Episodes

1d ago

In this holiday Friday Q&A, Don opens with a festive announcement about Season’s Readings —now Apple-featured and temporarily commercial-free—before diving into listener questions on fixed annuities versus CDs, a creative (and complex) 529-to-Roth strategy tied to Georgia tax deductions, simplifying IRA management and RMDs at Schwab or Vanguard, the unavoidable tax traps of old investment clubs structured as partnerships, and the perennial question of how much U.S. large-cap exposure belongs in a diversified equity portfolio. Along the way, Don reinforces core themes: simplicity beats complexity, costs matter, taxes are inevitable, and diversification has no single “correct” allocation—only trade-offs aligned with philosophy and discipline. 0:04 Holiday welcome, Friday Q&A format, and how to submit questions 0:46 Season’s Readings podcast announcement, Apple feature, and commercial-free holiday run 2:16 Fixed annuities vs CDs: safety, state guarantees, and annuity ladders 5:29 Using 529 plans as a long-term Roth pipeline with state tax deductions (Georgia example) 9:29 Moving an IRA to Schwab or Vanguard and automating RMDs 10:20 Investment clubs as partnerships: K-1s, capital gains, and tax inevitability 14:47 How much U.S. large-cap belongs in a diversified stock portfolio 18:54 Reviews, critics, Bitcoin pushback, and holiday sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2d ago

Market drops are a gift when you’re young and a potential gut-punch when you’re retired, and this episode walks through why that’s true—and what to do about it. Don and Tom break down sequence-of-returns risk in plain English, then explore practical defenses: cash buffers, CD ladders, bucket strategies, flexible withdrawals, partial retirement, and why stocks still belong in retirement portfolios whether you like it or not. Listener questions tackle letting portfolios ride for heirs, value vs. total small-cap funds, tax consequences of rebalancing, and whether political risk should affect public fund investing. The takeaway: there’s no perfect plan, only resilient ones—and behavior matters more than spreadsheets. 0:04 Why market drops are good for young investors and scary for retirees 0:28 Holiday cheer, audience growth pleas, and the gospel of paper questions 1:40 Why young investors should root for down markets 2:41 Sequence-of-returns risk explained without the jargon 3:20 Real-world retire-at-the-wrong-time examples (2000, 2008, 2020, 2022) 4:48 Why sequence risk is such a big retirement planning problem 5:40 What to do if you fear bad markets near retirement 6:08 Cash buffers and why they actually make sense in retirement 7:06 Bucket strategies and how they’re supposed to work 7:36 CD ladders as a “get-me-through-the-bad-times” strategy 9:27 Flexible withdrawal strategies and lifestyle adjustments 10:37 Partial retirement, side hustles, and easing into retirement 11:33 Why retirees still need stock exposure 12:26 Even small equity allocations help fight inflation 13:20 There is no perfect withdrawal rate—only survivable ones 14:11 The realistic withdrawal range and why stocks are still required 15:33 Why professional fiduciary reviews actually matter 16:21 When life blows up your retirement plan anyway 18:55 Listener question: should a retiree just let stocks ride for heirs? 21:36 Washington CARES, politics, and investing public funds 23:18 Small-cap value vs. small-cap index: FSIVX vs. FSSNX 25:44 Why low-cost value tilts can still make sense 27:00 Smarter gifts: Roth IRAs, 529s, and future-you generosity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3d ago

This episode of Talking Real Money takes aim at the latest “easy money” illusion—house flipping—explaining why rising costs, higher interest rates, softer housing demand, and plain old competition have drained much of its appeal. Tom and Don connect flipping’s decline to a familiar pattern of speculative behavior, much like day trading or past real estate manias, and reinforce why there are no reliable shortcuts to wealth. Listener calls drive a wide-ranging discussion on global diversification versus U.S.-only investing, the dangers of concentration risk in the S&P 500, how recency bias distorts performance comparisons, and why owning more markets matters more than making predictions. The episode wraps with practical retirement guidance for older investors, including simplifying portfolios with low-cost target-date funds, and closes with trademark humor and perspective. 0:05 Show open, intro banter, singing callbacks, and weekend rhythm 0:28 House flipping compared to day trading and FOMO investing 1:28 Why flipping activity is down sharply: costs, rates, and competition 3:41 The myth of “passive income” in real estate 4:50 Softer housing markets and demographic headwinds 6:02 No magic systems—long-term investing still wins 8:27 Lisa (Colorado): investing nonprofit funds at Vanguard 10:30 VOO vs VTI vs VT and the case for global diversification 12:29 Volatility, standard deviation, and diversification basics 14:44 Sharpe ratios, recency bias, and misleading performance metrics 16:54 Charles (Seattle): Boeing plans, VOO, and AVGE at Schwab 18:32 S&P 500 concentration risk and the “Magnificent Seven” 21:33 Jason (Sammamish): VTI vs VT debate and long-term market data 28:41 Debbie (Camano Island): portfolio risk concerns at age 73 31:20 Risk tolerance vs risk capacity in retirement 33:16 Vanguard target-date funds as a simple retirement solution 36:01 Lighter close with creative fundraising and holiday humor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4d ago

A classic TRM episode that starts with Tom’s ill-fated attempt to cross a flooded Snoqualmie River (spoiler: no walking on water) and turns into a timely lesson on market returns, diversification, and why comparing your portfolio to headline numbers is usually a mistake. Don and Tom unpack eye-popping 2025 performance across U.S., international, bonds, and small-cap value, warn against recency bias and overpriced active funds, and take several listener calls on Roth conversions, bad custodians, debt forgiveness taxes, and rollover mechanics. The show wraps with Don’s well-earned victory lap for Seasons Readings , now rubbing shoulders with Julie Andrews and Hugh Bonneville in Apple’s fiction charts. 0:04 Tom gets stranded by flooding after a questionable river-crossing idea 1:40 Flood damage reality check and sympathy for displaced homeowners 2:22 Market year-end context and “Dave Ramsey average” returns 3:32 Bond funds surprise with strong year-to-date performance 4:05 International and global funds crush expectations 5:46 Why your return may lag headlines: allocation, costs, and recency bias 6:20 Apples-to-apples portfolio comparisons matter 9:26 Active funds underperforming despite a strong market year 10:47 Global diversification pays off big in 2025 12:04 January prerecorded show tease and holiday logistics 13:25 Seasons Readings featured by Apple Podcasts—downloads explode 15:18 Fiction chart brag: sandwiched between Julie Andrews and Hugh Bonneville 16:25 Listener call: John Hancock IRA, forced conversions, and bad advice 19:06 Why liquidating inside an IRA is not a taxable event 20:17 Exposing high-cost, loaded funds and custodian nonsense 23:35 Listener question: Roth conversions, pensions, and IRMAA timing 26:36 Why “top tax bracket forever” is usually a myth 27:31 Listener call: debt settlement and taxable forgiveness income 30:13 When a 1099-C is a good deal anyway 31:56 Flood-era investment scams and terrible ideas 35:55 Clarifying direct rollovers vs. taking possession of funds 38:13 Roth IRAs for young earners—yes, even pizza money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5d ago

If you’re nearing retirement and uneasy about the math, you’re not alone. Don and Tom tackle the uncomfortable reality that most near-retirees haven’t actually run the numbers—and many won’t like what they see when they do. Drawing on Vanguard data and real-world client experience, they break down three practical ways to shrink a retirement gap: working longer (but not necessarily full-time), thoughtfully tapping home equity, and spending less before and during retirement. 0:06 Opening and the retirement gap problem 0:52 Podcast platforms, Apple vs Spotify, and Don’s short-story empire 4:08 How TRM ranks among investing podcasts and why that still feels surreal 5:24 Vanguard data: only 40% of near-retirees are on track 6:51 Kids, money, and why retirement math gets uncomfortable fast 7:51 Strategy #1: Working longer (and why part-time can be powerful) 9:41 Purpose, boredom, and the underrated psychology of retirement 10:00 Strategy #2: Home equity as a retirement resource 11:12 Downsizing, renting, HELOCs, and reverse mortgage trade-offs 13:05 Strategy #3: Spending less—before and during retirement 14:29 Reverse mortgage costs, limits, and real-world implications 17:01 Social Security timing and when immediate annuities actually help 18:40 Inflation risk, fixed income streams, and practical trade-offs 19:02 Listener Q: AVGE vs DFAW and understanding underlying holdings 21:48 Listener Q: Aggressive Roth portfolios intended for heirs 25:30 Listener Q: Washington 529 plans and GET vs traditional 529s 27:32 Listener Q: Quantum computing (short answer: no) 28:59 Sector investing, AI hype, and why diversification wins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 12

A holiday-flavored Friday Q&A that covers a lot of ground without selling a single candy cane. Don answers listener questions on Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage (and the IRMAA buzzsaw), how to safely reposition an elderly parent’s taxable account, whether to ditch target-date funds for a DIY equity portfolio, how to think about international small-cap ETFs, why teaching kids to pick stocks is a terrible idea, and what to expect when a “free portfolio review” comes from a company whose name literally includes the word annuity . Skeptical, practical, and very on-brand. 0:17 Corny holiday Q&A musical intro and setup 0:33 Friday Q&A format, how questions get on the show, and holiday vibe 2:00 Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage, IRMAA penalties, and why private insurers are exhausting 3:37 Why capital gains can make Medicare shockingly expensive 4:15 The profit motive problem with Medicare Advantage plans 4:37 Question transition and listener call-in reminder 5:43 Managing an 82-year-old’s taxable account: safety vs. yield 6:18 Why bond funds like BND diversify interest-rate risk better than savings accounts 7:15 CD ladders: how they work and why discipline matters 7:39 Treasury funds vs. total bond funds for capital preservation 7:47 Closing thoughts on preservation-focused portfolios 8:52 Target-date funds vs. DIY 401(k) portfolios 9:20 Glide paths, rebalancing, and what target-date funds do well 10:35 100% equity risk, volatility, and why down markets help accumulators 10:53 Choosing between AVDV and AVES (international small value vs. emerging markets) 11:47 Why the correct answer is often “both” 12:33 Teaching high school students about investing 13:52 Why stock-picking education reinforces a dangerous myth 14:28 Luck vs. skill and the evidence against beating the market 15:39 Index funds, market efficiency, and investor behavior 16:49 Morningstar vs. other research tools 17:18 Empower’s “free portfolio review” and what might be coming next 18:06 Portfolio concentration concerns and tech exposure 19:33 Humor break and annuity skepticism 20:55 What Empower actually is and what that implies 21:16 Empower as an RIA and how to treat their recommendations 21:52 Getting a second opinion from a fee-only advisor 22:58 Thanks, holiday wrap-up, and call for more questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11

Today’s show turns a national mood ring into a money lesson. Don and Tom walk through a new Wall Street Journal/NORC survey that sorts Americans into four emotional quadrants—comfortable optimists, comfortable pessimists, stressed optimists, and stressed pessimists. Tom takes the quiz live, landing squarely where most Americans do: personally comfortable, broadly pessimistic. The two unpack why sentiment is so gloomy despite solid personal finances, how risk tolerance shifts with market cycles, and why feelings often overpower facts. Listener questions follow on retirement diversification, how much risk one really needs if Social Security covers the bills, whether younger investors should ever be 100% in stocks, and the practical challenges of automatic withdrawals from ETF-based portfolios. 0:04 Don’s intro and NPR-style location banter 1:08 Why the episode is about how we feel about money 1:40 Explaining the four sentiment quadrants in the WSJ/NORC poll 3:12 Tom begins the quiz: current financial satisfaction 4:23 Confidence levels across jobs, savings, and expenses 6:04 Vacations, stock market reactions, and financial worry 8:10 Comparing today’s challenges to parents’ generation 9:18 Buying a home, marriage, caregiving 10:07 Rating the strength of the U.S. economy 10:46 Optimism about the future and “the American dream” 11:26 Expectations for the next year and future generations 13:06 Results: Tom is a “comfortable pessimist” 14:44 Why pessimism dominates the national mood 15:16 What individuals can—and can’t—control about tomorrow 16:29 Listener question: retiring at 63 with mixed assets and too much cash 19:14 How risk tolerance should drive allocation, not income sources 20:35 Fixing the portfolio’s biggest issue: excess high-yield savings 21:54 Listener question: should a 47-year-old investor be 100% stocks? 23:11 Why very few people can stomach a 50% decline 23:59 The case for diversification even when accumulating 24:44 Listener question: automatic ETF withdrawals in retirement 26:15 Annual or semiannual rebalancing as a solution 27:28 ETFs vs. mutual funds: cost vs. convenience 29:13 Year-end cleanup and planning habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10

Don and Tom take a sharp look at Vanguard’s surprising new direction, especially the decision to fold annuities into 401(k) target-date funds through lightly regulated collective trusts. They contrast Vanguard’s historical simplicity with today’s trend toward complexity, comparing costs, structure, and risk across major providers. Listeners call in with questions about Roth conversions, Schwab target-date funds, entering the market after a forced delay, and whether TIPS or buffered ETFs are worth owning. Throughout, Don and Tom hammer home the fundamentals: low costs matter, complexity harms investors, active management rarely pays, and your stock/bond mix—not gimmicks—drives long-term success. 0:04 Opening and setup: Vanguard’s recent drift toward complex products 1:03 Vanguard’s dominance in target-date funds and why simplicity used to be the point 1:58 Vanguard adding annuities into 401(k) target-date funds — is this helping anyone? 3:11 What does an annuity inside a target-date fund even mean ? 4:03 The 25% annuity allocation example and the misleading “8% payout” illusion 5:03 TIAA’s role and why annuity costs remain unclear 6:28 Are annuities inside retirement plans a solution in search of a problem? 7:38 The fine print: Vanguard’s new collective trusts and weak disclosure requirements 8:20 Why collective investment trusts are lightly regulated and potentially concerning 9:07 Caller: Roth conversions when you’re withdrawing to live on — should you stop? 11:32 When Roth conversions lose their benefit and why you need cash for taxes 12:21 Caller: Are Schwab target-date funds worth it in a Roth? (Short answer: No.) 13:31 Why Schwab’s higher fees and low international allocation are a problem 14:52 Active management inside target-date funds — unnecessary and risky 16:12 Risk vs. return: Schwab’s higher volatility and lower historical performance 16:41 Caller: Missed market gains while transferring funds — how to get back in 18:49 When market discomfort signals a stock/bond misalignment 20:16 Comparing Schwab vs. Vanguard target-date funds over 15 years 21:37 Why lower cost + lower volatility + better return makes Vanguard the clear win 22:02 Should you fear future gimmicks like private credit inside target-date funds? 23:29 Caller PSA: Realizing capital gains in a low-income year 24:06 ETF explosion — 908 new ETFs this year, most using leverage or derivatives 25:29 Why “ETF” doesn’t mean good; junk ETFs equal junk mutual funds 26:05 Structural benefits of ETFs and why the market prefers them 27:29 Soccer vs. NFL detour, then back to phone calls 29:07 Listener question from Colorado: Should you buy a TIPS fund? 31:01 Why TIPS rarely add value in diversified portfolios 33:22 TIPS behave more like inflation bets than true inflation protection 34:34 Why simple, short/intermediate, high-quality bonds—and CDs—often do the job 36:17 Caller: What is a buffered ETF, and why does it sound like an annuity? 37:29 Buffered ETFs explained: expensive, complicated, and unnecessary 38:30 Why gimmicks dominate product launches and how they hurt investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9

In this special seasonal episode, you and Tom resurrect Ha or Duh , tearing through Investopedia readers’ “rules to live by” and dismantling the silliest ones with mock gravitas. Between the dad-joke arms race, a spirited defense of compounding, strong opinions on due diligence, and a surprising detour into crypto-mad zip codes, the show blends real financial guidance with holiday-season chaos. The episode also hits deeper listener questions on rebalancing, Roth vs. pre-tax strategy in high brackets, and the danger of thinking blue chips alone equal diversification. 0:04 Seasonal return of Ha or Duh and setup of Investopedia’s “investing rules” 1:32 Rule 1: Never sell because of emotions — duh 2:44 Rule 2: “Only invest in what you know” — emphatic huh 3:35 Rule 3: Good investment in a bad market — phrasing unclear, lean duh 4:26 Rule 4: Never underestimate compounding — mega-duh 5:35 Rule 5: Cash and patience as “positions” — hard huh 6:25 Segment break into calls 7:49 Back to Ha or Duh lightning round 8:33 Buy low, sell high — duh (with caveats) 9:58 “Losses are tuition you won’t get at uni” — pass 10:21 Hold for the long term — duh 11:09 Marathon, not sprint — duh 11:39 Is education the best investment? Nuanced disagreement 12:45 “Always do your own due diligence” — modified duh (about advisors, not stocks) 15:22 FOMO avoidance — duh 16:27 Final rule: Start now — biggest duh of all 17:41 Wrap-up and transition back to regular Q&A 18:06 Listener question: Finding the “sociopath son” episode 19:28 Setup for Friday’s Q&A episode 20:18 Don’s town turns into “free Disney World” during holidays 21:51 Disney hotel pricing shock and personal stories 23:42 Don’s new original Christmas story: Santaverse 24:01 Story podcasts spike; Short Storyverses mention 25:28 Listener from Bothell: 90% blue chips, 10% cash — how to rebalance? 26:39 Why blue chips aren’t diversified and the S&P concentration problem 28:52 Listener in high bracket asks when Roth beats pre-tax 30:26 SECURE Act 2.0 catch-up rules; Roth vs. pre-tax philosophy 32:10 Monte Carlo vs. unknowable future tax rates 33:26 Why all-Roth 401(k)s would simplify life 34:28 Advice: Likely stay pre-tax in 24% bracket 35:50 Shocking stats: Seattle among highest crypto-owning zip codes 37:24 Air Force bases dominate crypto ownership — why it’s dangerous Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 8

In this episode, Don and Tom saddle up for a tour through Schwab’s “Good, Bad, and Ugly.” They applaud CEO Rick Wurster’s warning about the growing overlap between gambling and investing, take a hard look at Schwab’s retail-side conflicts and non-fiduciary sales practices, and then recoil at the truly ugly: Schwab’s acquisition of Forge Global and its push to open private-company speculation to everyday investors. From there, they field listener questions about crypto’s pointless search for a purpose, how to implement a disciplined 5 percent retirement withdrawal strategy, the ins and outs of tax-free Vanguard mutual-fund-to-ETF conversions, and whether a younger spouse should convert a large TSP balance to Roth. It’s classic Talking Real Money: skeptical, practical, consumer-first, and mildly exhausted by the Wild West of modern finance. 0:04 Investing as the Wild West and why caveat emptor still defines the industry 0:24 Schwab’s role as custodian vs. broker and how they reshaped trading costs 1:14 Schwab’s discount-broker origins and institutional dominance 2:37 Free trades, market influence, and why Schwab became the industry’s leader 3:52 CEO Rick Wurster’s warning about gambling creeping into investing 4:43 Sports betting numbers, prop bets, and why only 5 percent come out ahead 5:54 The “bad”: Schwab retail selling and the fiduciary confusion 6:40 The “ugly”: Schwab buying Forge Global and pushing private-company speculation 7:23 Why private equity is riskier, pricier, illiquid, and over-hyped 8:17 The myth of private companies outperforming public ones 9:22 Why the Wild West persists: weak oversight, self-dealing, and revolving doors 10:48 Listener question: stablecoins, crypto legitimation, and the greater-fool problem 13:00 Currency concerns and why crypto still solves nothing 13:50 5 percent withdrawal strategy: when and how to draw from your portfolio 15:28 Rebalancing, total return withdrawals, and annual cash-flow discipline 16:47 Why withdrawals should follow rebalancing, not lead it 17:56 Vanguard mutual-fund-to-ETF conversions: how they work and why they’re useful 20:10 Expense-ratio savings vs. capital-gains distributions 20:55 TSP-to-Roth conversion question: tax-rate timing matters 22:44 Only convert if you can pay taxes from outside savings 23:08 Reminder: free adviser meetings, no sales pressure 24:10 TRM’s longevity and approaching episode 2,000 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 5

