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Retire SMART Podcast
Retire SMART Podcast
Author: Retire SMART LLC
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We’re committed to helping you work toward achieving the retirement you want. We do this by providing guidance to help you develop an overall retirement income strategy and offering a variety of insurance and investment products to help achieve the objectives of that strategy.
The team at Retire SMART is here to help ensure you receive all the assistance you need, not only in developing your retirement income strategy but in maintaining it
throughout your retirement.
The team at Retire SMART is here to help ensure you receive all the assistance you need, not only in developing your retirement income strategy but in maintaining it
throughout your retirement.
365 Episodes
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From subzero temps to red-hot topics, the guys kick things off with Husker basketball before breaking down what’s really driving the markets. They unpack the latest Fed meeting, what the statement signals about rate cuts, and why clarity matters more than the decision itself. Plus, a big-picture look at housing trends and how shifting supply could reshape prices in the years ahead.
David connects the dots between global debt concerns, tax policy, and a simple economic truth—money moves to opportunity and away from pressure. From Seattle tax proposals to shifting state trends, he explains how policy decisions can reshape where people live, work, and invest. The episode wraps with a look at the housing market, including easing mortgage lock-in, downsizing challenges, and why real estate may look different in the years ahead.
What questions should I ask when interviewing a financial advisor? And after dumping all my earnings back into my business for the past 25 years, while also wanting to scale back my involvement in my business, but not yet retire, what is a wise way to approach this situation? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
David is joined by advisor Jacob Orand to break down key tax moves and charitable giving strategies as a new filing season approaches. They explain new above-the-line deduction rules for cash donations, why documentation matters more than ever, and how retirees could benefit from stacking deductions. The conversation also covers common tax filing mistakes, Roth conversions, crypto reporting, and why slowing down can save you from costly errors.
This episode opens with a major Retire Smart milestone, celebrating the firm’s first awards gala and growth to more than 1,000 households served. From there, David breaks down President Trump’s latest global economic comments, tariffs, and why Greenland has suddenly become a key geopolitical and market conversation. The discussion connects world events to what they could mean for trade, markets, and investors.
This episode tackles big-picture issues shaping the economy, starting with healthcare costs, government spending, and why well-intentioned policies often drive prices higher. David also unpacks market history, including what strong rebounds can signal for the year ahead and why staying invested matters more than timing the market. The conversation closes with insights on trade data, gold, and why missing a Santa Claus rally may not be as scary as it sounds.
We own a lot that’s never been built on, still owe $120,000 for it, and can’t seem to sell it; what are we to do? What is a 770 account and if I want one, where can I get it? And what can I expect if I come to one of your “Taxes in Retirement” events? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
David is joined by Brandon Stuerke, founder of The Retirement Institute, an online education platform built to help retirees and pre-retirees get real answers to real financial questions. They discuss why retirement planning needs specialists—not generalists—and how technology is helping close the growing advice gap as millions retire and advisors exit the industry. The conversation also dives into advisor training, Roth conversions, business succession planning, and why education is the future of retirement planning.
We open the show with a heartfelt tribute to Sandy Dodge, a true Omaha community leader whose legacy of service and giving back continues to inspire. From there, David breaks down key economic headlines, including cooling inflation, Fed drama, and what the latest data could mean for interest rates. Then we wrap with a deep dive into taxes, wealth tax proposals, and why policy decisions often come with serious unintended consequences.
Part 4 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.
Part 3 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.
Part 2 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.
Part 1 of David Brook's Debate with Adam Curran, with Curran Financial.
Today, David breaks down several big money headlines, starting with changes to Social Security that could impact benefits, earnings limits, and when it pays to file. The discussion then shifts to Economics 101, covering wealth taxes, electric vehicles, and what rising minimum wages really mean for businesses and consumers.
If my mother, who has a couple annuities, passes away, will those annuities be taxable to me? Will I be taxed heavily when I cash in savings bonds I inherited from my parents? And at 50 years old and with 22 years left on my mortgage, should I pay off the house with the after-tax-account money from my divorce? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.
In this episode, David is joined by senior advisor Sean Swanson to share some exciting Retire Smart news, including the addition of a new advisor to the team. The conversation then walks through the SMART planning process and how having a clear, written plan can bring confidence through every stage of retirement.
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.



