Best Retire SMART LLC Podcasts (2025)

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Ultimate Retirement: Achieving True Financial Independence 47:33

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23h ago47:33

47:33

In this episode of Retire Smart Maryland Radio, host Prashant Sabapathi discusses the concept of financial independence, emphasizing that it is not merely about wealth accumulation but about having the freedom to live life on one's own terms. The conversation explores practical steps to achieve financial independence, the importance of passive inco…

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Ep 248. China's Industry Plummets 11:20

10h ago11:20

11:20

This episode kicks off with a sharp look at China's economic struggles and what plunging industrial profits could signal for global trade negotiations. David and Chip also unpack a surprising new directive considering cryptocurrency in mortgage lending, examine an overheated stock market through the lens of price-to-earnings ratios, and explore the…

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Ep 247. Retiring at 62 vs 70 10:49

2d ago10:49

10:49

Due to inflation, would taking my social security out at 62 be much different than taking it out at 70? If I’ve already properly managed my assets, to reduce risk, do I really need a financial advisor then? And is there a way to get up-front financial assistance over the phone without having to disclose all my financial information? David Brooks ha…

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Ep 246. The Latest Tax Legislations, with Alex Murray 12:36

3d ago12:36

12:36

David welcomes financial advisor, Alex Murray, to break down the latest proposed tax legislation and what it means for retirees. They discuss hidden "success taxes" like IRMMA penalties, major changes to itemized deductions and charitable contributions, and the potential impact of new tax brackets and retroactive rules. With over 80 amendments stil…

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Ep 245. Don Bacon's Announcement 11:09

4d ago11:09

11:09

David and Chip reflect on patriotism, small business, and community-building events at Retire SMART. They discuss Congressman Don Bacon’s retirement announcement and its implications for Nebraska’s political landscape, and then shift to market performance, breaking down the gap between strong technical indicators and concerning fundamentals.…

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Retirement Requires a Shift in Mindset - Replay 15:53

3d ago15:53

15:53

Time is your most precious resource, but how you use it is up to you. The shift from earning to retirement can be quite challenging, as you have to thread the needle between income, growth, and time. In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over the most important mindset shift people need to make in orde…

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Are Baby Boomers Sabotaging Their Retirement? 47:37

7d ago47:37

47:37

In this episode of Retire Smart Maryland Radio, Jon DeFeo discusses the financial challenges faced by baby boomers as they approach retirement. Jon explores common mistakes such as overestimating Social Security benefits and delaying contributions, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning. The conversation highlights the significance of ris…

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Ep 244. Best Run U.S. Cities 12:43

8d ago12:43

12:43

In this episode, we look into a WalletHub study ranking Lincoln and Omaha among the best-run cities in the U.S., citing factors like affordability, healthcare, and economic stability—while also cautioning about fiscal challenges ahead. Then they explore the surging retail investor activity, the dangers of leveraged ETFs, and the need for smarter ri…

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Ep 243. Looking for an Advisor in Your 30s? 8:11

9d ago8:11

8:11

In times of geopolitical turbulence, should investors consider gold, treasuries, and other government bonds? For someone in their 30s, what attributes and red flags should I look for in an advisor? And what exactly constitutes as an “estate?” David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.…

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Ep 242. Faults in Jimmy Buffett's Estate 11:22

10d ago11:22

11:22

Financial advisor Mike Schudel returns to the studio to unveil the estate planning missteps surrounding Jimmy Buffett’s $275 million fortune—even with a plan in place. From celebrity-level complexities to real-world takeaways, Mike shares how lack of communication, trustee choices, and asset liquidity can all lead to costly legal battles. He also p…

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Unlocking the Power of QCDs 13:08

10d ago13:08

13:08

📞✨ Get in touch with Chessman Wealth: https://www.chessmanwealth.com/ Giving to charity feels great. But what if you could do it in a way that also gave you a tax break, without needing to itemize? That’s where a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) comes in. And if you're over 70½, this could be a game-changer. In this episode, Wade brings in a…

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Ep 241. Escalation in the Middle East 12:04

11d ago12:04

12:04

David and Chip reflect on the economic impact of the College World Series in Omaha, then break down the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran, including the U.S. intervention with a high-stakes precision airstrike. The conversation explores the surprising market response, potential supply chain impacts, and what these developments coul…

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Settling An Estate As An Executor - Replay 13:26

10d ago13:26

13:26

In this episode, Brian Skrobonja sheds light on the complex and often overwhelming process of managing an estate after the loss of a loved one. This is a step-by-step guide from the initial steps you need to take after a loved one passes, to the intricate details of settling an estate. Brian offers valuable advice and practical tips to navigate thi…