This Friday Q&A episode tackles a wide range of listener questions: whether someone with full pension income still needs bonds, how to fix a cluttered 403(b) invested through Corebridge, what to make of Bill Bengen’s new comments about higher withdrawal rates, how inherited IRAs are taxed over the 10-year rule, and a quick explanation of the difference between “securities” and “equities.” Along the way, Don delivers a vintage KOA radio tag, explains why simplicity beats complexity in retirement plans, and walks through why 8% withdrawal fantasies collapse under real-world math. 0:04 Friday Q&A intro and listener call-ins 1:19 Do you need bonds when pensions cover all expenses? 3:01 Why fixed income still matters (and how to gauge risk tolerance) 4:33 Listener request: Don recreates a KOA radio tagline 7:29 A messy CoreBridge 403(b): what funds to keep and how simple it can be 11:37 Target-date vs. multi-fund portfolios and a small value tilt option 12:05 Bill Bengen’s new withdrawal rate comments — does 8% make any sense? 14:07 Why high withdrawal rates implode in historical simulations 16:02 Inherited IRA: what’s actually taxed and how to plan distributions 18:35 The bracket danger of big lump-sum withdrawals 19:31 Final question: difference between a security and an equity 21:15 Why music licensing on podcasts is a nightmare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4

This episode digs into the unwelcome December surprise of capital-gains distributions, especially from actively managed mutual funds. Don and Tom break down Morningstar’s latest list of high-distribution offenders, spotlighting the astonishing 83% capital-gains payout from the Royce Midcap Total Return Fund. They compare the tax drag, costs, turnover, and long-term underperformance of these funds against index funds and ETFs, and explain why tax-efficient investing matters far more than most people realize. Listener questions cover overly complex portfolios, Edward Jones stock positions, odd-lot tender offers, and whether large-cap blue-chip stocks remove the need for bonds. The episode closes with a reminder that detailed portfolio triage is best handled in one-on-one meetings. 0:04 Capital-gains season returns and why high fund returns can still hurt 0:29 Don & Tom on weather, wardrobe, and warming up in Florida 1:30 December capital-gains distributions and why they happen 2:07 Morningstar’s warning: active funds with big capital-gains payouts 3:06 Vanguard, T. Rowe Price, and American Funds distribution levels 4:09 The biggest offender: Royce Midcap Total Return Fund 5:41 Why 35 funds will distribute more than 10% of assets 5:52 The stunning number: Royce’s 83% capital-gains distribution 6:52 Why big outflows and poor performance drive big taxable events 7:21 Royce’s turnover, tiny size, high costs, and weak long-term returns 8:47 Why it’s critical to hold active funds only in tax-advantaged accounts 10:07 ETFs vs mutual funds: tax efficiency and turnover differences 11:42 Comparing Royce to Avantis AVGE on fees, turnover, and performance 12:16 How AVGE tracks its index vs Royce’s massive underperformance 13:33 When selling an active fund before a distribution may or may not help 14:05 Listener question: overly detailed allocation request — why it needs a meeting 16:29 Why some questions require one-on-one analysis 18:20 Why Appella’s free meetings exist (and what they’re not) 20:35 Odd-lot tender offers explained 22:14 Listener: selling Edward Jones stock holdings and leaving EJ 23:42 Why small, young investors should clean up taxable accounts early 24:24 The long decline of commission-based brokerage 25:26 Bothell check-in: blue-chip stocks vs bonds 27:18 Historical returns: 98 years of total market vs small-cap value 28:49 Why bonds exist in a portfolio despite low recent returns 29:30 Closing thoughts on discipline, diversification, and realism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3

A fast, funny Thanksgiving-weekend show where you and Tom unpack why a tiny handful of stocks drive the S&P’s returns, revisit forgotten winners like Hormel and McDonald’s, explain why “you can’t pick them in advance,” and tie it all back to building global, diversified portfolios. Listener calls cover early-retirement withdrawals with 72(t), whether AVGV should replace AVGE, a Thanksgiving relative obsessed with dividends, and a listener being pitched a 1.24% Fidelity “wealth management” upsell. 0:06 Thanksgiving haze, Manhattans, overeating, and setting up the show 2:24 Magnificent 7 vs S&P 493 and how concentrated returns distort hindsight 4:49 1985’s shock winners: Hormel, Lowe’s (the other one), Franklin Resources 7:41 The 1980–1990 decade: Hormel and McDonald’s huge runs and why none were predictable 8:10 Why you need small, value, and international beyond the S&P 500 10:58 Caller: retiring at 56, 72(t) rules, penalties, and whether IRA vs 401(k) location matters 14:28 Correction: SEPP applies only to the chosen account, not all pre-tax assets 16:36 Travel while you can: knees, age, lie-flat flights, and holiday banter 20:21 Caller: AVGE vs AVGV, value tilts, the overlap, and whether it’s worth the swap 22:49 Why AVGV exists (and why advisors may not need it) 27:35 Thanksgiving email: dividend-obsessed relative critiques VXUS payouts 29:53 What dividends really mean—and don’t—and why payout “stability” is useless 35:49 Voicemail: Fidelity wants 1.24% to “manage” half a 401(k); is it worth it? (No.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 2

Tom and Don spend this post-Thanksgiving episode dismantling the illusion that big insurance companies—Northwestern Mutual in particular—are “financial advisors” rather than high-pressure sales organizations built on whole-life commissions. Don recounts his own early days as a Dean Witter cold-call cowboy, and the two walk listeners through a damning Guardian investigation revealing recruitment practices, high-pressure quotas, and the wealth-destroying math behind whole life. The phones open to calls about Cambridge’s nearly 3% wrap fees, sociopathic insurance sales relatives, term-insurance needs for young families, Roth vs. pre-tax decisions, and how to find a real fiduciary advisor. The theme is consistent: avoid sales machines masquerading as advice, and keep investors from being devoured by the industry’s worst incentives. 0:04 Tech glitches, Thanksgiving jokes, and Tom’s three-week vacation cadence 1:45 Why this is “not the best-of”—it may be the worst-of 2:26 Don’s Dean Witter cold-call origin story and the culture of selling, not advising 3:35 Northwestern Mutual’s rebrand and the Guardian investigation 4:08 False promises: “You’ll make $200K in three years” 5:12 The cold-calling boot camp and why only one trainee survived (Don) 6:46 Inside the student recruitment pipeline and the friends-and-family harvesting 8:11 Whole life math: the S&P at +3700% vs. Northwestern at +44% 10:50 Why whole life persists: commissions 12:41 Wrap-up of the Guardian findings and the industry’s structural sleight-of-hand 16:23 CALL: Cambridge Wealth “index” portfolio with hidden fees 23:14 The reveal: Cambridge’s small-account wrap fees approach 3% per year 25:54 CALL: Son-in-law selling insurance, knows it’s a ripoff, loves the money 28:55 Thanksgiving family drama and the “sociopath vs. psychopath” riff 29:59 CALL: How much term life insurance should a high-income parent carry? 32:52 CALL (same): Splitting Roth vs. pre-tax contributions when income is high 34:28 CALL: How to find a true fiduciary (and avoid annuity traps) 37:59 The advisor interview form and how to make salespeople disqualify themselves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 28

A light Black Friday edition tackles four listener questions covering Vanguard’s Digital Advisor, the timing of Social Security versus IRA withdrawals, whether to swap target-date funds for a VT/BND mix, and the wisdom (or lack thereof) of adding managed-futures ETFs. The show ends with a look at whether international bonds meaningfully improve diversification (answer: barely). The through-line? Keep investing simple, avoid expensive complexity, and stick with risk-appropriate, broadly diversified portfolios—holiday weekend or not. 0:09 Don debates doing a Black Friday episode but decides to keep listeners company 1:58 How to submit questions on the website and call on Saturdays 2:16 Q1: Is Vanguard’s Digital Advisor worth using? 2:56 Pros and cons: low cost, limited choices, avoid the active-fund version 4:29 Transition to Q2 4:55 Q2: Should a spouse take Social Security at 62 or delay and live off an IRA? 5:50 Pension changes the math—delay for the 8%/yr benefit 7:13 Target-date vs. VT/BND performance and Roth allocation logic 8:32 Risk tolerance matters more than account type 9:09 Actual performance: 2035 fund vs. VT/BND nearly identical 9:42 Q3: Adding managed-futures ETFs as a diversifier 10:23 Why Don strongly opposes adding complexity and high-expense hedges 11:36 Expense ratios make them non-starters 11:56 Q4: Should investors add international bonds? 12:46 Tiny diversification benefit; generally not worth it for DIY investors 14:38 Correlation improvement maxes out around one-tenth of one percent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 26

Don and Tom run through a Wall Street Journal list of “subtle signs it might be time to retire,” reacting to each one with their usual mix of disbelief, personal anecdotes, and gentle ribbing. The episode wanders into tech reluctance, job promotions nobody wants, Sunday dread, obsessive 401(k) checking, volunteering guilt, missing peers, feeling left out of friends’ retirements, boss-related misery, and aging knees. They also answer listener questions about Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and their high cash allocations, discuss the shrinking role of physical cash, explain the real value of pre-1964 silver quarters, and handle calls on Social Security math. Tom repeatedly tracks his daughter’s high-school soccer match on-air, providing live updates as the drama unfolds. 1:06 WSJ list of “subtle signs it’s time to retire” begins 1:40 Sign #1: Feeling numb arriving at work 2:11 Why neither host relates to workplace numbness 2:59 Sign #2: Shrinking from new tech tools (Tom jokes incoming) 3:40 Don embraces AI, Tom… less so 4:21 Sign #3: Avoiding promotions; why neither wants a bigger job 5:16 Sign #4: The “Sunday scaries” 5:50 Sign #5: Constantly checking your 401(k) balance 6:26 Mid-list recap before the break 7:42 Second half of the list introduced 8:57 Sign #6: Wanting to volunteer more 9:40 Sign #7: Realizing all your peers have retired 10:11 Don jokes about dying at his desk 11:34 Sign #8: Feeling left out as friends enjoy retirement trips 12:40 Sign #9: Hating your boss (and why that’s not a retirement issue) 12:56 Sign #10: Achy knees and “retire before you can’t enjoy things” 13:35 Doctors, guarantees, and aging joints 14:43 Call for listener questions 15:04 Call: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios’ big cash allocations 16:28 How Schwab makes money on the spread 18:20 Transparency vs. hidden fees 20:20 Back from break — Wednesday podcast explanation 21:31 Don hates change (the coin kind and the life kind) 22:30 Historical buying power of coins 22:56 Pre-1964 silver quarter value 24:15 Odds of finding one in circulation 25:10 What amount of money makes you bend over and pick it up? 25:47 Cleaning out the garage vs. hunting silver coins 27:36 Halftime soccer update: the comeback begins 29:02 Caller: misunderstanding “8% interest” from Social Security discussion 30:26 Caller Paul on cash vs. cashless society 31:51 Coca-Cola prices through time 32:57 Only 12–18% of payments today are cash 34:02 Holiday well-wishes and generational shifts 35:34 Bewitched, credit checks, and pre-internet detective work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 25

This episode opens with a warning to younger investors who take TikTok advice over historical perspective, especially around claiming Social Security early. Don and Tom walk through the guaranteed 8%+inflation benefit increase from delaying, why “take it at 62 and invest it” collapses under market reality, and how fear is driving a surge in early claims. They pivot to Bitcoin’s sharp drop and why crypto speculation is driven by greed, not protection, before teasing Don’s upcoming crypto short story. Listener questions cover bad long-term-care/annuity hybrids, overcomplicated “bucket” strategies, responsible portfolio risk, and finally a breakdown of two expensive high-volatility mutual funds—both easily beaten by low-cost index alternatives. 0:04 Message to younger investors about lacking market perspective 1:19 Why TikTok advice on claiming Social Security early is flawed 2:17 The real 8%+inflation annual increase from delaying benefits 2:27 The “take it at 62 and invest it” myth 3:47 Tom recounts Paul Merriman calling his allocation aggressive 4:49 Rising panic-driven Social Security filings 5:21 Don’s 69 vs. 70 claiming decision 6:11 Survivor benefit logic many forget 7:42 Imagining a sudden 30% crash—except it’s Bitcoin 8:29 Bitcoin’s drop from 124K to mid-80s, plus MicroStrategy leverage 9:58 Crypto culture, crypto research, and Don’s upcoming story 10:58 Crypto as a greed play, not protection 12:37 Emotions sabotage investing; the plan removes them 13:51 Why risk needs to match the plan, not ego 15:24 Crypto story teaser + Short Storyverses email plug 16:31 Listener question: NY Life Asset Flex LTC pitch 17:49 Why hybrid LTC/annuity products are weak and commission-heavy 19:47 “Bucket” confusion and the need for purpose 21:30 Caller Eugene: $250K “play money” 23:43 Reality check: could you watch $250K drop to $125K? 24:06 Why timing dips doesn’t work 25:20 Better uses for excess cash in your 70s 27:08 Tom: time for full planning review at age 77 28:38 Fund analysis: Morgan Stanley Growth A 29:25 Fund analysis: Invesco Equity & Income A 30:30 Why moving to low-cost Vanguard indexes is the logical move Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 24

Don and Tom go deep on a shady “non-profit” financial education group that funnels retirees into high-commission indexed annuities, using a listener tip to unpack the advisor’s fake credentials, mismatched ADV filings, dubious fiduciary claims, and the simple math that reveals where the money really comes from. Along the way, they cover how to investigate advisors yourself, why financial fairy tales persist, and answer listener questions on Avantis gold holdings, private equity’s impact on small-cap value, and the quality of Schwab’s 529 plan. 0:04 Don’s industry rant and a look at the “American Financial Education Alliance” disguise. 1:01 How pseudo-nonprofits target advisors and consumers with “no-sales” sales pitches. 2:20 Tom’s take on the recycled seminar game and fake educator designations. 3:40 Listener tip sparks Don’s PI dive into the flyer, claims, and contradictions. 4:49 How to vet advisors using BrokerCheck and Form ADV. 5:58 The firm’s tiny AUM and impossible economics of their claimed operations. 8:02 The Maryland house vs. the Lakewood Ranch mansion — where the money REALLY comes from. 9:25 The inevitable reveal: indexed annuity commissions driving the whole machine. 10:18 Breaking down the seminar pitch language and the deceptive “market returns without risk” promise. 11:24 Why the sales story collapses under math and dividends. 12:34 The “licensed fiduciary” myth and regulatory reality for small firms. 14:38 How consumers get fooled by the fiduciary framing in seminar mailers. 16:13 Don and Tom dissect the pre-fab radio/TV show factories behind these advisors. 17:19 Why the meeting is the real sales trap — and how to avoid it. 18:48 Don’s plea: stop believing financial fairy tales. 19:26 Don jokes about infiltrating steak-dinner seminars undercover. 20:14 Transition to listener Q&A from Maryland: AVDV’s gold exposure. 21:26 Why Avantis owns gold miners without being “in gold.” 23:47 Momentum, value screens, and why the gold weight makes sense. 24:26 Gold Hill, Oregon 529 question: Is the Schwab plan good? 25:30 Age-based 529s and Schwab’s low-cost structure. 27:28 Private equity fears: will it starve small-cap value indexes? 28:41 Why the concern is mostly a media creation, not an investment reality. 29:48 Don on the IPO–private–IPO cycle and how markets actually work. 30:11 Why private equity performs worse in bad markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 21

A lively Friday Q&A episode tackling listener questions about FSAs vs. 401(k) contributions, BND vs. BKAG bond funds, intermediate-term bonds vs. CD ladders, Avantis fund-of-funds fees and structure, and the financial implications of New York City’s newly elected socialist mayor. The show blends practical investing guidance with jokes about annuity-salesperson Halloween costumes and a detour into political fears vs. economic realities. 0:04 Opening, Friday Q&A setup, thanks to Tom’s grandkids 0:44 Listener FSA dilemma and choosing between FSA funding or 401k 3:01 Why FSAs are painful and why a 401k wins when choosing one or the other 5:57 Comparing BND and BKAG bond funds, holdings, universe, credit quality 9:01 Listener joke: “scariest Halloween costume is an annuity salesperson” 9:55 Moving CD-ladder money to VGIT or BIV; differences and trade-offs 12:22 Thoughts on iShares LifePath target-date ETF (ITDC) 12:33 Why Avantis fund-of-funds exist and whether you pay double fees 15:36 Underlying fund costs inside AVGE and how the total expense ratio works 16:21 Question about NYC’s new socialist mayor and financial impact fears 17:54 Walking through political fears vs. practical economic reality 21:55 Why one politician can’t radically reshape a city’s economic fate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 20

You and Tom spend this episode unpacking a surprisingly liberating idea for investors: that average is good enough . Kicking off with your own story about a two-star podcast rating, you two stumble into a bigger truth—most people are chasing a level of portfolio perfection that doesn’t matter. Christine Benz’s Morningstar piece becomes the backbone of the discussion, contrasting “maximizers” (engineers, tinkerers, over-optimizers) with “satisfizers” (simple, diversified, sane). From there you hit Tesla’s trillion-dollar pay package drama, Bito’s goofy “dividends,” SGOV vs. CD ladders, fears about private equity sneaking into retirement plans, and a few classic Don-and-Tom tangents. The message: stop overthinking, build a sensible portfolio, and go live your life. 0:04 Don’s two-star review existential crisis and the epiphany about doing things for joy 1:16 Why being “average” in investing (and life) is perfectly fine 1:45 Elon Musk compensation debate and ETF shareholders not getting a vote 3:12 Don’s “brilliant raving lunatic” take on Elon and Tesla’s dominance 4:38 The kings of tangentiality finally introduce the show 5:55 Christine Benz and the “Good Enough Portfolio” philosophy 6:36 Maximizers vs. satisfizers explained (plus Bogle bobbleheads) 8:53 Why over-optimization rarely improves results 9:56 Happiness and second-guessing: satisfizers win 11:22 Time costs, tax worries, and the illusion of finding a perfect portfolio 12:33 Two-fund vs. ten-fund portfolios and why simplicity works 13:55 Working harder doesn’t usually make you richer—your job does 14:25 Listener letter: long-time fan from Silverdale reminisces about 1988 15:26 Tom recalls being put on the air after several glasses of wine 16:03 Acorns user asks about BITO’s wild “dividends” 18:10 Why BITO’s payouts are actually return of capital and cannibalization 19:58 BITO’s volatility roller-coaster (standard deviation 53) 20:12 SGOV vs. CD ladders for short-term retirement cash 22:07 Why emergency funds shouldn’t sit in a Roth IRA 22:58 Listener concerned about private equity creeping into 401(k)s 23:52 PE risks, political pressure, and greater-fool concerns 25:27 Don thanks listener “AlwaysLearning1953” for the positive review 26:49 Murder of Crows, sound effects, and the power of scary crows 27:36 New Tales Told update—more stories on the way 28:38 Saturday live show reminder and flyover banter 28:58 Don’s Kansas/Leavenworth childhood story detour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 19

Don and Tom open with the investor mistakes Christine Benz highlighted in Morningstar: portfolio sprawl, concentration in the same large-cap tech names, clinging to ancient active funds, ignoring reallocations, and failing at both asset allocation and asset location. The show then shifts into calls—first about fears of an “AI crash,” then a heartbreaking case of an 80-year-old widow stuck in an expensive, incoherent Schwab-built portfolio, which Don dismantles live. Later, Roth conversion strategy, smishing scams, and a closing riff on Bitcoin’s extreme volatility versus gold. A packed episode on how bad habits, high fees, and fear derail investors—and how a simple, globally diversified plan avoids most of it. 0:04 Intro and Christine Benz’s list of common portfolio mistakes 0:56 Portfolio sprawl and “hodgepodge-itis” 1:32 Overloaded baskets of large-cap tech stocks 2:52 The 31-year-old underperforming fund problem 3:54 Active vs. passive: the shift the industry still hasn’t admitted 4:03 Asset allocation errors driven by ignoring the plan 4:51 Why rebalancing matters (and why people never do it) 5:40 Asset location mistakes and why taxes demand a smarter structure 6:15 Why these errors are easy to fix with a simple plan 7:58 Don solo; open phones 8:23 Caller: Fear of an “AI crash” and whether it can tank the market 11:16 Building a portfolio that can withstand any crash 13:01 International ballast and why planning matters more than predictions 14:27 Don solo again; open phones 15:17 Smishing scams and the rise of SMS-based fraud 16:13 How cheap scam-software makes fraud explode 17:08 Caller: 80-year-old widow with an awful Schwab portfolio 18:27 Don investigates the tickers—high fees, obscure funds, bad structure 19:57 Schwab dropped her; Don: “This advisor should be fired” 21:07 Why the portfolio lost money and what those numbers really mean 22:26 Active funds, high turnover, and tax drag 24:01 Don’s verdict: unload the mess and move to simple, low-cost indexing 25:01 Why a target-date fund may be the cleanest fix 26:33 Take the risk quiz; why advisors should be boring 27:00 Don vents about industry incompetence and fee-only failures 28:23 Why advisors chase “exciting” instead of sound 30:02 Caller: Roth conversion when 70% of assets are in traditional IRAs 31:25 Why conversion benefits are minor but sometimes worthwhile 32:33 Strategy: convert up to top of the 24% bracket 33:19 Wrap-up and call for last questions 34:56 Gold vs. Bitcoin: which is actually stable? 36:09 Why Bitcoin’s volatility makes it a terrible “currency” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18

