The Retirement Matters Show with Dale Smothers

Hosted by Dale Smothers

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287

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Aug 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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 11, 202632 min

Every Dollar Has a Job: Understanding Your Retirement Portfolio Risk

Using Nvidia's most recent earnings report as a real-world example, Dale breaks down why it's so important to know exactly how much exposure you have to any single stock or sector in your portfolio and why this matters just as much whether you're listening the week this aired or years down the road. The principle is simple but often overlooked: know what you own, understand why you own it, and make sure every dollar in your portfolio has a job. Why single-stock exposure can catch investors off guard How to evaluate sector concentration in your portfolio Why "know what you own" matters more as you approach retirement income How to build a plan where every dollar has a purpose Book a complimentary review with our team: 270.600.PLAN | rdsmotherswealth.com/contact #retirement #investing #RetirementMattersPodcast #RetirementPlanning #RetireTheWayYouDesire #RDSWealthManagement 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.

September 8, 202630 min

The 5 Retirement Planning Areas You Need Before Taking Income

Investing is only one piece of a real retirement plan. In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we break down why income planning, tax planning, healthcare planning, and legacy planning all have to work together with your investment strategy- not sit in separate silos- especially as you approach the retirement income phase. If you're getting close to retirement, this episode brings it all together in one place so you understand what each part of your plan is actually supposed to be doing for you. Why investing alone isn't a retirement plan How income, tax, healthcare, and legacy planning connect What "having it all work together" actually looks like Why this matters most as you approach the income phase Book a complimentary review with our team: 270.600.PLAN | rdsmotherswealth.com/contact #RetirementMattersPodcast #RetirementPlanning #RetireTheWayYouDesire #RDSWealthManagement 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.

August 28, 202630 min

Is Your Retirement Advisor Actually Working for You?

On this episode of Retirement Matters, Dale Smothers covers a wide range of topics retirees and pre-retirees need to hear right now- including how to know if your financial advisor is actually working in your best interest, what's happening in the bond market and how it could affect your retirement accounts in both the short and long term, and a breakdown of key tax considerations heading into retirement. Dale also shares the specific markers that signal you're truly ready to walk away from a stable paycheck and why so many people retire "okay" but never get the confident, fully-planned retirement they worked so hard for. 📞 Ready to build a plan you can walk into retirement with confidence? Call 270.600.PLAN or visit rdsmotherswealth.com/contact #RetirementMattersPodcast #RetirementPlanning #RetireTheWayYouDesire #RDSWealthManagement #retirement 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.

August 20, 202619 min

Evening Edition Fox Business: How to Enter Retirement With Financial Confidence

Americans now estimate they need a record $1.46 million to retire comfortably by age 65. Financial coverage highlights that 46% of U.S. adults feel unprepared, and impending Social Security trust fund shortfalls add urgency to personal savings strategies. With rising costs of everything, making smart money moves have become more important than ever. Dale Smothers, founder of R.D. Smothers Wealth Management, joins Tonya Powers with the Evening Edit at Fox Business to share his best advice on how to enter your retirement in the best financial standing you can! To speak with our team at RD Smothers Wealth Management: 📞 270.600.PLAN or schedule a complimentary 15 minute call below! 🌐 rdsmotherswealth.com/contact #RetirementPlanning #HomesteadExemption #investing #foxbusiness #TaxStrategy #RetirementIncome 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.

August 17, 202631 min

How to Retire Confidently- and Save on Kentucky Taxes

Are you afraid of running out of money in retirement? In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, Dale Smothers tackles that fear head-on- and share why having the confidence to actually spend what you've saved is just as important as saving it in the first place. Plus: a Kentucky-specific tax strategy every retiree should know about- the state retirement income exclusion. If you live in Kentucky, this could save you real money. Not in Kentucky? Many other states offer something similar, and RDS Wealth Management works with clients nationwide to find the strategies that fit your state and situation. Want to know how the homestead exemption and other tax strategies apply to your own retirement plan? 📞 270.600.PLAN or schedule a complimentary call below! 🌐 rdsmotherswealth.com/contact #RetirementPlanning #HomesteadExemption #PropertyTaxes #KentuckyRetirement #TaxStrategy #RetirementIncome #investing 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.