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Annuity Awareness Month Ep. 12 32:36

12d ago32:36

32:36

Summary In this episode of Financially Fluent, Ray Godleski and Cindi Walters discuss the various types of annuities, their benefits, and the current trends in the annuity market. They explore the differences between qualified and non-qualified annuities, the importance of understanding fees, and the comparison between annuities and buffered ETFs. …

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Mind Over Money: Understanding Financial Stress 47:44

15d ago47:44

47:44

In this episode of Retire Smart Maryland Radio, Jon DeFeo discusses the implications of a proposed government initiative to provide seed money for children, exploring its potential impact on retirement planning. He delves into the importance of financial literacy and the challenges of managing financial stress, emphasizing the need for a long-term …

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Avoid Making These 5 Retirement Mistakes - Replay 14:39

17d ago14:39

14:39

“The more money you have, the bigger the mistakes,” someone once told Brian… How does that translate into retirement planning? And how can you help ensure you approach your financial planning for your “golden years” in the best possible way? In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over five retirement mi…

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Tackling debt: How I paid off $45,000 14:28

19d ago14:28

14:28

Student loans. Car loans. Mortgages. Credit cards. There are a lot of ways debt can pile up. Fast. On this episode of Money Unscripted, we talk with Sheyna, who shares how she got control of her finances and paid off $45,000 of debt. Host Ally Donnelly also sits down with Fidelity Financial Consultant Mark Greenfield to learn strategies we can all …

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Unlocking the Secrets to a Successful Retirement 47:38

22d ago47:38

47:38

In this episode, Jon DeFeo discusses the common financial missteps individuals make and how to recover from them. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing mistakes, learning from them, and not letting emotions dictate financial decisions. The conversation covers various strategies for building reliable income in retirement, including Social Secu…

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Ep 240. America's Secret Weapon 11:48

22d ago11:48

11:48

Today, David and Chip discuss the M2 money supply and its potential contraction, and the implications for the economy. Plus, the Supreme Court's decision granting DOGE expanded access to social security data, weighing the concerns about privacy against the goal of government efficiency. Finally, they examine America's "secret weapon" in its economi…

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Ep 239. Doomed to Work Till Death? 10:01

23d ago10:01

10:01

With retirement around the corner, but $20k left in my mortgage, should I use money from my 401(k) to pay it off so I can be debt free? What is the IRMAA penalty and how can I avoid it? And with only $125,000 in retirement accounts, are we doomed to work until we die, or is there hope of a decent retirement? David Brooks has answers to these questi…

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Ep 238. Coinbase Joins the S&P 500 10:56

24d ago10:56

10:56

Join us as financial advisor, Brad Starken, discusses the latest in digital assets. We'll cover Coinbase joining the S&P 500, the rise of stable coins for efficient cross-border transactions, and how mainstream investors can gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through ETFs. Plus, learn about our upcoming class on digital assets and blockchain technol…

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Ray and a CPA have a discussion Part 2 Ep.11 24:44

24d ago24:44

24:44

They discuss critical reporting for contractors, navigating tax deadlines, and proposed changes to the tax code, providing insights into how these elements impact business owners and individuals alike. The discussion wraps up with a light-hearted trivia segment, highlighting the rapport between the speakers. Running two sets of books helps manage b…

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DIY Taxes: Smart Move or Costly Mistake? 13:54

24d ago13:54

13:54

Tax software makes it easier than ever to file your return on your own, but just because you can do your taxes yourself, doesn’t mean you should. In this episode, Wade explores when DIY tax filing makes sense and when it could lead to costly mistakes. If you’re a W-2 employee with no extra income streams, doing your own taxes might be just fine. Bu…

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Ep 237. Changes with China's Trade Deal 11:44

25d ago11:44

11:44

On today's podcast, we discuss the growth of Retire Smart and the upcoming third annual teammates golf tournament. We'll also investigate current events, including President Trump's recent statement on a trade deal with China, the latest U.S. job numbers, and the impact of AI on companies like Google. Join us as we break down these topics and more!…

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Social Security: Understanding the Numbers and What Happens When One of You Passes? 22:37

24d ago22:37

22:37

Brian Skrobonja breaks down two retirement curveballs that most people don’t see coming until it’s too late. He covers how your Social Security decisions can make or break your retirement, and what really happens to your income when your spouse passes away. From the math behind claiming early versus waiting, to the hidden tax traps that arise when …

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#150. Wealth Manager shares his secret FIRE recipe 1:05:07

