The Retirement Matters Show with Dale Smothers

Retirement is not the finish line- it's the starting point of an entirely new financial phase. In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast , we break down why entering retirement (age 59 and beyond) requires a completely different strategy than your accumulation years. Climbing the mountain during your growth phase is one challenge. Coming safely down the mountain during your retirement inco...

Dale joins Julie at Yahoo Finance to analyze the potential savings tools this legislation could provide Americans, including the Trump administration's proposed retirement tax credits scheduled for 2027 under the Big Beautiful Bill. Dale breaks down what the federal match could mean for workers without employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, how small business employees may benefit, and why the added inc...

"How much do I need to retire?" It's one of the most common and most misunderstood- retirement questions. In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast , we break down how much money you actually need to retire based on your lifestyle, goals, and timeline- not generic rules or viral retirement math. We walk through a practical framework to help you determine: • How much do I need to retire com...

Dale Smothers, joins Marley on Schwab Network to discuss the macro economic outlook, the Federal Reserve's path toward 2026, and why recent AI-driven market selloffs may be more opportunity than threat. In this conversation, Dale breaks down investor fears surrounding artificial intelligence- often described as the "AI angel of death"- and explains why innovation doesn't eliminate entire industrie...

In this episode of The Retirement Matters Show , we break down one of the most powerful- and often misunderstood- retirement planning tools: Roth conversions . We discuss when Roth conversions may make sense, when they don't , and how using them correctly could help: Lower your lifetime tax bill Improve tax efficiency across your retirement journey Change how your money is taxed when it passes to...

Thinking about early retirement ? In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast , we break down the biggest mistakes people make when planning for retirement- especially the dangerous habit of trying to time the market . Using a comical (and painful) first-and-last skiing experience, we draw parallels between skiing without a plan and retiring without one. We explain why building a retirement...

Are you confident you have enough income to retire- or are you heading into retirement blindly? In this episode of The Retirement Matters Show,  we break down why cash flow planning is one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of a successful retirement plan . Too many retirees are told to simply "fill up the gas tank," but without knowing your destination or how far you need to go, how do...

Dale joins Fox Business with Stuart Varney to break down the morning selloff across Wall Street, including sharp moves in gold, silver, and bitcoin. After a parabolic run- led largely by retail investors- precious metals saw a healthy pullback that prompted disciplined profit-taking. Dale explains why this selloff is not a trend reversal, how AI and tech demand continue to support gold and silver,...

With winter storms making headlines and market volatility grabbing attention, this episode of The Retirement Matters Podcast, we focus on one of the most important principles in retirement planning: discipline . As Snowmageddon reminds us how quickly conditions can change, we draw a clear parallel to today's financial markets and your retirement portfolio. In this episode, we break down recent mar...

In this episode of The Retirement Matters Podcast , we break down key retirement planning moves to consider as you head into 2026 , along with common retirement mistakes to avoid along the way. Whether you're nearing retirement or already retired, these practical insights can help you build a well-rounded, confident retirement plan . We share actionable takeaways designed to help you evaluate your...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters podcast, we answer real questions from listeners in one of our most popular Questions From Listeners shows. This episode covers four key areas of retirement planning: investments, income, taxes, and healthcare, with discussion of how these strategies can also impact your long-term legacy. These listener-driven episodes give us the opportunity to address th...

In this episode of The Retirement Matters Podcast , we kick off the first Retirement Matters Radio Show episode of 2026 and discuss why confidence in your retirement plan is critical-especially amid ongoing market volatility and economic uncertainty . Whether you're already retired or approaching retirement age, having a clear, adaptable strategy can help you navigate changing market conditions wi...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters podcast, we wrap up 2025 by sharing several encouraging stories and discussing recent developments related to retirement planning and the financial landscape. We also spend time discussing the 4% rule, including how it is commonly referenced in retirement planning conversations and why it continues to be a topic of interest when thinking about withdrawal s...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we wrap up the year by discussing important end-of-year retirement planning moves and what to consider as we prepare for 2026. We break down current market conditions, recent trends, and why January and February often help set the tone for the year ahead. We also explain the difference between the growth phase and income phase of retirement planni...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss how artificial intelligence is shaping today's investment landscape and why AI-related stocks may present both opportunity and volatility for long-term investors, while also exploring lessons from the "Lost Decade" of 2000–2010 and what historical market cycles may teach us about navigating today's technology-driven markets. We also cov...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters podcast, we talk about the two guiding rules that can help create a more structured approach to retirement planning, especially for those considering an earlier transition. We discuss how emotions often show up in financial decision-making, why it's important to stay grounded during periods of uncertainty, and how adopting the right mindset can support cle...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down the key differences between MYGAs (Multi-Year Guarantee Annuities) and CDs, how each option works, and what factors to consider when deciding which may fit your situation. We also discuss why understanding your personal retirement goals such as income needs, lifestyle expectations, Social Security choices, taxes, and legacy intention...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters podcast, we break down the recent market sell-off that unfolded around November 21st. Over the past several weeks, major indexes have experienced notable declines driven largely by the same sectors, particularly artificial intelligence–related companies, that had been leading the market higher earlier in the year. We also discuss how margin calls can add a...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss important considerations for anyone approaching retirement and evaluating a financial advisor. We cover why now may be the right time to review your retirement plans and the importance of understanding how advisors structure their fees, so you can make informed decisions that align with your goals. We also explore the difference between...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters podcast, we take a closer look at recent market conditions and discuss how ongoing uncertainty may influence retirees and pre-retirees. We explore several factors that could be contributing to recent market movements including the potential effects of the government shutdown and why having a well-structured plan matters during periods of volatility. We als...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss timely end-of-year financial strategies to help you make the most of your retirement plan. Recorded live just after Halloween, this episode offers valuable insights about the market, inflation, and the importance of proactive tax planning as the year comes to a close. You'll hear thoughts on the current macroeconomic environment, lesson...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss a few retirement proverbs, short clips of financial wisdom that cover a variety of topics. Some insights may be familiar from financial news, while others are new perspectives to consider. We combine two or three of these topics into one cohesive section, offering reflections and observations for year-end thinking.  Have any questions?...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss important considerations if you're 10 years, 5 years, or fewer years away from retirement, especially given today's economic environment in 2025. With ongoing global trade tensions and recent developments in private credit and lending, many investors are reassessing how these factors could influence their retirement timelines and financ...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we talk about the importance of having a plan and why every retirement strategy should begin with one essential question: Where do you want to go? This idea came from a conversation between our CEO, Dale, and his six-year-old son. In the show, we introduced this concept with a question Dale asked him, and his answer truly astounded him. The wisdom...

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss practical tools and strategies that can help reduce your retirement tax bill. Whether you're nearing retirement or already in the income phase, understanding how to use these tools effectively can make a significant difference in your long-term financial plan. We explore the importance of tax planning as part of your overall retirement...