Podcast
The Retirement Matters Show with Dale Smothers
Hosted by Dale Smothers · EN
About The Retirement Matters Show with Dale Smothers
The Retirement Matters Show is your weekly guide to retiring with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Hosted by Dale Smothers, RICP® and fiduciary financial advisor and featured on Fox Business and Kiplinger- each episode delivers straightforward retirement planning strategies designed for pre-retirees and retirees who are serious about protecting and growing what they've worked a lifetime to build.
Each week we cover the retirement topics that matter most: retirement income planning, Social Security strategies, tax-efficient withdrawal planning, investment strategy, annuities, Medicare, estate planning, and how to build a retirement plan that lasts.
At RDS Wealth, we believe your retirement should be lived- not just survived. Our approach is simple: sit on the same side of the table as our clients, offer unbiased guidance, and build a strategy that fits your life.
📰 As featured in Kiplinger: Read Dale's full article on the Risk-On Risk-Off retirement strategy here:
👉 https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/risk-on-risk-off-the-mr-miyagi-approach-to-retirement-planning
Helping listeners Save Money, Plan Well and Living Happy™️ in retirement, one conversation at a time! Live YOUR retirement without compromise!
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Retirement Planning in 2026: Why Market Discipline Matters More Than Ever
2w ago00:31:18Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, Dale Smothers breaks down recent national TV appearances and market commentary featured on Fox Business, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, Schwab Network, NYSE TV, and more- all through the lens of retirement planning. If you're approaching retirement or already retired, this episode explains why protecting your wealth matters more than chasing market gains. Dale shares practical retirement investment strategies, discusses stock market volatility, and explains why discipline inside your portfolio is critical during uncertain economic times. You'll hear insights on: Retirement planning strategies for 2026 Why market losses hurt retirees more than gains help Managing risk in retirement portfolios Stock market volatility and retirement income The importance of portfolio discipline National market commentary translated for real retirees At RDS Wealth, we believe retirement isn't just about growing your money- it's about keeping it. This episode is designed to help retirees and pre-retirees make smarter financial decisions and avoid leaving their retirement future to chance. 📞 Ready to build a retirement plan designed for today's market? Call our team at 270-600-PLAN or visit rdswealth.com to schedule your personalized retirement consultation. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement planning insights, stock market updates, income strategies, and financial education designed specifically for retirees. Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/toolkit/ DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future #RetirementPlanning #Retirement #StockMarket #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #Investing #MarketVolatility #RetirementPodcast #DaleSmothers #RDSWealth
Transcribe →The Retirement Income Strategy That Creates Guaranteed Lifetime Paychecks
3w ago00:30:01Tap to summarizeOn today's podcast of the Retirement Matters Podcast, Retirement expert Tom Hegna joins Dale Smothers to discuss the retirement income strategies that help retirees create guaranteed lifetime income, reduce stress, and retire with confidence. In this interview, Tom explains: Why retirement is about income, not just assets How guaranteed lifetime income works The truth about annuities and retirement planning Social Security claiming strategies for couples Long-term care planning mistakes retirees make Sequence of returns risk explained How to protect retirement income from inflation Why retirees need a retirement income blueprint If you are nearing retirement or already retired, this conversation offers practical retirement planning advice designed to help you build financial security and long-term peace of mind. 📘 Featured Concepts: ✔️ Guaranteed Lifetime Income ✔️ Retirement Income Planning ✔️ Social Security Strategies ✔️ Long-Term Care Planning ✔️ Annuities Explained ✔️ Retirement Cash Flow Planning 📞 Learn more about retirement income planning with RDS Wealth Management #RetirementPlanning #TomHegna #GuaranteedIncome #Annuities #SocialSecurity #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #DaleSmothers #RetireHappy #WealthManagement Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Tom Hegna 01:10 – How Tom Entered the Retirement Industry 04:20 – "Paychecks & Playchecks" Explained 06:00 – Why Retirement Is About Income 08:15 – The Truth About Annuities 12:45 – Biggest Retirement Mistakes 16:45 – Social Security Strategies for Couples 19:15 – Longevity & Inflation Risks 20:20 – The "Flooring" Retirement Income Strategy 22:30 – Sequence of Returns Risk Explained 24:15 – How Lifetime Income Creates Liquidity 27:35 – Advice for 2026 Retirees 29:10 – What Happy Retirees Have in Common 📞 Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/toolkit/ DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future
Transcribe →Why Chasing AI Stocks Could Put Your Retirement at Risk: Fox Business
