Smart Money Conversations

Brett Croft, CFP®, CFA®, CTFA®
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Smart Money Conversations: an advice-only podcast hosted by Brett Croft, CFP®, CFA®, CTFA®, and entrepreneur Chris Tabish CCO (Chief Comedic Officer) delivers expert financial strategies for UHNW clients, covering taxes, investments, estate planning, and passive income. Tune in for clear, actionable insights to build and preserve wealth, inspired by a life of adventure and laughter.

  1. JAN 26

    Episode 21 – Season One Finale: Bill Bengen on A Richer Retirement and the Future of Safe Withdrawal Rates 

    To close out Season One of SMC, Brett and Chris sit down with a true legend in retirement planning — Bill Bengen, the creator of the original 4% rule and author of the new book A Richer Retirement.  Bill’s research reshaped how advisors and retirees think about generating income from portfolios. But retirement planning has evolved, and so has his thinking.  In this conversation, Brett and Bill go beyond the headline rule of thumb and explore what actually creates a secure, flexible, and meaningful retirement today.  They discuss:  How Bill’s latest research updates the traditional 4% rule  Why asset allocation matters more than most withdrawal debates  The role of small-cap stocks in historical retirement success  How retirees can adjust spending without sacrificing peace of mind  The difference between “not running out of money” and having a truly rich retirement  Where advisors and DIY investors often misunderstand safe withdrawal strategies  Bill also shares insights from A Richer Retirement about lifestyle design, spending flexibility, and why retirement success is about more than just portfolio math.  This episode blends academic research, real-world planning, and practical takeaways — a fitting close to the first season.  Contact Bill www.bengenfs.com Send us a question: info@brettcroft.com Website: www.croftfinancialplanning.com

    1h 14m

  2. JAN 15

    Episode 20- Wealth Audits, The ABC's of Trusts, and Changing Your State Residency: Part 2 of our conversation with Alex Popovich, JD, LLM

    In Episode 20, we welcome back Alexander M. Popovich, JD, LLM, Principal and Founder of Planning Advisory Services, LLC, and a seasoned expert in tax, trusts, and estate planning for high-net-worth families. Building on his previous appearance, Alex tackles our questions and dives into three essential topics: conducting effective wealth audits to identify gaps in your current plan, breaking down the ABC's of trusts (from revocable living trusts to advanced structures like A/B trusts), and critical considerations when changing residency to another state—including impacts on estate taxes, document validity, probate rules, and domicile planning. Packed with practical strategies and real-world insights, this episode helps you protect and optimize your legacy—no matter where life takes you! Website: www.https://www.planning-advisory-services.com/ Contact Alex: alexander.popovich@planning-advisory-services.com Send us a question: info@brettcroft.com Website: www.croftfinancialplanning.com

    1h 59m

  3. JAN 9

    Episode 19: Shifting to Conservative – Market Timing or Long-Term Strategy?

    In this episode, co-host Chris Tabish opens up about his growing urge to pull money out of the stock market and adopt a more conservative approach. What starts as a discussion on potential market timing evolves into a deeper reflection on whether this is truly a tactical move or a fundamental strategic shift in his investment philosophy. We also dive into Warren Buffett's famous 10-year wager against hedge fund manager Ted Seides of Protégé Partners – the bet that a simple S&P 500 index fund would outperform a selection of elite hedge funds (after fees). Spoiler: Buffett won decisively, highlighting the power of low-cost, passive investing over high-fee active management. A timely lesson as we debate risk, patience, and staying the course. send us a question: info@brettcroft.com website: www.croftfinancialplanning.com www.berkshirehathaway.com

    1h 31m

  4. 12/29/2025

    Episode 18: The First Door: How a New Investor Bought His First Multifamily.

    In this episode, co-host Chris Tabish—a Silicon Valley management consultant, author of Comediology: Be More Effective and Fulfilled in Business With Comedy, speaker, and stand-up comedian—steps into the spotlight to share his real-world process for acquiring his very first multifamily property in 2025. As a complete newcomer to the multifamily real estate space, Chris walks listeners through every step: spotting the opportunity, tackling financing, conducting due diligence, negotiating the deal, and closing. With his fresh perspective and honest reflections, Chris offers practical tips, key lessons learned, and insights on building a team, overcoming beginner hurdles, and what he’d do differently next time. Whether you're an experienced investor seeking new angles or just starting your multifamily journey, this episode delivers actionable advice from someone who's recently been exactly where you are. Tune in for an inspiring, no-BS look at breaking into multifamily in today’s market! Send us a question to: info@brettcroft.com Website: www.croftfinancialplanning.com

    1h 19m

  5. 12/17/2025

    Episode 17: Retiring on His Own Terms: Tech Exec Randy Von Feldt Gets Candid About Crunching the Numbers, Stand-Up Comedy, and Life After the Corner Office.

