Kitchen Table Finance
Grab a cup of coffee and join Certified Financial Planner Professionals (tm) David Shotwell and Nick Nauta as they discuss personal finance, retirement planning, portfolios, and how the news of the day might affect your financial plans.
Financial Planning in Uncertain Times: MSU Layoffs and Beyond
With Michigan State University announcing potential layoffs and buyouts, financial anxiety is growing—not just in East Lansing, but across many university communities. In this episode, Dave and Nick share practical, down-to-earth advice for those facing employment uncertainty.
This isn’t just for MSU employees—anyone experiencing a rocky job outlook can benefit from the financial strategies shared in today’s conversation.
https://youtu.be/CSGaoVsvG-4
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The #1 thing to have in place before a job loss: a well-funded emergency fund
How to cut discre...
How Becoming Empty Nesters Impacts Your Retirement
When the kids move out and the house gets quieter, life—and your finances—enter a whole new chapter. In this episode, Dave and Nick talk about the often-overlooked financial opportunities (and pitfalls) that come with becoming an empty nester. From downsizing and budgeting to increasing retirement contributions or finally testing the snowbird lifestyle, this is your chance to reimagine the next stage of life.
https://youtu.be/4nZfHhDv_kA
What You’ll Learn
How becoming an empty nester creates new financial flexibility
Tips for reevaluating your budget, savings goals, and mortga...
June 2025 Retirement Headlines
In this episode, Dave and Nick (back from vacation) tackle a wide mix of financial headlines so you don’t have to. From stock market shifts to Social Security panic, long-term care planning, and yes—even pet insurance—this episode covers the real-life stuff affecting your money and your future.
https://youtu.be/Pst2wmkjOC8
Here’s what we dig into:
Mistakes in Today’s Stock Market
What Jason Zweig says about growth vs. value stocks, and why diversification and rebalancing are more important than ever.
Social Security: Fear vs. Facts
We Survived the Spring Volatility, Now What?
Riding the Market Roller Coaster: Lessons from a Wild Spring
It’s been a bumpy ride in the markets this spring, and in this episode, Dave and Cole (filling in for Nick) sit down to talk through what happened, what it means for investors, and how to move forward with confidence.
https://youtu.be/OlXVM0GV66M
From steep drops to quick rebounds, the market has kept everyone on their toes. They break it all down in plain language and share their thoughts on:
What actually happened in March and April—and...
How to Plan on Enjoying Retirement
In this episode, Dave and Nick dive into one of the most overlooked—but absolutely essential—parts of retirement planning: how to actually enjoy it.
You’ve spent decades saving, investing, and working hard. But have you really thought about what your ideal retirement looks like? Spoiler alert: it’s not just endless rounds of golf and sunsets on a beach. It’s about purpose, lifestyle, relationships, and flexibility.
https://youtu.be/ddfIokXyRUg
Dave and Nick walk you through:
Why setting realistic expectations is the foundation of retirement planning
The surpri...
Should you buy a house in retirement?
Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance, where we serve up bite-sized financial wisdom with a side of common sense. In this episode, Dave and Nick tackle one of the biggest financial questions for retirees: Should you buy a house in retirement—or just stay put?
Here’s what’s on the table:
Why timing the housing market is just as tricky as timing the stock market
The emotional side of downsizing—yes, those red velvet ropes for the kids’ old rooms count!
Why small homes are in big demand—and what that means f...
Does your Retirement Plan Need a ROTH?
Roth Conversions: Worth It or Not?
Welcome back to the Kitchen Table! In today’s episode, Dave and Nick take a deeper dive into the world of Roth conversions—what they are, how they work, and whether or not they make sense for your retirement plan.
This isn’t your average tax talk. We’re serving up a practical, no-pressure conversation about a tool that gets a lot of hype—and a lot of confusion. From “backdoor” and “mega backdoor” conversions to tax brackets, timing, and even state-by-state considerations, we break it down so you can decide if a Ro...
What to Know About Taxes in Retirement
Hosts: Nick and guest advisor Cole Williams
Special Guest Absence: Dave is off living his best life in Bozeman, Montana (hopefully catching trout and not taxes).
In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, we take a deep dive into one of retirement’s least sexy—but most critical—topics: taxes. Whether you’ve just filed and are ready to forget about them until next year (don’t), or you’re actively planning your golden years, this episode is packed with straight talk and strategies to help you keep more of what you’ve worked so hard for.
ht...
