Cover Your Assets KC Podcast
Business & Finance
About
Bite-sized financial and retirement planning guidance from David Dickens in Kansas City. Dave Dickens is the President of CreativeOne Advisors Group and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®). He has more than 35 years of experience in the investment business. Any references to KC Financial Advisors should now be understood as referring to CreativeOne Advisors Group. Investment advisory services are offered through CreativeOne Wealth, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. CreativeOne Advisors Group is a DBA of CreativeOne Wealth. Insurance services are offered through Licensed Insurance Professionals.
Episodes
- Mailbag: Two Huge Decisions Before Retirement
This episode addresses listener questions about retirement planning, focusing on the impact of vacation timing, sick-leave payouts on taxes and savings, and healthcare costs when retiring before Medicare eligibility.
- Mailbag: Inheritance Without Guardrails
In this mailbag episode, David and Walter examine a case where a young individual inherits a substantial amount without financial oversight. They discuss the risks associated with unrestricted wealth for young heirs and potential solutions…
- Protecting Your Heirs from Themselves
This episode of Cover Your Assets KC Podcast explores how heirs may handle inheritances, either spending or saving excessively. It details planning strategies, including foundations and trust types like spendthrift and incentive trusts, to…
- Don't Waste Your Annual Financial Review
This episode of Cover Your Assets KC Podcast focuses on maximizing the value of annual financial reviews. David explains how to move beyond a simple number review by actively participating, focusing on personal goals, and asking pertinent…
- Mailbag: Out Of the Market Too Long & Taxes in Retirement
This episode addresses two listener questions concerning retirement planning. It covers strategies for reinvesting in the market after a period of inactivity and discusses tax considerations for withdrawals from various retirement accounts.
- Broker or Fiduciary – Does It Really Matter?
When you hire someone to help with your money, you probably assume they’re legally required to act in your best interest. But here’s the catch: not all financial professionals are held to the same standard. In this episode, David breaks do…
- Mailbag: Investing Extra Income and Handling an Inherited IRA
In this mailbag episode, David answers two practical listener questions about managing unexpected financial opportunities. One listener recently paid off their mortgage and now has an extra $3,000 per month to invest, while another is navi…
- Retirement Gray Areas That Matter a Lot
Financial media loves simple answers: always do this or never do that. But real financial planning doesn’t work that way. Most of the biggest decisions people face in retirement live in the gray. David pulls back the curtain on the sensati…
- Inherited a House — Are the Taxes Really That Bad?
Inheriting a home often comes with a lot of anxiety, especially around taxes. Many heirs assume selling means a massive tax bill, but that concern is often misplaced. In this episode, David breaks down what really happens when you inherit…
- How Much Life Insurance Is Enough at Each Stage of Life?
The amount of life insurance you need changes significantly as your life and responsibilities evolve. David shares practical considerations for thinking through coverage needs at different stages of life, from early adulthood through retir…
- 5 Steps To Take If You’re Behind On Your Retirement Savings
Feeling behind on retirement savings can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In this episode, David walks through five practical steps to help you regain clarity and momentum, whether you’re early in your career or…
- 5 Major Events From 2025 That Impacted Retirement Plans
Today, David is breaking down some of the year’s biggest headlines and what they may mean for your plan moving forward. 2026’s headlines might look different, but the same drama will likely exist. So, what can you do? Aim to control your p…
- Better Retirement Questions (Part 2): Five Smarter Ways to Think About Your Future
Most people ask good retirement questions, but not always the right ones. In Part 2 of this series, David Dickens shares five more “better questions” pulled straight from real client meetings, revealing how small shifts could lead to bette…
- Why Better Questions Helps Build Better Retirements
Sometimes the smartest move in retirement planning isn’t knowing all the answers. It’s about learning to ask better questions. In this episode of Cover Your Assets KC, David walks through five common financial questions people ask, and the…
- Do Your Feelings Belong in Your Financial Plan?
Most people think financial planning is about calculators, spreadsheets, and strategies. But that’s only half the story. The fact is, your feelings about money can have just as much impact on your retirement as the numbers do. Today, David…
- Is Now the Time to Invest More in Bonds?
