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!
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Compound Interest and Your Retirement: What Growth & Income Phase Investors Need to Know
2w ago00:31:36Tap to summarizeWhether you're still building wealth or already living off your portfolio, compound interest plays a different, but critical role in your retirement plan. On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, Dale Smothers breaks down how compound interest works across both the growth phase and income phase of retirement, and why understanding the difference could change how you plan. If you're in the growth phase, stick around until the end for a deeper dive into how compounding builds long-term wealth. If you're already in the income phase, jump to the middle of the episode where we discuss how to think about compound interest once you're drawing income. No matter where you are on your retirement journey, this episode will help you understand how this powerful financial concept applies to your specific situation. 📞 Ready to talk through your own Income, Investment, Tax, Healthcare, or Legacy Map? Call 270.600.PLAN or visit rdsmotherswealth.com/contact to schedule a conversation. #RetirementPlanning #CompoundInterest #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning Retire the Way You Desire™ 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 Tax Planning 2026: How to Achieve Financial Independence & Avoid Costly Retirement Tax Mistakes
3w ago00:30:02Tap to summarizeAs America celebrates 250 years of independence, this episode explores another kind of freedom- financial independence in retirement. Learn why taxes can become one of your biggest retirement expenses, how poor tax planning can force retirees to pay far more than necessary, and why having a proactive retirement tax strategy is just as important as your investment plan. Discover the common mistakes retirees make with IRA withdrawals, Roth conversions, retirement income planning, and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). We also discuss why the years between age 59½ and 65 can be a valuable window for tax planning and how a customized retirement income strategy can help reduce your lifetime tax burden. Whether you're approaching retirement or already retired, this episode explains why successful retirement planning goes beyond investments- it requires a coordinated tax strategy. In this episode: Celebrating America's 250th Independence Day What financial independence really means in retirement Why taxes are often your biggest retirement expense Common retirement tax planning mistakes How Roth conversions can help or hurt- without a plan Why ages 59½ to 65 are critical for retirement tax planning Building a retirement income strategy that helps minimize lifetime taxes If you're preparing for retirement, this episode will help you understand how thoughtful tax planning can protect more of your retirement income and help you retire with greater confidence. #RetirementPlanning #RetirementTaxes #TaxPlanning #FinancialIndependence #RetirementIncome #RothConversion #RetirementStrategy #RetireTheWayYouDesire #RDSWealth #401k #IRA #PersonalFinance 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 →The Tax Strategy Your Advisor May Not Be Talking About for Retirement
Jul 300:31:57Tap to summarizeTaxes can quietly erode your retirement savings if you don't have a plan in place. On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, Dale breaks down Roth conversions every pre-retiree should be thinking about- helping you keep more of what you've saved and avoid costly surprises down the road. He also weighs in on why chasing hot stocks like SpaceX isn't the same as having a real retirement plan, and why knowing what you own matters just as much as knowing your tax picture. If your advisor isn't talking to you about tax strategies like Roth conversions, we're here to help. Give us a call at 270.600.PLAN or visit rdsmotherswealth.com/contact to schedule your free consultation. #RothConversion #TaxPlanning #RetirementStrategy #KentuckyRetirement Retire the Way You Desire™ 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 →The 5 Maps Every Retiree Needs and How 2 of Them Could Change Everything
Jun 2600:32:53Tap to summarizeMost people walk into retirement with a portfolio but no plan. On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, Dale breaks down the Five Maps that RDS Wealth Management builds for every client and goes deep on two of them! Here's what's covered: The Income Map- How to coordinate Social Security, pensions, and portfolio withdrawals so your paycheck never stops. The Investment Map- How to construct your portfolio around income first, growth second, and protection always- because losses hurt more than gains help. The Tax Map- How smart tax planning can add real value to your retirement portfolio. (This one surprises people.) The Healthcare Map- Navigating Medicare, long-term care, and everything in between. The Legacy Map- Making sure the money you don't spend ends up exactly where you want it. When these five maps work together, retirement stops being something you worry about and starts being something you enjoy. 📞 Ready to build your five maps? Call 270.600.PLAN or visit rdsmotherswealth.com/contact #RetirementPlanning #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPodcast Retire the Way You Desire™ 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 →5 Retirement "Rules" You've Been Told That Are Actually Wrong
