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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.