Before we get started, please note that when we use the terms ‘safe,’ ‘safety,’ or ‘safe money’ in today’s discussion, we’re referring generally to strategies designed to help manage risk, not to any product or investment that is guarantee…
- 5 Signs You’re Richer Than You Think
Most people don’t feel wealthy. But what if your day-to-day habits are quietly building serious financial strength? A recent article from Kiplinger outlined five surprising signs that you might be richer than you think, and none of them in…
- Mailbag: Setting Your Teen on the Right Financial Foot
We’re back with another mailbag edition of the show! This week, we tackle two thoughtful financial planning questions from listeners. First up: a retiree who received a federal tax refund wonders if it’s a smart strategy or a sign to adjus…
- Mailbag: Should You Fund Your Business With IRA Money?
Today is a listener question edition of the show and we’re diving into two relatable retirement planning scenarios that may mirror your own concerns. First up: a listener wants to quit his corporate job to start a business. David shares ho…
- Big Beautiful Bill Myths Debunked
Big tax law changes always bring big rumors. But before you assume Social Security is now tax-free or that you’re getting a $40K deduction just for breathing, let’s set the record straight on what this new bill didn’t actually do. This epi…
- The New Tax Law - What’s In It For Me?
A new tax bill has officially passed (you’ve probably heard it mentioned as the “Big Beautiful Bill”). And while most headlines are focused on politics, we’re focused on what it means for your retirement. The choices you make in the next y…
- The 4 Things You Can Control in Retirement
Markets crash. Taxes shift. Congress waffles on Social Security. You can’t control any of that. And stressing over it won’t help. What will? Focusing on the four things that can actually help move the needle in retirement. Today, David wal…
- 3 Financial Planning Essentials for Father’s Day
This Father’s Day, give your family something that lasts: financial confidence. In this special episode, David outlines three essential financial steps every dad should prioritize, whether you’re chasing toddlers or preparing for retiremen…
- The 6 Things Everyone Should Know About An HSA
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) might just be the most powerful and overlooked tool in your financial toolbox. Today, David is breaking down six key things everyone should know about HSAs, from eligibility and contributions to how they can…
- Mailbag: What to Focus on When You’re Nearing Retirement
Retirement planning can feel like a whirlwind, flooded with choices, tight timelines, and the pressure to “get it right.” In this special mailbag episode, David answers real questions from listeners who are navigating this very moment. One…
- Mailbag: Smart Estate Planning & Tax Strategies for a Secure Legacy
Taxes don’t stop when your paycheck does, and they certainly don’t skip your heirs. In this episode, David tackles two common listener questions that reveal just how much tax strategy plays into smart retirement and estate planning. If you…
- What to Do (And Not Do) When the Market Drops
The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something — anything — right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit? Instead of guessing what’s next or obsessing over bre…
- Mailbag: Should I Set Up a Trust to Save My Kids Inheritance Taxes?
We’re back with another mailbag episode! In this week’s edition, we’re tackling 3 great questions from listeners like you. These episodes are some of David's favorites, as they provide a chance to dive deep into key topics and explore the…
- 7 Things To Know About Required Minimum Distributions
Each year, David gets a lot of questions from his clients about required minimum distributions. Some are just beginning to take them, while others have been withdrawing for years but still have specific concerns. In this episode, he breaks…
- Inside the Advisor’s Office: What People Are Actually Concerned About
Ever wonder what other people talk about with their financial advisors? A new survey of nearly 400 experienced advisors reveals the biggest concerns and challenges, their clients are facing today. Today we’re breaking down the four biggest…
- Financial Planning Essentials: Social Security and Life Insurance
Today we are covering two different listener questions. James is asking about starting Social Security at 62. You might be amazed how many times I get that question in my office. And then Barry wants to …
- Retirement Lessons from Andy Reid: Super Bowl-Worthy Financial Strategies
Well, the Kansas City Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl again. Their coach Andy Reid probably won’t be retiring anytime soon, but let’s still see what we can learn about retirement planning from these quotes from the Chiefs coach. Here ar…
- Is It Time to Fire Your Broker? Let’s Discuss That and Social Security
Today’s show is a little different than normal. Instead of diving into one topic, we’re going to tackle two separate planning items thanks to a couple questions from Bobby and Roy. Both questions involve important decisions that will impac…
- Am I Ahead Or Behind On My Retirement Savings?