April 2025 Retirement Headlines
Welcome back, friends!
Today, Dave and Nick roll up their sleeves and dive into the wild and wonderful world of retirement headlines from March and April. Think of it as your financial cliff notes — so you can sound smarter than your neighbor without actually having to read all the boring articles yourself. Get the February Retirement Headlines HERE.
https://youtu.be/SfyJRISwYIw
Here’s what we served up on the Kitchen Table
Private Equity in Your 401(k)?
Hold up — private equity is trying to sneak into your retirement plan! Dave and Ni...
2025 Quarter One Market Review and Outlook
In this episode, Nick and Dave take a seat at the kitchen table to unpack the highs and lows of the first quarter of 2025. From global diversification wins to U.S. economic uncertainty, they break down what investors need to know—and what they don’t need to stress over.
https://youtu.be/iXrCvNCGtO0
Glass Half Full
Diversification Pays Off: International stocks outperformed U.S. markets in Q1, offering a little sunshine in an otherwise cloudy domestic market.
Strong Labor Market: Unemployment remains low, with a resilient workforce keeping things steady desp...
When to Adjust Your Retirement Income
Welcome to Kitchen Table Finance!
Join hosts Nick and Dave as they dig into one of the most important aspects of financial planning for retirees: when and how to adjust your retirement income. Whether you’re navigating market volatility, planning for worst-case scenarios, or wondering if you can spend more than you thought, this episode is packed with actionable insights for retirees and those planning their next chapter.
https://youtu.be/f8NIi_CfYw8
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why planning ahead is keyL...
How Retirees Can Handle Emotions of a Down Market
In this heartfelt and timely episode, Dave and Nick step away from charts and market trends to focus on something just as important—the emotions behind the numbers. If you’re retired or nearing retirement, you’ve likely felt the weight of recent market turbulence. Maybe you’re wondering if your plan is still on track or feeling that itch to “do something” in response to all the headlines.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Related:Â How to Put Together a Retirement Income Strategy
https://youtu.be/HmFVuNyDiCw
What’s Covered in This Episo...
Introducing Nathan Gardner, Intern
Join us for another engaging episode of Kitchen Table Finance! This week, Nick sits down with Nathan Gardner, an SRB intern and aspiring financial planner, to learn more about his background, experiences, and passion for financial planning. Nathan shares his transition from a small-town upbringing to Michigan State University, his involvement in the university’s Wealth Management Program, and how it shaped his career aspirations.
https://youtu.be/F72HlrqhqD8
Discover how Nathan became inspired by the life planning process and why he’s passionate about making a meaningful impact through financial planning. You’ll also h...
How to Adjust Your Retirement Income
Retirement planning isn’t just about getting to retirement—it’s about making sure your income lasts through retirement. In this episode, Dave and Cole break down how to adjust your retirement income to fit your lifestyle, changing expenses, and market conditions.
They keep it real with practical tips and a down-to-earth discussion on how to create flexibility in your financial plan, avoid common pitfalls, and make your money work for you in retirement.
Related: WHEN to Adjust Your Retirement Income
https://youtu.be/IDiHtKAKZdk
What You’ll Learn in This Episode...
How to Put Together a Retirement Income Strategy
🎙️ Hosts: David Shotwell & Nick Nauta
Episode Overview
In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, David and Nick break down the essential steps for creating a solid retirement income strategy. They discuss different income sources, withdrawal strategies, and key decisions that impact financial security in retirement. If you’re planning for retirement or are already there, this episode will help you piece together your financial puzzle.
https://youtu.be/VUvn3YXI-wE
Key Topics Covered
âś… Identifying Your Income Sources
Social Security: How to estimate your benefits and when to start col...
CFP vs. ChatGPT for Retirement Planning
In this special episode, Nick and Cole put artificial intelligence to the test in a fun and insightful financial planning battle—CFP vs. ChatGPT! They tackle some of the most common retirement and estate planning questions, comparing Nick’s expert advice to ChatGPT’s AI-generated insights. Who gives the better answers? You decide!
https://youtu.be/89elFdanuIU
Topics Covered:
✔️ Have I Saved Enough for Retirement?
