Kitchen Table Finance

David Shotwell CFP(r) and Nick Nauta CFP(r)
  • 5.0 (3)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Pull up a chair with David and Nick for warm, real conversations about money, purpose, and building the life you truly want. Focused on clarity and confidence, they help you move from uncertainty to a plan rooted in your values. Whether you’re a lifelong educator, public service professional, or someone preparing for a meaningful retirement, this podcast meets you where you are. But planning is never just about what is going on in the headlines or the markets—it’s about using your resources to live a life with meaning and intention. This show is about financial advice, but so much more than 403(b)’s, pensions, taxes, and retirement. Expect thoughtful conversations, practical strategies, and a welcoming space to reflect on your goals, values, and the kind of legacy you want to create. We want you to stay focused on what matters most: living well and protecting what you’ve built.

  1. APR 6

    Minimum Distrubution Requirements for MSU Employee Retirement Plans

    Required Minimum Distributions are one of the most important, and often misunderstood, parts of retirement planning. For Michigan State University employees, the rules can be even more complex due to the different types of retirement plans available. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Dave and Nick take a practical, straightforward approach to help you understand how RMDs actually work and what you should be thinking about as you approach retirement. What is a required Minimum Distribution & Why Is It Required? We start with the basics by explaining what a Required Minimum Distribution is and why the IRS requires you to take money out of your retirement accounts. Since these accounts were funded with pre-tax dollars, the government eventually wants its share. Once you reach age 73, you are required to begin taking distributions based on your account balance and life expectancy. How RMDs Are Calculated From there, we walk through how RMDs are calculated, including how your prior year-end balance and IRS life expectancy tables determine the amount you must withdraw. We also discuss how these distributions typically grow over time and why they may not be as overwhelming as many people expect. Unique Considerations for MSU Employees For MSU employees, there are some unique considerations. We cover how RMDs apply to 403b and 457 plans, how Roth contributions are treated differently, and when you may be able to delay RMDs if you are still working. We also explain aggregation rules and how having multiple accounts can impact where and how you take your distributions. Taxes and RMDs Taxes are a major part of the RMD conversation, so we spend time discussing how these withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and how they can affect your overall tax picture. This includes potential impacts on Social Security taxation and Medicare premiums. Understanding how these pieces fit together can help you avoid surprises later in retirement. Planning opportunities are a key focus of this episode. We talk through strategies you can consider before RMDs begin, including Roth conversions and how they can help smooth out your tax situation over time. We also discuss the importance of balancing tax planning with actually enjoying retirement and using your money in a way that supports your lifestyle. Once RMDs begin, there are still ways to manage the tax impact. One of our favorite strategies is the qualified charitable distribution, which allows you to give directly to charity from your IRA while reducing your taxable income. This can be a powerful tool for those who are already charitably inclined. Common Mistakes and Misconceptions about RMDs We also highlight common mistakes and misconceptions, such as misunderstanding deadlines, thinking RMDs are a maximum instead of a minimum, or assuming you cannot take money from your accounts before RMD age. Avoiding these pitfalls can make your retirement income strategy much smoother. Key Takeaway The key takeaway from this episode is that RMDs are not just a rule you have to follow. They are an opportunity to plan ahead and make thoughtful decisions about your income, taxes, and long-term financial goals. The earlier you start thinking about these decisions, the more flexibility you will have. If you are nearing retirement or already there, this episode will help you understand what to expect and how to plan ahead with confidence. Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer https://youtu.be/P7YLsRNuNY8

    38 min

  2. MAR 24

    Life Planning Versus Financial Planning

    In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Dave and Nick break down the difference between traditional financial planning and life planning, and why that distinction matters more than most people realize. Traditional financial planning focuses on numbers, projections, and optimization. It answers questions like: when you can retire how to minimize taxes how to allocate investments These are important pieces of the puzzle, and they are part of every solid financial plan. But the bigger question is often overlooked. What is all of this for? Life planning starts with that question. It focuses on your values, your priorities, and what you want your life to look like in the years ahead. Instead of leading with spreadsheets, it begins with clarity around what truly matters to you. Dave and Nick walk through how strategy and tactics work together, why many people end up chasing goals that are not actually their own, and how aligning your money with your values can lead to a more fulfilling life both now and in retirement. They also share practical ways to start thinking about your own life plan, including simple questions you can ask yourself to begin the process. If you have ever wondered whether you are saving and planning for the right reasons, this episode will help you take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer https://youtu.be/AZpab3wpMeQ

