When a grandchild arrives, it’s more than a joyful addition to the family — it can also bring new considerations for your retirement plan. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance , Dave shares his own recent experience becoming a grandfather and how it’s shifted his financial focus. Nick and Dave talk through Grandparents’ Retirement Plans: Why Dave moved from contributing to his adult children’s Roth IRAs to funding a 529 college savings plan for his granddaughter. The pros and cons of grandpa...
Aug 15, 2025•Season 4Ep. 27
Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance with hosts Dave Shotwell and Nick Nonna! In this quarterly market update, Dave and Nick walk through the rollercoaster that was Q2 2025. From unexpected returns to ongoing uncertainty, this episode offers a grounded, no-nonsense take on what’s happening in the markets—and what it might mean for your financial plans. Q2 Surprises: Despite a rocky start in April, markets closed the quarter on a strong note. A 60/40 portfolio returned an impressive 6.5% for the...
Jul 27, 2025•22 min•Season 4Ep. 26
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 thi...
Jul 15, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 25
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...
Jul 10, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 24
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 ...
Jun 23, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 23
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—...
Jun 16, 2025•Season 4Ep. 22
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 realis...
Jun 02, 2025•Season 3Ep. 21
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 ...
May 27, 2025•Season 4Ep. 20
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 con...
May 12, 2025•Season 4Ep. 19
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...
May 05, 2025•Season 4Ep. 18
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 sne...
Apr 28, 2025•Season 4Ep. 17
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 rem...
Apr 21, 2025•Season 4Ep. 16
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 plann...
Apr 16, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 15
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: How to Put Together a Retirement Income Strategy https://youtu.be/H...
Apr 11, 2025•Season 4Ep. 14
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 ...
Apr 07, 2025•Season 4Ep. 13
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 Inc...
Apr 02, 2025•Season 4Ep. 12
🎙️ 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 ✅ Iden...
Mar 24, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 11
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, annuitie...
Mar 17, 2025•Season 4Ep. 10
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...
Mar 11, 2025
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 pri...
Mar 05, 2025•Season 4Ep. 8
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 ...
Feb 25, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 7
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 M...
Feb 20, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 6
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 consu...
Feb 14, 2025•Season 4Ep. 5
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: C...
Feb 10, 2025•Season 4Ep. 4
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. Chec...
Feb 03, 2025•Season 4Ep. 3
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 ret...
Jan 20, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 2
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 ...
Jan 14, 2025•Season 4Ep. 1
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 v...
Dec 30, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 46
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? Americ...
Dec 16, 2024•Season 3Ep. 45
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://yo...
Dec 13, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 44