You and Tom take on the myth of hard-and-fast financial rules by walking through Real Simple’s list of nine “rules you can break.” From the latte factor to credit cards, budgeting, bulk shopping, and the old “retire at 65” trope, the conversation keeps coming back to a single theme: money isn’t black and white. You push back against absolutists like Dave Ramsey, emphasize discipline over dogma, and highlight the practical realities of saving behavior, debt, lifestyle choices, and risk. Listener calls round it out — including a thoughtful inheritance question and a late-career investor worried about having “run out of time,” which you defuse with smart, flexible solutions. 0:04 Absolutism vs. nuance in personal finance 1:24 Dave Ramsey’s black-and-white rules 1:57 The latte rule and small vs. big expenses 3:36 Pay-yourself-first as the only rule that really works 4:57 Are credit cards bad? Protection, perks, and pitfalls 6:26 Truth lives between extremes 7:45 “Breakable” money rules from Real Simple 8:39 The myth of retiring at 65 9:59 Why more people work past traditional retirement age 11:00 Don’s TV story and accidental age-compliment 12:59 Is bulk shopping really a money saver? 13:55 Why strict budgets fail 15:04 Tom’s failing FaceTime and tech-phobia 16:02 Caller: leaving money to grandkids who vanished 19:43 Family lawsuits when inheritances differ 20:23 Caller: asset location and bond placement 24:55 Should you draw from 401(k) or IRA first? 28:43 Caller: “Am I out of time to retire?” 33:00 Solving retirement shortfall with portfolio structure 36:16 Don runs the numbers — immediate annuity option Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17

A listener’s nightmare 401(k) story sparks a deep dive into how small employers can delay, misuse, or even lose employee retirement contributions before they ever reach the plan custodian. Don and Tom explain the Department of Labor’s weak enforcement, why small plans are most vulnerable, and what workers must do to protect themselves. Then the show tackles backdoor Roth timing rules, Social Security “worst-case” planning, the appeal (or lack of) of mid-cap ETFs, and how to unwind a hodgepodge portfolio without triggering massive tax bills. :04 When employers steal 401(k) contributions before depositing them 1:42 The WSJ case: three-year hunt for missing contributions 3:02 Why small employers are the highest-risk group 5:02 DOL enforcement loopholes and the “administratively feasible” dodge 7:04 What to do if your contributions never show up 8:09 Fidelity bonds, audits, and how recovery really works 9:39 Big-company plans vs. small plans 10:36 Inside the Amazon layoff notice fiasco 11:54 Listener question: timing a backdoor Roth in 2026 for the 2025 tax year 13:40 The Form 8606 trap and pro-rata consequences 15:03 Listener question: Should you assume Social Security cuts in your plan? 16:41 Why benefits probably won’t be cut—even though the system needs fixing 18:04 Listener question: Should anyone buy a mid-cap ETF? 18:46 Why good portfolios already own plenty of mid-caps 19:36 Listener question: Fixing 20 years of hodgepodge-itis at age 72 21:22 Taxes, capital gains, and the slow cleanup strategy 23:52 Why Wellington and Wellesley don’t fit a modern portfolio 25:20 Personal banter: vacations, spending guilt, and sci-fi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 14

Don fields a full slate of listener questions on everything from SGOV vs. high-yield savings accounts to the differences between AVUV and DFSV, why international stocks belong in a portfolio (but shouldn’t dominate it), and whether equal-weighted funds solve the “Magnificent 7” concentration problem. He digs into target-date and bond-fund suitability for short-term money, clarifies what “rules-based” really means for Avantis and Dimensional, and gently deflates misconceptions about long-term international outperformance. Along the way he riffs on talk radio’s decline, teases Tom’s dad jokes, and reinforces the core message: diversify, know your time horizons, and don’t overthink what good academic research already tells us. 0:04 Don opens Q&A Friday and reflects on radio’s slow fade 2:20 SGOV vs. high-yield savings accounts for emergency cash 5:13 Why AVUV and DFSV only overlap ~40% despite similar factors 8:43 Which fund is “wilder”: AVUV vs. DFA small value 9:54 Why international stocks belong in a portfolio—but not overweighted 11:41 Long-term U.S. vs. international return history 14:51 S&P 500 concentration and equal-weight ETF considerations 18:44 Equal-weight vs. small-value tilt vs. rules-based funds 20:07 Where to put 2–3 year money: savings, CDs, BND, or a near-dated target-date fund? 23:13 Better language than “active”: rules-based vs. systematic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 13

Don and Tom question a surprising Wall Street Journal column arguing that annuities should become the default option in 401(k) plans. They explore why the idea is gaining traction, where the logic breaks down, and how the insurance industry benefits when complexity outpaces understanding. Along the way, they dig into the real shortcomings of annuities—fees, opacity, inflation risk, liquidity traps—and why “guarantees” often mask the true cost. Listener questions follow, covering tax-efficient stock cleanup at Schwab, spouse disagreements over individual stock picking, automatic ETF withdrawals at Vanguard, and building Dimensional portfolios inside Aspire plans. 0:04 Don’s rant: “What the world needs now is… more annuities?” 1:20 WSJ’s argument: make annuities the 401(k) default 2:05 Why income complexity doesn’t justify default annuities 3:01 Do annuities actually solve longevity risk? 3:29 Inflation, joint-life costs, and who really wins 4:20 Insurance industry reputation and the unanswered criticisms 5:15 High fees, opacity, and why mistrust is earned 5:59 Are annuity sales tactics the real barrier? 7:02 Should annuities be in 401(k)s at all? Don vs. Tom 7:36 Why annuities are mostly sold , not bought 9:10 Liquidity traps and major-life-event risks 10:01 Why “plans” matter more than “products” 10:57 Listener questions: why nobody calls anymore 11:14 Q1: Selling a brokerage full of individual stocks at Schwab 12:46 Q1b: How to convince a spouse who loves stock picking 14:21 Indexing vs. anecdotal evidence 16:21 SPIVA data and why active managers lose 17:02 Q2: Can Vanguard automate ETF withdrawals? 19:05 Fractional shares and why purchases are allowed 20:25 Q3: Aspire 403(b) options and DFA overload 23:46 How many DFA funds do you really need? 24:44 Micro-cap risks and portfolio sprawl 25:42 Tom’s pumpkin-patch grandkid cameo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 12

Tom and Don grade Gen Z investors from a recent Wall Street Journal article, discussing their portfolios, common mistakes like stock picking, active management, and crypto speculation. They move into practical retirement and college-planning questions from callers — including Roth vs. taxable accounts, 401(k) catch-up contributions, 529 plans, and college costs pushing $90 K a year. 0:04 Gen Z investing habits and media influence 1:59 Grading five young investors from a WSJ profile 7:43 Financial-flinch reflex and planning plug 12:21 Listener: starting a 401(k) at 59 15:34 Listener: using taxable funds for a Roth contribution 20:24 Listener: Roth 401(k) catch-ups and 529 trade-offs 26:08 College costs and saving priorities 28:43 Listener: opening a 529 for a grandchild 36:12 Listener: portfolio check (AVUV + bond ladder) and AVGE recommendation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11

Don and Tom tackle investor “magical thinking,” especially the belief that private equity, non-traded REITs, and other illiquid “exclusive” investments offer hidden superior returns. They walk through Jason Zweig’s recent reporting on a Florida pension fund that locked up money, paid higher fees, and earned under 1% a year. The conversation underscores why liquidity, transparency, and diversification matter far more than complexity or exclusivity. The episode also features listener questions on retirement withdrawal sequencing for a $9M portfolio, evaluating cash balance plans, and deciding between traditional vs. Roth 401(k) contributions. A recurring theme: boring portfolios win. 0:05 Magical thinking and the fantasy of “special” investments 1:52 Private equity realities: higher fees, no liquidity, often lower returns 2:46 The Indian Shores pension fund case 3:44 Withdrawal limits and 0.7% 5-year returns 4:34 Why endowments can do illiquid assets but you probably shouldn’t 5:21 “Roach motel” investing and lack of transparency 8:35 How mutual funds must provide daily liquidity vs. private funds that don’t 8:49 Excitement is bad; investing should be boring 9:54 Caller: $9M portfolio—withdraw taxable first or convert IRAs? 11:51 Traditional IRAs vs taxable sequencing strategy 14:17 Why taxable first lowers tax impact and preserves flexibility 16:03 Blackstone senior housing REIT losses and why “sure things” fail 17:39 Diversification protects you when single bets go bad 18:06 Why private deals appeal emotionally (exclusivity + status) 20:38 Caller: Tesla & concerns about private equity creeping into ETFs 23:07 Why mainstream ETFs won’t adopt illiquid private assets 24:43 REIT ETFs behave more like stabilizing bond substitutes 26:02 LeaveMeAlone email-unsubscribe tool discovery 28:04 Listener questions: send via site or voice form 30:51 Cash balance plan concerns—likely a stable value/insurance product 33:08 Another listener: Edward Jones 401(k) with American Funds C-shares 34:30 High-fee small-plan 401(k)s—why they happen and how to fix 36:27 Caller: Should we switch to Roth 401(k) contributions? Probably not here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 10

Tom welcomes consumer advocate Herb Weisbaum (ConsumerMan) to talk through the rising headaches of modern travel and everyday scams. Herb shares a recent Delta Airlines ordeal where he was nearly stranded overseas because he didn’t have the exact credit card used to purchase his ticket months earlier — a policy he and others say is poorly disclosed and inconsistently enforced. The conversation expands to robocall loan scams , fake toll violation texts , and AI-boosted fraud that’s becoming harder to spot. Herb offers practical steps on how to avoid getting trapped , plus early holiday shopping advice as tariffs and supply issues push prices up. A lively, useful consumer-protection episode. 0:10 Tom introduces Herb Weisbaum and today’s consumer-focused discussion 1:14 Tom’s Heathrow airline mess and why travelers feel powerless 2:08 Herb’s far worse Delta experience: denied boarding without original credit card 3:44 Calling a neighbor at 3am to photograph the card and save the trip 5:13 Delta’s justification: “We’re protecting you from fraud” 6:20 Why airlines can mistreat travelers and get away with it 7:04 U.S. vs. EU passenger rights and compensation differences 8:32 Text scams: fake unpaid toll notices are surging 9:46 The new wave of “pre-approved loan” robocall scams 10:48 AI makes scam messages grammatically perfect and harder to detect 11:04 Slow down, don’t engage, verify before responding 12:20 Let unknown calls go to voicemail to avoid social pressure 14:07 Holiday shopping preview: tariffs, supply constraints, scarcity in decor and toys 15:55 Black Friday all season long—price tracking and refund requests 16:27 Brief detour into kid gifts, backpacks, and questionable plush monsters 17:21 Checkbook.org and ConsumerMan resources for unbiased help 18:17 Herb’s love of model trains and signing off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 7

This Friday Q&A tackles a familiar voice: Bitcoin Bob tries again to make the case for crypto as protection against currency debasement. Don breaks down what “debasement” actually means, why inflation gradually reduces purchasing power, and why Bitcoin’s extreme volatility makes it a poor replacement for the U.S. dollar. Productive assets remain the historically reliable hedge. Then: a comparison of target-date funds vs. a DIY three-fund portfolio, guidance for a couple aiming for early retirement with multi-account withdrawal planning, a discussion of equity/bond allocation in personal portfolios, and what might happen to the small China exposure inside global funds if geopolitical tensions escalated into war. 0:04 Friday Q&A intro and request for more listener questions 1:33 Bitcoin Bob returns: what “currency debasement” means 4:34 Bitcoin vs. the dollar: volatility and why stability matters 6:59 The real hedge: productive global assets over speculative tokens 8:29 Target-date funds vs. a three-fund portfolio in retirement 10:32 Asset allocation control vs. glide path defaults 11:20 Early retirement scenario: withdrawal sequencing, 72(t), and risk tolerance 14:55 When to add bonds and why emotional behavior matters 16:00 Don’s and Tom’s current equity/bond allocations 17:07 If the U.S. and China went to war: what happens to VT’s China exposure? 20:26 Why global diversification limits catastrophic loss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6

Don and Tom take listeners on a wild ride through the booming (and frequently disastrous) world of leveraged ETFs . They break down how these funds promise double or triple the excitement but mathematically bleed away returns through volatility decay. A few listener questions follow, covering retirement cash buffers, negotiating advisory fees on large portfolios, and comparing IRTR vs AOM for a near-retiree allocation. Humor, subtle self-mockery, a Jonas Brothers detour, and a reminder that gambling is not investing. 0:04 Opening banter and the thrill-seeker pitch for leveraged ETFs 1:29 Leveraged single-stock ETFs explode from zero to $40B 3:26 MicroStrategy example: stock up ~30%, 2x ETF down ~65% 5:03 How volatility decay quietly destroys leveraged returns 7:36 5x ETFs and the “go to zero in one day” problem 9:01 When leverage stops being “investing” and starts being gambling 11:38 Listener question: Should retirees hold a bigger cash buffer to avoid selling in downturns? 14:37 Listener question: Should a $4M managed client negotiate fees? (Yes.) 17:43 IRTR vs AOM comparison for someone three years from retirement 22:54 Seasonal weather rant and hunkering down for productivity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 5

Don and Tom tackle the universal truths of investing — namely, that most investors underperform the market due to their own behavior. They discuss the persistence of emotional decision-making, the dangers of market timing, and the importance of diversification and sticking to a plan. Listener calls cover UGMA accounts, bond allocation in IRAs, downsizing for assisted living, robo-investing, annuities, and advisor ethics. The show mixes data-driven insight with classic Real Money humor and real-world financial guidance. 0:04 Universal truths of investing and investor behavior 2:07 Why investors underperform their own funds (Morningstar “Mind the Gap”) 3:30 Market sentiment, cash levels, and memories of 2000 and 2008 4:31 Peter Lynch on market corrections and investor overconfidence 5:40 The danger of timing the market and trusting stocks too much 6:40 “Financial Flinch Reflex” parody PSA (Appella Wealth ad) 7:41 Listener: diversifying a Vanguard UGMA for grandson’s education 12:14 Listener: TSP rollover, age-based bond allocation, and risk tolerance 14:40 The right asset mix for long-term investors in their 40s 15:48 Listener: selling condo for assisted living — planning for late-life care 18:45 Spending vs. inheritance — why it’s okay to use your own money 20:27 Producer’s question: is SoFi robo-investing safe for beginners? 22:56 Emergency funds vs. long-term investing; debt priorities 26:03 Listener: spouse investing in individual stocks — handling differences 28:32 Listener: total market vs. S&P 500 core fund; AVGE and DFAW explained 30:17 Listener: 8% annuity “crediting rate” myth and why it’s misleading 35:42 Real internal rate of return on annuities and risk comfort 37:12 Listener: following advisor from Ameriprise to a bank — fiduciary warning 39:36 Why commissioned products persist and how fiduciary rules differ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 4

Don and Tom tackle the timeless question: why do you invest? They challenge the “TINA” mindset (“There Is No Alternative”) and dissect new research claiming retirement savers should own no bonds at all. They argue that while stocks outperform over long stretches, bonds remain essential for emotional stability and survival during market crashes. Listeners join in with sharp questions about CD ladder withdrawal strategies, crypto-based dividend schemes, securities lending, and international ETF allocation. The show wraps with a skeptical look at Vanguard’s growing tilt toward active management and new global funds from Avantis. 0:04 Why do you invest? Defining purpose versus chasing returns 1:29 The rise of “TINA investing” — there is no alternative to stocks? 2:30 Bonds as shock absorbers when markets collapse 3:57 Questioning global overweights in new stock research 5:01 The emotional toll of chasing maximum returns 6:12 Bonds’ true role: keeping investors calm and consistent 7:50 Zweig’s conclusion — even he still owns bonds 9:06 Retirement timing risk and the case for diversification 10:29 Caller Jay from Georgia — testing a five-year CD ladder withdrawal plan 12:34 Turning the CD ladder into part of a bond portfolio 13:46 What to do with the ladder during a market downturn 14:47 Caller Jason from Washington — Elon Musk, Bitcoin, and the “Strike/Strive” gimmick 15:49 The math behind high-yield crypto preferreds doesn’t add up 17:18 When hype meets hazard: Ponzi parallels in risky yields 18:57 Why “everyone’s doing it” isn’t a defense for bad strategy 20:04 Why MicroStrategy’s dividend promises defy logic 21:15 Listener question — securities lending in IRAs 23:09 How stock lending actually works (and why it barely pays) 24:18 Why most small investors shouldn’t bother 27:15 Vanguard’s new identity crisis: the push into active management 27:47 The profitability problem of index funds 28:53 Can Vanguard’s active funds really beat their benchmarks? 31:48 Why past performance still fails as a predictor 33:14 Vanguard’s crypto flirtation and industry pandering 35:43 Caller Craig from Seattle — expanding global exposure with AVNV 36:32 The case for adding Avantis International Value ETF 37:46 Early results and long-term expectations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 3

Don and Tom unpack why even smart, financially literate people sometimes need a financial advisor — prompted by Morningstar’s Christine Benz explaining why she hires one. They explore the value of second opinions, professional organization, tax guidance, spending permission, and succession planning. The conversation also draws lines around who doesn’t need an advisor (DIY investors under 50 with good discipline) versus who does (retirees, disorganized investors, and anyone over 65 facing complexity). Later, they tackle listener questions about small-cap value ETFs — comparing AVUV, DFSV, and SLYV — and close with a retirement scenario review for a disciplined 77-year-old federal retiree. A lighthearted finish touches on long-term care insurance, empty nesting, and the Raiders’ black hole stadium. 0:04 Reintroducing the need for financial help (but not that kind of help) 1:17 Christine Benz’s surprising admission: she has a financial planner 2:27 The value of a “responsible second opinion” 3:25 Why Benz says peace of mind has real value 3:50 Reasons to hire an advisor: second opinions, tax guidance, rebalancing, perspective 4:54 When hourly financial advice makes sense 6:38 Organization and accountability as hidden benefits 8:08 The disinterested spouse problem 8:40 Why succession planning matters more than you think 9:32 “Permission to spend” — an underrated role of advisors 10:19 Who doesn’t need an advisor: young savers and disciplined investors 11:27 When to get a second opinion even if you’re DIY 12:18 Spotting bad advice and hidden annuities 13:03 Who does need an advisor: hodgepodge portfolios and over-50 investors 14:09 Complexity and the need for help beyond 65 14:47 The problem of small investors being preyed upon by salespeople 15:52 Listener question: adding small-cap value exposure 16:47 Comparing AVUV, DFSV, and SLYV performance and structure 19:00 Expense ratios and diversification differences 20:18 Don and Tom’s ETF verdict 21:10 Retirement checkup: 77-year-old with pension and LTC coverage 22:06 Evaluating liquidity, income, and survivorship 23:48 The vanishing quality of long-term care policies 24:56 Tom’s empty-nest plans and aching knee 25:43 Raiders jokes and the black-painted stadium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 31

Don answers a range of listener questions covering topics from Fidelity’s fully paid lending program to the Roth 401(k) decision and mortgage payoff strategies. He explains why stock lending rarely adds much value for ETF investors, why paying off a 2.6 percent mortgage makes little financial sense, and why even Berkshire Hathaway isn’t a substitute for true diversification. Listeners also learn about HSA payroll tax savings and how to build Roth flexibility without triggering the pro-rata rule. 0:04 Friday Q&A intro and listener invitation 1:25 Fidelity’s fully paid lending program explained—small returns, limited upside 3:47 When stock lending might make sense for rare or hard-to-borrow shares 4:33 Mortgage payoff debate—2.6% rate vs. 7% investing return 5:30 Don confirms: investing wins, emotion aside 7:09 Caller argues for Berkshire Hathaway B as the “perfect” one-stock portfolio 9:14 Don dismantles the myth—Buffett’s own warnings, risk concentration 11:23 401(k) vs. Roth 401(k)—how to decide and why a plan matters 14:04 Backdoor Roth options for self-employed spouses 15:32 Importance of long-term planning once portfolios near $1 million 15:56 HSA payroll advantage—no Social Security tax on contributions 17:11 Using a Roth to store “extra mortgage” money until retirement 18:08 Why paying off a low-rate mortgage later may not make sense 19:37 Free fiduciary portfolio checkup offer from Apella Wealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 30

