Retire SMART Podcast

In this episode, David and Chip break down new data showing Gen Z’s move away from cash and what a fully digital future could mean for security, financial habits, and everyday resilience. They also touch on Warren Buffett’s accelerated charitable giving and end with encouraging news about more Americans than ever saving for retirement. It’s a wide-ranging look at money trends shaping the next gene...

Can I open a 401(k) on my own or can it only be done through an employer? What should I do with an old 403(b) account from my previous job? And what is what is the ideal model for a successful health insurance system? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

Today, David welcomes back Alex Murray, CFP, for a deep dive into IRMAA—how it works, why it catches so many people off guard, and what proactive planning can do to soften the impact. They cover the latest estimates, key income cliffs, and real examples from clients navigating these penalties. If Medicare is on your horizon, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

David and Chip unpack the market’s response to the shutdown’s resolution and the concerning job trends that agencies haven’t been able to report. They dive into workforce shifts, the real story behind layoffs, and how taxes and policy decisions are influencing where businesses choose to call home. It’s a wide-ranging look at economic pressures from Wall Street to Main Street.

David and Chip dive into global headlines around the massive $80 trillion wealth transfer and what it could mean for future inheritance and estate taxes. They also spotlight a few surprising stories—from the former Fiserv chief’s $300 million move to government service to Diane Keaton’s alleged $5 million pet trust—before closing with a bullish look at market momentum heading into next spring.

What are the most effective methods to reduce mandatory spending? What tax increases will have the least negative impact on retirement income? And was President Trump teasing when he said we could solve our debt problem with a cryptocurrency transaction? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David sits down with advisor Charles Dzama, a guest from Southern California specializing in financial planning for federal employees. Together, they unpack the unique retirement challenges and opportunities facing this group, from managing TSP allocations to leveraging tax-efficient strategies like qualified charitable distributions and Roth conversions.

David and Chip celebrate their 400th episode with gratitude for listeners and a look at how recent elections could trigger major shifts in the U.S. economy. They cover everything from Texas’ investor-friendly tax amendment to global market moves in Europe, all while highlighting how policy decisions today could alter the financial world of tomorrow.

David and Chip explore two headlines that highlight America’s economic divide — California’s proposed wealth tax and Florida’s push to eliminate property taxes. Their discussion unpacks the idea of a “K-shaped economy,” where opportunity rises for some and falls for others, and ends with a look at how innovation and optimism continue to shape our future.

With the disconnect between record market returns and the weak job market, what is happening in this economy? Do we see a bust in AI due to no workforce to build data centers? And is there anything in the Big Beautiful Bill to allow Roth conversions without penalty?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

In this episode, David and CPA Evan Marshall break down how the government shutdown is creating IRS backlogs while filing and payment deadlines remain unchanged. Evan also highlights key 2026 tax law changes affecting charitable giving and outlines timely year-end strategies for entrepreneurs focused on tax efficiency and exit planning.

Today, David and Chip tackle a full slate of economic headlines — the prolonged government shutdown, Fiserv’s massive stock drop, and a surprising boost for PayPal tied to OpenAI. They also break down the latest housing data and Social Security updates, connecting the dots on how each story could impact investors and retirees alike.

Today, David and Chip start with some good news, as Nebraska ranks among the happiest states in America despite high property taxes. From there, they discuss the latest on the U.S. budget deficit, tariffs, and the growing divide in the “K-shaped” economy before wrapping up with a look at rising education costs—and a funny story about smart beds gone wrong.

Where did the term “Quintile” come from? Are government tax-free bonds a good tool for income in retirement? And given the 2-year look-back for IRMAA limits, how much could we comfortably “overshoot” the 2025 limits without being affected in 2027?  David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David welcomes back Mike Shudel, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, to discuss proactive strategies for business owners looking to grow, protect, and eventually exit their companies. Together, they break down key topics like tax structure, key-person planning, and succession strategies that can turn a lifetime of work into lasting value.

David shares insights from his recent trip to Beverly Hills, where he attended the CAS ALTS Summit focused on alternative investments for accredited investors. He explains why private markets are becoming more accessible and what investors should know about liquidity before turning to global headlines, including Japan’s historic appointment of its first female prime minister.

We are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. President and founder of Wealth Trac Financial, Kurt Fillmore, covers multiple topics with David, from the psychological changes retirement brings to giving purpose to the “why” when it comes to planning for retirement. This conversation has been broken down into 4 parts for podcast presentation; mak...

We are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. President and founder of Wealth Trac Financial, Kurt Fillmore, covers multiple topics with David, from the psychological changes retirement brings to giving purpose to the “why” when it comes to planning for retirement. This conversation has been broken down into 4 parts for podcast presentation; mak...

We are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. President and founder of Wealth Trac Financial, Kurt Fillmore, covers multiple topics with David, from the psychological changes retirement brings to giving purpose to the “why” when it comes to planning for retirement. This conversation has been broken down into 4 parts for podcast presentation; mak...

We are bringing out one of David’s “Advisor Talk” conversations from the Retire Smart media vault. President and founder of Wealth Trac Financial, Kurt Fillmore, covers multiple topics with David, from the psychological changes retirement brings to giving purpose to the “why” when it comes to planning for retirement. This conversation has been broken down into 4 parts for podcast presentation; mak...

In this episode, David and Chip break down Nebraska’s rising property taxes and the growing frustration among homeowners. They discuss new tax proposals targeting billionaires, why they could backfire on the broader economy, and close with Warren Buffett’s newest major purchase and what it signals for investors.

Can a “near-retiree” move to Roths without tying up the money for 5 years? Are there any risks to a Roth IRA, and if so, what are they? And will we see any lasting positive results from DOGE cuts? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

In this episode, David sits down with former Green Beret and safety consultant Trevor Thrasher to talk about street smarts and situational awareness. They cover how to recognize potential threats, make smart decisions under pressure, and build confidence to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In this episode, David unpacks the latest updates on the government shutdown and jobs report delays. The team discusses what the current labor numbers reveal about a cooling economy and why it could matter for investors and retirees alike.

From the rise of the Texas Stock Exchange to shifting pharmaceutical supply chains, David and Chip discuss how policy and politics are reshaping markets. They also share warning signs to look for in financial advisors and why, despite AI’s potential in investing, human judgment and trust still matter most.