3w ago00:06:24Tap to summarizeDale Smothers joins Charles Payne on Fox Business how investors approaching retirement can navigate AI-driven market gains, avoid chasing returns, and protect their portfolios from volatility, inflation, and geopolitical risk. If you're within five years of retirement, now is not the time to chase high-flying AI stocks or take unnecessary risks. In this discussion, Dale Smothers explains why pre-retirees should stay disciplined, avoid overexposure to market volatility, and rethink the traditional 60/40 portfolio strategy. Learn how geopolitical tension, sticky inflation, AI-driven market concentration, and upcoming political events could impact your retirement income plan and what you can do to better protect your nest egg. Topics Covered: Retirement planning for those within 5 years of retirement Why chasing AI and technology stocks can be dangerous Traditional 60/40 portfolio alternatives Market volatility, inflation, and geopolitical risks How to generate reliable retirement income S&P 500 outlook and investment discipline If you're preparing for retirement, this video offers practical strategies to help you protect your wealth and stay on track. 📞 Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/toolkit/ DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future
Transcribe →Smart Retirement Investors Need Discipline Right Now| Fox Business
3w ago00:03:38Tap to summarizeOur CEO, Dale Smothers joins Stuart Varney on Fox Business to break down the AI stock boom, Nvidia earnings, and the investment opportunities beyond the biggest tech names. In this interview, Dale explains why investors should look at the "picks and shovels" stocks powering the AI revolution, including semiconductor and infrastructure companies tied to artificial intelligence growth. He also discusses Nvidia, Nebius, CoreWeave, Astera Labs, AI connectivity, semiconductor valuations, and why disciplined investing matters in today's market. Topics Covered: • Nvidia earnings and AI market impact • AI infrastructure and semiconductor stocks • Nebius vs. CoreWeave • Astera Labs and AI connectivity • Why the S&P 500 could eventually reach 8000 • Risks of chasing returns in a volatile market • Inflation, oil prices, and market "speed bumps" • Long-term investing strategy and market discipline If you enjoy market insights, AI investing analysis, and stock market commentary, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more updates. #Nvidia #AIStocks #StockMarket #Investing #FoxBusiness #DaleSmothers #ArtificialIntelligence #SP500 #Semiconductors #AsteraLabs #CoreWeave #Nebius DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Transcribe →Retirement Planning Secrets with Tom Hegna: Market Risk, Income Strategies & What Most Advisors Get Wrong
3w ago00:32:01Tap to summarize*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:cae47730-564a-45b4-bf63-efe7966351f2-3" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:cae47730-564a-45b4-bf63-efe7966351f2-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this special sneak peek episode, Dale previews an upcoming in-depth conversation with renowned retirement expert Tom Hegna. Known for simplifying complex financial and retirement planning topics seen on national TV and stages across the country, Tom shares powerful insights on retirement income planning, market risk, financial security, and why traditional growth-focused financial advice may not be enough for retirees. This episode dives into key retirement strategies, protecting your nest egg from stock market volatility, creating reliable retirement income, and understanding the risks many financial advisors overlook. If you're nearing retirement or already retired, this conversation offers valuable financial education designed to help you retire with confidence. Topics include: Retirement planning strategies Market risk in retirement Retirement income solutions Financial planning for retirees Stock market volatility and retirement Safe retirement withdrawal strategies Long-term financial security Retirement mindset and wealth preservation Don't miss this preview episode before the full podcast interview with Tom Hegna drops. 🔍 Are you within 5 years of retirement? Now is the time to make sure you understand who is advising you, how they're compensated, and whether the products in your portfolio are truly built for YOUR benefit. 📞 Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit Here! DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future
Transcribe →Are Annuities Good or Bad? A Fiduciary Advisor Tells the TRUTH
May 1500:34:03Tap to summarizeAre you working with the RIGHT type of financial advisor for retirement? Most people don't even know there's a difference and it could be costing them thousands. In this episode of the RDS Wealth podcast, we go deeper than we ever have into the financial services industry- breaking down the three types of advisors, the truth about annuities, and exactly how to know if your advisor is truly working in YOUR best interest. 📌 What you'll learn in this episode: The critical difference between an insurance advisor, a broker, and a true fiduciary and why it changes everything about your retirement Why so many retirees end up with annuities they didn't need (and who benefits when that happens) What a transparent, client-first annuity actually looks like- no annual fees, growth potential, downside protection How RDS Wealth is paid and why full transparency is the foundation of everything we do The questions you should be asking YOUR financial advisor right now 🔍 Are you within 5 years of retirement? Now is the time to make sure you understand who is advising you, how they're compensated, and whether the products in your portfolio are truly built for YOUR benefit. 📞 Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit Here! DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future