    20 min

  3. MAR 10

    MSU Retiree Health Insurance Guide

    Health insurance is one of the most confusing parts of retirement planning, especially for Michigan State University employees approaching retirement. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, David Shotwell and Nick Nauta walk through the basics of how retiree health insurance works for MSU employees. They explain what happens if you retire before age 65, how Medicare fits into your plan, and the options available through the MSU retiree health plan. They also discuss marketplace insurance, COBRA coverage, Medicare enrollment, and the planning opportunities that come with Roth conversions and Health Savings Accounts. The goal is simple. Help you understand the moving parts so you can make informed decisions when retirement approaches. If you are an MSU employee planning retirement within the next few years, this episode will help you understand the major decision points and what steps to take next. Key Topics About MSU Retiree Health Insurance Discussed How retiring before age 65 impacts your health insurance options How the MSU retiree health plan works before Medicare COBRA and marketplace insurance as temporary coverage options The role Medicare plays at age 65 How Medicare Advantage plans coordinate with MSU retiree coverage IRMA and how your income can increase Medicare premiums How Roth conversions can affect Medicare and insurance costs Using Health Savings Accounts to help cover medical expenses in retirement A simple planning checklist for MSU employees approaching retirement Action Steps for MSU Employees Approaching Retirement Confirm eligibility for retiree health benefits with MSU Human Resources Request a benefits estimate from HR to understand your premium responsibility Compare MSU retiree coverage with marketplace insurance options Plan ahead for Medicare enrollment to avoid penalties Review income strategies and tax projections to avoid surprises with IRMA or insurance subsidies Links Mentioned MSU Retiree Health Benefits Policy Medicare Webinar with Justine from Benny Guides Conclusion of MSU Retiree Health Insurance Retirement planning includes more than investments. Healthcare costs are one of the most important pieces of the plan. Taking time to understand your options today can remove a lot of uncertainty later. Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer https://youtu.be/XuXakl2Orpk

    29 min

  4. FEB 24

    State of Michigan Retirement Benefits

    Understanding State of Michigan Retirement Benefits: Pension vs. Defined Contribution and Health Care Options If you work for the State of Michigan, your retirement benefits can feel like a maze. Hire dates matter. Plan elections matter. Even health care decisions from years ago still matter today. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, Nick and Dave sit down at the table to break it all down in practical, everyday language. We walk through how to figure out what plan you are in, what your options mean, and how to think about retirement income and health care with clarity and confidence. If you have ever looked at your benefits statement and thought, where do I even start, this conversation is for you. Watch the full episode HERE. How to Determine Which Retirement Plan You Are In The first step is understanding your hire date and whether you made any elections when changes were introduced in 1997 and 2011. The three primary categories are: Defined Benefit Pension Plan Defined Contribution with Subsidized Retiree Insurance Defined Contribution with Personal Health Care Fund Nick and Dave walk through how these plans evolved over time and why your employment history determines which system you fall into. When in doubt, the Michigan Office of Retirement Services can confirm your status. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Explained A defined benefit plan provides a lifetime monthly income based on a formula. Your pension is typically calculated using: Final average compensation Pension multiplier Years of service You do not manage investments inside the pension. The State assumes the investment risk, and you receive a steady payment for life. We also discuss spousal election options, how benefits are reduced based on survivor coverage, and how to think through those decisions as part of a broader retirement plan. Defined Contribution Plan Overview A defined contribution plan works more like a 401k. You contribute a percentage of your salary, and the State provides a match. The structure generally includes: 4 percent automatic State contribution 100 percent match on up to 3 percent employee contribution From there, your retirement outcome depends on contributions, investment performance, and distribution strategy. We also cover: Traditional vs. Roth 401k contributions The 457 plan and its early withdrawal flexibility In plan Roth conversions Investment options through Voya The self directed brokerage window through Schwab Vesting Rules You Need to Know For pension participants, full vesting typically requires: Age 60 with 10 years of service Or age 55 with 30 years of service For defined contribution participants: Your contributions are always 100 percent vested Employer contributions vest 50 percent after 2 years 75 percent after 3 years 100 percent after 4 years Understanding vesting is critical if you are considering a career change before retirement. Retiree Health Care: What Changes in Retirement Health care is one of the biggest retirement stress points, especially for those retiring before Medicare. There are two primary paths: Subsidized Retiree Insurance The State continues to offer coverage in retirement and pays a percentage of your premiums based on your service years. This provides guaranteed coverage and predictable cost sharing, which can bring peace of mind for many retirees. Personal Health Care Fund Instead of subsidized insurance, the State contributes additional money into your defined contribution account. You are responsible for securing your own coverage, whether through: The health care marketplace before age 65 Medicare and supplemental coverage after age 65 We discuss why health insurance planning today is more flexible than it was 15 years ago and how proper planning can reduce the stress around this decision. Key Takeaways from This Episode Your hire date drives your retirement structure Pension and defined contribution plans operate very differently Health care decisions significantly impact retirement cash flow Early retirement requires careful coordination of 401k and 457 rules Working with a fiduciary planner can help you avoid costly mistakes State of Michigan retirement benefits are complex, but they are manageable with the right guidance and a clear strategy. If you would like help understanding how your benefits fit into your overall retirement plan, we are here to help. Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. Other Podcasts Referenced in This Episode S5E3 – MSU Retirement Plans Explained S4E19 – Does your Retirement Plan Need a ROTH? Medicare Planning with Justine Bell from Benny Guides

