Retire SMART Podcast

Ep 352. "From the Vault" (To Roth or NOT to Roth, Part 4)

Part 4 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.

Ep 351. "From the Vault" (To Roth or NOT to Roth, Part 3)

Part 3 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.

Ep 350. "From the Vault" (To Roth or NOT to Roth, Part 2)

Part 2 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.

Ep 349. "From the Vault" (To Roth or NOT to Roth, Part 1)

Part 1 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.

Ep 348. Wealth Taxes, EVs, and Rising Minimum Wages

Today, David breaks down several big money headlines, starting with changes to Social Security that could impact benefits, earnings limits, and when it pays to file. The discussion then shifts to Economics 101, covering wealth taxes, electric vehicles, and what rising minimum wages really mean for businesses and consumers.

Ep 347. "Annuities, Savings Bonds, and After-Tax-Accounts, Oh My!"

If my mother, who has a couple annuities, passes away, will those annuities be taxable to me? Will I be taxed heavily when I cash in savings bonds I inherited from my parents? And at 50 years old and with 22 years left on my mortgage, should I pay off the house with the after-tax-account money from my divorce? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 346. The SMART Planning Process, with Sean Swanson

In this episode, David is joined by senior advisor Sean Swanson to share some exciting Retire Smart news, including the addition of a new advisor to the team. The conversation then walks through the SMART planning process and how having a clear, written plan can bring confidence through every stage of retirement.

Ep 345. The Top Athletic Programs

We open today with a powerful reminder of impact—how a simple shoebox gift can change lives in ways no one expects. From there, David breaks down the business of sports, major shifts in college athletics, and what booming program valuations tell us about money, markets, and momentum heading into the new year.

Ep 344. Economy Predictions for 2026

In the final preview segment as we head into the new year, David takes a hard look at the economic forces shaping retirement planning. From inflation, housing, and interest rates to AI, wages, and the massive wealth transfer underway, the discussion focuses on what really matters for households as conditions continue to shift.

Ep 343. Looking Ahead for Retire SMART in 2026

Today David shifts the focus to what’s ahead for Retire Smart in 2026. From continued hiring and expanded internships to deeper community involvement and a full year partnering with Husker Athletics, the discussion highlights how the firm plans to keep growing while staying rooted in education and service.