Retire SMART Podcast

Ep 214. Federal Worker Retirement Strategies, with Tim Herrick

David brings back financial advisor Tim Herrick to help break down the recent wave of federal layoffs—potentially impacting over 100,000 government employees—and what it means for those navigating pensions and retirement planning. They discuss the pros and cons of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), highlight common pitfalls with TSP distributions, and explore smarter strategies like IRA rollovers and Roth conversions to help federal employees gain more control and flexibility in retirement.

Ep 213. Tariffs; Good or Bad?

Tariffs are back in the headlines—but are they really just bad news? We break down the economic pros and cons, from rising consumer costs to a surprising boost in federal revenue. We’ll also dig into the political messaging, the timing, and what all this means for investors, retirees, and smart planners alike. It’s a conversation that cuts through the noise.

Ep 212. Job Cuts and Real Estate Prices

David breaks down the growing disconnect between Jerome Powell’s optimistic economic outlook and the mounting signs of a slowdown, including a surge in announced job cuts and softening real estate prices. He discusses the ripple effects of declining cash buyers, rising housing vacancies, and what it all could mean for interest rates, inflation, and the housing market in the months ahead.

Ep 211. Withdrawal Rules for the 401(k)

Is 72 the mandatory age for 401(k) withdrawal rules, or has it changed? What proactive moves is David making with his clients right now, while my current advisor reminds me to simply stay the course? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 210. Smart Spend-Down Strategies with Derrick Flores

David welcomes back Derek Flores from Senior Asset Solutions to discuss smart spend-down strategies for retirees and families facing long-term care costs. They discuss protecting assets from nursing home expenses, Medicaid planning, and an upcoming educational class covering Medicaid-compliant annuities, the five-year look-back rule, and more. Whether you're pre-planning or in crisis mode, stay tuned for valuable insights for preserving your legacy.

Ep 209. Light at the End of the "Trade War" Tunnel?

From Trump’s assurances on Fed Chair Jerome Powell to hints at de-escalation in the China trade war, there’s no shortage of market-moving news. David unpacks what these developments could mean for investors, why recent market volatility isn’t signaling an all-clear just yet, and how strategic manufacturing and global trade negotiations might shape the future of the U.S. economy.

Ep 208. Brokers vs Advisors

David unpacks a surprisingly important distinction in the financial world: the difference between brokers and advisors. He explores how compensation structures impact client relationships, and why a push for clearer titles could help consumers make more informed financial decisions.

Ep 207. Buying the Dream Home With Your IRA?

How do you convince a financial DIY’er to get expert financial help? Should I take money out of my IRA, even without penalties, to help buy my dream retirement home in the country? And should I stop contributing to my company’s 401(k) because they’re not matching it anymore, and put my money elsewhere? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 206. IRS Staffing Changes, Post Tax Season

"Tax Day is finally behind us, and CPA Evan Marshall joins David in the discussion to talk about what smart tax planning looks like after tax season. We cover IRS staffing changes, the upcoming expiration of the Trump-era tax cuts, and what entrepreneurs and retirees should be doing now to stay ahead.

Ep 205. The Tariff "UNO" Reverse Card

David and Chip break down the market’s wild swing following tariff reversals, uncover why a massive rally might be a red flag, and explain how retirees can pivot from panic to preparedness. Plus—what J.P. Morgan and consumer sentiment surveys are signaling about what’s next.