Retire SMART Podcast

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 legacy of CNBC’s Rick Santelli.

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 they become someone else’s legal battle.

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, and economic growth.

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 deeper client relationships and business growth. Across this multi-part special, David and Rebecca share real-world experiences, challenges, and practical lessons for advisors looking to grow their practices while continuing to better serve their clients.

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 deeper client relationships and business growth. Across this multi-part special, David and Rebecca share real-world experiences, challenges, and practical lessons for advisors looking to grow their practices while continuing to better serve their clients.

This is part 2 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 deeper client relationships and business growth. Across this multi-part special, David and Rebecca share real-world experiences, challenges, and practical lessons for advisors looking to grow their practices while continuing to better serve their clients.

This is Part 1 of 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 deeper client relationships and business growth. Across this multi-part special, David and Rebecca share real-world experiences, challenges, and practical lessons for advisors looking to grow their practices while continuing to better serve their clients.

Today David explores FNBO’s continued expansion through a major Colorado bank acquisition and explains why scale matters in an increasingly competitive banking industry. The conversation then dives into sophisticated wealth-building strategies like private placement life insurance before tackling Social Security’s long-term funding challenges and potential solutions, including changes to taxes, eligibility ages, and retirement income planning.

What questions should I ask when interviewing a financial advisor? As a widowed 46-year-old, and feeling like I must start all over, how am I to navigate the life insurance company contesting the death benefit, forcing me to live off a rapidly dwindling savings? And why is it that when a surviving spouse moves from filing jointly to filing single, they are typically pushed into a higher tax bracket? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

With Medicare open enrollment approaching, David sits down with financial advisor Blake Grimm to break down the key changes coming for 2027 and the important decisions retirees face when choosing between Medicare, employer coverage, Medicare Advantage, and supplemental plans. They also discuss how healthcare costs, taxes, HSAs, and even moving to another state can affect your overall retirement strategy.

In this episode, David breaks down the Nebraska football season opener, what impressed him, and where the Huskers still need to improve. The conversation then turns to Medicare, rising oil prices and their impact on markets, surprisingly strong corporate earnings, the continued creation of jobs through AI and the trades, and the ongoing U.S.–Canada tariff dispute.

Omaha lands among the best U.S. cities for career opportunities, pay, and quality of life—but what makes it such a strong place to work? David also breaks down why LeBron James borrowed nearly $300 million and how wealthy investors can use lending and tax strategies to grow their wealth.

Is there a point at which a business is “right sized” and should cease trying to stop growing? Can Retire SMART provide a smooth path to retirement solution for those left in the wake of the mass-layoff at PayPal? And is David buying or selling Big Red Football under Mat Rhule in year 4? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

What does it take to completely reinvent your life and pursue a dream later than most people ever would? Our special guest, Jesse Iwuji, shares his incredible journey from the Naval Academy and U.S. Navy to becoming a NASCAR driver—and the mindset, faith, and perseverance that helped him get there.

The new Federal Reserve chairman is already making waves, with markets increasingly expecting another interest rate hike this September. David also weighs in on the massive data center boom and how communities can structure these deals to benefit local residents for the long term.

Today, David and Chip explore changing ideas around retirement—including working longer or taking “mini-retirements”—and break down the surprising market phenomenon showing why so much of the stock market’s long-term return can come from what happens between the closing and opening bells. All of that along with Buc-ee’s expansion and why businesses follow favorable economic conditions.

What are we to make of Samsung’s proposal for floating data centers out in the ocean? What should I expect to learn at a Retire SMART Taxes in Retirement presentation? And what’s the best approach to discussing with my wife who is ready to retire that we likely don’t have enough money saved up for it? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

From catch-up contributions at 50 to Medicare penalties at 63 and required distributions at 73 or 75, there are several “red letter” ages that can have a major impact on your retirement strategy. David and Sean Swanson break down the key ages to know—and why planning ahead for them can potentially save you money and give you more flexibility in retirement.

What if chasing America’s biggest and best-performing company actually left you with far less money than simply owning the broader market? We look at some surprising long-term investment data—including why diversification can outperform concentration and why the traditional appeal of dividend investing may be changing in today’s market.

This episode takes a look at several financial stories raising important questions about regulation, risk, and the rapidly changing economy. We discuss JPMorgan's relationship with prediction-market company Polymarket, the bankruptcy of a gold IRA company and the dangers facing investors, the economic impact of data centers, and why investors may want to reconsider keeping too much of their wealth sitting in cash.

