Retire SMART Podcast

Today, David and Chip explore changing ideas around retirement—including working longer or taking “mini-retirements”—and break down the surprising market phenomenon showing why so much of the stock market’s long-term return can come from what happens between the closing and opening bells. All of that along with Buc-ee’s expansion and why businesses follow favorable economic conditions.

What are we to make of Samsung’s proposal for floating data centers out in the ocean? What should I expect to learn at a Retire SMART Taxes in Retirement presentation? And what’s the best approach to discussing with my wife who is ready to retire that we likely don’t have enough money saved up for it? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

From catch-up contributions at 50 to Medicare penalties at 63 and required distributions at 73 or 75, there are several “red letter” ages that can have a major impact on your retirement strategy. David and Sean Swanson break down the key ages to know—and why planning ahead for them can potentially save you money and give you more flexibility in retirement.

What if chasing America’s biggest and best-performing company actually left you with far less money than simply owning the broader market? We look at some surprising long-term investment data—including why diversification can outperform concentration and why the traditional appeal of dividend investing may be changing in today’s market.

This episode takes a look at several financial stories raising important questions about regulation, risk, and the rapidly changing economy. We discuss JPMorgan's relationship with prediction-market company Polymarket, the bankruptcy of a gold IRA company and the dangers facing investors, the economic impact of data centers, and why investors may want to reconsider keeping too much of their wealth sitting in cash.

What are we to make of the Nasdaq’s addition of an overnight trading session from 9pm to 4am? As a 66-year-old who has no desire to retire soon, and who is in good shape financially, what should I plan for in the event I cannot work and how should I approach my investments? And with some money in an after-tax account that I’m getting from my divorce, should I pay off my mortgage that still has 22 years left? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

We are joined by Rebecca Kincaid of Kincaid Wealth Management to talk about the growth of her practice, her new community-focused office, and the impact proactive tax planning has had on her business. We also discuss why effective tax planning goes far beyond simply finding deductions—and how the right strategies can create meaningful financial freedom for families and future generations.

With Nebraska football just around the corner, we kick things off by talking about the Huskers' historic sellout streak before diving into some major economic and political stories making headlines. We examine interest rates and Treasury buybacks, the historical midterm market drawdown, Brett Lindstrom's ballot troubles, and the Democratic Party's decision to move Iowa out of the top spot in the 2028 presidential primary calendar.

David examines Nebraska's position as the nation's highest net contributor to the federal government before discussing how tax and fiscal policies can influence where people and businesses choose to live and operate. The conversation then turns to education, including changing grading standards and policies at the University of Michigan, before closing with a warning about the growing popularity of day trading and gambling-style investing among young men—and the potential consequences for long-term wealth building.

What will I owe taxes on and what can I deduct from selling my house for $230,000? At 67, is it better for me to move into an adult living facility or buy another house? And what are my retirement savings options as a contract graphic designer without a 401(k)?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.