Don and Tom open with an honest reflection on market déjà vu—how today’s investing climate echoes the speculative excesses of 1929 and 2008. Citing Andrew Ross Sorkin’s new book 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History , they discuss the modern “financialization” wave: private equity, venture capital, crypto, and private credit being repackaged for retail investors and even 401(k)s, often under looser regulation. They warn listeners about “mark to make-believe” valuations and Wall Street’s relentless drive to sell complexity to the masses. The conversation moves from cautionary history (leveraged trusts of 1929, margin loans, and subprime mortgages) to present-day parallels like Bitcoin ETFs and private-market tokens. The takeaway: avoid opaque, speculative products; stick with transparent, low-cost diversification. In the Q&A, they answer listener questions about simplifying global portfolios with VT vs. VTI/VXUS, and about selling or donating concentrated stock positions from employee plans. 0:04 Opening disclaimers and acknowledgment that the episode isn’t meant to scare investors 1:18 Historical parallels—1929, 1987, 2008—and the feeling of “market déjà vu” 2:10 Introducing Andrew Ross Sorkin’s new book 1929 and his NYT column on modern speculation 3:20 Financialization and the loosening of investor protections in the 2020s 4:33 Wall Street’s constant invention of confusing products that favor sellers 4:58 Robinhood’s Vlad Tenev and the illusion of democratizing risk 6:12 Lowering the barriers to private markets and what that means for investors 7:26 Echoes of 1929: leveraged ETFs, margin-like structures, and “Russian-doll” debt 8:29 The perils of leverage and speed of modern market declines 9:02 Private-market tokens and the “mark-to-make-believe” problem 10:25 Overvaluation, lack of liquidity, and Wall Street’s interest in 401(k) assets 11:41 Historical leverage shifts—from banks to private credit 12:58 Why trusting financial “authorities” can be dangerous 13:32 Emotional honesty: people lie, and investors must self-protect 14:42 Jealousy, lottery-thinking, and envy as behavioral pitfalls 15:36 Investing as elimination—avoid what’s complex, costly, or confusing 16:48 Listener Q&A: two-fund simplicity (VT + BND) vs. multi-ETF tinkering 18:38 The temptation to overweight U.S. equities 20:00 Contrarian case for international exposure (VXUS) 21:15 ESPP stock cleanup: when to sell concentrated holdings 22:44 Charitable giving of appreciated stock for tax efficiency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 29

Don and Tom go after one of their favorite targets: bad actors in the financial industry—especially those who flee regulation by becoming insurance salesmen. They break down a shocking new study showing that 98% of brokers kicked out by FINRA stay in the business by selling annuities and other insurance products, often with little oversight. The duo compares this behavior to “cockroaches,” slamming state insurance commissions for weak enforcement and minimal fines. Later, they tackle Washington State’s ballot measure SR 8201 on investing long-term care funds, answer listener questions about 529 plans versus UTMAs, discuss 457 plan costs and fund choices, and close with a fun chat about Halloween chaos and coffee and cocoa prices. 0:04 Opening rant on misbehavior in the financial industry and the perils of “bad advisors.” 1:03 How fired brokers reappear as insurance salesmen—98% stay in the industry. 3:10 Why state insurance oversight is toothless and how low the penalties really are. 5:14 Insurance firms masquerading as planners—why fiduciary-only advisors matter. 6:03 The study’s “cockroach” comparison and why the problem persists. 7:37 How to vet your advisor using FINRA’s BrokerCheck and state insurance lookups. 9:16 State vs. federal regulation—why the insurance lobby spent $200 million to avoid SEC oversight. 11:08 Caller Beth from Washington asks about SR 8201—investing long-term care funds in stocks. 13:27 The fiduciary perspective: diversification and realistic expectations. 15:23 Caller Gene from Puyallup on 529 plans vs. UTMAs for grandkids. 17:55 Tax control, gift rules, and the best state 529 options. 19:20 Holiday gifting and a little banter about who’s on Tom’s “nice list.” 20:22 Halloween costumes, tourists, and Celebration, Florida trick-or-treat madness. 23:28 Behind the scenes: Don reveals the entire “Talking Real Money” production staff (himself). 24:32 Podcast email list plug—how to subscribe at TalkingRealMoney.com. 25:35 Explaining podcasts for the AM radio crowd—how to find Talking Real Money on your phone. 27:30 Listener question from Matthew in Illinois about 457 plan costs and hidden fees. 30:38 The truth about 457s, penalties, and why Schwab’s low-cost ETFs may be smarter. 32:34 Caller Rob from Bellevue discusses attending RetireMeet and noticing the Apella building. 33:18 Wrapping with cocoa and coffee futures—good news for chocolate, bad for espresso lovers. 37:49 Don plugs Litreading’s Scary Story Season before switching to Christmas stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 28

Don and Tom tackle the timeless topic of diversification — why it’s back in style, why it’s so hard to maintain, and why most investors (and pros) still get it wrong. They walk through how market “leadership” shifts over decades, the global vs. U.S. split, and why comparing your portfolio to the S&P 500 is often a trap. Listener questions cover ETF access at T. Rowe Price and Vanguard, whether to invest or pay down debt, and how the 5% flexible withdrawal rule works in early retirement. Plus, the guys riff on Halloween candy inflation, Social Security COLA bumps, and Don’s LitReading “Scary Story Season.” 0:04 Show open — Saturday radio edition and why repetition matters in financial education 1:03 The fashion of diversification — and why it’s “back in style” 2:27 International and small-cap value resurgence 3:15 Why investors chase past returns instead of diversifying 4:02 Gold, inflation, and recency bias — lessons from the 1980s 5:21 U.S. vs. international allocation debate: market cap vs. 50/50 6:20 The long wait for Japan’s market recovery 7:41 Practical diversification tools — AVGE, DFAW, VT 8:19 Stop comparing everything to the S&P 500 9:08 Historical proof: global portfolio vs. S&P since 1931 10:02 Caller Charlie — buying Avantis or DFA ETFs through T. Rowe Price or Vanguard 12:39 How fund custodians differ from managers 13:27 Checking portfolio exposure with Morningstar 14:42 Caller Gabe — invest or pay off debt? 16:45 When to pay off a car loan vs. mortgage 19:35 How to handle multiple mortgages and long-term plans 20:22 Social Security’s 2026 COLA bump and the “good news/bad news” of $102 more a month 22:21 Inflation realities — coffee, beef, and Halloween candy 25:02 Candy talk — shrinkflation and Don’s trick-or-treat haul 25:54 LitReading plug: “Scary Story Season” and Philip K. Dick’s The Hanging Man 27:34 Search “Don McDonald” in Apple Podcasts — chiropractor cameo included 29:05 Listener Victor (a.k.a. George) — can $4 million last 60 years with 5% withdrawals? 31:38 How the flexible withdrawal method works in practice 33:49 Retirement purpose, Monte Carlo results, and FIRE skepticism 37:41 Kindleberger quote on bubbles and envy: “There’s nothing so disturbing as to see a friend get rich.” 38:55 Kindleberger’s background and Manias, Panics, and Crashes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 27

Tom Cock and Apella Wealth advisor Roxy Butner team up for a lively listener Q&A episode covering everything from the new wave of penny-stock IPOs to retirement readiness and tax traps. Tom opens with a warning about the surge in risky penny-stock offerings, then the two dive into listener questions about annuity sales pressure at Fidelity, portfolio diversification mistakes, CD taxation myths, Roth conversions, and one standout 21-year-old listener getting her financial life off to a stellar start. 0:05 Tom opens with a warning about the explosion in penny-stock IPOs 1:26 Why “lottery-ticket” stocks nearly always burn investors 2:21 Diversify, stay tax-efficient, and skip the hype 2:30 Roxy joins for listener Q&A 3:38 Fidelity’s annuity pitch — a listener wonders if it’s time to leave 5:05 Who’s truly fiduciary: Fidelity vs. Vanguard vs. Apella 6:14 Vanguard dipping a toe into crypto 6:51 Quabina from Ohio: $2.2M at 47 — diversified enough to retire at 55? 8:14 Missing global diversification and bonds in an all-U.S. portfolio 9:57 Early-retirement planning challenges and healthcare costs 10:20 How to design the right stock-bond-international mix 11:36 Daniel from California: Are long CDs taxed as capital gains? 13:04 Why CD interest is always ordinary income — and muni bond alternatives 13:29 Year-end planning: RMDs, Roth conversions, and tax optimization 14:45 Common tax mistakes and mis-placed assets 15:19 Emily from Ohio: “Young and Dumb” — a 21-year-old investing the smart way 18:51 Building a first Roth IRA and why bonds don’t belong yet 20:00 One-fund simplicity: AVGE vs. VOO 21:41 Long-term mindset: global diversification and patience pay off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 24

Don and Tom tackle another full “Q Day,” answering listener questions on Roth fund selection, bond fund gimmicks, real estate returns, California’s odd HSA tax treatment, switching from Vanguard to Avantis, copying politician trades, and whether Vanguard’s Cash Plus account beats its money market fund. The episode mixes practical investing logic with humor, skepticism, and a bit of Don’s plug for his new storytelling podcast, New Tales Told . 0:04 Q Day begins — Don riffs on “Q” words and high-quality listener audio 1:42 Betsy from Minnesota asks: best funds for a Roth IRA (AVUV, VOO, AVGE) 2:39 Don suggests simplifying to AVGE, but warns of risk and emotional resilience 4:12 Jesse from Seattle on CPAG “tax-efficient” bond ETF — Don calls it a gimmick 5:55 Don’s math: CPAG only helps slightly at 35% tax bracket, not worth complexity 9:06 Listener compares 403(b) vs. home value growth — Don confirms results typical 12:45 Real estate’s weak real return over time and lifestyle vs. investment value 12:45 California HSA confusion — Don explains CA taxes HSAs like normal accounts 15:22 Nathan from Georgia: Vanguard vs. Avantis funds, and “copy politician trades” 17:20 Don: Avantis adds small/value tilt, AVGE can simplify portfolio management 19:14 Don: “copy-trade” apps are expensive, delayed, and silly gimmicks 20:58 James from Virginia: Vanguard Cash Plus vs. money market funds 22:34 Don explains FDIC difference and risk-reward tradeoff, prefers money market 24:11 Closing reflections, legacy talk, and plug for New Tales Told Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23

Don and Tom revisit the Social Security debate after new Wall Street Journal and New York Times articles challenge long-standing advice to delay claiming. They dismantle clickbait claims that “waiting doesn’t make sense,” highlighting emotional biases, unrealistic investment assumptions, and spousal benefit considerations. The episode also covers whether Social Security counts as an asset, then shifts to listener questions about 529-to-Roth rollovers for graduate school, switching funds in an IRA, and managing company stock in an ESOP-based 401(k). 0:00 Why they keep returning to Social Security and why 25% of retirees rely on it entirely 1:43 Two-thirds claim before full retirement age; Wall Street Journal’s clickbait headline 3:02 The “bird in hand” fallacy and instant-gratification bias 3:48 Don’s confession: took Social Security at 69—and dogs ruined the travel plans 4:40 WSJ’s faulty 5%-return argument and why most investors won’t achieve it 5:43 The math: waiting pays more monthly, but longevity is the unknown 6:32 Trade-offs between retiring early, portfolio drawdowns, and spousal benefits 7:35 NYT’s claim that Social Security is America’s most valuable “asset” 8:08 Don’s rebuttal: it’s income, not an asset—you can’t liquidate it 9:49 Why people misclassify Social Security and how bonds fit differently 10:08 When and how to get a second (fiduciary) opinion on claiming strategies 11:00 The plague of commission-driven “advisors” and fake fiduciaries 12:29 Old brokerage “no-load fund” lies and how similar games persist today 12:40 Listener Q&A: overfunded 529 plan vs. Roth rollover for grad school 14:27 Midwifery degrees, student-loan math, and the 5% rate cutoff 17:13 Rollover IRA question: switching Fidelity funds to Vanguard ETFs 18:15 Active vs. index funds—why fees and diversification matter 20:05 Active-active management and small-cap risk humor 20:54 ESOP question: how much company stock is too much? (Hint: under 5%) 22:42 Selling discipline and diversification in employee-owned firms 24:39 Don and Tom joke about their own ownership and “sell-out” strategy 25:04 Daily calls, good-natured ribbing, and reminders about Saturday’s live show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 22

Don and Tom dive into common misconceptions about what’s really been the top-performing asset class over the past five years—spoiler: it’s not the S&P 500. They compare U.S. large-cap growth with international small-cap value, using Larry Swedroe’s data to highlight the importance of global diversification. Listeners call in about estate planning, withdrawal rates in retirement, and portfolio construction. The hosts explain community property rules, flexible withdrawal strategies backed by research, and which small-cap value ETFs they prefer. The episode closes with a reality check on Bitcoin’s latest crash, revisiting Mark Hulbert’s warning that crypto isn’t an asset class but a risky “thingy.” 0:04 Opening banter on the show’s long Seattle run and mission to simplify money. 2:08 The S&P 500 obsession—why investors overweight large U.S. growth stocks. 3:23 Larry Swedroe’s quiz: best-performing asset class 2019–2025 (hint: it’s not U.S. large growth). 4:07 Dimensional International Small Cap Value Fund (DISVX) vs. S&P 500 Growth (VOOG). 5:20 Why diversification and global exposure matter long-term. 6:20 Break: “Financial Flinch Reflex” PSA. 7:42 Diversification means holding assets that sometimes disappoint you. 8:33 Don’s marriage analogy and listener call-in from Baltimore about trusts. 10:15 Estate simplicity, beneficiary designations, and when trusts are unnecessary. 11:55 The danger of “trust mills” and the value of family transparency. 14:40 Community property vs. joint tenancy—Washington’s unique tax advantage. 16:36 Call from Michael: flexible vs. fixed withdrawal rates in retirement. 17:29 Why a 5% flexible withdrawal often beats the classic 4% rule. 20:19 Research roundup: Kitsis, Vanguard, Morningstar confirm flexible success rates. 23:09 Listener from Tennessee asks about capital-gains exclusions. 25:44 Chris from Seattle: using target-date funds to fix a “hodge-podge” portfolio. 27:24 Adding small-cap value (AVUV) to target-date funds for tilt and simplicity. 28:34 Listener from New Hampshire asks which planning software Appella Wealth uses. 30:06 Call from Sam: best small-cap value ETF options (AVUV vs. VBR). 33:21 Risk, volatility, and why small-cap value offers higher expected returns. 35:47 Mark Hulbert on crypto’s crash—bigger than 1929 by percentage. 36:54 Why hype, not utility, drives crypto coverage. 38:36 Final takeaway: investors remain too U.S.-centric; diversify globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 21

Don and Tom kick off by joking about their “record-breaking” call drought before diving headlong into the week’s biggest speculative loser: crypto. The duo dismantle the mythology around Bitcoin and its countless imitators, comparing the excitement of trading coins to sports betting and reminding listeners that portfolios are for investing, not gambling. They tie the current crypto crash to leverage, insider-like trades, and the same fraud patterns seen in history’s great financial cons—from Jay Gould’s gold-cornering to Elizabeth Holmes’ blood-testing farce. Later, they field listener questions on asset location, liquidity management, emerging-market exposure, and the danger of leverage via MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin bet. Through it all, they emphasize fiduciary discipline, skepticism toward hype, and the basic rule: excitement and good investing rarely mix. 0:04 Pretending last Saturday’s show didn’t happen; Tom’s pun about “Pacific” questions. 1:41 Crypto crash carnage—Bitcoin off 16%, Ethereum down 25%, “Trump Coin” collapsing. 2:30 Comparing crypto’s thrill-seeking crowd to sports betting mania. 3:55 Why your financial advisor should not be your gambling coach. 4:48 The leveraged, insider-ish side of crypto speculation. 5:06 The absurdity of 10,000+ coins that serve no purpose but gambling. 7:40 Calling crypto “speculative” and comparing it to a casino roller coaster. 8:10 Binance payout trouble—proof many players don’t know how to run big-money businesses. 10:32 MicroStrategy’s leveraged Bitcoin plunge and the perils of margin. 11:37 The illusion of “value” in digital tokens versus productive assets. 12:55 Historical echo: borrowed money, bubbles, and 1929-style leverage warnings. 15:25 Listener questions segment opens; lighthearted banter about philately and call volume. 17:02 “ChatGPT beats bad advisors” — asset location done right (bonds in IRA, stocks in Roth). 18:30 Why most “advisors” ignore tax planning in favor of commissions. 20:23 Jay Gould, robber barons, and the Wall Street Journal’s bizarre defense of con artists. 22:12 From Nikola to Theranos—lying as business strategy and why “gray areas” hurt investors. 24:53 The moral cost of tolerating fraud disguised as innovation. 26:36 Why trust is the real foundation of capitalism, not creative deception. 27:00 How to protect yourself: fee-only fiduciary advice and due diligence. 27:36 Mariners hangover theory for low call volume; nostalgic TV banter (“Bewitched”). 29:06 Caller Tom (Seattle): $4 M portfolio, $1 M in money market—how much liquidity is too much? 30:34 The hidden risk of waiting too long to react when rates fall. 33:08 Building a CD ladder to lock yield without betting on one-day rates. 34:25 Quick take: Why they’d avoid owning Boeing stock individually. 36:18 Caller Justin (Florida): emerging-market allocation for high-risk investors. 37:29 Case for small-cap and value tilts, including emerging markets. 38:34 Should you exclude China? Why it’s still essential in global portfolios. 39:29 Closing reminders—use the website for questions, and find fiduciary help at TalkingRealMoney.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 20

Don and Tom tackle a mix of market mania and listener questions, skewering speculative fads like meme stocks, SPACs, private credit ETFs, and covered-call funds. Don opens with a scam text story before the duo dive into the absurdity of “get-rich” products during a record-breaking market. They stress discipline, diversification, and turning off CNBC — repeatedly. Listener questions include Roth conversions in high tax brackets and funding a home purchase without wrecking retirement plans. The show ends on a hilarious tangent about listeners wearing backpack banners to promote Talking Real Money . 0:04 Scam text from Colorado and the hazards of living alone in a studio 1:09 Market highs and the illusion of perfect timing 2:35 Stock concentration, meme stock mania, and the “Magnificent Seven” dominance 3:34 Listener call: investing in a soccer team partnership promising 15–30% returns 5:12 Why “too good to be true” often is — scams and speculative traps 6:09 Covered-call ETFs (JEPI, GPIQ) explained and debunked 9:39 New private credit ETF (PCR): high fees, low transparency, huge risk 12:49 CNBC hype vs. reality — why turning off financial TV is sound advice 16:21 Listener question: Roth conversions and tax traps in the 30% bracket 19:26 Another listener: funding a new home without derailing retirement 21:47 Don’s rant on overpricing homes — “every house sells at the right price” 23:24 Real estate emotion vs. math — the price always tells the truth 24:31 Episode wrap-up: humor, gratitude, and an absurd “wearable banner” promo idea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17

Don answers six listener questions covering CD ladders vs. bond funds, global diversification for young investors, allocation shifts for early retirees, HSA documentation rules, 529 plan comparisons, and whether Dave Ramsey-style portfolios need bonds. He closes with practical guidance on holding cash for opportunities and a reminder about the value of disciplined, evidence-based investing. 0:10 Friday Q&A intro and how to send in questions 1:51 Are CD ladders a good replacement for bond funds? 3:37 How to build a disciplined CD ladder and avoid rate-timing mistakes 3:41 A father asks how to diversify his daughter’s Roth IRA beyond VTI 5:48 Couple planning early retirement—asset allocation and 72(t) options 9:41 Why bonds exist: emotional stability vs. return chasing 11:29 The case for international diversification 11:29 Long-term HSA strategy and what to do without old receipts 14:32 How to recreate expense records and save PDFs going forward 15:26 Which 529 plans are best for kids aged 2–12? (Utah vs. Schwab) 17:28 Dave Ramsey investing myths and the real purpose of bonds 20:36 When to start adding bonds—take the Talking Real Money risk quiz 21:00 Where to park six-figure cash for car or property purchases 22:46 Short-term safety vs. yield trade-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16

