Retire SMART Podcast

Financial advisor Blake Grimm joins Chip to break down Medicare’s annual enrollment period and explain the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, supplemental coverage, and prescription drug plans. They also look ahead to projected 2027 changes in Medicare premiums, Social Security benefits, and retirement account contribution limits, highlighting ways to prepare for rising hea...

David and Chip break down the latest midterm election results and what the political shift could mean for markets, government policy, and the broader economy. They also examine stronger-than-expected economic growth and job openings, the bond market’s influence on interest rates, and what investors should watch as the Federal Reserve weighs its next move.

David and Chip break down the buzz surrounding Anthropic’s potential IPO and explain why investors may want to wait before buying into a newly public company. They also explore how private investments can create estate-planning opportunities, how SpaceX’s expansion into satellite-based cell service could disrupt major wireless carriers, and why corporate financial scandals raise important question...

With 3 different IRAs, should I take my RMDs from each account or take it all from one? I want to buy a country home and I am 65, but I don’t have much cash in the bank, so I’d have to take money out of my IRA for a down payment; is this a bad idea? And should I get a financial accountability partner to help me reach my 2026 financial goals? If so, then where can I find them?  David Brooks has ans...

Financial advisor Mike Schudel joins Chip to discuss how families can pass wealth to the next generation while teaching financial responsibility and avoiding unnecessary family conflict. From strategic gifting and fair inheritance planning to Roth conversions and charitable giving, Mike explains how proactive estate and tax planning can help preserve more of your hard-earned money for the people a...

David and Chip highlight Retire SMART’s ongoing commitment to local charities, including a recent volunteer event supporting Project Harmony, before examining how the upcoming midterm elections could influence the economy and financial markets. They also explore historical stock market trends following midterm elections and share good news for retirees: Social Security benefits are set to receive...

With David taking a break from the radio show this week, we're bringing you one longer podcast episode in place of our usual four shorter episodes. David Brooks sits down with his longtime friend and ServeFirst partner Paul Carpenter to discuss how a simplified, client-focused sales process has helped transform David’s practice. They explain why advisors may not need more leads, but rather a bette...

Higher mortgage rates could mean more homeowners have an opportunity to benefit from itemizing their tax deductions in 2026. David also weighs in on the Paramount-Skydance merger, Hollywood’s growing battle with AI, SpaceX’s impact on the cellular industry, and what Treasury yields could mean for the markets after the midterm elections.

Being retired military, with nice pensions, drawing on social security, and having our TSP accounts, we think there may be something better for us to do with these un-monitored accounts; what would David suggest we do? I just sold a property with $1 million in capital gains. What are my alternatives to reinvesting in property or paying $250,000 in taxes? And At 53, I’ve always invested in CDs and...

Retire SMART is making it easier for people across Nebraska, Iowa, and beyond to have meaningful conversations about their financial future without having to make the trip to Omaha. Josh Cheatle explains how the firm’s expanded virtual meeting options work, who they’re designed to help, and why a Zoom meeting doesn’t have to mean a less personal planning experience.

Nebraska football comes within a field goal of the defending national champions as David and Chip look ahead to the Huskers’ next challenge against Oregon. Then, they break down the latest inflation numbers, what’s driving prices higher, and why Bank of America is facing a $1.2 billion penalty over money-laundering compliance failures.

David and Chip explore why some states attract more residents and income through lower taxes, and why newly built homes can sometimes offer better deals than existing properties. They also examine why even high-income households are living paycheck to paycheck, highlighting how lifestyle inflation, rising housing costs, and poor financial planning can undermine long-term financial security.

What is the big deal with America.gov and what are David’s thoughts on it? What is David’s next big dream? And what is David’s outlook on the stock market for the month of October? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Brad Starken joins Chip to break down the expected 2027 Social Security updates, including projected cost-of-living adjustments, rising Medicare premiums, and the long-term challenges facing retirees. The conversation also shifts to Bitcoin’s volatility and the ongoing debate over cryptocurrency regulation, including the proposed Clarity Act.

Nebraska football is heading into the heart of Big Ten play, but the conversation soon turns to the economy, with David breaking down conflicting jobs reports, encouraging manufacturing data, and what they could mean for the markets. The discussion also explores how AI is reshaping the workforce, driving demand for higher-paying jobs, and fueling the growth of data centers across the country.

A major new steel plant is bringing billions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs to Iowa, sparking a broader conversation about taxes, regulation, and where businesses choose to invest. David and Chip also examine the tax challenges facing high-income earners and professional athletes, Warren Buffett’s retirement from Berkshire Hathaway, Argentina’s dramatic drop in inflation, and the l...

What are David’s thoughts on the November elections undercutting the current economic policies? What would you advise your younger self knowing what you know now? And what is David’s latest take on AI and data centers? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Medicare planning can involve more than choosing a healthcare plan, especially when your income can trigger an additional surcharge known as IRMAA. Jacob Orand joins the show to explain the two-year lookback rule, upcoming Medicare changes, and strategies retirees can use to potentially reduce or appeal these costly surcharges.

Nebraska football is off to a strong start, but the conversation quickly shifts to the economy and markets, including new U.S.-Canada tariffs and NVIDIA’s massive stock buyback announcement. David also explains why the 10-year Treasury yield is such an important indicator for investors and what falling inflation, oil prices, and interest rates could mean for a potential year-end market rally.

This episode takes a look at several local financial stories, including Omaha Public Schools’ budget error, state and county spending concerns, and the ballooning price tag of a Sarpy County water park. David and Chip close with a look at a surprising restaurant surcharge.

In addition to preparing for market volatility and economic shockwaves, what are some  other examples on how Jesse Iwuji’s philosophy applies to retirement? And what percentage of David’s clients are invested in annuities, and are they recommended? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David sits down with financial advisor Mike Schudel to discuss what can be learned from the way Dolly Parton’s estate was reportedly structured, and why thoughtful planning can help prevent family conflict after someone passes away. They also explore why estate plans should be reviewed regularly, how trusts can fit into a broader strategy, and the importance of communicating your wishes before the...

Today, David looks back at Retire SMART’s September Speaker Series event and the inspiring story of NASCAR driver and Navy officer Jesse Iwuji, whose message centered on perseverance and staying “strong enough long enough.” The conversation then turns to the economy, covering rising fuel prices, interest rates, inflation, and the growing role of data centers and AI in driving productivity, jobs, a...

This is Part 4 of our Advisor Talk special where David Brooks sits down with Rebecca Kincaid of Kincaid Wealth Management to talk about her journey into the financial industry, building her own practice, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. The conversation covers everything from growing a team and creating systems that deliver on client expectations to using tax planning as a catalyst for...

This is part 3 of our advisor talk special where David Brooks sits down with Rebecca Kincaid of Kincaid Wealth Management to talk about her journey into the financial industry, building her own practice, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. The conversation covers everything from growing a team and creating systems that deliver on client expectations to using tax planning as a catalyst for...