Retire SMART Podcast

Why don’t we see more athletes who make 7-figure financial deals putting at least 1 million dollars in a retirement account to set them up for success in the future? Being four years away from retirement, is it wiser to focus on paying off debt or piling up money in my account? And is there a good rule of thumb for how much of my IRA should be invested in safe investments at age 60? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Today, David Brooks and Director of Wealth Management Josh Cheatle discuss the new "Trump Accounts" (Section 530A accounts), explaining how families can take advantage of government seed money and long-term investing to build wealth for the next generation. They also break down the latest Social Security funding projections, what they could mean for future retirees, and why having a personalized retirement income plan is more important than reacting to political headlines.

David Brooks discusses the latest economic headlines, from global tensions in the Middle East and their impact on inflation and oil prices to the latest jobs report and what it could mean for the U.S. economy. Plus, he explains why investors should pay close attention to diversification as major changes reshape the electronic payments industry and long-held company stocks face increasing disruption.

David examines the growing concentration of semiconductor stocks within the S&P 500 and what it could mean for investors if market leadership begins to shift. He also shares his perspective on minimum wage policy, Nebraska's fiscal health, rising holiday costs, and why homebuyers and real estate investors should be cautious as housing markets begin to normalize after the post-pandemic boom.

Is it true that the government could potentially raid retirement or savings accounts for additional tax revenue? And if so, how do we protect ourselves? Once I start taking RMDs, am I required to withdraw the same amount on the same date every year? And is real estate as an investment really a good plan for supplemental income during retirement? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David is joined by estate planning attorney Colin Kastrick for a practical conversation about protecting family wealth and avoiding costly disputes over businesses, farms, real estate, and other legacy assets. They explain why proactive estate planning, clear communication, and the right legal structures can help preserve both your assets and your family's relationships for generations to come.

In this special Independence Day edition, David reflects on the freedoms that make the American dream possible before shifting to the latest economic headlines. He breaks down how geopolitical events, energy prices, global currency markets, and the rapid rise of AI are shaping inflation, investment risk, and what investors should be watching in the months ahead.

Today, David Brooks reveals what the dramatic rise and fall of the SpaceX IPO can teach investors about market hype and long-term investing. He also discusses why there's no universal "magic number" for retirement, explores concerns over congressional stock trading, and explains how thoughtful estate planning can help families preserve both wealth and relationships for generations.

Am I able to schedule the first initial appointment with Retire SMART without first answering so many questions beforehand? What is an “ILIT,” why should I do it, and who benefits from it? And even though David dislikes dishing out more taxes than necessary, why is he in favor of the ROTH IRA, where taxes are due upfront? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Geopolitical tensions, inflation, interest rates, and the markets continue to dominate investor conversations. This week, David Brooks is joined by Mike Shudel to discuss how global events—from the Strait of Hormuz to Federal Reserve policy—could impact your portfolio, tax planning strategies, and retirement outlook, while highlighting why proactive financial planning matters more than ever.