Don swats a studio bug, then swats down the idea of dividend-driven retirement portfolios. Drawing on Jason Zweig’s interview with Richard Thaler, they explain why retirees should focus on total return —spending from a diversified portfolio rather than chasing yield. They hit Robinhood’s profit model, bid-ask spreads, and the need for automatic-enrollment retirement plans. A listener call leads to a discussion of Social Security timing, debt-free retirement, and (yes) hodgepodge-itis—Don’s term for chaotic portfolios. Things wrap with a jailed investor’s question, some gallows humor, and the usual banter about holidays and compliance. 0:04 Bug chaos and phone-line reminder 1:41 Why dividend-income portfolios are a trap 2:50 Jason Zweig & Richard Thaler on total-return spending 4:18 Total return beats “high-dividend” illusions 5:39 Robinhood’s option-spread profits and the myth of “free” trading 6:15 Schwab vs. Robinhood: relative honesty in bid-ask spreads 7:43 Thaler’s take on missing retirement plans and automatic savings 9:05 Anniversary talk and the failed “Debbie Show” experiment 10:15 Back to Thaler—why most workers still lack plans 11:39 Tesla options example showing 7 percent spread 12:05 Case for national retirement depository & hybrid Social Security 13:33 Hodgepodge-itis defined (and owned by Don) 14:51 Low call volume and the Mariners’ hangover 15:52 Listener Kevin asks about dividends vs. selling stock 16:53 Reinvesting dividends vs. total-return withdrawals 18:17 Dividends reduce company growth potential 19:45 Why high-yield chasing kills diversification 20:07 Caller David, age 67, plans retirement & asks how to prep 21:55 Social Security timing advice—benefits rise monthly 22:50 David’s details: city pension, deferred comp, house, no debt 24:07 Getting professional fiduciary advice before retiring 25:23 David’s crypto confession and $3K Ripple gamble 27:27 Jail-bound investor asks where to park money 30:18 Don & Tom debate investing from behind bars (humor intact) 33:19 Columbus Day scheduling confusion & closing banter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 15

Don and Tom open with banter about the weather, baseball playoffs, and studio quirks before diving into what it means to be a “millionaire” today versus in 1890. They explore how much of modern net worth is illiquid, why home equity and retirement funds can trap wealth, and how planning for liquidity and income is crucial. The conversation transitions into a discussion of market volatility, rare earth trade tensions with China, and Brett Arends’ critique of index investing. They counter with historical perspective, humor (and potato chips), and advice about risk, rebalancing, and human behavior. Later, listener calls cover portfolio structure, Empower vs. Vanguard advisor options, and evaluating advisor fees and fund costs. The show closes with their classic blend of education, sarcasm, and fiduciary realism. 0:04 Opening banter, phone number, Florida “cold front,” and baseball chatter 2:33 Topic intro: What a million dollars means now vs. 1890 3:58 Comparing historic vs. modern millionaires and net worth equivalency 4:43 The illusion of wealth—why 70% of assets are often inaccessible 5:30 Planning for liquidity: why paying off a mortgage too early can backfire 6:37 Don’s retirement planning promo 7:39 Historical comparison: 1890s Gilded Age vs. today’s millionaire stats 8:19 Market globalization and modern wealth concentration 9:43 Rare earths and the U.S.–China tariff skirmish 10:22 Market check: stocks, bonds, and gold all dip; volatility talk 12:04 Don’s “unnamed thing” (Bitcoin) drops 10.5%; discussion on risk and rebalancing 13:48 Don shifts to 60/40 allocation—explains rationale near retirement 14:34 Brett Arends’ “Dumbest Stock Market in History” critique discussed 16:00 Debate: Are index investors stabilizing markets through consistency? 17:19 Potato chip tangent and investor psychology 18:32 Arends’ bearishness vs. evidence-based investing 20:00 Protecting your psyche, not every dollar, from market declines 20:20 Podcasting history—when Talking Real Money began 21:32 Caller Samir (Virginia): $4M net worth, suffering from “hodgepodge-itis” 24:15 Don and Tom’s prescription: stop investing until you have a plan 25:42 Margin loan temptation and why 10.5% interest kills the idea 27:00 Tom reinforces the need for a fiduciary planner 27:32 Caller Chris (Texas): moving from Empower to Vanguard PAS 29:21 Vanguard vs. Empower: conflicts, fund choices, and planning gaps 31:46 “Half-pregnant” advice models and Bogle’s legacy examined 34:20 Broader critique: single-provider risk and investor behavior 35:54 Caller Dave (Olympia): evaluating returns, fees, and portfolio costs 37:50 What’s a reasonable expense ratio and advisor fee range 39:24 Final takeaway: judge portfolios by structure, not short-term returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 14

In this playful and insightful episode, Don and Tom explore how the beloved Friends characters might fare financially if they were retiring today. Using their signature mix of humor and practical investing wisdom, they analyze each character’s fictional career, personality, and spending habits to project their retirement readiness. The second half of the show returns to real-world money matters, answering listener questions about blending withdrawal strategies and fund choices in employer retirement plans. 0:04 Why this episode starts with a Friends reference—and yes, it’s copyright-friendly 0:31 Monica and Chandler Bing as retirement savers: organized, driven, but maybe too perfectionist 3:25 Monica’s obsessive planning vs. Chandler’s possible risk aversion 4:22 Overthinking portfolios and the emotional toll of too much tweaking 5:01 Savers who struggle to spend: how Monica might hoard instead of enjoy 5:56 Chandler’s likely financial behavior and their combined million-plus portfolio 7:03 Ross: neurotic, divorced, and probably pension-supported 7:54 Why pensions are psychologically powerful for retirees 8:35 Ross would need an advisor to keep him calm and invested 9:14 Rachel: spender, low earner, fashion industry job—not retirement ready 10:30 Joey: the actor’s feast-or-famine finances and SAG-AFTRA pension potential 12:22 Real SAG-AFTRA pension expectations: modest but helpful 13:09 Joey’s likely retirement: modest income, limited comfort outside major cities 13:54 Phoebe: quirky, lovable… financially reckless? 14:28 Phoebe’s imaginary downfall: alimony, bad investing, busking in Times Square 15:20 Big picture takeaways: personality, income, and circumstance aren’t destiny—but they shape outcomes 16:48 The Bings win the retirement game… Phoebe’s husband probably doesn’t stay married 17:30 Listener Q1: Combining fixed and flexible withdrawal strategies 18:52 30-year portfolio simulation using 60/40 and AI tools 20:24 Hybrid strategy results: high survival rate, smoother ride, and growing payouts 21:21 Comparison of 4% vs. 5% withdrawal income over time 22:36 Listener Q2: Replacing expensive international funds in a union 401k plan 24:00 Replace EuroPacific and Developed with Fidelity’s low-cost international index fund 25:17 Expense ratio showdown: PigWX vs. FSPSX 26:32 Closing chaos: how to contact Tom and the long-lost newsletter phone number 27:49 Origins of 800-FUND-004 and how someone just walked into the Bellevue office 29:42 End credits and final laughs—yes, even Tom held back the dad jokes (mostly) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 10

In this extended Friday Q&A episode, Don answers six listener-submitted questions covering a wide range of personal finance and investing topics. He kicks off with a fiery takedown of cryptocurrency as a viable asset class, arguing it’s based on hype and the greater fool theory. Other questions explore whether pensions should count as fixed income in asset allocation, the performance of Dimensional and Avantis funds versus traditional index funds, the pros and cons of Collective Investment Trusts in 401(k)s, and the strategic timing of Social Security. He ends by clarifying a common misconception about RMDs and Secure Act 2.0. Expect smart insights, a little snark, and the kind of blunt honesty that’s rare in financial media. 0:04 Listener Q&A returns with an extra dose—six questions this time 1:07 Confusing podcast scheduling clarified (sort of) 2:11 Crypto as an asset class ? Don calls it “entirely invented” and dismantles the use case hype 4:32 If civilization collapses, your Bitcoin won’t save you 6:06 Crypto = greater fool theory; Don braces for hate mail 7:30 Dimensional/Avantis vs. index funds —do the extra fees pay off? 9:13 A 15-year comparison: Dimensional Global Equity vs. VT 11:43 Should a pension count as fixed income? Don says no—it’s a volatility game, not income 15:48 CITs (Collective Investment Trusts) in 401(k)s—cheaper, but less transparent 18:58 Index funds should be your benchmark; Don suspects this one’s active 20:02 Claiming Social Security early to preserve Roth? Don says the math rarely supports it 23:59 Secure 2.0 and RMD confusion —born in 1959? You still take RMDs at 73, not 75 26:15 Tech keeps improving—Don urges retirees to stay sharp, stay curious Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 9

Don and Tom dive into a new Morningstar report showing that tactical allocation funds—those run by “smart” managers who actively shift investments—significantly underperformed simple buy-and-hold index portfolios. They unpack why doing nothing often wins, discuss investor behavior gaps, and revisit the power of staying the course. Listener questions follow on mortgage payoffs, TIAA advisory fees, and adjusting stock/bond splits in retirement. The episode wraps with Don revealing his personal creative project—his short story A Chance of Death on his LitReading podcast—and a teaser for his next story, Murder of Crows. 0:23 Morningstar headline: tactical allocation funds lose to “do-nothing” portfolios 1:45 What tactical allocation funds really are (a.k.a. expensive market timing) 2:52 Morningstar urges investors to “stay the course” 3:04 Revisiting “Mind the Gap” and why investors underperform their own funds 4:28 Data comparison: $10k in tactical vs. passive portfolio over 10 years 5:31 Why professionals can’t beat buy-and-hold investors 6:51 Human behavior, arrogance, and the illusion of market-timing skill 8:37 The need for a written plan and risk-based portfolio 9:58 If you have a plan, market noise stops mattering 10:22 Tangent: WWII documentaries vs. Taylor Swift’s Miss Americana 11:21 Listener question #1 – Paying off a low-rate mortgage vs. investing 13:35 Math and emotion collide: cheap money, liquidity, and peace of mind 15:35 Listener question #2 – TIAA Wealth Management fees and fiduciary standards 18:31 Reading TIAA’s ADV: possible fees up to 2% on small accounts 20:08 Comparing local RIAs vs. large institutions 21:08 Clarifying blended fees and fund costs 21:47 Listener question #3 – Vanguard advisor suggesting 60/40 allocation 22:53 Risk tolerance vs. risk need – the real balance 24:05 Investment Policy Statements and Vanguard’s advisory limitations 25:46 Call for more listener questions and upcoming Q&A shows 26:15 Don plugs Lit Reading and his new original story “A Chance of Death” 28:24 How AI collaboration shaped the story’s creation 30:59 Discussion of his next story, “Murder of Crows” 32:17 Invitation for audience feedback on Lit Reading stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 8

Don and Tom kick off this episode with a satirical bang—mocking the apocalyptic tone of a MarketWatch article about the “Fourth Turning,” a cyclical doom prophecy claiming America faces a cataclysmic reset every 80–100 years. Citing wars, depressions, and now AI, wealth taxes, and the fall of the dollar, the hosts break down the fatalistic tone, expose the fear-marketing behind it, and reassure listeners that, historically, markets have recovered—and rewarded long-term investors. 0:04 Faux alien warning: the Fourth Turning economic apocalypse is coming 1:16 Dissecting the MarketWatch article and the “Fourth Turning” theory 2:26 Peak catastrophe by 2030? AI job loss, collapsing dollar, wealth taxes 3:38 Don asks: what is this guy selling ? Spoiler: $100M wealth club 6:01 $180k to join R360—clearly not for the average listener 6:33 Don’s “financial flinch reflex” PSA spoof (ad) 7:41 Tom: “We love being scared”—AI panic and deepfake video fears 9:07 Caller Sue (68): Ready to retire with $820k and SS? Don says yes 13:05 Sue’s next step: get a fiduciary checkup, maybe run Monte Carlo 14:10 Tom runs one: 50th percentile = she hits zero at 98 15:32 Flexible withdrawal rates might work better than rigid 4% 16:34 Listener voicemail: Should we switch from Roth to Traditional now? 18:16 DT’s Roth vs. traditional strategy: save taxes while you can 20:14 WSJ article on taxes and stock gains—do ETFs instead 21:25 Tax basics for investors: capital gains rates and efficiency 23:26 Mad Men nostalgia and mid-century tax rates 25:15 TV detour: Bewitched vs. I Dream of Jeannie vs. Outlander 27:10 Back to calls: Theodore asks about 403(b) options in Burlington 29:10 Don explodes: garbage annuity vendors dominate the plan 31:01 Aspire is the only halfway-decent vendor… if you avoid their advisors 33:54 Don tells how an Albuquerque teacher got Vanguard into their plan 35:44 Aspire hack: use FundSource for no-load mutual funds 36:14 Caller Steve: hold 20 stocks or sell and rebalance? 37:53 Tom: hybrid approach. Don: depends on need. Watch tax bracket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 7

The show kicks off with a sardonic take on turf wars between delivery drivers—yes, really—before diving into third-quarter market returns, investor behavior, and asset class performance. Don and Tom remind listeners (again) that sticking with a diversified portfolio beats timing markets or following headline noise. Listeners call in about Social Security strategies, inheritance accounts for minors, and what to do with large sums of cash in retirement. The show wraps with a smart look at ETF-to-mutual fund conversions and why the old-school fund industry is getting left in the dust. 0:11 Delivery turf wars joke and quarter-end reflections 1:40 Fears vs. reality: inflation, jobs, and trade wars 2:16 Q3 returns: U.S. stocks +8%, EM +9.6%, silver tops, cocoa flops 3:09 What you had to do to earn those returns: be invested, diversified, and ignore noise 5:13 Don scolds investors still avoiding value and international stocks 6:11 Chocolate aside, it’s been a strong year for stocks and bonds 7:42 Promo: Why guessing isn’t a retirement plan 7:51 Don recovers from a cough; Tom lists worst Q3 performers (lean hogs!) 9:13 Listener Chad argues for claiming Social Security early if you can earn 3% 11:08 Don crunches the math: break-even at age 81–82 if invested at 3% 12:57 Survivor benefits and why waiting helps your spouse 13:57 Don jokes about his wife stealing his life force and living to 112 14:54 Vaccine banter and intro to next caller 15:56 Caller Michael from Burien sells a condo, asks where to put $300k 19:07 Don and Tom suggest municipal bonds like VTEB for tax-free yield 20:20 Michael quotes a great retirement planning aphorism 20:29 Shift to ETF inflows and the downfall of mutual funds 29:13 Vanguard’s tax-free conversion model and Dimensional’s exemptive relief 30:49 What this shift means for investors with taxable accounts 31:17 Mutual funds may soon be the next buggy whips 32:22 Listener Connie asks: do you really get back Social Security withheld when working before FRA? 33:14 Tom and Don clarify: benefit adjusted later, but no “refund” 34:37 Caller Susan from Connecticut: what to do with $250k in cash 36:52 Don: You don’t need more products—you need a real financial plan 39:17 Flat-fee plans and how to find a true fiduciary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 6

A lively, unscripted listener Q&A episode with no set topic — just a flood of great questions. Don and Tom tackle everything from inheriting farmland to the hidden cost of medical inflation, tax-efficient short-term investments, Ameriprise conflicts of interest, fund turnover ratios, and a heartfelt tribute to the late Jonathan Clements , a true pioneer of rational investing journalism. Plenty of wit, warmth, and straight talk about money — plus a personal moment of honesty from Tom about life, loss, and gratitude. 0:04 Cold open: “A show with no topics” banter and weather humor 2:07 Angie from St. Paul: Inheriting farmland — hold or sell? 6:04 Anton from Spokane: Medflation’s impact on Social Security COLA and Medicare premiums 10:45 Jason from Tigard: SPAXX vs. SGOV — which is better for short-term cash? 13:35 Ameriprise client: Should I use an SMA or fire my advisor? 18:41 Luke from Evans, GA: ETF turnover and what it really means 23:25 Tribute to Jonathan Clements — his life, legacy, and impact on index investing 27:10 Personal reflections, audience appreciation, and gratitude from Tom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3

In the longest Q&A episode yet, Don answers seven listener questions covering everything from concentrated stock windfalls and early retirement asset allocation to Roth vs. taxable contributions, the real 59½ withdrawal date, the dangers of buffered ETFs, and the reality of home affordability. He stresses the importance of security over speculation, the need for actual retirement planning, and the pitfalls of gimmicky Wall Street products, all while weaving in his trademark skepticism and humor. 0:04 Friday Q&A intro and listener surge in questions 2:18 Jackpot in two small-cap stocks at age 70—should he sell? 6:28 42-year-old with uncertain job security and $850k retirement + $518k taxable—structuring allocations for early retirement 11:28 Roth vs. taxable brokerage contributions for flexibility before 59½ 15:13 Clarifying 59½ rule—date vs. year of eligibility 17:11 Buffered ETFs explained and why they’re just Wall Street gimmicks 21:53 Rule of thumb for first-time homebuyers: mortgage % of income, 15 vs. 30-year terms, and why homes aren’t great investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 2

Don and Tom tackle Americans’ retirement fears, highlighting a survey where one in five say it would take “a miracle” to retire securely. They stress the importance of planning over wishful thinking, cover the risks of recency bias, taxes, and underestimating longevity, and explain why flexibility—delaying Social Security, working part-time, downsizing, or even using a reverse mortgage—may be essential. Listener questions include a 30%+ ETF return (AVDV), the new rules allowing 529 rollovers to Roth IRAs, and a deep dive into Facet Wealth versus Northwestern Mutual, with a reminder about low-cost index investing and the value of fiduciary advice. 0:04 How confident Americans are about retirement security 1:37 “It would take a miracle” vs. “You need a plan” 2:37 The value of professional reviews and planning tools 3:52 No perfect time to retire, recency bias, and government as your “partner” 5:08 Retirement timing compared to parenthood decisions 6:06 The limits of Social Security and lifestyle realities 7:18 Adapting by working longer, delaying Social Security, or reducing expenses 8:25 Cutting wants, working part-time, or considering home equity solutions 9:23 Reverse mortgages and staged retirement strategies 10:03 Purpose, social life, and health in retirement 11:25 Listener question: international ETF with a 30%+ return (AVDV up 38% YTD) 13:02 Why diversification matters for capturing those “30 percenters” 13:22 Listener question: 529 rollovers to Roth IRAs and beneficiary changes 16:21 Listener case study: RN nearing retirement, Facet vs. Northwestern Mutual 18:07 Facet’s flat annual fee structure compared to traditional AUM fees 20:54 The pitfalls of Northwestern Mutual’s high fees and insurance roots 23:34 When to hire a fiduciary and why $1.5M+ means it’s time 25:30 Advisor costs vs. DIY investing, plus an extended “haircut analogy” 27:13 Shout-out to AI-generated Talking Real Money show art Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 1

Don and Tom tackle the creeping role of AI in financial advice—highlighting Vanguard’s new “nudges” on its platform—before pivoting into lively listener calls. The show explores the balance between saving and living (including an $800K earner debating a bigger house), the risks of high-yield gimmick ETFs like QQQI, the simplicity of age-based 529 plans, and the murky rules around paying kids into Roth IRAs. Humor, skepticism, and practical guidance keep the conversation grounded, with a side of leaf blowers, Italian villas, and Tom’s inevitable puns. 0:10 Don’s dramatic AI apocalypse intro and Vanguard “nudges” 1:20 Squarespace rant: how customer service died 4:13 Vanguard limiting fund lists—bias toward active funds? 6:22 AI is coming for investing advice 6:35 Listener call: $800K household, cheap mortgage, “living life” vs upgrading home 10:22 House affordability rules: 25–30% PITI, low-rate lock-in dilemma 12:19 Call from Jim in Bellevue: QQQI high-yield ETF 13:44 Why covered call income funds are risky, volatile, and gimmicky 17:41 Tech focus, March 2000 parallels, why diversification beats chasing yield 19:29 Covered call strategies—why they lose upside and add complexity 22:50 Listener email from Shauna: which Utah 529 portfolio to pick 24:36 Best choice = age-based glide path, simplicity and cost advantages 26:13 Follow-up caller: Roth IRAs for kids, risk of inflated wages and IRS scrutiny 29:24 Who checks wages? IRS shutdown jokes, K-1 confusions, AI tax analysis fail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30