What are we to make of the Nasdaq’s addition of an overnight trading session from 9pm to 4am? As a 66-year-old who has no desire to retire soon, and who is in good shape financially, what should I plan for in the event I cannot work and how should I approach my investments? And with some money in an after-tax account that I’m getting from my divorce, should I pay off my mortgage that still has 22 years left? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

We are joined by Rebecca Kincaid of Kincaid Wealth Management to talk about the growth of her practice, her new community-focused office, and the impact proactive tax planning has had on her business. We also discuss why effective tax planning goes far beyond simply finding deductions—and how the right strategies can create meaningful financial freedom for families and future generations.

With Nebraska football just around the corner, we kick things off by talking about the Huskers' historic sellout streak before diving into some major economic and political stories making headlines. We examine interest rates and Treasury buybacks, the historical midterm market drawdown, Brett Lindstrom's ballot troubles, and the Democratic Party's decision to move Iowa out of the top spot in the 2028 presidential primary calendar.

David examines Nebraska's position as the nation's highest net contributor to the federal government before discussing how tax and fiscal policies can influence where people and businesses choose to live and operate. The conversation then turns to education, including changing grading standards and policies at the University of Michigan, before closing with a warning about the growing popularity of day trading and gambling-style investing among young men—and the potential consequences for long-term wealth building.

What will I owe taxes on and what can I deduct from selling my house for $230,000? At 67, is it better for me to move into an adult living facility or buy another house? And what are my retirement savings options as a contract graphic designer without a 401(k)? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

CPA and tax strategist Evan Marshall joins David to explain why August is one of the most important times of year for entrepreneurs to evaluate their tax strategy while there is still time to make meaningful changes before year-end. They discuss the difference between simply filing taxes and proactively planning them, including business entity structure, avoiding unnecessary purchases just for deductions, and identifying opportunities that could save entrepreneurs significant amounts of money.

Retire SMART celebrates making the Inc. 5000 list for the fifth consecutive year, a rare achievement that reflects the firm's continued growth and the hard work of its team and clients. David then breaks down the latest developments surrounding Iran, inflation, jobs, and interest rates before turning to surging corporate earnings revisions and what they could mean for the stock market and the broader economy.

Nebraska ranks among America's safest states—but also among the highest in property taxes. David examines the growing debate over property taxes, California's proposed wealth tax, why similar policies have failed around the world, and shares practical strategies for passing wealth to the next generation while preserving financial freedom.

Though we have our plan with another financial firm, is it okay for us to get a second analysis from Retire SMART? Do I need to make any changes to a trust my husband and I drew up about 10 years ago, now that my husband has passed on? And as a physician with my own practice and employees, should I stick with the SEP plan I’m currently contributing to or switch to a defined benefit plan? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

David welcomes financial advisor Tre Ingram for his first appearance on the podcast, sharing his journey from the West Coast back to the Midwest, new fatherhood, and why holistic financial planning is more important than ever. Together, they discuss proactive tax strategies, the hidden financial challenges retirees often overlook, and why true wealth is about creating lasting memories—not just accumulating more money.

Football season is almost here, but the bigger action may be unfolding in the financial markets. David breaks down the latest developments surrounding Iran, manufacturing growth, tariffs, and why rising leverage—from Wall Street hedge funds to everyday investors—could create significant market volatility if conditions change.

David and Chip dive into several financial and economic controversies, from growing efforts to ban lawmakers from trading individual stocks to a White House staffer accused of profiting from inside information. They also discuss why financial literacy can help prevent financial crime, question potential conflicts of interest surrounding AARP and Medicare Advantage, examine Omaha Public Schools’ proposed property tax increase, and highlight a tax strategy that can help investors diversify large stock positions without immediately triggering capital gains.

Is “Gray Divorce” caused by retirement itself or does retirement simply expose what’s been quietly building for years? What’s the deal with the low per-acre value of farmland in Nebraska? And with the 59.5 age mark to withdraw from a 401(k) without penalty, aren’t there some exceptions that allow early withdrawals without penalty? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.

With Social Security’s projected funding shortfall moving closer, David and Brad Starken break down what a potential 18% reduction in future benefits could mean for retirees and those approaching retirement. They discuss one possible strategy for creating a guaranteed income backstop, while emphasizing that Social Security decisions are highly individualized and should account for taxes, survivor benefits, working income, and overall retirement goals.