Retire SMART Podcast

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.

CPA and tax strategist Evan Marshall joins David to explain why August is one of the most important times of year for entrepreneurs to evaluate their tax strategy while there is still time to make meaningful changes before year-end. They discuss the difference between simply filing taxes and proactively planning them, including business entity structure, avoiding unnecessary purchases just for deductions, and identifying opportunities that could save entrepreneurs significant amounts of money.

Retire SMART celebrates making the Inc. 5000 list for the fifth consecutive year, a rare achievement that reflects the firm's continued growth and the hard work of its team and clients. David then breaks down the latest developments surrounding Iran, inflation, jobs, and interest rates before turning to surging corporate earnings revisions and what they could mean for the stock market and the broader economy.

Nebraska ranks among America's safest states—but also among the highest in property taxes. David examines the growing debate over property taxes, California's proposed wealth tax, why similar policies have failed around the world, and shares practical strategies for passing wealth to the next generation while preserving financial freedom.

Though we have our plan with another financial firm, is it okay for us to get a second analysis from Retire SMART? Do I need to make any changes to a trust my husband and I drew up about 10 years ago, now that my husband has passed on? And as a physician with my own practice and employees, should I stick with the SEP plan I’m currently contributing to or switch to a defined benefit plan? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David welcomes financial advisor Tre Ingram for his first appearance on the podcast, sharing his journey from the West Coast back to the Midwest, new fatherhood, and why holistic financial planning is more important than ever. Together, they discuss proactive tax strategies, the hidden financial challenges retirees often overlook, and why true wealth is about creating lasting memories—not just accumulating more money.

Football season is almost here, but the bigger action may be unfolding in the financial markets. David breaks down the latest developments surrounding Iran, manufacturing growth, tariffs, and why rising leverage—from Wall Street hedge funds to everyday investors—could create significant market volatility if conditions change.

David and Chip dive into several financial and economic controversies, from growing efforts to ban lawmakers from trading individual stocks to a White House staffer accused of profiting from inside information. They also discuss why financial literacy can help prevent financial crime, question potential conflicts of interest surrounding AARP and Medicare Advantage, examine Omaha Public Schools’ proposed property tax increase, and highlight a tax strategy that can help investors diversify large stock positions without immediately triggering capital gains.

Is “Gray Divorce” caused by retirement itself or does retirement simply expose what’s been quietly building for years? What’s the deal with the low per-acre value of farmland in Nebraska? And with the 59.5 age mark to withdraw from a 401(k) without penalty, aren’t there some exceptions that allow early withdrawals without penalty? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.