Don and Tom open with a tribute to financial writer Jonathan Clements, reflecting on his career and unique investing wisdom. They unpack five of his “pearls,” including saving early, avoiding big mistakes, and living an active, purposeful life. From there, they pivot into critiques of misleading annuity sales cloaked in fiduciary language, highlight changes coming to retirement account catch-up contributions, and tackle listener questions on bond ETFs, ETF vs. mutual fund conversions, CD strategies, and investing with a reluctant spouse. The show mixes respect for sensible investing voices with sharp criticism of gimmicks, all wrapped in listener calls and banter. 1:04 Remembering Jonathan Clements and his influence 2:59 Pearl #1: Make and save money early, passion can wait 3:54 Pearl #2: Winning isn’t everything—avoiding losers matters most 5:05 Pearl #3: The tax code rewards patience and savers 5:50 Pearl #4: Don’t just stand there, do something (in life, not trading) 7:37 Reflection on his loss and the scarcity of sensible money voices 9:34 Critiquing Kiplinger article and annuity sales cloaked as fiduciary advice 11:44 Pearl #5: Humans are built to strive, not sit idle—retirement requires purpose 12:40 Preview of rising early-retirement questions in upcoming Q&A show 13:22 Vacation banter, Disney’s Aulani resort, and “surfing together” joke 14:13 Back to annuity sales, fiduciary mask problem, and misleading disclosures 17:39 Listener email anticipating annuity criticism—prediction fulfilled 18:12 Listener call: pushback on jargon, “basis points vs. bips” debate 20:13 Listener call: bond ETF BINC—why it’s loaded with junk and risky 25:22 Explaining Roth-only 401(k) catch-ups starting 2026 for $145k+ earners 27:22 Listener call: ETF vs. mutual fund conversions, Vanguard’s patent, Fidelity status 31:29 Listener call: couple with $1.6M in cash, wife afraid of investing 35:36 Don and Tom’s advice: show need via a financial plan, start with small stock exposure 35:59 Listener call from Italy: CDs, interest rates, and laddering vs. penalties Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 29

Don and Tom tackle the “big three” global equity ETFs—Vanguard VT, Dimensional DFAW, and Avantis AVGE—breaking down their diversification, costs, risk/return assumptions, style tilts (small/value vs large/growth), and geographic/sector weights. They highlight how DFA and Avantis add microcaps and factor tilts that Vanguard’s index omits, why fees are “pennies” but differences in construction matter, and why “rules-based” is more accurate than “active.” Listener questions cover lottery winnings (lump sum vs annuity), the collapse of Publishers Clearinghouse payouts, and Ameriprise’s pricey SMA accounts. The theme: investing lives in the middle ground—balancing risk, cost, and logic. 0:04 Middle-dweller banter and show open 0:54 Why ETFs replaced mutual funds as the easy route 1:23 The “big three” global ETFs: VT, AVGE, DFAW 2:34 Which is “better”? Spoiler: none—or all 2:56 Diversification: DFAW 13,700 stocks vs VT’s 10,000 4:00 Expense ratios: Vanguard’s cost advantage 4:32 Risk/return projections and why they’re guesses 6:22 Microcaps explain much of the differences 7:55 Why small/value stocks historically outperform 8:55 Style box breakdown: small vs large allocations 9:45 U.S. vs international exposure: “pandering portfolios” 10:57 Tech vs financials: sector allocations diverge 12:09 Recent performance snapshots, short vs long term 13:34 Index (VT), Factor (DFAW), Rules-based tilt (AVGE) 15:25 Long-term results: Avantis beats Vanguard despite higher fee 16:15 Risk/return symmetry: you could make a lot, lose a lot 16:45 Listener Q&A: $2B Powerball jackpot—lump sum or annuity? 18:01 Publishers Clearinghouse collapse leaves winners unpaid 21:07 Listener Q&A: Ameriprise SMA fees and pitfalls 23:48 Why Ameriprise’s “nice” advisors are still costly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26

In this Friday Q&A edition of Talking Real Money , Don tackles listener questions ranging from the dangers of options trading and critiques of Dave Ramsey, to building a simple 60/40 portfolio, comparing flat-fee versus AUM advisors, and whether international bonds deserve a spot in a portfolio. Along the way, he mixes in humor, candid pushback, and practical advice while emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and the importance of asking good questions. 0:04 Intro, gratitude for enough listener questions to fill a show 1:20 Why Don won’t recommend any book on options trading 3:29 Caller defends Dave Ramsey and critiques Don & Tom’s take 5:55 Don responds, clarifies criticisms, and acknowledges Ramsey’s positive impact 8:00 Portfolio question from Andy: building a 60/40 with a value tilt 11:14 Flat fee vs. AUM advisors—when each makes sense 13:41 Bond question: Fidelity vs. Vanguard total bond funds, and role of international bonds 17:27 Don on thick skin as a talk show host and why critique is welcome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 25

This episode tackles gold mania in its latest surge, debunking its “safe haven” myth with historical returns and practical comparisons to stocks. Don and Tom expose how Wall Street and fund providers exploit the hype, critique Ameriprise and high-yield muni funds, and answer listener questions on target-date funds vs DIY portfolios, HSA withdrawals, and advisor conflicts. The conversation balances humor, skepticism, and blunt warnings about chasing assets after dramatic run-ups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24

A candid hour on consumer self-defense. We open with iOS 26’s unknown-caller screening and a New York Times crime reporter nearly duped by a “Chase Bank” spoof—lesson: don’t trust caller ID, don’t transact with inbound callers, verify via the number on your card or the bank app, and remember spoofed numbers make simple blocking imperfect. Listeners jump in: a Rule of 55 correction (not 72(t)/72(q)), plus a sharp TSP/Roth asset-location play—keep core market cap in TSP, use Roth for small-value tilt (e.g., AVUV). Then the consumer beat: Florida HVAC sticker shock and why three bids matter. Scam watch flags Smart Lab International’s “AI” sports-betting/trading scheme and crypto funding as Ponzi-ish red-flags. We close on the fiduciary fog—why “certified fiduciary” labels can hide annuity sales—and reject structured notes/buffer ETFs in favor of a simple, low-cost balanced portfolio that matches risk to need. 1:07 New iPhone feature screens unknown callers 1:58 Scam calls and “scam du jour” routine 3:05 NYT crime reporter nearly falls for Chase/Zelle spoofing scam 6:23 Why scams work when people let their guard down 7:00 Don’t trust caller ID, best practices for bank contacts 8:24 Zelle vs. Venmo debate and practical use cases 9:34 Caller correction on Rule 55 vs. 72Q/72T 10:58 Listener Brian on TSP allocation and AVUV tilt 13:07 Tom’s buffer/puffer joke flop 13:44 Advice on blocking spoofed numbers and safer verification 15:00 Segue into consumer issues beyond investing 16:06 History of Florida’s heat and AC dependency 16:43 Air conditioning repair and wild $11k vs. $4.7k quotes 19:22 Tom’s ongoing heat pump saga 21:10 Bob Cratchit fireplace joke 21:14 Listener Q&A from Nibley, Utah about Smart Lab “AI trading” scheme 24:28 What Smart Lab claims to do (AI sports betting + trading) 26:23 Company origins in Malta, Seychelles, now Ho Chi Minh City 27:57 Ponzi-like structure and risks with crypto-based platforms 29:16 Closing advice: don’t nibble on Smart Lab 29:27 Caller John on fiduciary standards and insurance sales 32:28 Exposure of “Certified Financial Fiduciary” designations and insurance sales tactics 34:46 Caller Rajiv on structured notes vs. buffer ETFs 36:02 Simplicity of balanced portfolios over complex gimmicks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 23

This episode of Talking Real Money tackles myths about the Federal Reserve and interest rates, explains why mortgage and Treasury rates don’t automatically follow Fed moves, and reminds listeners that markets usually price in expected changes. Don and Tom then pop the cork on wine investing, showing that after costs it performs about as well as plain bonds—and far worse than a 60/40 portfolio. They compare wine and tobacco “sin stocks,” highlight the volatility of individual companies like Constellation Brands and Altria, and use that as a cautionary lesson against stock-picking. Listener calls cover asset location strategies (Roth vs. taxable vs. HSA), the realities of buffer ETFs, and how to evaluate fiduciary firms like Prairie View Partners (now Savant). As always, the conclusion is clear: keep it simple, diversify, and drink the wine instead of investing in it. 0:04 Old-fashioned call-in intro and Fed rate cut discussion 1:33 Myths about Fed decisions and mortgage/consumer loan rates 3:21 Treasury yields, market reactions, and rate expectations through 2026 6:16 Why markets often anticipate rate changes in advance 7:40 Transition into alternatives and “exciting” investments 9:03 Wine as an investment: storage, insurance, dealer costs 10:38 Average returns vs. net after-cost reality (bonds beat wine) 12:46 Stocks and bonds outperform—“invest in markets, drink the wine” 14:08 Constellation Brands stock history as a volatility case study 17:37 Altria (tobacco) stock comparison and “sin stock” volatility lesson 20:16 Small percentage of individual stocks outperform T-bills (Bessembinder research) 21:39 Listener: Asset location strategy (taxable, Roth, HSA) 24:58 ETFs changing the asset location conversation 27:10 Treatment of HSAs as Roth-like for medical use vs. IRA-like otherwise 28:42 Listener: Buffer funds (“boomer candy”) and why they’re costly gimmicks 32:54 Reminder that many investors panic out of markets at the worst times 33:42 Listener: Emergency fund and avoiding 1099s (spoiler: you can’t) 34:58 Listener: Evaluating fiduciary firm Prairie View Partners (merged with Savant) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 22

0:04 Why your home isn’t part of your investment portfolio 0:26 The myth of the American Dream and why owning may not make sense 1:33 A buyer’s remorse story from Atlanta 2:35 $3,000/month to own vs. $1,200/month to rent 3:34 Hidden expenses: $13,000 sewer connection surprise 4:31 “I can’t sell my house” = “I won’t lower the price” 5:35 Housing returns: even hot markets underperform stocks 6:19 Divorcees sharing homes to keep a 2% mortgage 7:35 Why paying off a low-rate mortgage often makes no sense 8:45 Don and Tom both bought homes for lifestyle, not wealth 10:13 Florida: where houses go to die (and get re-roofed) 11:33 Owning a home is not a prerequisite for wealth 12:48 How to send voice questions (seriously, do it) 14:18 Listener Q: 401(k) with limited options—how to balance Roth IRA 15:25 Fund strategy: AVUV and AVDV combo 16:44 Listener Q: Why not mention charitable remainder trusts? 17:27 Listener Q: Are flat-fee advisors better than AUM? 19:00 Hourly advisor costs and why they seem high 20:35 Outro: Tell a friend, save them from financial doom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 19

Don laments the shortage of voice-submitted questions for the Friday Q&A shows and urges listeners to speak their questions into their phones or computers instead of typing them. He answers four listener questions: whether to take a pension lump sum or annuity, whether to roll a 401(k) into an IRA and how much to keep saving with a union pension, a callout about financial jargon (especially “basis points”), and whether stocks are as speculative as cryptocurrency. Don emphasizes that the annuity option is unusually generous, consolidating accounts can simplify rebalancing, saving as much as possible remains wise, and owning the entire global economy through diversified funds is investing, not speculation. 0:09 Don bemoans typed questions and encourages listeners to use voice submission 2:16 Listener asks about lump-sum pension vs. annuity — Don leans strongly toward annuity 6:05 Listener asks about rolling over a 401(k) to an IRA and whether to keep contributing — Don favors consolidation and continued saving 9:00 Caller criticizes jargon like “basis points” — Don defends term as shorthand but explains its meaning 12:04 Caller compares stocks to crypto — Don explains why diversified global stocks are investing, not speculation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 18

This episode explores Americans’ financial well-being in 2025, using a Yahoo Finance/Marist survey as the springboard. Don and Tom discuss how their audience differs from the average American listener, how perceptions of financial health can be misleading, and what to actually do if your finances—or your feelings about them—are getting worse. They debate the usefulness of net worth tracking, stress the importance of financial literacy, and suggest automating savings. Listener questions cover indexed annuities, bond substitutes, tax implications, and long-term care sales pitches. They also read a letter defending Rick Edelman and challenging their dismissal of crypto, which leads to a lively discussion about evidence-based investing, Eugene Fama’s critique of Bitcoin, and the dangers of sensationalized advice. They end with a reflection on public criticism and the value of having one’s views challenged. 0:29 Comparing TRM listeners to Ramsey and Kiyosaki audiences 1:37 Median savings for over-65 Americans and why $200k still isn’t enough 2:42 Yahoo/Marist survey results: affordability, debt, emergency savings 3:50 One in three say finances worsened; generational breakdown 4:51 Explaining net worth, what to include and exclude 7:01 Tracking net worth annually as a financial benchmark 8:00 Divorce, net worth, and the joke about “kill them off” 9:50 Income gap, gender differences, and perception vs. reality 10:34 How uncertainty and fear shape financial outlooks 11:41 Producer note joke about being “sexist but not leftist” 11:50 Dissatisfaction with savings and personal spending habits 13:06 Fixing bad finances: literacy, automation, benchmarking 17:20 Don argues perception matters more than reality for many 18:20 Listener question: fixed index annuity as bond substitute 19:46 Caps, participation rates, and underperformance vs. markets 21:10 Tax treatment of annuities vs. ETFs 22:55 Importance of advice near retirement (decumulation phase) 23:44 Listener shares bad LTC/annuity sales pitch experience 24:54 Fixed annuity guarantees vs. CDs and government bonds 25:39 Listener defends Rick Edelman, suggests an open dialogue 26:52 Don’s critique of Edelman’s shift toward sensationalism 29:29 Eugene Fama’s comments on Bitcoin, clash with Edelman’s stance 31:23 Public criticism is fair game—reading recent Apple Podcast reviews 32:48 Bitcoin adoption debate and institutional incentives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 17

Don goes solo this week and covers the wild state of “investing” in 2025 — including single-stock ETFs, leveraged funds, and zero-day options that look more like gambling than investing. He answers listener questions about Roth strategies for kids, aggressive long-term allocations, finding fiduciary advisors, dealing with inherited stock portfolios, and the ethics and fees of big Wall Street firms. Plus, he fields questions about new tax-focused ETFs and whether complicated multi-fund factor strategies are really worth the trouble. 0:04 Don jokes about ChatGPT replacing him, welcomes listeners 1:53 Today’s topic: 30% of new ETFs are tied to single stocks — “this is gambling” 4:27 Zero-day options and high-frequency trading likened to sports betting 5:23 Congressman Ro Khanna’s 2,800 trades this year — four per market day 6:12 Don’s call to stop pretending this is investing 8:16 Caller Mike: 3 kids with $100k+ Roths each — aggressive allocation recommendations (AVUV, AVGE, DFAW, 100% equity) 12:24 International weighting debate — Don likes 60/40 global tilt 15:34 Caller Dan from Israel: How to confirm if an advisor is a fiduciary; why inheriting stocks isn’t a reason to keep them 18:08 Transitioning from stocks to ETFs while minimizing capital gains 22:23 Caller Laura: Ethical concerns with J.P. Morgan, fees near 1%, annuities in portfolio — Don urges finding a true fiduciary and offers local resources 27:07 Caller Jim: New ETF (TOT) promising tax efficiency — Don warns against chasing “magic tricks” for small benefits 31:44 Question about swapping gains between mother/son’s VTI shares — IRS won’t allow 33:47 Kath reads listener question: Three-bucket retirement system, comparing iShares GLOF vs AVGE — Don says it’s fine, but may be overcomplicating 35:34 Rebalancing frequency discussion — annual is enough for most Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 16

This week Don hosts solo and brings in “Cath GPT” (ChatGPT) as a "live" guest to explore the rise of AI in personal finance. They cover what types of questions AI is best at answering, its limits for real-time data and stock trading, and the importance of privacy and skepticism. Don emphasizes planning before investing, critiques dollar-cost averaging with lump sums, and fields listener calls on shifting from commercial real estate to the market, Roth conversions, AVGE vs. AVUV, resetting cost basis in a low-income year, and avoiding dubious “legacy funds.” The show closes with reminders about planning, asking spoken questions, and steering clear of high-commission products. 1:02 NYT & Yahoo reports on AI financial advice 1:53 Cath GPT joins live, discusses safe AI uses 3:58 Privacy concerns and data recency limits 6:22 Why AI is bad for stock trading advice 6:50 Don confirms Cath recommends index investing 8:14 Warning about sycophancy — always ask for sources 8:38 Caller Josh: pivoting from commercial property to stock market 10:32 Don: planning first, lump sum > DCA 13:23 Caller Greg: inherited assets, Roth conversions, AVGE timeframe, bond/CD ladders 17:20 Don urges no market timing on conversions 22:50 Caller Brian: small-cap value, AVUV vs. Russell 2000, Merriman strategy 28:07 Don: simplify, AVUV fine but optional 29:43 Caller Jason: harvesting gains in low-income year, Don urges diversification 33:03 Caller: backdoor Roth timing — lump sum beats DCA 34:35 Don jokes about October crashes 37:59 Caller Tim: best annuity is SPIA, avoids “legacy funds” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 15

Don and Tom take listeners on a “mountaintop” look at today’s frothy markets, exploring elevated valuations, retail trading spikes, and record margin debt. They unpack what these numbers really mean, warn against trying to time the market, and reiterate the need for diversification and a long-term plan. Listener questions include a young investor’s Fidelity-heavy portfolio, a 30-something’s aggressive allocation and risk score mismatch, and a listener inquiry about “investwithroots.com,” which Don dissects as a private real-estate fund with fees and risks that outweigh its glossy promises. 0:04 Opening from the market “peak” and climbing metaphor 1:38 Market valuation discussion: P/E ratios, concentration in top 10 stocks 3:21 Surge in retail trading, meme stocks, margin debt, Robinhood sentiment 5:13 Economic uncertainty and why market timing doesn’t work 6:11 Staying with your plan and portfolio diversification 7:15 Risks of U.S. large-cap concentration in typical portfolios 8:03 The need to include small-cap, value, and international stocks 9:14 Eugene Fama’s “trading is like soap” warning and why trading destroys wealth 10:46 Practical advice: stop trying to outsmart the market, build a plan 13:22 Listener Q1: 18-year-old’s portfolio—too much large-cap, not enough international or small value 16:15 Listener Q2: 30-year-old with $100K—good diversification but needs bonds for risk profile 19:25 Listener Q3: Investwithroots.com analysis—fees, geographic risk, private REIT red flags 24:16 Why public REITs like Vanguard’s VNQ offer better diversification/liquidity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12

Don answers listener questions on funding a taxable brokerage account, clarifies what “more buyers than sellers” really means, explains why fixed income is about psychology rather than income, gives advice on setting up joint accounts for aging parents, lays out a lifetime HSA allocation strategy, and clears up confusion about Appella Wealth’s connection to Talking Real Money. 0:04 Friday Q&A intro and thanks for listener questions 1:19 When to open a taxable brokerage account (AVGE + SGOV mix) 3:28 “More buyers than sellers” — why it’s really about demand vs. supply 6:23 Whether pension + Social Security counts as “fixed income” in a 60/40 plan 10:40 Setting up money market accounts and estate planning for aging parents 14:07 Lifetime HSA strategy — contributions, withdrawals, and allocation glidepath 17:32 Is Appella Advice for Life connected to Talking Real Money? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 11