    35 min

  5. FEB 10

    MSU Retirement Plans Explained

    Roth Contributions, Tax Planning, and What to Do Now Michigan State University recently added Roth options to its retirement plans, and that change creates new opportunities and new decisions for MSU employees. In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, David Shotwell and Nick Nauta break down what Roth contributions really are, how they differ from traditional pre tax contributions, and why the right answer is rarely all or nothing. The conversation walks through how Roth contributions work inside the MSU 403b and 457 plans, when paying taxes now can make sense, and when it may not. David and Nick explain how tax diversification can add flexibility in retirement, why employer contributions are still pre tax, and how required minimum distributions factor into long term planning. They also cover recent rule changes affecting catch up contributions for those age 50 and older, and why these updates prompted MSU to add Roth options in the first place. Most importantly, they remind listeners not to let complexity or decision fatigue get in the way of saving for retirement. If you are an MSU employee trying to decide between Roth and pre tax contributions, or wondering how these new options fit into your bigger retirement picture, this episode will help you build a practical framework for making confident decisions. Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer https://youtu.be/rh0qhHDEca8

    27 min

  6. JAN 27

    4th Quarter 2025 Review and Market Outlook

    In this quarterly recap, David Shotwell and Nick Nauta look back at how markets finished 2025 and share what they are watching in 2026. They cover the spring volatility that tested investor patience, why diversification mattered again, and how a traditional 60/40 mix held up. They also share a balanced “glass half full, glass half empty” view of the economy, then close with the main risks and opportunities for the year ahead. There were important investment lessons to be learned in 2025: First, the year saw extreme volatility, with big gains to be had for those who could stomach the ride up, down, and back up again. Investment discipline was the key to another great year of returns. The length of time between the worst daily performance for the S&P 500 and the best was only five days. Reacting to the market turbulence in early April, as the market responded to quickly – shifting trade policy out of Washington, would have meant missing out on the fast recovery and positive market run that followed.  The second lesson of 2025 was the value of diversification. While the S&P 500 returned over 17% for the year, the leaders driving that return shifted, with only two of the so – called Magnificent Seven tech stocks outpacing the broader market. Betting on a narrow sector of the market can lead to missed opportunities. Further emphasizing the lesson of diversification, after several years lagging US markets, 2025 saw significant outperformance from international markets with developed international and emerging market indices ending the year up over 30% and boosting portfolio return significantly.  As we move into 2026, the economic signals remain strong, but the signals are mixed. Economic growth, as measured by gross domestic product, has been robust, but the labor market, while still strong, shows signs of weakening. Meanwhile, inflation has remained moderate – higher than the Federal Reserve’s goal of 2% but remaining below 3% despite concerns that tariffs and government spending might cause a spike.   As usual, our portfolio advisors at East Bay Investment Solutions prefer to take a balanced approach to market guidance, and their Glass half-full / Glass half – empty chart is below. You can download their full commentary and deep explanation of the issues outlined above here or click here if you prefer to watch their recorded presentation.  Main takeaways Discipline mattered in 2025. A sharp early April drop was followed by a fast rebound, and the year still finished strong. Diversification paid off. International stocks delivered strong results, and most “Magnificent Seven” names lagged the broader S&P 500. The economy sent mixed signals. Growth was strong, while unemployment moved higher and inflation stayed above the Fed’s target. The 60/40 is still relevant. A balanced stock and bond mix produced a strong year with less volatility than an all stock approach. For 2026, stay focused on what you can control. Markets will have risks and opportunities, and your plan should be built for both. What we cover Why 2025 rewarded patient investors The case for owning international stocks Stock market breadth and the shift away from a narrow group of mega cap tech leaders GDP strength, unemployment trends, and why inflation can feel different than the official number 60/40 portfolio results and risk adjusted returns 2026 risk list: deficits, geopolitics, labor shifts, shutdown risk, and Fed independence 2026 opportunity list: AI investment, steadier trade policy, consumer spending, and possible rate cuts Charts mentioned (for reference in the episode) S&P 500 drawdown and rebound around early April 2025 Rolling 12 month leadership: US stocks versus international stocks 2025 performance: S&P 500, international equities, and bonds Magnificent Seven relative performance versus the S&P 500 Want to know more? Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer https://youtu.be/S1z0mnKm5sM