Importance of budgeting and projecting income Social Security, pensions, annuities, and investment returns Using Monte Carlo simulations to stress-test retirement plans AI’s reliance on rules of thumb like t...S4E9 – February 2025 Retirement Headlines
Episode Summary
In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Nick and Dave dive into the biggest retirement-related headlines from February 2025. They discuss essential financial planning topics, including tax strategies, healthcare costs, tariffs, retirement savings habits, and key conversations to have before retiring.
https://youtu.be/wUBQ_6HWRHo
Key Topics & Takeaways
1. Tax Planning & Healthcare in Retirement (Kiplinger)
The importance of integrating tax and healthcare planning into your retirement strategy. Key questions to consider: Have you explored Roth conversions and tax-free investment options? Are you optimizing your AGI to reduce taxes and...Traveling in Retirement
Episode Summary
In this episode, we welcome Kim Barber from Globetrotter Travel to discuss planning and budgeting for travel in retirement. Travel is a top priority for many retirees, but navigating costs, destinations, and logistics can be overwhelming. Kim shares expert advice on how to make the most of your travel budget, plan bucket-list trips, and find options for solo travelers.
https://youtu.be/mB6wTNI16BM
Key Takeaways:
Start Planning Early – Booking in advance can help secure better pricing and spread out payments. Budgeting for Travel – A $10,000 annual travel budget can cove...George Kinder’s Financial Life Planning Process
Episode Summary
In this episode, Dave and Nick discuss George Kinder’s Financial Life Planning Process and how it applies to retirement savings. They explore how financial planning goes beyond numbers and investments—it’s about aligning financial decisions with what truly matters to you. They also break down Kinder’s famous three questions that help individuals clarify their financial and life priorities.
https://youtu.be/Yvdb-nCmaZQ
Key Topics Covered
Who is George Kinder?
Known as the “Father of Financial Life Planning.” His approach prioritizes personal fulfillment over just growing wealth. <...Going from a Saver to a Spender in Retirement
Episode Summary
Retirement isn’t just a financial transition—it’s a psychological one too. After years of saving and accumulating wealth, shifting to spending in retirement can feel unnatural or even scary. In this episode, Dave and Nick discuss how retirees can successfully make this transition by aligning their spending with their values, understanding their financial resources, and maintaining flexibility in their plans.
https://youtu.be/N7Pn8bGPBW4
Key Takeaways
Align Your Values with Your Money
Many people spend years saving but give little thought to how they will a...January 2025 Financial Headlines
Welcome to another episode of Kitchen Table Finance! Join hosts David Shotwell and Nick Nauta as they break down the biggest financial headlines from January, so you don’t have to.
https://youtu.be/QVMJFh-cNik
Articles Covered in This Episode:
1. How to Launch a Successful Consulting Business in Retirement
Insights from a Wall Street Journal article on transitioning from a professional career to part-time consulting. Key takeaways: Plan ahead and obtain the necessary certifications. Treat consulting like a real business. Consider working with your former employer as a client. Charge based on you...Financial Disasters Unpacked
In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Dave Shotwell and guest co-host Cole Williams take a deep dive into financial crises—focusing on the Great Recession of 2007–2009. They explore its impact on financial planning, investor psychology, and how those experiences shape decisions even today.
https://youtu.be/iw3NV9gkARg
What You’ll Learn:
How the Great Recession shaped financial attitudes across generations The emotional and psychological effects of financial downturns Lessons from history: Comparing 2008 to the Great Depression and other crises How financial advisors help clients navigate uncertainty and market volatility Why market timing...Lifeboat Drills: Preparing for Market Downturns Before They Happen
Episode Summary
In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Dave and Nick dive into the importance of financial “lifeboat drills”—preparing for market downturns before they happen. They discuss why good times in the market don’t last forever and how you can set yourself up for success when the waters get rough. From diversification and rebalancing to cash reserves and Roth conversions, they break down practical strategies to help you stay on course, no matter what the market throws your way.
Check out Dave’s article on Life Boat Drills HERE (also published in TheStreet.com)
2024 Q4 Review and Market Outlook
Today, we’re conducting our Q4 2024 market review and upcoming market outlook. We’ll examine what happened last year and what may lie ahead to help listeners set realistic expectations.
https://youtu.be/pKRvkkmKZ9M
2024 Market Highlights
S&P 500 Performance: 2024 closed with another year of +20% returns. Q4 Results: Large-cap tech stocks rose 7%, while large-cap value stocks declined slightly. International and emerging markets underperformed, but most asset classes saw positive annual returns. Market Resilience: Despite challenges, the market largely shrugged off concerns, including inflation, Federal Reserve actions, and geopolitical events.Labor Market Over...
