Retire SMART Podcast

Ep 358. Strategies for the Tax Filing Season

David is joined by advisor Jacob Orand to break down key tax moves and charitable giving strategies as a new filing season approaches. They explain new above-the-line deduction rules for cash donations, why documentation matters more than ever, and how retirees could benefit from stacking deductions. The conversation also covers common tax filing mistakes, Roth conversions, crypto reporting, and why slowing down can save you from costly errors.

Ep 357. Why Greenland?

This episode opens with a major Retire Smart milestone, celebrating the firm’s first awards gala and growth to more than 1,000 households served. From there, David breaks down President Trump’s latest global economic comments, tariffs, and why Greenland has suddenly become a key geopolitical and market conversation. The discussion connects world events to what they could mean for trade, markets, and investors.

Ep 356. "Time In" the Market vs. "Timing" of the Market

This episode tackles big-picture issues shaping the economy, starting with healthcare costs, government spending, and why well-intentioned policies often drive prices higher. David also unpacks market history, including what strong rebounds can signal for the year ahead and why staying invested matters more than timing the market. The conversation closes with insights on trade data, gold, and why missing a Santa Claus rally may not be as scary as it sounds.

Ep 355. What Happens at a "Taxes & Retirement" Event?

We own a lot that’s never been built on, still owe $120,000 for it, and can’t seem to sell it; what are we to do? What is a 770 account and if I want one, where can I get it? And what can I expect if I come to one of your “Taxes in Retirement” events? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 354. Education For Retirement Planning, With Brandon Stuerke

David is joined by Brandon Stuerke, founder of The Retirement Institute, an online education platform built to help retirees and pre-retirees get real answers to real financial questions. They discuss why retirement planning needs specialists—not generalists—and how technology is helping close the growing advice gap as millions retire and advisors exit the industry. The conversation also dives into advisor training, Roth conversions, business succession planning, and why education is the future of retirement planning.

Ep 353. California's Controversial Wealth Tax

We open the show with a heartfelt tribute to Sandy Dodge, a true Omaha community leader whose legacy of service and giving back continues to inspire. From there, David breaks down key economic headlines, including cooling inflation, Fed drama, and what the latest data could mean for interest rates. Then we wrap with a deep dive into taxes, wealth tax proposals, and why policy decisions often come with serious unintended consequences.

Ep 352. "From the Vault" (To Roth or NOT to Roth, Part 4)

Part 4 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.

Ep 351. "From the Vault" (To Roth or NOT to Roth, Part 3)

Part 3 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.

Ep 350. "From the Vault" (To Roth or NOT to Roth, Part 2)

Part 2 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.

Ep 349. "From the Vault" (To Roth or NOT to Roth, Part 1)

Part 1 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.