Retire SMART Podcast

Ep 362. Possible Social Security Reforms, With Brad Starken

Social Security takes center stage, with advisor Brad Starken, as the conversation tackles new projections, funding concerns, and the real story behind potential benefit changes. Brad and David explain how demographics, taxes, and possible reforms could shape the program’s future, plus why when and how you claim matters more than most people realize. It’s a practical look at turning a complex system into a smarter retirement decision.

Ep 361. The FED Chose Politics

From subzero temps to red-hot topics, the guys kick things off with Husker basketball before breaking down what’s really driving the markets. They unpack the latest Fed meeting, what the statement signals about rate cuts, and why clarity matters more than the decision itself. Plus, a big-picture look at housing trends and how shifting supply could reshape prices in the years ahead.

Ep 360. State Tax Changes Forces Massive Migrations

David connects the dots between global debt concerns, tax policy, and a simple economic truth—money moves to opportunity and away from pressure. From Seattle tax proposals to shifting state trends, he explains how policy decisions can reshape where people live, work, and invest. The episode wraps with a look at the housing market, including easing mortgage lock-in, downsizing challenges, and why real estate may look different in the years ahead.

Ep 359. Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

What questions should I ask when interviewing a financial advisor? And after dumping all my earnings back into my business for the past 25 years, while also wanting to scale back my involvement in my business, but not yet retire, what is a wise way to approach this situation? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 358. Strategies for the Tax Filing Season

David is joined by advisor Jacob Orand to break down key tax moves and charitable giving strategies as a new filing season approaches. They explain new above-the-line deduction rules for cash donations, why documentation matters more than ever, and how retirees could benefit from stacking deductions. The conversation also covers common tax filing mistakes, Roth conversions, crypto reporting, and why slowing down can save you from costly errors.

Ep 357. Why Greenland?

This episode opens with a major Retire Smart milestone, celebrating the firm’s first awards gala and growth to more than 1,000 households served. From there, David breaks down President Trump’s latest global economic comments, tariffs, and why Greenland has suddenly become a key geopolitical and market conversation. The discussion connects world events to what they could mean for trade, markets, and investors.

Ep 356. "Time In" the Market vs. "Timing" of the Market

This episode tackles big-picture issues shaping the economy, starting with healthcare costs, government spending, and why well-intentioned policies often drive prices higher. David also unpacks market history, including what strong rebounds can signal for the year ahead and why staying invested matters more than timing the market. The conversation closes with insights on trade data, gold, and why missing a Santa Claus rally may not be as scary as it sounds.

Ep 355. What Happens at a "Taxes & Retirement" Event?

We own a lot that’s never been built on, still owe $120,000 for it, and can’t seem to sell it; what are we to do? What is a 770 account and if I want one, where can I get it? And what can I expect if I come to one of your “Taxes in Retirement” events? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 354. Education For Retirement Planning, With Brandon Stuerke

David is joined by Brandon Stuerke, founder of The Retirement Institute, an online education platform built to help retirees and pre-retirees get real answers to real financial questions. They discuss why retirement planning needs specialists—not generalists—and how technology is helping close the growing advice gap as millions retire and advisors exit the industry. The conversation also dives into advisor training, Roth conversions, business succession planning, and why education is the future of retirement planning.

Ep 353. California's Controversial Wealth Tax

We open the show with a heartfelt tribute to Sandy Dodge, a true Omaha community leader whose legacy of service and giving back continues to inspire. From there, David breaks down key economic headlines, including cooling inflation, Fed drama, and what the latest data could mean for interest rates. Then we wrap with a deep dive into taxes, wealth tax proposals, and why policy decisions often come with serious unintended consequences.