2025 Market Predictions
Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance for Season 4! In this highly anticipated episode, Dave and Nick dive into their annual predictions for 2025, reflecting on their 2024 forecasts and offering insights into what might be ahead for the markets, economy, and more.
https://youtu.be/DEeoSfGVgDM
Highlights from the Episode
Recap of 2024 Predictions:
The S&P 500 outperformed expectations, closing the year with a 23.3% gain—well above the historical average of 12.3%. Notable forecasts from major firms: Oppenheimer was the closest, predicting a modest 7–10% gain. J.P. Morgan missed the mark, predicting a 10% loss. Nick’s Predic...Preventing Identity Theft in Retirement
Identity theft and fraud can pose significant risks to retirees, especially as scammers adapt their methods to exploit those aged 60 and above. This episode addresses how identity theft impacts retirees, the common scams targeting them, and actionable steps to safeguard your financial security in retirement. With insights drawn from the Federal Trade Commission’s latest findings and real-life scenarios from our clients, we uncover red flags, preventative measures, and the importance of staying vigilant.
https://youtu.be/vnURdPNK-sY
Key Topics Covered
Who Scammers Target
Surprising stats reveal the two ag...
November Retirement Planning Headlines
We read the news so you don’t have to!
Welcome to The Kitchen Table Finance Podcast, the show where we explore the big questions, trends, and stories shaping our lives.
Today, we’re diving into the key retirement headlines from November. Retirement isn’t just about money—it’s a major life transition, and this month’s stories highlight the emotional, social, and financial challenges that come with it.
We’ll cover:
The identity shift of leaving work behind—Who will you be without your job? Americans are deeply tied to their work ident...5 Insights for Retirement Investors in 2025
Welcome to the Kitchen Table Finance Podcast!
Get ready to tackle 2025 with confidence! This episode dives deep into five key insights every retirement investor must know to stay ahead of the curve. From understanding market trends to making sense of rate cuts and stock valuations, we arm you with the knowledge you need to make smarter investment decisions. Join us as we recap the surprises of 2024 and use data-driven strategies to forecast what 2025 might hold for investors like you.
https://youtu.be/aHu7sQs7yFA
What You’ll Learn in Th...
Gratitude For Your Retirement Plan
This Thanksgiving-themed episode dives into the powerful role gratitude plays in retirement planning. Hosts Nick Nauta and Cole Williams discuss everything from practicing gratitude in financial planning to historical perspectives on retirement. Plus, hear their personal stories of thankfulness and why focusing on the positives can shape a healthier, more intentional retirement.
https://youtu.be/EVtiTnnkNtQ
Key Topics Covered:
The Power of Gratitude: Research-backed benefits of gratitude practices, include improved well-being, sleep, lower cortisol levels, and reduced envy and resentment. How gratitude ties into mental health and financial stress, which...Does Warren Buffett Think You Should Change Your Retirement Allocation?
What does Warren Buffett’s latest financial move mean for your retirement portfolio?
This week, we’re unpacking the headlines surrounding Buffett’s portfolio adjustments. With $365 billion in cash at Berkshire Hathaway’s disposal, Buffett’s strategy has sparked speculation. Is he gearing up for a financial crisis, or simply staying true to his principles as a value investor?
We’ll explore Buffett’s recent stock sales (including major holdings like Apple and Bank of America), his cautious approach to the current high market valuations, and the role of bonds in his portfolio. Most importantly, we’ll answer w...
Retirement and Markets Over the Next Four Years
In this episode, we explore the potential impact of recent political developments on retirement planning and market trends over the next four years. With Dave on vacation, Cole Williams, our associate advisor, steps in to discuss the implications of the presidential election and the upcoming sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We also touch on tariffs and their potential economic ramifications.
https://youtu.be/GGUpKS18eOs
Key Topics Covered
Impact of the Presidential Election
The role of the election in determining tax policies. Analysis of the Tax Cuts...October Retirement Headlines
We read the news so you don’t have to!
