Retire SMART Podcast

Ep 188. Is There Enough Gold to Go Around?

Gold imports have surged in an unprecedented spike, raising serious questions about the state of the gold market. Is there enough physical gold to back up investment funds, or is something else at play?  Plus, we uncover shocking details about federal employee credit card spending and the push for greater government transparency. Stay tuned for David’s unpacking of these financial mysteries!

Ep 187. Another Way of Reducing National Debt?

What are “cost basis points,” and how do they work? Can increased national economic growth be a method of reducing national debt? And is a portfolio of dividend-paying investments, in order to stay ahead of inflation, a good investment strategy? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 186. Avoiding Unnecessary Long-term Care Costs

Back in the studio, Michael Luna joins us to discuss Smart Spend Down Solutions and how his company, Senior Asset Solutions, helps families protect their assets from unnecessary long-term care costs. Learn how Medicaid planning strategies can safeguard financial legacies while ensuring quality care. Plus, details on an upcoming class to educate families on these vital strategies.

Ep 185. Recession Fears on the Rise

Markets are making headlines as volatility shakes investors. With the Dow tumbling nearly 900 points and recession fears on the rise, what’s really happening beneath the surface? Join us as we break down the noise, analyze key economic indicators, and explore strategies to navigate uncertainty.

Ep 184. History in the Making for Domino's Pizza

David unpacks the current stock market trends, focusing on the overvaluation of large-cap stocks and the potential correction on the horizon. Plus, the impact of these shifts on investments, from tech stocks like NVIDIA to the broader market dynamics. In other news, what’s happening with Domino’s Pizza that’s peaked David’s interest?

Ep 183. No Tax on Social Security in 2025?

Should excess dollars rescued by DOGE be given to taxpayers or used to reduce the national debt? What is the 1–3-year outlook for cryptocurrencies, gold, silver, and other rare metals? And will no tax on social security be enacted in 2025? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 182. Welcome Tim Herrick

Welcome to the studio our new guest, financial advisor Tim Herrick! Tim is a U.S. Air Force veteran with experience in government agencies and defense contracting and now leads a class offering guidance to federal employees who may not be aware of all their benefits or how to manage them. He stresses the need for personalized advice to optimize retirement planning, reduce stress, and improve the financial future of federal employees.

Ep 181. Panama Canal Ports Back Under American Control

It’s a day of celebration for Retire SMART as we look back on the recent grand opening of our Lincoln office and the exciting turnout from team members, community leaders, and special guests. We also discuss key economic updates, including job reports, housing market trends, and the latest political developments. Plus, we break down the implications of America's increasing influence in the Panama Canal and what it means for global trade. 

Ep 180. State of the Market Recap

Today, we look into the latest investor fraud schemes spreading across social media; David breaks down the classic pump-and-dump scam and why investors need to stay vigilant. Plus, we shift gears to the state of the market, covering the latest consumer confidence drop, job cuts, and what’s keeping David Brooks up at night!

Ep 179. The Impact of Tariffs

How will tariffs affect me and when would I start to feel that change in my wallet? Should I consider turning on my social security early to avoid future changes? And how will DOGE affect my social security and Medicare? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.