Shotwell Rutter Baer

A lot of people plan for retirement financially. Fewer people plan for it physically. On this episode, Nick talks with Julie Wilde , a former global business leader who reinvented her career as a health coach. Julie works with busy professionals, couples, and retirees to help them build energy, reduce stress, and feel better in their daily lives as they transition toward retirement. Watch on YouTu...

In this quarter-end chat, Dave Shotwell and Nick Nauta unpack what actually happened in Q3 2025 and why portfolios held up despite a steady stream of gloomy headlines. They cover broad market strength, the first Fed rate cut in September, what a government shutdown usually means for markets, and how to think about AI spending without trying to pick winners. Our portfolio advisors at East Bay Inves...

Guest: Kevin Skarritt (pronounced “scare it”) Kevin shares a real-world look at retiring in stages, shifting identity after work, and building a life that feels meaningful day to day. From an early career on the trading desk to web development, branding, and agency ownership, Kevin eventually traded deadlines for woodworking, stained glass, music, and time on the water in Ludington, Michigan. He t...

The Fed has been everywhere in the headlines. In our latest Kitchen Table Finance episode, we explain what the Federal Reserve is, why its independence matters, and how a rate-cutting cycle may ripple through cash yields, bonds, and mortgages. If you’re 6–18 months from retirement, we also share level-headed steps to keep your plan on track. https://youtu.be/thvg8Gti424 What we cover: Fed 101: Why...

Health insurance in retirement does not have to be confusing. In this episode, Nick talks with Justine Bell of BeneGuides about marketplace coverage before 65, Medicare at 65, and how to compare real-world costs based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. We cover timing, penalties, and why an annual re-enrollment check can keep you from paying more than you need to. https://youtu.be/z-SnGX-...

Taxes aren’t usually described as “big and beautiful,” but the new tax bill brings plenty of changes worth understanding. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Nick sits down with Matt Cooper, CPA and owner of Matthew Accounting in DeWitt, Michigan, to unpack what these updates mean for individuals and small business owners. https://youtu.be/MTJXctr_nf8 Together, they cover what’s changing, wh...

Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance, the podcast where we serve up bite-sized financial advice to simplify your money and your life. Pull up a chair with hosts Dave Shotwell and Nick Nauta as they dive into the latest retirement and financial planning headlines from June and July. You can also check out this episode on our YouTube Channel . This episode is packed with insights drawn from real ar...

When a grandchild arrives, it’s more than a joyful addition to the family — it can also bring new considerations for your retirement plan. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Dave shares his own recent experience becoming a grandfather and how it’s shifted his financial focus. Nick and Dave talk through Grandparents' Retirement Plans: Why Dave moved from contributing to his adult children’s...

Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance with hosts Dave Shotwell and Nick Nonna! In this quarterly market update, Dave and Nick walk through the rollercoaster that was Q2 2025. From unexpected returns to ongoing uncertainty, this episode offers a grounded, no-nonsense take on what’s happening in the markets—and what it might mean for your financial plans. Q2 Surprises: Despite a rocky start in April...

With Michigan State University announcing potential layoffs and buyouts, financial anxiety is growing—not just in East Lansing, but across many university communities. In this episode, Dave and Nick share practical, down-to-earth advice for those facing employment uncertainty. This isn’t just for MSU employees—anyone experiencing a rocky job outlook can benefit from the financial strategies shared...

When the kids move out and the house gets quieter, life—and your finances—enter a whole new chapter. In this episode, Dave and Nick talk about the often-overlooked financial opportunities (and pitfalls) that come with becoming an empty nester. From downsizing and budgeting to increasing retirement contributions or finally testing the snowbird lifestyle, this is your chance to reimagine the next st...

In this episode, Dave and Nick (back from vacation) tackle a wide mix of financial headlines so you don’t have to. From stock market shifts to Social Security panic, long-term care planning, and yes—even pet insurance—this episode covers the real-life stuff affecting your money and your future. https://youtu.be/Pst2wmkjOC8 Here’s what we dig into: Mistakes in Today’s Stock Market What Jason Zweig...