26d ago1:05:07

1:05:07

The math behind how quickly savings and investments can achieve financial independence. Trishul re-creates the spreadsheet he used to calculate his pursuit of FIRE twenty years ago. He begins with simple time value of money calculations and walks through how increasing savings rates and different investment returns dramatically impact your path to …

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Ray and a CPA have a discussion Part 1 Ep.10 23:24

26d ago23:24

23:24

In this episode of Financially Fluid, host Ray Godleski interviews CPA Josh Roper, discussing various tax-related topics crucial for business owners and individuals. They explore the nuances of choosing the right business entity, the implications of C-Corp versus S-Corp taxation, and the importance of good record-keeping to avoid IRS audits. The co…

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Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill and Your Retirement 47:38

29d ago47:38

47:38

In this episode of Retire Smart Maryland Radio, hosts Prashant Sabapathi and Jon DeFeo discuss a new sweeping tax proposal that could significantly impact retirement planning, especially for high-income earners and business owners. They explore the implications of the proposed tax cuts, spending cuts, and the potential economic impact on retirees. …

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Ep 236. The Great De-scaling of Office Real Estate 11:11

29d ago11:11

11:11

Today, we explore the seismic shift in office real estate as companies move away from traditional large buildings toward smaller, regional offices and adaptive reuse of spaces. We also look into misconceptions around Warren Buffett’s treasury investments and take a close look at evolving housing market trends in major cities. Stay tuned for insight…

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Ep 235. Retiring at 59? 9:59

1M ago9:59

9:59

Should I sign up for Medicare at 65, even though I have good health insurance through my job? What is a 770 account and how do I get one? And should I retire at 59, even if my advisor tells me I should be able to do so comfortably? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.By Retire SMART LLC

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Ep 234. The Complexities of IRMAA, with Jacob Orand 10:30

1M ago10:30

10:30

Jacob Orand returns to break down the complexities of Medicare’s IRMAA penalties and how the SSA-44 form can help retirees push back on unexpected costs tied to a life-changing event. From sneaky Medicare Advantage fees to the IRS’s two-year income lookback, the team unpacks what proactive retirees need to know. Bonus: a few laughs about government…

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Ep 233. Five Years at Retire SMART! 12:38

1M ago12:38

12:38

We kick off today’s episode by celebrating Chip Maxwell’s five-year anniversary at Retire SMART, reflecting on the firm’s growth from humble beginnings to a thriving, 40+ person team. The conversation then shifts to current market dynamics and what they could mean for investors heading into the second half of the year. Tune in for a mix of reflecti…

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6 Tips For Choosing the “Right Fit” Financial Advisor - Replay 15:59

1M ago15:59

15:59

Are you part of that 68% of people who would like to have a personalized financial plan, but aren’t sure where to find a financial advisor? What should you pay attention to when trying to get a financial planning expert to help you, and you’re evaluating different options? In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobo…

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Employee stock purchase plans explained 21:11

1M ago21:11

21:11

Does your company offer an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)? If so, it could be a way to save for a new house, your child’s education, or build your retirement nest egg—all while investing in your company. Money Unscripted host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity pro Emily Cervino walk through the potential advantages, crunch the numbers, and break down …

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Retirement: The Reality of Fixed Income 47:25

1M ago47:25

47:25

In this episode of Retire Smart Maryland Radio, Jon DeFeo discusses the nuances of retirement expenses, emphasizing that not all costs remain fixed. While some expenses may decrease, such as commuting and wardrobe costs, healthcare expenses are likely to rise. The conversation also highlights the importance of planning for lifestyle changes, social…

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Ep 232. Housing Market; Sellers Beware! 11:56

1M ago11:56

11:56

Today, we dive into the surprising uptick in consumer confidence and what it could mean for short-term spending—and why that optimism might be short-lived. From Manpower Group’s dividend cut to rising delinquency rates and early signs of stress in the housing market, we explore the growing disconnect between consumer sentiment and economic reality.…

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Ep 231. Zero Tax Burdens in Retirement?! 9:09

1M ago9:09

9:09

Is it possible for David to drive a client’s tax burden down to zero in retirement? Is the best way to keep my assets safe to get out of the markets, once I retire? And does Retire SMART use the benchmark of one’s 401(k) should be 10 times larger than your annual salary? David Brooks has answers to these questions in today’s Q&A episode.…

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Ep 230. How Long Will Social Security Be Around? 12:08

1M ago12:08

12:08

David Brooks and Sean Swanson unpack the top questions they get about Social Security, including whether the program will still be around and the best time to claim your benefits. They also discuss the upcoming “Social Security Blueprint” class, designed to help retirees and pre-retirees make confident, informed decisions about their benefits.…

