Retire SMART Podcast

Ep 332. Turning Up the Heat for Venezuela

David and Chip break down global headlines shaping markets—from Switzerland’s rejection of a wealth tax to rising tensions in Venezuela. They dig into how policy shifts, regime changes, and Federal Reserve leadership could influence economic trends here at home. The conversation wraps with a look at why some believe AI and robotics may be key to tackling America’s growing debt.

Ep 331. Can I Retire Without a 401(k)?

As a married 64-year-old, is it a bad idea to take money out of our IRA for a house downpayment? At 66, My wife thinks we need to be planning for a situation where I can’t work anymore, what should I do about my investments? And what are my retirement savings options if I never got a 401(k)? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 330. The Season of Giving, with Candace Gregory

David welcomes back Candice Gregory from Open Door Mission to talk about the growing needs in our community during the holiday season. They discuss the rising demand for meals, shelter, and volunteer support, along with how programs like the Toy & Joy Shop and Christmas Bells are changing lives. It’s a powerful reminder of how far a small act of generosity can go this time of year.

Ep 329. Burry's Warning for Tesla

David and Chip kick things off with Nebraska sports, leadership shake-ups, and the growing chaos of college football’s coaching carousel. They also dive into the mixed signals from this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, plus why online shopping continues to reshape holiday retail. Finally, the discussion turns to Tesla’s sky-high valuation and Michael Burry’s latest warning about the company’s future.

Ep 328. Buffett's Surprising Google Investment

David breaks down Nvidia’s latest earnings and why alarming growth in receivables may signal deeper risks beneath the AI hype. He also explains Warren Buffett’s surprising investment in Google—and how emerging competition in AI chips could reshape the tech landscape. Finally, the conversation shifts to new IRS migration data showing which states are losing taxpayers fastest, including a warning sign for Nebraska.

Ep 327. Should I Sell My Classic Cars?

To keep peace between my spouse and I, is it okay to pay off debt with money from my IRA? Should I take money from each of my IRA accounts for RMDs next year, or just one? And with 75% of my assets being rental properties and classic cars, should I sell some of them to give myself more liquid money to work with? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Ep 326. Year-end Charitable Giving Strategies

David sits down with financial advisor Jacob Orand to break down the year-end charitable giving strategies that can still move the needle on your 2024 tax return. They unpack upcoming 2026 legislative changes, smarter ways to give—whether it’s $100 or $100,000—and key opportunities like donor-advised funds, SALT bunching, and qualified charitable distributions. If you want to maximize impact while minimizing taxes, this is a timely conversation you won’t want to miss.

Ep 325. Russia-Ukraine Peace Discussions

David and Chip kick the holiday season off with a roundup of community impact, from Operation Christmas Child to supporting the Open Door Mission. They also break down fresh economic headlines, including developments in the Russia-Ukraine peace discussions, shifting Fed rate-cut expectations, and what new jobs and market data mean for investors.

Ep 324. The First US Digital Asset Bank

In this episode, David and Chip break down a wave of Nebraska headlines—from the nation’s first digital asset bank launching in Norfolk to rising outside money pouring into the state’s competitive second congressional district. They also tackle a major budgeting error that left Omaha Public Schools with a $30 million overpayment and discuss the broader issue of accountability in local government. The show wraps with a lighter look at a Korean bank rewarding customers for staying active.

Ep 323. The 'Brooks' Policies for a Better America

What did President Trump mean when he said he’d rather pay American’s and let us secure our own health insurance? What policies would David advocate for to make life in America more affordable? And with only a few years until retirement, should I focus on paying off debt or stockpiling more money in my account? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.