The Retirement Matters Show with Dale Smothers

Hosted by Dale Smothers

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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!

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June 12, 202631 min

SpaceX IPO Warning: Why Retail Investors May Be Left With Table Scraps

The 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.

June 10, 20263 min

'Smart Retirement Investors Need Discipline Right Now'- Dale Smothers| Fox Business

Our 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

June 8, 20267 min

Can the S&P 500 Hit 8,000? AI, Oil Prices & Market Volatility| Schwab Network

Our 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

June 5, 202632 min

SpaceX IPO Warning Retail Investors Could Get Burned| Lou Basenese

SpaceX 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

May 29, 202631 min

Retirement Planning in 2026: Why Market Discipline Matters More Than Ever

On 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

May 28, 202630 min

The Retirement Income Strategy That Creates Guaranteed Lifetime Paychecks

On 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

May 25, 20266 min

Why Chasing AI Stocks Could Put Your Retirement at Risk: Fox Business

Dale 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

May 24, 20263 min

Smart Retirement Investors Need Discipline Right Now| Fox Business

Our 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.

May 22, 202632 min

Retirement Planning Secrets with Tom Hegna: Market Risk, Income Strategies & What Most Advisors Get Wrong

*]: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

May 15, 202634 min

Are Annuities Good or Bad? A Fiduciary Advisor Tells the TRUTH

Are 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