Retire SMART Podcast
We’re committed to helping you work toward achieving the retirement you want. We do this by providing guidance to help you develop an overall retirement income strategy and offering a variety of insurance and investment products to help achieve the objectives of that strategy. The team at Retire SMART is here to help ensure you receive all the assistance you need, not only in developing your retirement income strategy but in maintaining it throughout your retirement.
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Ep 444. Trump Accounts; Take Advantage Now!
<p>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.</p>
Ep 443. Major Changes for Electronic Payments
<p>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.</p>
Ep 442. Minimum Wage Increases on the Horizon
<p>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.</p>
Ep 441. Is Real Estate Investing a Good Idea During Retirement?
<p>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.</p>
Ep 440. Protecting Your Family's Wealth
<p>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.</p>
Ep 439. Happy 250th 'Merica!
<p>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.</p>
Ep 438. Political Insider Trading
<p>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.</p>
Ep 437. What is an ILIT?
<p>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.</p>
Ep 436. How the Strait of Hormuz Hits Your Portfolio
<p>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.</p>
Ep 435. RIP Alan Greenspan
<p>David and Chip off this week's episode by reflecting on recent community events, a unique behind-the-scenes look inside a high-security precious metals vault, and the passing of former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. They also examine what record-high stock valuations, slowing corporate stock buybacks, and continued geopolitical uncertainty could mean for investors and why staying disciplined in today's market environment is more important than ever.</p>
