Retire SMART Podcast

Today, we are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. David Brooks joins with Charles Dzama, founder of CD Financial out of Southern California. As this special three-part conversation continues, they dive deeper into the unique retirement planning challenges facing federal employees, from maximizing pension and survivor benefits to reducing future tax burdens and Medicare surcharges. They also explain why successful retirement planning is about much more than investments, covering income strategies, healthcare decisions, and building a comprehensive retirement plan.

Today, we are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. David Brooks joins with Charles Dzama, founder of CD Financial out of Southern California. In this first installment of a special three-part conversation, they discuss how proactive tax planning can become one of the greatest value-adds a financial advisor provides. They cover charitable giving strategies, required minimum distributions, why many retirees unknowingly pay more in taxes than necessary, and how fiduciary advisors can help clients keep more of what they've worked so hard to save.

Should investors jump into one of the year's biggest IPOs? David Brooks explains why patience may be the better strategy with SpaceX, discusses Warren Buffett's changing philanthropic plans, and explores why government housing policies continue to fuel affordability challenges. Plus, the conversation wraps up with a broader discussion about capitalism, economic incentives, and why financial literacy matters more than ever.

As a 65-year-old who will probably retire in 5 years, what is the rule about Medicare I should know? With 3 children all in their 30s who need help from time to time, how can we help them while also protecting our retirement nest egg? And I inherited an annuity from my mom who passed away earlier this year, but the agent she bought it from is no longer in business; what should I do with this account? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

What are the biggest retirement planning mistakes financial advisors see over and over again? David Brooks is joined by Financial Advisor Alex Murray to break down the five most common pitfalls—from tax planning and withdrawal strategies to healthcare costs, portfolio management, and the often-overlooked challenge of finding purpose in retirement.

David Brooks discusses Nebraska's governor's race following Brett Lindstrom's independent bid, examines the latest developments in Iran and their impact on oil prices, and breaks down encouraging inflation data that could shape the Federal Reserve's next moves. Learn what these headlines could mean for markets, interest rates, and the economy moving forward.

David Brooks discusses the growing trend of "gray divorce" and the significant financial challenges divorce can create during retirement. He also shares his thoughts on proposed retirement system changes, why Omaha and Lincoln continue to rank among America's least-stressed cities, and the importance of building a retirement plan that prepares you for both life's opportunities and unexpected changes.

Why don’t we see more athletes who make 7-figure financial deals putting at least 1 million dollars in a retirement account to set them up for success in the future? Being four years away from retirement, is it wiser to focus on paying off debt or piling up money in my account? And is there a good rule of thumb for how much of my IRA should be invested in safe investments at age 60? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Today, David Brooks and Director of Wealth Management Josh Cheatle discuss the new "Trump Accounts" (Section 530A accounts), explaining how families can take advantage of government seed money and long-term investing to build wealth for the next generation. They also break down the latest Social Security funding projections, what they could mean for future retirees, and why having a personalized retirement income plan is more important than reacting to political headlines.

David Brooks discusses the latest economic headlines, from global tensions in the Middle East and their impact on inflation and oil prices to the latest jobs report and what it could mean for the U.S. economy. Plus, he explains why investors should pay close attention to diversification as major changes reshape the electronic payments industry and long-held company stocks face increasing disruption.