Don and Tom dig into international investing — why diversification across borders is essential, why timing international markets is a mistake, and how currency fluctuations affect returns. They revisit Japan’s lost decades, talk emerging markets, discuss John Bogle’s arguments against international investing, and explain why owning all markets all the time makes the most sense. Listener questions cover tax perceptions about California, long-term return comparisons, 401(k) rollover and Rule of 55 withdrawals, and the realities of retiring abroad — including the sticker shock of Guatemala’s healthcare spending. 0:04 Should you invest internationally now that foreign markets are rising? 1:29 Morningstar data shows non-U.S. markets doubling U.S. returns in 2025. 2:38 The dollar’s weakness as a key factor in performance. 3:20 Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and China’s strong year — but should you chase it? 4:02 Market leadership cycles: U.S. vs. international across decades. 4:50 The “1990 Japan” cautionary tale: why timing single markets can disappoint. 6:17 Concentration risk, emerging markets, and why you need global diversification. 7:33 Exposure to global companies you can’t get by owning U.S.-only funds. 8:42 Dimensional’s chart shows no country wins every year — own them all. 9:40 Addressing the John Bogle “you already own international through U.S. firms” argument. 10:21 Nestlé example: why local economy exposure matters. 12:45 Listener Greg challenges Don’s California tax comment — clarification given. 13:45 State tax comparisons, why there’s no perfect tax haven. 14:41 New York vs. California tax burdens — where it’s worst. 15:30 Listener Tim asks about long-term return periods — Don points to IFA data. 17:40 1,700+ episodes milestone and show longevity banter. 18:30 Listener Jeff’s complex retirement accounts and Rule of 55 rollover question. 19:09 Discussion of retiring abroad and health care concerns in Guatemala. 22:20 U.S. health care spending vs. Guatemala — a sobering gap. 23:39 Gallows humor about quick death and end-of-life planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 10

In this episode, Don and Tom dig into the podcast rankings to explain why Talking Real Money isn’t at the top—and why Dave Ramsey still is, despite offering more shame than substance. They explore the concept of financial shaming vs. education , reflect on listener Judy’s brilliant retirement planning, and take aim at stock-trading politicians , especially California Rep. Ro Khanna with his 4,700+ trades in one year . Listener questions cover inheritance allocation , condos as investments , and 401(k) vs. Roth vs. brokerage savings . Bonus: Tom yells at his grandkids, Don hates condos, and Congress gets roasted. 0:04 Who’s #1 in investing podcasts? Spoiler: It’s not Don and Tom—it’s still Ramsey 1:18 Financial shaming, bullying, and the “toxic” tone of the Ramsey Show 2:22 The lost LinkedIn post that called out Ramsey culture 3:49 Should shame ever be part of financial advice? (They say no) 5:05 How Talking Real Money tries to educate—not humiliate 7:04 What should great financial advice sound like? A compassionate take 8:47 Caller Judy (age 72) seeks advice on a $200k inheritance—Tom and Don love her plan 11:51 Municipal bond ETFs (like VTEB) vs. international bonds vs. risk tolerance 13:53 Judy’s journey learning finance solo—Don gets emotional 14:38 Why are podcast rankings volatile? Don suspects cheating again 16:03 Listener question: Should you max both 401(k) and IRA? (Yes, and here’s why) 17:59 Roth > Traditional > Brokerage: A savings priority guide 18:45 Target-date funds vs. S&P 500 returns—why it’s not apples to apples 20:05 Caller Nathan: Getting married, no kids, and thinking of buying a condo 22:56 Warning: Condos are almost always terrible investments 25:44 Real estate reality check—condos lag, freestanding homes rebound better 27:52 Don’s definitive answer: “I would never own a condo” 28:33 Congress and stock trading: 86% of Americans say it should be banned 30:20 Ro Khanna made 3,000+ trades in 2023 … and wants to ban stock trading? 31:52 Why Congress shouldn’t trade stocks—and how index funds are the solution 34:24 Ro Khanna’s $103 million in trades and 149 conflicts of interest 36:46 Wrapping up: Condos, curmudgeons, and Central Florida emptiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 9

Don and Tom break down the overhyped expectations around recent market returns, referencing Jason Zweig’s analysis of 230 years of stock market data. They emphasize that spending and saving habits matter more than chasing 15% returns, and explain why realistic planning using a 3–6% real return assumption over 30-year rolling periods is more prudent. They also tackle questions about RMD strategies from Vanguard IRAs and the TSP’s F and G bond funds. The show ends with a tongue-in-cheek breakdown of NFL team valuations—yes, the Raiders rank surprisingly high. 0:04 Welcome, fatuousness defined, and realistic investing begins 0:52 Why you shouldn’t expect 15% returns forever—even if you got them 1:52 What Jason Zweig’s long-term data reveals about stock returns 2:51 Bogle warned us not to expect high returns—now what? 4:16 Spending and saving: more important than investing performance 5:08 Don’s “prepaid gains” analogy for future expectations 7:00 Real market returns since 1793—spoiler: they’re not 15% 8:58 Stocks might only beat inflation by 3%—and that’s still a win 9:45 Start saving early: waiting until 50 is a losing game 10:18 How to plan with lower expected returns (realistic scenarios) 11:56 Use expected return to guide your savings rate (3% = save 20%) 13:45 “You weren’t smart. You were lucky.” Now diversify. 15:31 Tom’s wife dreads football season—Don celebrates Chiefs loss 18:42 Listener RMD question: Which ETFs get tapped at Vanguard? 19:29 Bonds are back: fixed income up ~6% this year 20:24 Rebalancing vs. just selling: how to handle RMDs smartly 21:04 Raiders rank #4 in NFL valuations… but why? 24:36 Top NFL team values: Cowboys rule, Cardinals drool 27:27 Arizona sports: low attendance, low valuations 28:59 TSP question: F fund vs. G fund—what to use, when 30:25 Don favors the G fund for simplicity and ballast 31:45 Tom and Don disagree—F fund might return more, but… 32:26 Don’s vegetable-spiked coffee and Justin’s final TSP allocation 34:13 Listener Barbara has multiple annuities—Don and Tom say, “Yikes” 35:47 Why you probably talked to a salesperson, not a fiduciary 37:04 The free Appella consultation is steak-free and no-pressure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8

Don and Tom dive into the emotional, financial, and practical realities of supporting adult children. From layoffs to loans, down payments to dog surprises, this episode tackles the growing trend of parents funding their 20- and 30-something offspring—and how to do it without wrecking your retirement. Plus, listener questions about gifting stock, promissory note scams, and why shady annuity sellers keep showing up on the airwaves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5

In this Friday Q&A edition, Don fields listener questions on rolling over a large 401(k) after a layoff, whether IRA money should ever be used to buy real estate, Vanguard’s new active ETF offerings, choosing between Vanguard and Schwab 2035 target-date funds, and whether to treat a foreign apartment purchase as part of an investment portfolio. Along the way, he highlights diversification benefits, cautions against high-cost self-directed IRAs, and emphasizes that homes are assets but not investments. 0:04 Friday intro, royal “we,” and reminder on how to submit questions 1:42 Scott from Louisiana: rolling over a $1M retirement account after layoff 4:07 Scott’s follow-up: using IRA funds to buy real estate 5:42 Caller asks about Vanguard’s new active ETFs and why indexes still win 8:02 Sylvia from Connecticut: comparing Vanguard vs Schwab 2035 target-date funds 11:12 Caller from Colombia: whether to factor a paid-off foreign apartment into portfolio allocation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 4

Don and Tom dismantle the “passive bubble” trope, walk through Morningstar’s active/passive scorecard (great one-year anecdotes vs brutal long-run stats), and recap the steady shift of investor dollars toward indexing. A caller tries to drag the show into politics via data independence (BLS/Fed), prompting a level-headed reminder that markets price reality over rhetoric. The TSP’s revamped I Fund gets kudos for finally adding emerging markets (with a nudge to pair it with value tilts outside TSP). Two meaty segments cover long-term care: costs, weak benefits on traditional policies, when hybrids can make sense, and why many households effectively self-insure or rely on Medicaid as the backstop. Another caller asks about Die With Zero ; verdict: great mindset— if your plan already covers worst-case needs. 0:05 Holiday opener, calls invite, “passive is a bubble?” setup 2:06 Is price discovery “broken” if money flows to index funds? 2:40 Active still >50% of U.S. fund assets; global passive ≈20% AUM 4:22 Morningstar barometer: 42% of active beat in 1-yr… so 58% didn’t 6:36 Long-run stats: 3-yr 17.7% , 5-yr 8.2% , 10-yr 2.5% , 15–20-yr ≈ ~1% of active beat 8:32 Flows: from 1 in 20 dollars passive (’97) to 1 in 2 today; costs matter 10:58 Caller (Sammamish): data independence, politics, rates, inflation risk; market effects vs reality 16:19 Inbox: TSP update— I Fund now includes EM ; still thin on value/small tilts 18:32 Why add small/value (incl. intl); performance pops don’t change the case 22:26 Caller (LTC): traditional vs hybrid; math on premiums, caps, Medicaid backstop 26:37 Basic quote math: ~$1,900/yr at 60 for ~$150k cap; lump-sum hybrids trade-offs 29:10 Caller (Maya, Los Altos): Die With Zero —great if plan covers tail risks; most retirees can’t 34:38 Caller (Americus, GA): Mutual of Omaha pitch; self-insure debate; taxes/deductions misconceptions 38:55 Wrap: how to send questions; where to get advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 3

Don and Tom mark Labor Day weekend with a lively discussion of the so-called September Effect—Wall Street’s superstition about historically negative returns in September. They remind listeners that short-term market timing is a losing strategy and that knowing (not guessing) your risk tolerance and asset allocation matters most. The conversation ranges from Florida’s endless summer and biblical rains to ETF overload, collective investment trusts, tax quirks, and the futility of dodging volatility. Along the way, there’s humor about Costco, fertilizer, wrong numbers, and shameless plugs for Don’s LitReading podcast. 0:04 Labor Day banter, Florida heat, biblical rains, Asheville trip 2:12 September Effect explained—history and hype 4:41 Why you should know , not do , with your portfolio 6:15 Average September returns since 1928 and investor psychology 8:28 Market timing pitfalls and missing best days 10:28 Costco’s Jim Sinegal quote and life’s sugar vs. manure metaphor 12:29 Bogle wisdom: don’t peek at your portfolio 14:05 Listener correction: senior deduction phase-out details 19:14 Don plugs LitReading’s return with an O. Henry story 20:34 ETF explosion—4,300 funds in U.S., 12,000 worldwide 26:15 How to eliminate bad ETFs (fees, leverage, active management) 29:11 Don tests a new GPS analogy ad for Appella Wealth 31:12 Listener question on state tax burdens (California vs. Washington) 34:05 Call-in about 401(k) funds converting to CITs 37:19 CIT regulations, reporting, and transparency explained 39:39 Apple vs. Spotify podcast listener demographics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 2

Tom kicks off with a check-in on bond market returns, reminding listeners that bonds are about stability, not yield-chasing. He’s joined by advisor Roxy Butner, who helps answer listener questions about fixed-allocation vs. target-date funds, how much international exposure is enough, Ameriprise “CL” fund share classes with high fees, and whether hybrid long-term care annuity products are worth considering. Together they emphasize cost awareness, simplicity, and aligning investments with real-life needs instead of sales-driven products. 0:04 Intro and bond returns update (BND, DFIGX, SWSBX) 2:30 Why bonds belong in portfolios despite modest returns 2:47 Mailbag intro with Roxy Butner 3:13 Shelly asks about fixed-allocation vs target-date funds 5:34 Balanced vs LifeStrategy funds and international exposure 7:01 Frank asks about U.S. vs international allocation split 8:23 AVGE, DFAW, and “overthinking” the international percentage 10:39 Decades of U.S. vs international performance 11:15 Angie asks about Ameriprise “CL” fund share classes 13:32 Expense ratios and fiduciary concerns 14:54 Comparing low-cost index alternatives 15:18 Ford asks about hybrid LTC annuity products 17:30 Income planning first vs peeling off money for LTC 18:34 Real-life client experiences with LTC riders 20:33 Policy complexity, surrender decisions, and care costs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 29

Don fields listener questions from Asheville in this Friday Q&A edition. Topics include calculating investment returns with XIRR versus simple time-weighted methods, rebalancing U.S. vs. international allocations in a Vanguard portfolio, whether children can have multiple custodial accounts (and why 529s may be better), AVGE versus VT and why factor tilts matter long-term, and a skeptical look at Frank Vasquez’s Risk Parity Radio strategy that leans on commodities and “golden ratio” portfolio construction. 1:03 How to calculate investment returns (XIRR vs. time-weighted) 4:19 Portfolio allocation: VTI + VT + BND vs. simpler mix 7:10 Custodial UTMA accounts vs. 529s 9:24 AVGE vs. VT: expense ratios, factor tilts, long-term logic 15:06 Frank Vasquez and Risk Parity Radio critique Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28

This episode of Talking Real Money digs into recency bias —our human tendency to expect the future to look like the recent past—and how it’s quietly reshaping retirement portfolios. Don and Tom examine rising stock allocations in 401(k)s and target-date funds, even among older investors, and why this performance-chasing is dangerous. They highlight the risks of target-date fund managers pandering to investors, the importance of rebalancing, and the need to stick to long-term allocation plans based on risk tolerance, not market trends. Listener questions cover immediate annuities, 529-to-Roth transfer rules, and whether paying an advisor’s 1% fee is worth it compared with DIY investing. 0:04 Recency bias explained and why it drives poor investment decisions 1:05 Stock allocations hitting record levels in 401(k)s across all age groups 2:48 Risk of higher stock exposure for investors in their 60s 3:33 Target-date funds increasing equity exposure and chasing performance 5:00 Example of an investor going from 60/40 to 90% stocks 7:00 Post-2008 shifts: investors moved into bonds when they should’ve been buying stocks 7:26 Importance of rebalancing twice a year to avoid creeping U.S./large-cap overweight 9:00 Why boring diversification still works long-term 11:26 How to check your target-date fund allocation on Morningstar 12:41 Active vs. index target-date funds: Vanguard vs. T. Rowe/Nuveen 14:03 Listener Q: Fixed immediate annuity trade-offs (“wizards of odds”) 17:49 Why insurers win: payout math vs. life expectancy 18:59 Why Don & Tom dislike most annuities but tolerate immediate annuities in some cases 20:52 DIY alternative: 5% bond/CD ladder vs. annuity payout 21:25 What if you get 6%? Extending sustainable income to 23 years 21:37 Listener Q: Rules for rolling 529 funds into a Roth IRA 23:00 Key 529 limits: 15-year account age, 5-year holding period, $35k lifetime cap 23:14 Listener Q: DIY investing vs. hiring an advisor at 1% AUM 24:22 Why a good advisor’s value is about more than returns—taxes, withdrawals, estate planning 25:42 Vanguard’s Advisor Alpha and why behavior coaching adds value Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 27

Tom Cock takes the reins while Don visits family, leading a live call-in show that covers liquidity risks in private investments and university endowments, skepticism over deferred income annuities, housing sale costs, Vanguard ETF gaps, the importance of diversification beyond the S&P 500, and why long-term investing discipline beats reacting to short-term volatility. Callers ask about annuities, real estate commissions, balanced ETFs, 100% stock allocations, and Wellington vs. total market strategies, with Tom stressing global diversification, risk awareness, and building portfolios for real life rather than chasing products or peer pressure. 0:04 Tom hosts solo, Don away visiting his mom 0:51 Liquidity lessons from elite college endowments and alternatives 2:56 Why liquidity matters for retirement and emergencies 6:21 Caller Rich: $2M assets, pension, Social Security, annuity concerns, Tom warns against deferred income annuities 11:46 Caller Will: real estate commissions after lawsuits, Tom says budget ~10% of sale price 15:09 Tom warns about too-good-to-be-true “8% guarantees” 16:26 Caller Catherine: asks why Vanguard lacks a balanced ETF; Tom suggests DIY mix or wait for rollout 21:40 Tom stresses ignoring TikTok “advice” and staying the course; examples of small-cap rebounds 25:31 Global small/value stocks outperform S&P this year—own them all 26:49 Caller Joe: 100% S&P 500 allocation in retirement accounts; Tom warns about concentration, suggests global diversification 32:56 Caller Alan: Wellington Fund vs. more equities; Tom favors index funds and broader global exposure 37:28 Risk quiz, portfolio planning, and building for your own needs vs. peer influence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26

Tom Cock hosts this week’s Talking Real Money solo while Don visits his mom. He reflects on Appella Wealth’s annual client event, where clients talked more about travel, grandkids, and weather than money—showing that the firm’s real value is helping people worry less about markets and more about life. Tom takes listener calls covering whether to renew CDs or move into bond funds, the high costs of closed-end muni funds, portfolio planning with Roth IRAs and target-date funds, estate planning with mutual fund capital gains, and frustrations with annuities. Throughout, Tom stresses planning, simplicity, ignoring noise, and putting money in its proper place. 0:04 Don out visiting his mom, Tom hosts solo 0:48 Market news and Appella Wealth annual client event recap 2:36 What clients really talk about: travel, family, weather—not money 3:25 Why clients worry less about markets when planning is in place 5:59 The importance of advisors (or DIY) in managing rebalancing, taxes, RMDs 7:09 Caller Bill (MN): Renew $200k CDs at 4% vs move into bond fund 11:25 Caller Jim (TX): High-fee muni closed-end funds, whether to sell 13:20 Caller Tom (VA): Planning Roth IRA allocations, target-date funds at Fidelity 18:53 Caller Gene (MD): $8M estate, big mutual fund gains, reducing taxes for heirs 28:12 Caller Bernadette (WA): Regrets annuity with USAA, options for moving it 31:18 Tom’s guidance: why annuities disappoint and fiduciary help matters 32:41 How to “put money in its place” if you’re a DIY investor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25

Don and Tom revisit their long-standing skepticism of Yieldstreet after CNBC’s investigation reveals major investor losses. They highlight how promises of high returns and low risk almost always end in disaster, connecting this lesson back to their 2022 warnings. The episode underscores the dangers of “magical” investments, the myth of passive income, and why retirement accounts should avoid private assets. Listener questions focus on Roth vs. pre-tax strategy, bracket management, and conversion rules—showing the complexity of tax planning when wealth accumulates. 0:04 Why “too good to be true” investments always fail eventually 1:08 Yieldstreet problems exposed—CNBC investigation findings 2:26 Losses and watch-list numbers from their portfolio 3:48 Investors chasing 20% returns and Adam Neumann connection 5:01 Private investments pitched as “smoother sailing” 6:14 Throwback to 2022 TRM episode warning about Yieldstreet 7:38 False promises of 8% “distributions” and return of capital 9:10 FBI and SEC probes; fees, liquidity issues, and risks 10:33 Why magical investments work… until they don’t 12:22 Don’s “Financial Fysics” rule: only 3 ways to make money 14:24 Private credit in 401(k)s—why Don hates the idea 15:36 Listener Q: Roth conversion strategy before retirement 17:17 Five-year rule confusion and conversion clarifications 18:52 Why splitting Roth and pre-tax can make sense 20:09 Listener Q: Roth vs. pre-tax for high earners in California 22:08 The need for predictive tax planning with large balances 22:26 Wealth requires planning, not winging it 24:12 Wrapping up—Yieldstreet’s lesson and Roth themes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22

This question heavy episode of Talking Real Money dives into six listener questions ranging from umbrella insurance and portfolio rebalancing to small-cap value allocation, AI’s role in financial planning, and advisory fees. Don critiques umbrella policies as overpriced peace-of-mind products, gives practical strategies for balancing across multiple accounts, stresses the value of both U.S. and international small-cap value, discusses the disruptive potential of AI in advice (with a cameo from “Kath”), and explains fiduciary fees, taxes, and client experience at a fee-only firm like Appella. 0:04 Big Q&A episode intro and listener reminder about submitting questions 1:14 Listener note on Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office documentary 2:49 Ivan asks about when to buy umbrella insurance 6:23 How to send in questions and live call-in info 6:41 Listener asks about rebalancing across 401k, Roth, taxable, and HSA 10:02 Jeff asks about U.S. vs. international small-cap value ETFs and missing T-shirts 12:34 Mike from Colorado describes using ChatGPT for Roth conversion and withdrawal planning; Don and Kath discuss AI’s impact on financial advice and SEC regulation 20:46 Ed from North Carolina asks about fiduciary fees, IRA penalties, and the new client experience at Appella 23:27 Advisor meeting cadence and availability explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 21

