The Retirement Matters Show with Dale Smothers

Some 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.

On 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

On 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.

With 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

On 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

On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we explore how economic forces- including oil prices and inflation- can influence your retirement strategy and long-term financial plan. Many retirees focus primarily on investments, but successful retirement planning requires understanding how broader economic trends may affect your income, spending, and overall financial security. In this episode, we discuss how fluctuations in energy prices and the economy can impact inflation and the markets, and why building a flexible retirement plan can help you navigate uncertainty while still enjoying the journey of retirement. We also take a deeper dive into Medicare planning and why it should never be handled in isolation. Medicare decisions play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy and should be integrated alongside tax planning, income planning, and investment planning to create a truly comprehensive retirement plan. In this episode, you'll learn: • How rising oil prices and inflation can affect retirement planning • Why economic uncertainty doesn't have to derail your retirement goals • The importance of integrating Medicare planning into your retirement strategy • How a comprehensive plan can help retirees feel more confident during market ups and downs The Retirement Matters Podcast is designed to help you navigate the complex decisions that come with retirement so you can build a plan that supports both financial security and peace of mind. If you know someone approaching retirement who could benefit from this conversation, we encourage you to share this episode. 👉 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

Retirement is not the finish line- it's the starting point of an entirely new financial phase. In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down why entering retirement (age 59 and beyond) requires a completely different strategy than your accumulation years. Climbing the mountain during your growth phase is one challenge. Coming safely down the mountain during your retirement income phase is another. We discuss why every retiree needs three core plans in place: • A retirement income plan • A retirement tax strategy • An investment plan designed for distribution Without coordination between these three areas, retirees risk unnecessary taxes, market exposure mistakes, and income gaps. We also introduce our ATLAS framework we call the Five Worlds of Retirement Planning: Income. Investments. Taxes. Healthcare. Legacy. The day you retire is not the end. It is the beginning of complex decisions that will shape the rest of your life. That's why we believe retirement income planning requires a specialist- someone focused on navigating the distribution phase, not just the growth years. If you are approaching retirement or already in it, this episode will help you understand why having a clear Retirement Atlas- a coordinated plan for all five worlds- is essential for long-term confidence. Subscribe for practical retirement planning strategies designed for real life! 👉 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

"How much do I need to retire?" It's one of the most common and most misunderstood- retirement questions. In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down how much money you actually need to retire based on your lifestyle, goals, and timeline- not generic rules or viral retirement math. We walk through a practical framework to help you determine: • How much do I need to retire comfortably • How much do I need to retire early • How much do I need to retire at 65 • How much do I need to retire at 40 This conversation cuts through bad retirement advice and explains why one-size-fits-all numbers often do more harm than good. Retirement doesn't have to look the same for everyone- it can be anything you want it to be. The goal is understanding whether what you've saved today is enough to support the life you actually want tomorrow. If you're wondering whether you're on track for retirement, thinking about retiring early, or questioning the advice you've heard online, this episode will help you get clarity and confidence around your retirement planning decisions. 👉 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