Riding the Market Roller Coaster: Lessons from a Wild Spring It’s been a bumpy ride in the markets this spring, and in this episode, Dave and Cole (filling in for Nick) sit down to talk through what happened, what it means for investors, and how to move forward with confidence. https://youtu.be/OlXVM0GV66M From steep drops to quick rebounds, the market has kept everyone on their toes. They break i...

In this episode, Dave and Nick dive into one of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—parts of retirement planning : how to actually enjoy it. You’ve spent decades saving, investing, and working hard. But have you really thought about what your ideal retirement looks like? Spoiler alert: it’s not just endless rounds of golf and sunsets on a beach. It’s about purpose, lifestyle, relationship...

Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance, where we serve up bite-sized financial wisdom with a side of common sense. In this episode, Dave and Nick tackle one of the biggest financial questions for retirees: Should you buy a house in retirement —or just stay put? Here’s what’s on the table: Why timing the housing market is just as tricky as timing the stock market The emotional side of downsizing—yes...

Roth Conversions: Worth It or Not? Welcome back to the Kitchen Table! In today’s episode, Dave and Nick take a deeper dive into the world of Roth conversions—what they are, how they work, and whether or not they make sense for your retirement plan. This isn’t your average tax talk. We’re serving up a practical, no-pressure conversation about a tool that gets a lot of hype—and a lot of confusion. F...

Hosts: Nick and guest advisor Cole WilliamsSpecial Guest Absence: Dave is off living his best life in Bozeman, Montana (hopefully catching trout and not taxes). In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, we take a deep dive into one of retirement’s least sexy—but most critical—topics: taxes. Whether you’ve just filed and are ready to forget about them until next year (don’t), or you’re actively pla...

Welcome back, friends! Today, Dave and Nick roll up their sleeves and dive into the wild and wonderful world of retirement headlines from March and April. Think of it as your financial cliff notes — so you can sound smarter than your neighbor without actually having to read all the boring articles yourself. Get the February Retirement Headlines HERE. https://youtu.be/SfyJRISwYIw Here’s what we ser...

In this episode, Nick and Dave take a seat at the kitchen table to unpack the highs and lows of the first quarter of 2025. From global diversification wins to U.S. economic uncertainty, they break down what investors need to know—and what they don’t need to stress over. https://youtu.be/iXrCvNCGtO0 Glass Half Full Diversification Pays Off: International stocks outperformed U.S. markets in Q1, offe...

Welcome to Kitchen Table Finance! Join hosts Nick and Dave as they dig into one of the most important aspects of financial planning for retirees: when and how to adjust your retirement income. Whether you’re navigating market volatility, planning for worst-case scenarios, or wondering if you can spend more than you thought, this episode is packed with actionable insights for retirees and those pla...

In this heartfelt and timely episode, Dave and Nick step away from charts and market trends to focus on something just as important—the emotions behind the numbers. If you’re retired or nearing retirement, you’ve likely felt the weight of recent market turbulence. Maybe you’re wondering if your plan is still on track or feeling that itch to “do something” in response to all the headlines. Don’t wo...

Join us for another engaging episode of Kitchen Table Finance ! This week, Nick sits down with Nathan Gardner, an SRB intern and aspiring financial planner, to learn more about his background, experiences, and passion for financial planning. Nathan shares his transition from a small-town upbringing to Michigan State University, his involvement in the university’s Wealth Management Program, and how...

Retirement planning isn’t just about getting to retirement—it’s about making sure your income lasts through retirement. In this episode, Dave and Cole break down how to adjust your retirement income to fit your lifestyle, changing expenses, and market conditions. They keep it real with practical tips and a down-to-earth discussion on how to create flexibility in your financial plan, avoid common p...

In this special episode, Nick and Cole put artificial intelligence to the test in a fun and insightful financial planning battle—CFP vs. ChatGPT! They tackle some of the most common retirement and estate planning questions, comparing Nick’s expert advice to ChatGPT’s AI-generated insights. Who gives the better answers? You decide! https://youtu.be/89elFdanuIU Topics Covered: ✔️ Have I Saved Enough...