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!
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Are Annuities Good or Bad? A Fiduciary Advisor Tells the TRUTH
6d ago00:34:03Tap 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
1w ago00:17:22Tap 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
2w ago00:32:08Tap 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
3w ago00:32:09Tap 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?
4w ago00:30:19Tap 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 →Unlocking the Retirement Atlas™ – Your Roadmap to a Confident Retirement
Apr 1700:31:14Tap to summarizeWelcome to another value-packed episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the Retirement Atlas™, our exclusive, step-by-step retirement planning process designed to guide you through every phase of your retirement journey. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Retirement Atlas Explained: Discover how our proprietary Retirement Atlas process helps you build a personalized roadmap for retirement, taking you from pre-retirement planning all the way through the retirement income phase. The Five Worlds of Retirement: Learn about the crucial five worlds of retirement and how understanding each can help ensure you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your retirement lifestyle. Personalized Retirement Roadmap: Hear how we help every client develop a custom strategy tailored to their unique needs, goals, and financial situation. The Story Behind the Name: Uncover the origins of the Retirement Atlas name and why it reflects our commitment to providing direction, clarity, and peace of mind. Exclusive Free Resource! We're excited to offer listeners a complimentary Retirement Atlas Toolkit, packed with actionable resources to help you start building your retirement roadmap today: Visit our website, navigate to "Resources," and select "Retirement Atlas Toolkit" from the dropdown menu. https://rdsmotherswealth.com/toolkit/ Can't find what you're looking for? Simply email us at contact@rdswealth.com and we'll send your toolkit right away! 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 →Market Sell-Off: What It Means for Your Retirement Right Now
Apr 1000:30:42Tap to summarizeWith rising geopolitical tensions and a volatile stock market, many investors are feeling uncertain about their next move. In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down what's really driving the recent market sell-off and how it could impact your retirement plan. Whether you're close to retirement or still years away, we cover what you should (and shouldn't) be doing with your portfolio right now, and why emotional decisions can cost you long-term. 👉 In this episode: What's happening in the Middle East and why it matters Why the market has been volatile How this impacts your retirement accounts What smart investors are doing right now 👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey! Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ 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 →3 Retirement Planning Mistakes to Avoid!
Apr 300:31:06Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we dive into an article from Schwab's Financial Research Center written by Rob Williams, CFP®, who at the time served as Vice President of Financial Planning at Charles Schwab. Rob outlines the three most common mistakes retirees make, and we break down each one while sharing how you can avoid letting these pitfalls sneak into your retirement strategy. Check out the full article here: https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/3-... We'd love the opportunity to help you build your portfolio—and, more importantly, your Retirement Atlas™, a personalized plan designed to guide you through all Five Worlds of Retirement™. These three mistakes are just a few of the many challenges retirees may face, and our goal is to help you avoid not only these but also other common pitfalls that can quietly erode confidence over time. At the top of the show, we also share an update to our podcast review process. If you've been listening and haven't yet left a rating or review, we'd be so grateful if you did. Every review helps us reach more families—and with every life we touch, we move closer to our vision: a world where retirees live with confidence and use that freedom to enrich the lives of those around them. We believe a retiree who feels less stress about money can be more present—as a spouse, a grandparent, a parent—and that's exactly why we do what we do. 👂 In this episode, you'll hear: • What Schwab's Rob Williams identifies as the 3 most common retirement mistakes • Why these mistakes are so common—and how to avoid them • How we help families build a plan using the Retirement Atlas™ • Why your podcast review truly makes a difference 📩 Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? Email us at contact@rdswealth.com Give our team a call at 270.600.PLAN! Or schedule a time to talk here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ Always remember to Save Money, Plan Well, and Live Happy in Retirement. 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 →How to Build a Retirement Plan That Actually Works (Beyond Investments)
Mar 2700:31:12Tap to summarizeOn this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down the most important (and often overlooked) pieces of a successful retirement plan- especially as you approach the income phase. Many people believe retirement planning is all about investing… but the truth is, that's only one part of the equation. Today, we walk through how to build a complete, coordinated retirement strategy that goes far beyond your portfolio, including: Income planning: How to create reliable, sustainable retirement income Tax planning: Strategies to reduce long-term tax burden Investment planning: Positioning your portfolio for growth and protection Healthcare planning: Preparing for one of retirement's biggest expenses Legacy planning: Protecting and passing on your wealth efficiently The key isn't just having these pieces- it's making sure they work together as one cohesive plan. If you're nearing retirement or already in the income phase, this episode will help you understand what truly matters when it comes to building a plan that lasts. 🎯 If you find value in this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast to help others build smarter retirement strategies. 👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey! Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ 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 →Should You Buy the Dip Right Now? Tech Stocks, AI Boom & Smart Investing Strategy
Mar 2400:03:20Tap to summarizeDale joins Stuart Varney on Fox Business to discuss one of the biggest questions investors are asking right now: Have we reached the market bottom and is it finally safe to buy? We dive into the recent tech stock selloff, including opportunities in companies that have dropped 20% or more, and why AI-driven stocks like Amazon may present strong long-term value. We also discuss why Microsoft may not be the best buy just yet, and what signals to watch before adding it to your portfolio. If you're wondering whether to buy the dip, sit on the sidelines, or shift your strategy, this video covers: Have stocks reached a true market bottom? Best tech stock opportunities right now AI demand and long-term growth potential Why Microsoft may still have downside Smart strategies for different investing phases Roth conversion opportunities during market dips The role of 10-year Treasury yields (4%+) in your portfolio Risk-on vs. risk-off investing strategies Whether you're investing for growth or income, the key is sticking to a personalized plan and understanding your time horizon- especially in volatile markets. Always remember 'losses hurt you more than gains help you'. 👉 Want a second set of eyes on your retirement plan? Our team at RDS Wealth is here to help you build confidence through real cash flow analysis for the the entirety of your retirement journey! Schedule a FREE 15 min conversation here: https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ 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 →