We’ve all seen stats about how much the average American has saved for retirement. But let’s be honest- being “average” when it comes to retirement savings isn’t likely to provide the lifestyle you want in your golden years. Instead, David…
- 2024's Best Stocking Stuffer: Financial Freedom (PART 2)
Join David for part two of our series on 2024 stocking stuffers for financial freedom. In this episode, we explore five actionable financial tips to help you wrap up the year and prepare for a prosperous 2025. From managing debt effectivel…
- 2024's Best Stocking Stuffer: Financial Freedom (PART 1)
The holiday season is here, and while you’re stuffing stockings for your loved ones, don’t forget to stuff your own financial stocking with tips that can bring you closer to a secure retirement. Today, we’re unwrapping 10 bite-sized, actio…
- Trump's Victory & YOUR Portfolio
The election is finally behind us and it’s hard to believe that we didn’t have a long, drawn-out process to determine the winner. Now that Trump is returning to the White House, it’s time to start looking at what policies his administratio…
- Mailbag: How Does a Trust Work?
Building a nest egg or inheriting one can involve a lot of moving parts. You want to be strategic and make wise decisions to prepare you for the future and protect your assets against the possibility of a market crash. In today’s podcast,…
- Review These 5 "To-Dos" Before Year-End
As we approach the end of the year, it's crucial to ensure your financial health is in top shape. In today’s podcast, David provides an essential checklist to help you optimize your financial strategy. Whether you're a retiree or still in…
- Fed Rate Cuts are Good for Stocks…Right?
Following the news of the rate cuts last week with the Fed, you may be wondering what that means. Is that a good thing? How could it impact your daily life? David breaks down what it means now and what has happened after rate cuts in the p…
- Mailbag: How To Handle An Unexpected Layoff
Whether you're facing a layoff, planning a financial gift for a new grandchild, or dealing with an inheritance, today’s podcast offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Beyond helping you save for retirement, as a financial advisor,…
- Retirees In Their 70s Regret These 5 Things
As we grow older (and wiser), it's natural to reflect on the decisions we've made and consider what we could have done differently in the past. In today’s episode, we delve into the top five retirement regrets of people in their seventies,…
- Are Target-Date Maturity Funds Right for Your Retirement Plan?
When it comes to planning for retirement, many people turn to target-date maturity funds for their set-it-and-forget-it appeal. In fact, if you have a 401k or an IRA rollover, chances are you have a target-date maturity fund. These are des…
- Mailbag: Roth IRAs and 401(k)s
When it comes to your investments, there are a lot of avenues you can take. How can you know you’re taking the best one for you? David answers three questions from listeners who are asking about accounting for taxes in retirement, putting…
- Avoiding Procrastination in Your Financial Life
Procrastination is a common temptation, but when it comes to your finances, it can have serious consequences. Whether you're in your twenties, thirties, or already nearing retirement, it's never too early or too late to start planning. By…
- Roth IRAs as an Inheritance Strategy
When your heirs inherit a Roth IRA, they are not required to take distributions, which allows the account to continue growing tax-free for up to ten years. This flexibility can be a significant financial boon, especially if your heirs are…
- Should Wealthy Taxpayers Make Roth Contributions?
If you’ve listened to David for long, you’ve heard his affinity for the Roth, but does that apply to everyone ? When it comes to planning for retirement, high earners need to decide whether to contribute to a Roth account or a traditional…
- Sequence of Returns: The Largest Risk You Haven’t Considered
When planning for retirement, most people focus on the rate of return their investments will yield. However, there's an often overlooked risk that can significantly impact your financial future: the sequence of returns. In this podcast epi…
- Mailbag: Can I Retire Spur Of The Moment?
The choices we make with our money often come down to more than mere numbers. David answers three questions from listeners who are facing different situations in life and looking for what to do next. From wanting to retire ASAP to coming i…
- Taking the Retirement Income Literacy Quiz
Are you ready for a retirement income literacy quiz ? David recently took the quiz himself to see how he did and puts Walter on the spot for a few of the questions. After you listen and take the quiz yourself, you can identify what you do…