Transcribe →Is the Fed Stuck? Inflation, Oil, and What Comes Next for Investors
May 1300:17:22Tap to summarizeDale joins Kerry Lutz to break down the Fed's latest decision to hold rates and what it really signals beneath the surface. With inflation still sticky, oil prices elevated, and the labor market holding strong, Dale explains why the Fed may be stuck and what that means for your portfolio going forward. From there, the conversation shifts global. Rising geopolitical tensions and energy dynamics are reframing America's position, with a growing focus on domestic production, nuclear expansion, and long-term energy security. They also dig into the strain from AI-driven data center demand and the surprising infrastructure challenges starting to emerge. On the investment side, Dale lays out a clear strategy- leaning into consumer strength, favoring tech and utilities, and balancing portfolios between risk-on and defensive positioning. He also breaks down how options can be used right now to generate income and protect against near-term volatility. This is a forward-looking conversation connecting Fed policy, global power shifts, and practical market strategy- giving you a clearer picture of where things may be heading next and how to position yourself ahead of it. 📞 Ready to stress-test your own portfolio? Schedule a complimentary consultation with RDS Wealth: Call! 🔔 Subscribe for weekly retirement and wealth strategies from Dale and the RDS Wealth team! DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future
Transcribe →Review Your Retirement Plan Before the Market Changes Again
May 800:32:08Tap to summarizeOn today's episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we discuss why now is one of the most important times to review your retirement investment plan. Even with ongoing global uncertainty, rising inflation, volatility in the bond market, high oil prices, and geopolitical tensions, the market continues to hit all-time highs. We explain why reviewing your financial strategy during strong market conditions can help you avoid emotional decisions when volatility returns. Plus, we share retirement planning tools investors may want to reconsider and explore alternative strategies that could offer stronger long-term benefits and protection for your portfolio. Get you FREE ATLAS Toolkit Here! Have any questions? Our team is here to help! Give us a call at 270.600.PLAN or schedule a time that works best for you here! Our Channel: / @rdswealthmanagement DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future
Transcribe →If Your Advisor Isn't Doing THIS… You Need a New One
May 100:32:09Tap to summarizeAre you getting real retirement advice- or just investment management? In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down what a true retirement advisor should actually be helping you with and why many people are unknowingly working with the wrong type of advisor. If you're nearing retirement or already retired, you shouldn't be left figuring out major decisions on your own. A comprehensive retirement plan should include guidance on: Social Security timing strategies Medicare planning and coverage decisions Tax strategies, including Roth conversions Retirement income planning Long-term care considerations and trust planning Too often, people are working with "growth advisors" who focus only on investments- leaving huge gaps in their retirement strategy. If you're over 59½, planning for retirement, or already in the retirement income phase, this episode will help you understand what you should expect from your advisor and whether it's time to make a change. Have any questions? Our team is here to help! Give us a call at 270.600.PLAN or schedule a time that works best for you here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Our Channel: / @rdswealthmanagement DISCLOSURE: R.D. Smothers Wealth Management is a state-registered investment adviser under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through RDS Insurance Group. R.D. Smothers Wealth Management and RDS Insurance Group are affiliated but separate entities. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. For more information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search for our firm name. This presentation has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future
Transcribe →Risk On / Risk Off Strategy Explained: A Smarter Alternative to the 60/40 Portfolio?
Apr 2400:30:19Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we take a deep dive into our Risk On / Risk Off portfolio strategy and why we believe it can be a powerful alternative to the traditional 60/40 portfolio. With today's markets becoming more volatile, many investors are questioning whether the old approach of balancing stocks and bonds still delivers the stability and growth they need for retirement. In this episode, we break it all down in a clear, practical way: What a Risk On / Risk Off strategy actually means How it adapts to changing market conditions Why the traditional 60/40 model may be falling short How to think about risk, growth, and income in retirement Who this strategy may be best suited for If you're looking for a smarter way to manage your portfolio in today's market, this episode will give you a strong foundation to start thinking differently. 📞 Want to learn more or see if this strategy fits your situation? Call us at 270-600-PLAN or visit rdswealth.com- we're here to help.
Transcribe →