Retire SMART Podcast

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.

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.