Retire SMART Podcast

Ep 273. The Evergrande Fallout

It’s Husker season kickoff, and the team shares their game-day predictions along with some personal football plans for the year. Then the conversation shifts to the economy, covering government intervention in private companies, the fallout of China’s real estate giant Evergrande, and a surprising twist in the housing market where brand-new homes are now selling for less than existing ones.

Ep 272. Building is Cheaper Than Already Existing Homes?

In our discussion today, we break down the shifting real estate landscape, from softening home prices in Florida, Texas, and beyond, to a surge in rental supply that’s driving rents down nationwide. We explore why new construction is suddenly cheaper than existing homes, how builders are responding with incentives, and what Warren Buffett’s latest bets on homebuilders might signal. Plus, we wrap with insights on market valuations, portfolio risk, and the surprising global migration of millionaires.

Ep 271. Is Retire SMART in Trouble?

With all the reductions in employees and assets at well-known financial firms, is Retire SMART in trouble?  Why has the rate of the rise of the S&P 500 been unproportional to the return for the average investor? And what’s David’s take on the Buffett indicator saying the market is currently overvalued?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 270. Welcome Chris Wootton!

Today, we sit down with Chris Wootton of Wootton Financial Group, a boutique wealth management firm just north of Houston. Chris shares his journey in the industry, insights on serving clients in energy-driven markets, and why advanced tax strategy is key to retirement success. From football rivalries to financial planning, it’s a lively conversation packed with expertise and perspective.

Ep 269. Chasing the "Invest Like the 1%"

In this episode, we kick things off with a look inside the Tax Mastermind seminar, where advisors from across the country gather to sharpen their tax strategies and better serve their clients. From there, we dive into headlines on the risks of chasing “invest like the 1%” real estate promises, looming premium hikes under the Affordable Care Act, and how politics and policy ripple through your financial life.

Ep 268. Instability in the AI Sector

Today, we explore the caution signs in today's economy, from the volatility in the AI sector to historically low corporate bond spreads and high price-to-sales ratios. We then shift our focus to the Nebraska agricultural landscape, where we discuss the mixed outlook for farmers and ranchers, highlighting how proactive planning is essential to navigate these varying market conditions.

Ep 267. Concerns With Our Current Education Grading System

Is the current grading system for schools in California a red flag for those trying to get people engaged in financial literacy? Is it worth it to switch from insurance through an employer to a faith -based group where members share expenses?  And am I stuck with a major tax hit, regarding a couple million in tax-deferred IRAs, or is there another option?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 266. Tax Incentives for Business Owners

Join us as we talk with Chief Tax Strategist, Evan Marshall, about the latest "Big Beautiful Bill" and what it means for your financial planning. We’ll discuss new tax incentives for business owners and a limited-time opportunity for retirees to potentially reduce their Social Security tax burden. Plus, we'll dive into an upcoming class on proactive tax and exit planning for entrepreneurs.

Ep 265. Four Years In-A-Row!

From wine tastings to making the Inc. 5000 list for the fourth year in a row, David and the team celebrate growth, share candid lessons from scaling, and look ahead to new opportunities. Then they dig into Trump’s executive orders on “debanking” and expanded 401(k) investment access, explore the risks and rewards of private equity, and examine how data center construction is reshaping the job market—and why trades may be the smartest career path for the next generation.

Ep 264. Top Cities in the U.S. for Jobs

We're diving into the stock market's recent concentration and asking what it could mean for your investments, especially as some of the biggest tech companies are looking a little top-heavy. We'll also get a little local and celebrate Omaha's latest national ranking as a top city for jobs, plus we'll break down the true costs of retirement—from healthcare to how you can grow your net worth over time.