    33 min

  7. JAN 20

    2026 Market Predictions

    Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance. Season 5 kicks off with one of our favorite annual traditions, reviewing last year’s market predictions and locking in new ones for the year ahead. Hosts David Shotwell and Nick Nauta are joined by newly credentialed CFP Cole Williams, who jumps right into the fire with his first official prediction episode. Watch the Full Video HERE In this conversation, we look back at how 2025 actually unfolded compared to expectations. We discuss stock market returns, sector performance, volatility, inflation, interest rates, and how global markets surprised almost everyone. We also talk through why diversification continues to matter, even when predictions miss the mark. From there, we turn the page to 2026. You will hear our thoughts on where the S&P 500 could end the year, which market sectors may outperform or struggle, and which asset classes could see renewed momentum. We also touch on emerging markets, small caps, technology, energy, healthcare, and real estate. The episode wraps up with some lighter predictions, including Bitcoin, geopolitical headlines, and sports forecasts that may or may not age well. As always, the goal is not to be perfect, but to help listeners understand how uncertainty fits into long-term planning. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about markets, retirement planning, and staying grounded when the headlines get loud, this episode sets the tone for the year ahead. Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer

    37 min

  8. JAN 9

    What an Internship Really Teaches You About Retirement Planning

    In this episode of Kitchen Table Finance, David Shotwell and Nick Nauta sit down at the kitchen table with intern Stephen Bowe to talk about his path into wealth management, lessons learned during his internship, and how young professionals can find their place in the financial planning world. Stephen shares how Michigan State University and the Wealth Management Association helped shape his career direction, why long-term investing matters early, and what surprised him most about real-world retirement planning. The conversation also explores the intersection of marketing and wealth management, the value of hands-on experience, and why most successful retirement plans look far better than people expect. Whether you are a Michigan State University employee nearing retirement, a young professional exploring finance careers, or someone who wants reassurance about their retirement plan, this episode offers practical and relatable insight. Contact SRB today at 517-321-4832 or email us at info@srbadvisors.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more bite-sized financial and retirement tips. https://www.youtube.com/@shotwellrutterbaer https://youtu.be/Rvgr4Qhl3jM

See All (199)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Pull up a chair with David and Nick for warm, real conversations about money, purpose, and building the life you truly want. Focused on clarity and confidence, they help you move from uncertainty to a plan rooted in your values. Whether you’re a lifelong educator, public service professional, or someone preparing for a meaningful retirement, this podcast meets you where you are. But planning is never just about what is going on in the headlines or the markets—it’s about using your resources to live a life with meaning and intention. This show is about financial advice, but so much more than 403(b)’s, pensions, taxes, and retirement. Expect thoughtful conversations, practical strategies, and a welcoming space to reflect on your goals, values, and the kind of legacy you want to create. We want you to stay focused on what matters most: living well and protecting what you’ve built.

Information

  • Creator
    David Shotwell CFP(r) and Nick Nauta CFP(r)
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    199
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020
  • Show Website
    Kitchen Table Finance

You Might Also Like