Retire SMART Podcast

Ep 263. Standard Roth vs Designated Roth

Is it possible to go beyond standard 401(k) contribution limits at a certain age? With the kids all grown up and self-sufficient, what should we expect to drive our spending in retirement? And what is the difference between a Roth account and a designated Roth account? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 262. Legislative Changes to the T.O.D.D.

Today, we are joined by attorney Colin Kastrick to discuss the recent legislative changes to Nebraska's transfer-on-death deeds that affect real estate. We'll also explore how a new bill allows for major tax savings by utilizing non-grantor trusts to pass on assets like farmland, potentially helping you avoid probate and take advantage of new tax deductions.

Ep 261. America's Reindustrialization

After a much-needed excursion across the pond, David Brooks returns to a surprising U.S. jobs report that sparked political drama, market jitters, and questions about the accuracy of government labor data. David breaks down the numbers, the impact of shifting labor force trends, and the political fallout at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, a closer look at the quiet but powerful reindustrialization of America, as steel production and key manufacturing jobs make their way back home.

Taking a Brief Break

Announcement for Retire SMART Podcast taking the week off.

Ep 260. In-n-Out Moving to Tennessee

We kick things off with a barrage of standout headlines: LinkedIn’s list of up-and-coming U.S. cities, a political shake-up in New York led by Zohran Mamdani, and In-N-Out heiress Lynsi Snyder’s high-profile move from California to Tennessee. David and Chip explore what these cultural shifts reveal about deeper economic and political undercurrents.

Ep 259. Should I Pay Off Debt Before Retiring?

For military members, is the blended retirement system automatically managed, or should they seek financial advice? With retirement around the corner, is it better to pay off debt, or pile up more money in my 401(k)? And should I invest my saved up $50,000 in cash, or with all the news of a market correction coming, should we wait for the right moment? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 258. Becoming a TeamMate, with DeMoine Adams

In this special episode, David sits down with DeMoine Adams, CEO of the TeamMates Mentoring Program, to talk about the power of mentorship and its long-lasting impact on students and communities. From personal stories to leadership insights, DeMoine shares how TeamMates is building hope, purpose, and vision for the next generation.

Ep 257. Nvidia's Rise to Dominance in the S&P

David and Chip unpack growing concerns over the Federal Reserve’s expanding role, questioning its dual mandate, ballooning balance sheet, and politically influenced interest rate decisions. They also spotlight NVIDIA’s historic dominance in the S&P 500 and discuss Trump’s wavering stance on trade policy—and what all this means for investors and business leaders alike.

Ep 256. $3 per Square-foot!

In this episode, David and Chip dig into what’s driving retirees to second-guess their 401(k)s—and why a pair of Denver office buildings just sold for the price of a pack of gum. From soaring interest rates to sneaky long-term care costs, they expose the risks hiding in plain sight and share how to build a retirement plan that won’t flinch when the market does.

Ep 255. Why You Should Get an HSA

What’s the benefit of getting an HSA? How often show clients be meeting with their financial advisors? And with my ineligibility to withdraw from my 401(k), should I try for a hardship distribution to cover my unexpected medical expenses? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.