Jun 1900:32:17Tap to summarizeSome of the most common retirement advice out there is missing the mark and if you're nearing retirement or starting to picture what it looks like, it's worth a second look before you build your plan around it. On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, Dale breaks down the retirement "rules" worth rethinking: how to invest with confidence without giving up upside, how to plan your spending instead of guessing at it, whether leaving an inheritance changes your strategy, and how taxes quietly shape every decision along the way. This episode is really about one thing: defining your purpose for retirement first, then building the financial plan that actually supports it- not the other way around. Topics covered: Why common retirement advice often misses the mark Investing with confidence without sacrificing upside Rethinking how you plan to spend in retirement Inheritance: should it change your strategy? How taxes shape your retirement income Curious how our Five Maps approach could apply to your own retirement? Our team is ready to walk through it with you- and if you're not ready yet, that's okay too. Call 270.600.PLAN or visit rdsmotherswealth.com/contact when you are. #RetirementPlanning #RetirementAdvice #FinancialPlanning Retire the Way You Desire™ — Save Money. Plan Well. Live Happy. 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 →SpaceX IPO Warning: Why Retail Investors May Be Left With Table Scraps
Jun 1200:31:36Tap to summarizeThe SpaceX IPO is coming and I'm here to tell you to pump the brakes before you get caught up in the hype. On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down why the SpaceX IPO is not your grandfather's IPO. Don't compare it to Apple. Don't compare it to Amazon. The fundamentals of how initial public offerings work have completely changed and if you're a retail investor expecting a massive pop on day one, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Here's the hard truth: by the time SpaceX hits the public market, accredited investors and venture capitalists will have already taken their cut. The early money has already been made. Retail investors are often last in line- and last in line usually means table scraps. We explain exactly why this IPO cycle is different, what you should realistically expect, and how to think about high-profile IPOs as part of a disciplined retirement investment strategy. If you're planning your retirement around the next big IPO- this episode is required listening. 🎙️ Subscribe to the Retirement Matters Podcast for weekly market insights, retirement income strategies, and straight talk on the investments everyone is buzzing about. 📅 Questions about your retirement plan? 👉 rdsmotherswealth.com/contact | 270.600.PLAN Get your FREE Atlas Toolkit Here! #SpaceXIPO #SpaceX #IPO #RetirementPlanning #RetirementMatters #DaleSmothers #RDSWealth #Investing #StockMarket #WealthManagement #RetailInvesting #ElonMusk #IPOInvesting 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 →'Smart Retirement Investors Need Discipline Right Now'- Dale Smothers| Fox Business
Jun 1000:03:38Tap 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 📅 Schedule Your Complimentary 15 Min Consultation: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ 📞 Call: (270) 600-PLAN Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit Here: 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 results . #Nvidia #AIStocks #StockMarket #Investing #FoxBusiness #DaleSmothers #ArtificialIntelligence #SP500 #Semiconductors #AsteraLabs #CoreWeave #Nebius
Transcribe →Can the S&P 500 Hit 8,000? AI, Oil Prices & Market Volatility| Schwab Network
Jun 800:07:26Tap to summarizeOur CEO, Dale Smothers RICP, MBA joins Schwab Network to discuss potential stock market tailwinds. He says in order for the S&P 500 (SPX) to hit 8,000, AI demand must continue to spark optimism, oil prices cannot climb, earnings must grow, and investors must stay calm through summer volatility. Dale also talks about how to navigate the sell-off into this weekend and his expectations for market volatility. At RDS Wealth, we believe successful investing isn't about chasing the latest trend- it's about building a strategy that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and retirement plan. 📅 Schedule Your Complimentary 15 Min Consultation: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ 📞 Call: (270) 600-PLAN Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit Here: 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 results
Transcribe →SpaceX IPO Warning Retail Investors Could Get Burned| Lou Basenese
Jun 500:32:54Tap to summarizeSpaceX may be one of the most anticipated IPOs in history, but our CEO Dale Smothers cautions investors against chasing headlines and hype. In this conversation with Lou Basenese, Dale shares why successful investing isn't about predicting the next big stock, but building a disciplined strategy that aligns with your long-term goals. From the rise of artificial intelligence and semiconductor stocks to the future of the Magnificent Seven, Dale breaks down what investors need to know about today's market environment. He explains why he's optimistic about AI's long-term impact, where he sees opportunities in companies like Microsoft and Oracle, and why some of Wall Street's favorite names may not be positioned for the next phase of growth. Dale also discusses market risks, inflation concerns, geopolitical uncertainty, and how retirees can navigate volatility without sacrificing their financial future. Whether you're accumulating wealth or preparing for retirement, this conversation offers practical insights for building confidence in your financial plan. 📅 Ready to create your personalized retirement blueprint? Schedule a complimentary consultation with the RDS Wealth team: https://www.rdswealth.com 📞 Call us: (270) 600-PLAN ⏱ CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 0:56 Is AI a bubble? 2:46 Where are the biggest AI opportunities? 4:14 Why Oracle remains attractive 5:24 AI's impact across industries 6:48 An under-the-radar AI opportunity 8:24 SpaceX IPO expectations and investor caution 10:45 Breaking down the Magnificent Seven 13:08 Inflation, oil, and market outlook 16:23 Personal reflections and perspective 19:22 Managing risk in today's market 21:00 Retirement planning: accumulation vs. distribution 23:14 Choosing the right financial vehicle 24:30 Understanding investor behavior 25:33 The long-term implications of AI Get your FREE ATLAS Toolkit Here: 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 results
Transcribe →Retirement Planning in 2026: Why Market Discipline Matters More Than Ever
May 2900:31:18Tap 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
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