Kerry Lutz to break down the Fed's latest decision to hold rates and what it really signals beneath the surface. With inflation still sticky, oil prices elevated, and the labor market holding strong, Dale explains why the Fed may be stuck and what that means for your portfolio going forward.

From there, the conversation shifts global. Rising geopolitical tensions and energy dynamics are reframing America's position, with a growing focus on domestic production, nuclear expansion, and long-term energy security. They also dig into the strain from AI-driven data center demand and the surprising infrastructure challenges starting to emerge.

On the investment side, Dale lays out a clear strategy- leaning into consumer strength, favoring tech and utilities, and balancing portfolios between risk-on and defensive positioning. He also breaks down how options can be used right now to generate income and protect against near-term volatility.

This is a forward-looking conversation connecting Fed policy, global power shifts, and practical market strategy- giving you a clearer picture of where things may be heading next and how to position yourself ahead of it.

📞 Ready to stress-test your own portfolio? Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: Call!

🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement and wealth strategies from Dale and the RDS Wealth team!

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 today's episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss why now is one of the most important times to review your retirement investment plan. Even with ongoing global uncertainty, rising inflation, volatility in the bond market, high oil prices, and geopolitical tensions, the market continues to hit all-time highs. We explain why reviewing your financial strategy during strong market conditions can help you avoid emotional decisions when volatility returns. Plus, we share retirement planning tools investors may want to reconsider and explore alternative strategies that could offer stronger long-term benefits and protection for your portfolio.

Get you FREE ATLAS Toolkit Here!

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! 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

Are you getting real retirement advice- or just investment management?

In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down what a true retirement advisor should actually be helping you with and why many people are unknowingly working with the wrong type of advisor.

If you're nearing retirement or already retired, you shouldn't be left figuring out major decisions on your own. A comprehensive retirement plan should include guidance on:

• Social Security timing strategies
• Medicare planning and coverage decisions
• Tax strategies, including Roth conversions
• Retirement income planning
• Long-term care considerations and trust planning

Too often, people are working with "growth advisors" who focus only on investments- leaving huge gaps in their retirement strategy.

If you're over 59½, planning for retirement, or already in the retirement income phase, this episode will help you understand what you should expect from your advisor and whether it's time to make a change.

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

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we take a deep dive into our Risk On / Risk Off portfolio strategy and why we believe it can be a powerful alternative to the traditional 60/40 portfolio.

With today's markets becoming more volatile, many investors are questioning whether the old approach of balancing stocks and bonds still delivers the stability and growth they need for retirement.

In this episode, we break it all down in a clear, practical way:

• What a Risk On / Risk Off strategy actually means
• How it adapts to changing market conditions
• Why the traditional 60/40 model may be falling short
• How to think about risk, growth, and income in retirement
• Who this strategy may be best suited for

If you're looking for a smarter way to manage your portfolio in today's market, this episode will give you a strong foundation to start thinking differently.

📞 Want to learn more or see if this strategy fits your situation? Call us at 270-600-PLAN or visit rdswealth.com- we're here to help.

Welcome to another value-packed episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the Retirement Atlas™, our exclusive, step-by-step retirement planning process designed to guide you through every phase of your retirement journey.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Retirement Atlas Explained: Discover how our proprietary Retirement Atlas process helps you build a personalized roadmap for retirement, taking you from pre-retirement planning all the way through the retirement income phase.

The Five Worlds of Retirement:

Learn about the crucial five worlds of retirement and how understanding each can help ensure you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your retirement lifestyle.

Personalized Retirement Roadmap: Hear how we help every client develop a custom strategy tailored to their unique needs, goals, and financial situation.

The Story Behind the Name: Uncover the origins of the Retirement Atlas name and why it reflects our commitment to providing direction, clarity, and peace of mind.

Exclusive Free Resource! We're excited to offer listeners a complimentary Retirement Atlas Toolkit, packed with actionable resources to help you start building your retirement roadmap today:

Visit our website, navigate to "Resources," and select "Retirement Atlas Toolkit" from the dropdown menu. https://rdsmotherswealth.com/toolkit/ Can't find what you're looking for? Simply email us at [email protected] and we'll send your toolkit right away!

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