Welcome to your October roundup of retirement headlines—a month bursting with insights and strategies that could redefine your retirement planning. Whether you’re a retiree navigating the nuances of financial security, or an investor seeking to fortify your portfolio against market fluctuations, this month’s compilation offers a wealth of information. We’ve meticulously curated topics ranging from savvy investment options like ETFs to essential cost-of-living adjustments and innovative estate planning strategies. Our goal? To provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions...
Interning at a Financial Advisory Firm - Shane Topping
Join us for an insightful conversation with Shane Topping, a senior at Michigan State University and an intern at Shotwell Rutter Baer (SRB). In this episode, we explore the unique experience of interning at a financial advisory firm, the lessons learned from working in a smaller team environment, and the importance of adaptability and innovation in financial services.
https://youtu.be/IqmAv4PBTdg
Key Discussion Points
Internship Experience: Shane shares how he discovered the internship opportunity at SRB. The benefits of interning at a smaller firm, such as the ability to pivot...Retirement Spending - Die With Zero
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the intriguing concept laid out in Bill Perkins’ book “Die With Zero,” which challenges traditional notions of retirement savings and spending. Join us as we discuss whether you should aim to spend your money before you die, and the mindset shift required to turn your savings into lifelong enjoyment.
https://youtu.be/HiUaq15G_XE
Key Topics Discussed:
Mindset Shift: We examine the prevalent industry focus on accumulating a large retirement fund and the challenges retirees face in spending that money to truly enjoy life. Adviso...Q3 2024 Market Update & Economic Outlook
In this episode, we dive into the key developments in the markets during the third quarter of 2024, along with an update on the current economic environment. Join us as we discuss how stocks surged across the globe, inflation continues to cool, and the Federal Reserve’s pivotal decision to lower interest rates in September. Despite a slightly weaker labor market, overall economic indicators remain positive.
https://youtu.be/Y2W3rAD7ZD4
Key Takeaways:
Stocks have shown strong performance across all major indices, continuing a year-long rally. In response to a cooling labor market an...Book Review - Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
In this enlightening episode, we take a deep dive into Dr. Peter Attia’s compelling book, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. Join us as we explore the intersection of healthspan and lifespan, unpack Attia’s vision of Medicine 2.0 and 3.0, and discuss the four horsemen of chronic disease. All of this ties seamlessly into retirement planning, highlighting how crucial it is to not just live longer, but to live well.
https://youtu.be/Bn3dwClgpgw
Key Points Covered
Understanding Healthspan vs. LifespanDr. Attia challenges the traditional focus on lifespan and...
September Retirement Headlines
We’re back with another round of retirement planning headline news reviews. As we like to say, we read the news so you don’t have to. Although, maybe you will want to after you hear us talk about them. Our goal is to at least help point you to what we think matters.
Below is a list of the articles we discuss in this episode, along with our notes and thoughts about each one.
https://youtu.be/40PJLUUJc64
When Interest Rates Go Down, the Hucksters Spring Up
Jason Zweig at WSJ runs do...Retirement Planning Updates: Cash and Elections
In this episode we explore the latest developments in retirement planning, focusing on the implications of recent Federal Reserve actions and how they affect cash strategies for retirees. Join us as we break down the key points and provide practical advice for navigating these changes.
https://youtu.be/u6EUjgp20tM
Key Points Covered
Interest Rate Changes
Federal Reserve Rate Cut: The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by half a percent, marking a significant shift after a prolonged period of no rate changes. Understanding the impact of this rate...Dealing with Investment Fraud in Retirement
In this episode, we tackle the alarming rise of investment fraud targeting retirees. Cole Willams joins us again to discuss the increasing prevalence of scams, driven by economic hardships and advanced AI technologies, and offer practical advice on protecting your finances from fraudulent schemes.
https://youtu.be/YYx4DuWWkBg
Key Points Covered
Introduction to Investment Fraud
The Internet age has brought numerous types of scams and fraud. Retirees are targeted more frequently than other demographics. The importance of discussing these issues to prevent financial loss.Common types of fraud include:
...Helping Your Kids Understand Student Loans
In this episode, we tackle the complex world of student loans and how to help your kids make informed decisions about their educational financing. From the intricacies of different loan types to the pressing issue of loan forgiveness, join us as we break down what every parent and student should know. Cole Williams, our newest associate advisor joins Nick to lend his unique perspective.
https://youtu.be/zBYZcoSJ2D4
