Retire SMART Podcast

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.

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.

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.

In this year-end review, David looks back on a milestone year for Retire Smart, marked by rapid growth, new team members, and nearly 1,000 households served. The conversation highlights the opening of the Lincoln office, expanded community partnerships, and deeper involvement with Husker Athletics. It’s a snapshot of how education, service, and planning drove the firm’s momentum in 2025.

Looking back into 2025, we’re breaking down the year that was. From Trump’s return to office and market volatility to AI’s rapid growth, interest rates, and the widening gap between asset owners and everyone else, we unpack the biggest forces that shaped the economy.

Big changes are coming at Berkshire Hathaway as Warren Buffett’s long-standing leadership era winds down. We also dig into farm subsidies, small-town affordability, and why more Americans are becoming 401(k) millionaires. And finally, we ask the big year-end question: will the market deliver a Santa rally?

What strategies should I look for from financial advisors who focus on retirees, rather than everyone else? Is there a good rule of thumb for how much of my IRA should be invested in safe investments at age 60? And what are stock options and how do I get compensated for them? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

We welcome back financial advisor, Brad Starken, who is here to talk about what’s been happening in the world of digital assets, including Bitcoin’s recent price swings and why volatility is part of the crypto space. They also discuss the growing role of stablecoins, how they could lower transaction costs, and what widespread adoption might mean for businesses, accounting, and everyday transaction...

Today, David and Chip look at major political and economic changes happening around the world -- from leadership changes in Chile and Japan to what pro-growth policies could mean for the global debt problem. They also discuss the Fed’s latest interest rate decision, ongoing money printing, and why some former Fed officials are raising concerns about how the central bank is being run.

In this episode, we explore major shifts impacting affluent families — from the rise of modern family offices to the growing need for fully coordinated, “under-one-roof” wealth planning. The discussion also dives into new Trump Accounts for children, the power of long-term compounding, and real-world tax pressures showing up today in places like Boston real estate and Midwest farmland valuations.

After selling a 7-figure commercial property, I’m expecting a hefty tax bill; how should prepare for that? Should my husband, who is to retire next year, take the lump sum option or the pension? And as a 53-year-old construction business owner, should I get “Key Man” insurance? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

We welcome back elder law and estate planning attorney Colin Kastrick, and focus on how estate planning and long-term care strategies work together to protect families from costly spend-downs. The discussion covers proactive and crisis planning options, Medicaid-compliant tools, and how modern insurance innovations can help preserve assets and pass more on to the next generation.

Today’s conversation reflects on the importance of education, community involvement, and smart planning—highlighting everything from Social Security classes to a holiday giving initiative with the Open Door Mission. The discussion then turns to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision, labor market signals, and what potential leadership changes at the Federal Reserve could mean for inflation, emplo...

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.

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.

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.

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 com...

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 si...

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.

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...

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.

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....

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.

Today, David Brooks and Josh Cheatle shine a light on Long-Term Care Awareness Month with personal stories and a candid look at the rising cost of caregiving. They explain how modern LTC solutions have evolved beyond traditional policies, offering more flexibility, home-care options, and guaranteed-issue alternatives. It’s a reminder that medical and longevity planning must be part of every compre...

In this episode, David and Chip look at a 20% jump in foreclosures and why some boomtowns are now feeling real estate pressure. They cover higher retirement savings limits for 2026, Michael Burry’s retreat from the spotlight, and renewed questions around AI-driven valuations. It’s a level-headed walk through the stories shaping financial decisions right now.