    In Episode 17, we chat with recently retired tech executive Randy Von Feldt, who pulls no punches about what it really takes to walk away from a high-powered career. Randy breaks down the financial realities of retirement – running the numbers, stress-testing the plan, and making sure it all adds up before pulling the trigger. He also shares how open and ongoing communication with his wife was absolutely key to making the transition work for both of them. On top of that, Randy talks about amateur stand-up comedy as a retirement hobby and finding unexpected fulfillment in quietly supporting others in addiction recovery. Expect a straightforward, no-BS conversation about planning your exit, aligning with your partner, and building a purposeful next chapter – with a few laughs along the way. Perfect for anyone eyeing retirement or rethinking what comes after the corporate climb. For anyone struggling with addiction, start here: https://www.aa.org/ Send us a question to: info@brettcroft.com Website: www.croftfinancialplanning.com

    1h 28m

  6. 12/03/2025

    Episode 16 —The Generous Are Wealthy: Dr. Jacob Liberman on Purpose, Presence & True Abundance

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jacob Liberman, a pioneering voice in the fields of light, vision, and consciousness, and recipient of the 2019 International Light Association’s Frances McManemin Award for Achievement in Light Medicine. Building on his lifelong exploration of light as the guiding intelligence of our lives, Dr. Liberman shares practical and profound wisdom on cultivating contentment, fulfillment, and a deeper sense of purpose. We explore what true wealth means—far beyond money—through the gifts we offer others: our love, time, help, and encouragement. As Dr. Liberman reminds us, “you don’t have to be wealthy to be generous; in fact, the generous are wealthy.” He also offers grounded guidance on quieting mental chatter, listening more closely to the intelligence that moves through us, and living with greater ease and presence. Dr. Liberman, author of Luminous Life, Light: Medicine of the Future, Take Off Your Glasses and See, and Wisdom From An Empty Mind, brings together science, spirit, and heartfelt practicality in a conversation that is both inspiring and deeply human.Find Dr. Liberman: Website: https://www.jacobliberman.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJacobLiberman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjacobliberman/ Contact: info@jacobliberman.org Send us a question to: info@brettcroft.com Website: www.croftfinancialplanning.com

    1h 34m

  7. 10/14/2025

    Episode 15: Adding Real Estate to your Portfolio with Adam Cohen.

    In this episode, we hear from Adam Cohen, CFA, founder of Complement Real Estate Advisors, LLC a firm specializing in real estate advising for high-net-worth families and businesses . We discuss the why, how, and when adding real estate to your portfolio makes sense. Adam touches on the appropriate use of leverage, why owning direct real estate can be a unique experience, and be sure and listen to the end where Adam tells us what advice he would give to his own kids about buying their first property. Find Adam here: Website: https://www.complementre.com/ Contact: acohen@complementre.com Send us a question to: info@brettcroft.com Website: www.croftfinancialplanning.com

    1h 10m

  8. 10/08/2025

    Episode 14: We Answer Listener Questions on Annuities, Discuss Advance Directives, Asset Allocation, and a Powerful Retirement Inflation Hedge.

    Listen to episode 14 where we answer a listener's question on annuities (the darker side), discuss the importance of healthcare advance directives (aka healthcare proxy or healthcare power of attorney) and where to access free forms for all 50 states. We also tell you how to think about asset allocation, what is the real risk investors face during a 30 + year retirement, and an effective inflation hedge for retirees to consider for their portfolio. Send us a questions at: info@brettcroft.com Website: www.croftfinancialplanning.com

    1h 2m
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About

Smart Money Conversations: an advice-only podcast hosted by Brett Croft, CFP®, CFA®, CTFA®, and entrepreneur Chris Tabish CCO (Chief Comedic Officer) delivers expert financial strategies for UHNW clients, covering taxes, investments, estate planning, and passive income. Tune in for clear, actionable insights to build and preserve wealth, inspired by a life of adventure and laughter.

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Croft, CFP®, CFA®, CTFA®
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brett Croft, CFP®, CFA®, CTFA®
  • Show Website
    Smart Money Conversations