August 7, 202632 min

How the Homestead Exemption Could Lower Your Property Taxes in Retirement

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 [&_>_*:last-child]:mb-0 print:block print:[&_>_*_+_*]:mt-3 standard-markdown"> On this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, Dale Smothers brings in guest: Local PVA Chad Shively to break down the homestead exemption for Kentucky retirees and why listeners in every state should be paying attention too. Every state offers some version of this exemption; some save you more, some save you less, but almost all of them are underused simply because retirees don't know to ask. In this episode: What the homestead exemption is and how it can reduce your property tax burden in retirement Why exemptions like this should be a standard part of any income-phase tax strategy not an afterthought How working with a retirement income specialist (versus a growth-focused advisor) changes the way your plan is built around saving you money in taxes Why Roth conversions make sense for some retirees and not others — and how to know which camp you're in How stacking these strategies puts more money back in your pocket without adding stock market risk Want to know how the homestead exemption and other tax strategies apply to your own retirement plan? 📞 270.600.PLAN 🌐 rdsmotherswealth.com/contact #RetirementPlanning #HomesteadExemption #PropertyTaxes #KentuckyRetirement #TaxStrategy #RetirementIncome 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.

July 31, 202632 min

Give Every Dollar in Your Portfolio a Job: Growth, Taxes & Keeping More of Your Money in Retirement

Every dollar in your portfolio should have a job, but figuring out what that job is could be its own show. In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast, we go beyond asset allocation to talk about giving your money real purpose for the long haul, plus how to keep more of your hard-earned money by paying less to the IRS. It's a tightly packed episode, so expect to walk away with more than you came in with. 📞 Have questions about your own retirement plan? Call our team at 270.600.PLAN or visit rdsmotherswealth.com/contact. Enjoying the show? Leaving a review on your podcast platform of choice genuinely helps us reach more people who need this content- we'd be grateful if you took a minute to leave one. #RetirementPlanning #TaxStrategy #RetirementIncome 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.

July 28, 202615 min

Roth Conversions & Legacy Planning: What Retirees Must Know

Think your taxes will be lower in retirement? For a lot of families, it's the opposite and by the time they realize it, the window to do anything about it has closed. In this episode, Dale and Dalton break down why proactive planning around Roth conversions is one of the most powerful and most overlooked tools in a retirement plan. They cover how the right team approach (not just one advisor working in isolation) helps you know when a Roth conversion actually makes sense, how it can lower the tax burden your beneficiaries inherit, and why waiting too long to convert can turn into a costly mistake. They also walk through why Legacy is the fifth and final piece of the RDS Wealth Retirement Atlas and why a plan isn't truly holistic unless it addresses all five roadmaps: Income, Investment, Tax, Healthcare, and Legacy. 📞 Wondering if a Roth conversion makes sense for your situation? Need a Second Opinion on your plan? Call us at 270.600.PLAN or visit rdsmotherswealth.com/contact #RothConversion #RetirementPlanning #LegacyPlanning #TaxPlanning 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.

July 24, 202631 min

The 3 Biggest Retirement Fears (And How to Overcome Them)

What are the three biggest fears retirees face as they enter retirement? In this episode of the Retirement Matters Podcast , we discuss the most common concerns that can make or break your retirement success and why answering these questions before you retire can make all the difference. If you're approaching retirement or beginning to think about your retirement income plan , this episode will help you prepare for the transition with greater confidence. Learn how thoughtful planning can help reduce uncertainty, protect your retirement lifestyle, and create a strategy designed for long-term success. At RDS Wealth, we help individuals and families navigate every stage of retirement planning, from building reliable retirement income to tax planning, investment management, healthcare planning, and legacy planning. 📞 Ready to build your retirement plan? Call (270) 600-PLAN to schedule a conversation with our team. Or visit https://rdsmotherswealth.com/contact/ to scheudle! Topics Covered: The biggest retirement fears Retirement income planning Preparing for retirement Financial planning for retirees Creating confidence in retirement Retirement strategies that work #RetirementPlanning #Retirement #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #RetireWithConfidence #RetirementMatters #WealthManagement #RetirementPodcast #RetireSmart #RDSWealth 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.

July 20, 202631 min

Compound Interest and Your Retirement: What Growth & Income Phase Investors Need to Know

Whether 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.