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5 Ways Wishful Thinking Can Damage Your Retirement 17:01

1M ago17:01

17:01

A little hope can go a long way, unless it's the foundation of your retirement plan. In this episode, Wade breaks down five common examples of wishful thinking that can quietly sabotage even the most well-intentioned retirees. From underestimating healthcare expenses to assuming you’ll just “keep working,” Wade explains why these hopeful assumption…

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Episode 23: Interview with Donald Walford from Nüvo Medical 17:38

1M ago17:38

17:38

In this enlightening episode of the Live for Today, Plan for Tomorrow podcast, host Gabe Bodner welcomes a very special guest — Don Walford, founder, CEO, and Director of R&D at Nüvo Medical Associates in Boulder, Colorado. With a unique background bridging both finance and emergency medicine, Don shares groundbreaking insights into the world of re…

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Ep 229. Weighing Trump's Latest Spending Bill 11:47

1M ago11:47

11:47

David shares an exciting behind-the-scenes look at his recent visit to the Chicago Board Options Exchange, where he rang the closing bell to celebrate the launch of a new ETF. The conversation then shifts to Washington, as David and Chip break down the latest developments in Trump’s spending bill, fiscal responsibility, and the political roadblocks…

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Make Health Planning Part of Your Retirement Planning, with Regan Archibald - Replay 53:35

1M ago53:35

53:35

You feel healthy so everything is okay, right? Have you ever thought that health planning should be part of your retirement planning efforts? If you’ve answered ‘yes,’ pay close attention to Regan Archibald! Regan joins host Brian Skrobonja to discuss how people should approach health planning, the world of preventive care, the role of nutrition, a…

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Becki and Ray Talk Estate Planning Ep.9 37:30

1M ago37:30

37:30

Summary In this episode of Financially Fluent, hosts Becky Campolito and Ray Godleski delve into the intricacies of estate planning. They discuss the importance of having a will or trust, the roles of grantors, trustees, and executors, and how life changes can impact estate planning. The conversation also covers the unique considerations for unmarr…

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Ep 228. The Global Debt Crisis 12:07

1M ago12:07

12:07

David dives into Ray Dalio's stark warning about U.S. treasuries and the mounting global debt crisis, with insights into what Moody’s downgrade means for taxpayers and markets. Plus, a cautionary tale out of New Jersey—how a tiny deli became the centerpiece of a $100 million fraud, and what it teaches us about risk and responsible investing.…

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Ep 227. Tariff Fees? 10:22

1M ago10:22

10:22

After a recent purchase with a surprising result on the receipt, has the “tariff fee” become a common practice in the retail market? And if I feel that I’m set with my pension and full-retirement social security, do I really need to hire an advisor if they’re likely going to just tell me to stay the course? David Brooks has answers to these questio…

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Ep 226. Shaping the Advisory Team, with Josh Cheatle 11:02

2M ago11:02

11:02

David is joined by Josh Cheatle, Retire SMART’s new Director of Wealth Management, to talk about what it takes to grow a firm the right way—from building culture and leadership to developing a deep bench of skilled advisors. We’ll share how a nationwide search led us to a surprising local connection, and how Josh is helping shape the future of our …

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Ep 225. Omaha's New Mayor Elect 9:53

2M ago9:53

9:53

David and Chip look into Omaha's surprising mayoral election outcome, where John Ewing unseated incumbent Jean Stothert, and what that could mean for the city’s future. They also explore the latest developments in tax legislation, SALT deduction debates, and why some market optimism might be premature according to JP Morgan’s Jamie Dimon.…

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Tax Deferred to Tax Free: Navigating Taxes in Retirement - Replay 17:33

2M ago17:33

17:33

In this milestone 100th episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja delves into the critical topic of managing taxes in retirement. The episode focuses on strategies for minimizing tax liabilities, especially for retirees with tax-deferred accounts facing potential hefty tax bills. Brian emphasizes the importance of sustaina…

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Estate planning: The four documents you need 17:45

2M ago17:45

17:45

Estate planning is a process that’s full of emotions. And full of questions. Where do you start? Who should be part of the conversation? And what are the key documents you need? On this episode of Money Unscripted, host Ally Donnelly and Fidelity’s Pamela Pirone-Benson break down everything from writing a will and setting up a trust to choosing you…

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Retirement Realities: Surprising Positives 47:10

2M ago47:10

47:10

In this episode of Retire Smart Maryland Radio, host Prashant Sabapathi discusses the realities of retirement, highlighting that many retirees report their experiences are better than expected. He explore key strategies for building a successful retirement, including creating multiple income sources, consolidating accounts, and utilizing catch-up c…