Why has the stock market been so persistently resilient despite crises like COVID, wars, and inflation? Don and Tom explore whether the current generation of investors is simply too inexperienced to remember real bear markets—and what that means for the future. They reflect on market history, including the 2000–2009 “lost decade,” and warn against overconfidence and overconcentration in U.S. large caps. The episode covers lessons from diversification, the value of bonds, the illusion of wealth during bull markets, and listener questions about rebalancing strategies, tax-efficient withdrawals, and international fund choices. They wrap up with a hilarious movie segment and a plea to get financial plans in order as fall approaches. 0:04 Why has the market been so resilient for nearly 20 years? 1:01 Buy-the-dip culture vs. true bear market experience 2:20 Recalling the 2007–09 crash and its emotional aftermath 3:15 Younger investors haven’t seen long-term pain—yet 4:07 A history of “new paradigm” optimism before brutal downturns 5:30 Rising 401k balances vs. uncomfortable overconfidence 5:46 Buying the dip… or being the dip? 7:21 The savior during lost decades: diversification 8:45 “Winter is coming”—how to prepare like a Northerner 9:34 The return of bonds and rechecking your allocations 10:20 Hidden risks of U.S. stock concentration 11:14 Take 20%–50% off your portfolio mentally—it’s not all yours 11:44 Listener questions: mic technique and financial reality check 13:24 The movie theater saga: terrible options and funny reviews 17:00 Listener Q: Calendar rebalancing vs. opportunistic rebalancing 18:50 Listener Q: Selling winners vs. minimizing capital gains 20:10 Listener Q: Comparing AVDE, AVNM, and Dimensional ETFs 24:58 Tax-loss harvesting with Avantis and Dimensional 26:24 Amazon’s latest 3%-fresh movie disaster 28:12 Time to get your financial life in order—fall is coming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 20

Don and Tom explore why real-life investors consistently underperform the market—thanks to emotional decisions, frequent trading, and flashy sector bets. They break down Morningstar’s “Mind the Gap” study and explain why your behavioral return often lags the market return. Listener questions lead into heated critiques of 403(b) plans packed with annuities, an exploration of the risks of overconcentration in the S&P 500, second-home planning in retirement, and the tax headache of unwinding inherited tech stocks. It’s a fast-paced episode packed with practical advice and sharp jabs at high-fee products and financial marketing nonsense. 0:04 Investor returns vs. market returns: why we underperform 1:32 Morningstar’s “Mind the Gap” study explained 2:59 Behavioral mistakes: trading too much, chasing sectors, style drift 4:48 Volatile funds lead to worse investor outcomes 6:39 Frank asks: What’s wrong with 403(b) plans? 9:14 The real problem with 403(b)s: annuities and teacher exploitation 13:12 Why annuities don’t belong in tax-deferred plans 14:04 How to escape a bad 403(b): 403bwise.org and “green light” plans 15:45 Listener Gabriel: Is S&P 500 enough for a long-term portfolio? 17:56 VOO vs. VT: Why global diversification matters 19:39 Concentration risk and emotional investing 22:08 Listener Garrett: Planning for a second home in retirement 25:10 Real estate reality: owning two homes isn’t always ideal 28:45 Listener Nina: Clarifying the senior tax deduction 30:07 Listener Jim: Where should I invest a $1M windfall? 32:47 Long-term strategy: globally diversified stock portfolios 34:27 Listener Lori: How to unwind a concentrated tech stock portfolio 35:20 Altria: A century of sin stocks and their surprising holdings 37:00 Program note: Tom solo next week—please call in! 38:46 English is weird: talk vs. tok, though vs. thru Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19

This lively episode of Talking Real Money features trivia-packed investing fun, smart listener questions, and sharp commentary from Don and Tom. They dive into a Wall Street Journal quiz on investing genius, exploring surprising historical returns and market myths. Listener calls span a range of financial planning topics—from special needs trusts and Roth IRAs for kids to emergency fund placement and ETF selection. 0:04 Don and Tom banter about working weekends and boomers in the office 1:55 Wall Street Journal quiz: Are you a stock market genius? 3:20 Which stock created the most wealth in 100 years? (Hint: it wasn’t Apple) 4:19 Why Altria (Philip Morris) beat the rest 5:31 Berkshire Hathaway drops 99%—would Buffett still beat the market? 6:37 Show mission: make investing simple, not complex 8:28 Caller Valerie: Investing for a daughter with disabilities using Vanguard ETFs 10:24 Portfolio review and discussion of special needs trusts 11:20 Structuring brokerage accounts with trust beneficiaries 13:31 Caller Steve: Roth IRAs for sons, target date vs. all-equity funds 14:36 Tom critiques Schwab’s target date funds—Vanguard preferred 16:20 Future value of $10K over 50 years at 10%—retirement math 17:20 Caller Sam: Can he gift stock into a Roth IRA? (Spoiler: No, but workarounds exist) 18:59 Economist “Felicity Foresight” exercise—guess the ending balance after 100 years of perfect timing 20:34 The shocking power of compound returns: $10 quintillion 22:15 Geography jokes, the U.S. “Middle East,” and why cruises go to Juneau 23:39 Written Question (Bruce): Keeping emergency funds in a Schwab money market fund 25:10 Online bank trust vs. FDIC insurance—why it’s safe 27:51 Don calls Tom a “premature curmudgeon” 28:30 Caller West: Should he add SGOV to his BND bond portfolio? 29:52 BND vs SGOV explained—behavior during rate changes 30:37 Back to WSJ quiz: investing trivia and early company names 31:31 Bezos almost named Amazon “Kadabra”; Google was almost “Backrub” 33:20 What’s a googol? And why Google isn’t even the biggest number 34:48 Shoeshine story: how Joe Kennedy dodged the ‘29 crash 36:39 Caller Diana: Investing for four grandkids—gold coins vs stocks 38:41 Why diversified ETFs beat Boeing stock or gold coins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 18

In this episode, Don and Tom confront the emotionally charged—and often financially tragic—decision to claim Social Security early. They debunk three common justifications: fear of system insolvency, false break-even math, and “I just want my money.” Don shares his own benefit numbers as a real-world example of the value of waiting, especially for married couples. They also address why many can’t wait and explore whether alternatives like balanced portfolios or annuities make sense. Later, they roast misleading “hybrid pension” annuity schemes from KCIS, field smart ETF questions about AVGE and AVNM, and talk target-date funds, including why some belong only in tax-deferred accounts. The show ends on a lighter note with a detour into the surprising origin stories of Cocoa Beach, Florida—and a well-earned nod to Don’s daughter for her killer disclaimer voiceover. 0:04 Tom’s Goldilocks routine: too hot, too cold, never just right 1:05 Why early Social Security claims can be financially tragic 2:11 Top emotional excuses people use to claim early 3:19 The 2033 funding deadline and how Congress will likely delay action 4:16 Misconceptions about break-even math and spousal survivor benefits 5:01 Real example: Don’s $49K vs. $58K annual benefit if he waits 6:55 The “just want my money” crowd: emotional logic at its worst 8:13 Average claiming age has improved, but still too early for most 9:38 Can you bridge the income gap to delay claiming? Not if you’re broke 10:55 Permanent 30% cut if you claim at 62 vs. full retirement age 11:52 Why working longer might be the best—and only—solution 13:12 Retirement isn’t a permavacation: the mental toll of early retirement 14:18 Emotion vs. planning: the real battle in financial decisions 14:41 Listener Q: KCIS hybrid pension pitch = pure annuity sales 16:17 Indexed annuities, tax-free income claims, and SEC loopholes 17:50 Listener Q: AVNM vs. AVGE – how to structure your global ETF allocation 18:50 AVGE = one fund; AVNM + AVUS = smarter two-fund DIY 19:59 Listener Q: iShares target-date ETFs and the risk of fund closure 21:17 Why target-date funds don’t belong in taxable accounts 22:19 Why is Cocoa Beach called Cocoa? Three weird theories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 15

Listener Q&A covering early retirement feasibility, VT vs. SPGM ETF comparison, tax-efficient liquidation of a legacy mutual fund, recommended financial planning resources and Monte Carlo tools, and the pros and cons of laddering target-date funds. 1:36 Can $120K a year work with two pensions and a 7% return? 4:57 VT vs. SPGM — same global reach or hidden differences? 8:58 Selling Grandma’s mutual fund without gifting Uncle Sam 11:44 Best deep-dive planning books and free Monte Carlo tools 15:56 Target-date laddering — smart risk tweak or needless fuss? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 14

Tom Cock interviews Megan Gorman, author of All the President’s Money , exploring how U.S. presidents have handled their personal finances and the lessons investors can take from their successes and failures. Gorman shares stories of leaders from George Washington to Ronald Reagan, Eisenhower, Nixon, and Clinton, illustrating how factors like marriage, frugality, grit, emotional control, and adaptability shaped their financial outcomes. She notes that while the basic principles of money management haven’t changed since Washington’s time, achieving the American dream has become harder. The conversation touches on how some presidents leveraged post-office opportunities, the ethics of political financial activity, and the importance of aligned values in relationships for financial success. 0:05 Tom introduces Megan Gorman and her book All the President’s Money 1:16 Is there a link between being a good president and good with money? 2:16 Warren G. Harding as a bad president but skilled entrepreneur 3:22 Biggest lessons from presidents’ finances—marrying up and aligning values 5:56 Trump marriages and shared transactional values 6:15 How presidents historically made their money—land speculation, inheritance, entrepreneurship 8:40 Nixon’s failed frozen juice business and debt repayment 10:43 Eisenhower’s emotional control, poker skills, and marrying up 12:43 Gerald Ford as the master of the post-presidency pivot into celebrity and corporate roles 15:12 Debate over financial conflicts for presidents and members of Congress 17:13 Clinton financial evolution from poor money management to high net worth 19:38 The role of grit—Herbert Hoover’s rise from orphan to wealthy mining engineer 21:39 Woodrow Wilson’s lack of hustle contrasted with other hard-working presidents 22:30 Biggest takeaway—financial principles haven’t changed, but the American dream is harder to achieve today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 13

Don and Tom rip apart a sponsored “news” piece from the Puget Sound Business Journal pushing a company called FISYN, which promises to buy investors out of their annuities and deliver a “safe” 12% tax-free return via raw Texas land. They expose the misleading fine print, the founder’s disciplinary history, and the high-risk, illiquid nature of such private equity deals. Calls and questions cover long-term care insurance riders on annuities, portfolio allocation in deferred comp plans, Roth vs. tax-deferred placement for bonds, managing taxable brokerage cash vs. emergency funds, and dividend-vs.-total-return withdrawal strategies. They also clarify that QCDs can only come from IRAs (not 401(k)s or TSPs) unless funds are rolled over first. Throughout, they hammer home skepticism toward anything that sounds too good to be true, distrust of advertorial financial pitches, and the importance of planning before buying complex products. 1:35 Breaking the “golden handcuffs” of annuities—how FISYN’s pitch hooks investors 3:20 The too-good-to-be-true promise: 12% returns, equity kicker, no volatility, tax-free 3:49 Founder’s BrokerCheck record and lawsuits 5:15 Comparison to Woodbridge Ponzi scheme 6:32 The frying pan-to-fire swap: annuity to raw Texas land 7:37 Bonus shares and “free” Texas trip incentives 8:06 Critique of sponsored content posing as journalism 9:24 Reality check on raw land returns and costs 10:04 Broader issue: pay-to-play financial media 11:18 Caller Robert (TX): Fixed annuity with LTC rider—pros, cons, and better planning sequence 16:29 Insurance industry skepticism and “Wizards of Odds” nickname reveal 17:54 Caller John (WA): Deferred comp allocation—global, small-cap, emerging markets mix 19:18 Roth vs. tax-deferred bond placement and rebalancing flexibility 20:55 Revisiting the “Wizards of Odds” label for insurance companies 21:47 FISYN as a private equity example and why PE risk is often underestimated 23:35 High costs, valuation uncertainty, and past PE meltdowns 25:03 Total-loss potential in private equity investments 26:33 Caller Scott (NY): Using taxable brokerage for overflow cash—emergency fund priority and vehicle choice 30:34 Federal money market funds as short-term parking 31:54 Listener Thomas: Dividend withdrawals vs. total return strategy sustainability 34:43 Caller Pat: QCD rules—only from IRAs, rollover options, and who makes the rules 37:30 Paul Merriman “10 Myths, Lies, and Mistakes” episode plug 38:46 Podcast chart ranking and listener thanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 12

Today’s show exposes how Barron’s ran an undisclosed advertorial from a high-fee bond fund manager pushing junk-heavy, risky products while trashing traditional bonds with misleading comparisons. Don and Tom explained why safe bonds should stay short-to-intermediate term and simple, called out a Starlink “$127 for life” internet scam, and fielded listener questions on tax-adjusted rebalancing between traditional and Roth IRAs, trimming long-held Microsoft vs. American Funds, Social Security timing myths, and why Bitcoin isn’t an investment. An email question on replacing BND rounded out the episode with a reminder that its structure still works for most investors. 0:04 Opening; Barron’s undisclosed advertorial problem and high-fee, junk-heavy bond funds 5:06 Scam watch — Starlink $127-for-life ad and why nobody will protect you but you 9:41 Caller Rob: Tax-adjusted IRA rebalancing, simple three-fund global strategy with overlap 16:11 Caller Bob: Which to trim first — Microsoft vs. American Funds ICA 21:41 Caller Tony: Social Security timing and why trust fund worries aren’t a reason to claim early 26:27 Caller Bruce: Bitcoin as speculation, not an investment, and the altcoin glut 35:13 Email: Swapping BND for short/intermediate bonds — why BND’s structure still works Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 11

Don opens with a rant about Wall Street’s love of unnecessary complexity, focusing on “structured equity products” and other layered investments that promise protection but deliver lower returns at higher costs. The discussion covers the deceptive pitch, the billions invested in these products, and why a straightforward stock/bond mix is usually better. Larry Swedroe’s principles for prudent investing are highlighted, along with a reminder about diversification beyond the S&P 500—especially into international and emerging markets. Listener questions cover how to measure global exposure, medical IRA withdrawals, ETF dividend taxation, eliminating Empower as a middleman, and whether reinvesting dividends affects tax treatment (it doesn’t). The episode wraps with personal anecdotes from Don’s brokerage days, the evolution of his investing philosophy, and a few tech frustrations. 0:04 Don’s Wall Street rant on complexity and costs 1:12 Structured equity products and why they’re pitched 2:27 How they work and why fees are high 3:53 Study shows 7% annual drag vs. benchmarks 5:06 New AQR hedged/leveraged funds at 2.31% expense 7:02 Swedroe’s investing principles: peer-reviewed, low-cost, no timing 8:56 Importance of global diversification and emerging markets history 12:18 Listener Q: Measuring U.S. vs. non-U.S. exposure 13:44 Listener Q: Moving assets from Empower to Schwab 14:31 Listener Q: IRA withdrawals for medical expenses 17:36 Listener Q: ETF dividends—reinvest or not? 18:45 ETF tax advantage vs. mutual funds explained 19:17 Listener praise for Don’s principles leading to $1.7M portfolio 21:37 Don’s broker days selling high-fee products 23:30 Transition to radio and Business Radio Network 24:56 Call-in question pipeline is full for upcoming shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 8

In this Friday Q&A edition, Don tackles five listener questions spanning kids’ UTMAs vs. 529 plans, Roth vs. pre-tax 403(b) contributions, filling portfolio gaps when a workplace plan lacks small-cap value, why indexed annuities are a costly sales pitch wrapped in deceptive promises, and how to help a recently divorced 26-year-old daughter find hope and financial focus. Along the way, he delivers mic technique tips, portfolio simplification advice, and a blistering breakdown of annuity sales incentives—plus a reminder to prioritize life and mental recovery over rushing into big purchases. 0:04 Florida heat, Friday Q&A setup, and microphone placement tips 2:29 UTMA vs. 529 rules, Roth transfer limits, and simplification advice 6:59 Mid-40s couple weighing Roth vs. pre-tax 403(b) contributions 9:29 Workplace plan fund gaps, avoiding PIMCO small-cap, and using other accounts to diversify 12:58 Indexed annuity dinner pitch breakdown—hidden costs, low returns, and high commissions 20:58 Helping a divorced 26-year-old refocus priorities, delay big purchases, and stay patient Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 7

Don and Tom dive headfirst into the wild world of bad financial predictions—specifically, the apocalyptic ramblings of Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki. They dissect his decades-long streak of failed forecasts, poke holes in his fear-fueled pitch for gold, silver, and Bitcoin, and remind listeners that gurus don’t predict the future—they profit from pretending they can. Listener questions cover 529 plan choices, 457(b) vs Roth IRA, the small-cap allocation in AVGE, and a plea for Don to never give up managing his own money. 0:04 Tom banned from pushing buttons—again 1:00 Why do we idolize financial “gurus” who are chronically wrong? 2:21 Enter Robert Kiyosaki: The doomsayer who keeps getting richer 3:05 Don confronts Kiyosaki over his bogus “guarantee” ad 3:53 His silver and market crash predictions: A 23-year flop fest 5:16 Latest Kiyosaki fear-pitch: Gold, silver, Bitcoin… again 6:37 His one right prediction (Bitcoin hitting $100K) 7:55 Critical reviews: Conspiracies, platitudes, and risky advice 9:22 Can Buffett, Lynch, or Bogle be called “gurus”? 10:24 Listener Q1: Fidelity 529 target date fund—too expensive? 11:26 UTANX and low-cost age-based 529 alternatives (like Utah’s plan) 14:02 Listener Q2: Roth 457(b) with high fees vs Roth IRA 16:47 Listener Q3: Does AVGE need a separate small-cap fund? 19:10 Listener Q4: Should Don stop managing his own money? 21:08 Why everyone needs a backup advisor—even advisors 22:17 Don’s voice acting love: Mighty Man Season 3 teaser 22:34 Listener Q5: AVUV vs AVGE—when and why to use each 24:20 AVGE asset breakdown—15 funds in one 26:12 Explaining the podcast schedule (Monday–Friday layout) 27:34 International listeners, Spotify vs Apple, and how to tune in Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 6

This Talking Real Money episode dives into America’s millionaire boom—1,000 a day—and what it really takes to join the club. Don and Tom discuss inflation’s impact on wealth, the real sources of millionaire status (spoiler: it’s not crypto), and the critical role of forced savings via homes and 401(k)s. Listeners call in with questions on triple-leveraged ETFs (don’t), deferring capital gains on farmland, and gambling on tech stocks in retirement (also don’t). Plus, how to evaluate a financial advisor and why returns-based promises are a huge red flag. 0:04 The millionaire explosion: 1,000 new U.S. millionaires every day 1:15 Inflation vs. millionaire status: $1M ain’t what it used to be 2:06 Where wealth is coming from—homes and 401(k)s 3:10 Forced savings: why it’s more powerful than market timing 4:02 The third key to wealth: avoiding big financial mistakes 5:39 Financial Flinch Reflex: Don’s mock pharma ad for financial panic 6:55 Listener asks: how exactly do you invest to become a millionaire? 7:37 ETF basics for beginners + starting with a target-date fund 8:47 Caller: What’s a triple-leveraged ETF and is it a cheat code? 10:36 Why you shouldn’t pick ETFs based on past returns 11:05 Building a portfolio starts with a plan, not a product 12:03 TQQQ dangers: up 3x, down 3x…or 80% down in 2022 14:22 How to get help: no-pressure meetings, no sales pitch 16:15 Leveraged ETFs = gambling, not investing 16:52 Caller selling $1.8M Illinois farm: can you defer capital gains? 17:39 Yes—via 1031 exchange or potentially a QOF (but beware fees) 19:24 Dying: not a recommended tax strategy (but technically effective) 21:01 Caller in La Conner, WA: risky to keep all gains in 10 tech stocks? 23:21 $200K gain in 3 months? Congrats—now get out before you regret it 25:18 Why gambling with stocks in retirement is unnecessary risk 26:56 Caller Joe: interviewed 10+ advisory firms—how to choose? 28:03 Don’t trust advisors who promise future returns 30:25 The only advisors to consider: 100% fiduciary, no commissions 32:43 Caller Beverly: state bond fund seems risky—what should I do? 33:45 Use your IRA for safer bond funds like Vanguard BND 36:34 Why there’s no “rule of thumb” for stock/bond allocation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 5

Don and Tom open the show with a lighthearted reminder that money doesn’t sleep—so neither do they. They dive into a New York Times article featuring Goldman Sachs researchers who identify five patterns that influence retirement accounts and market behavior. The duo emphasizes that while market predictions are near-impossible, understanding these patterns can inform better investor behavior—particularly the value of diversification. Listener questions cover whether you still need a financial advisor with a $2 million DIY retirement portfolio, the logic behind using a Roth as an emergency fund, tax-efficient asset liquidation, and Washington State’s retirement target-date fund asset mix. A politically charged final call touches on concerns about data integrity at the Bureau of Labor Statistics and its potential market impact. 0:04 Markets don’t rest—so why should financial advice? 1:07 What really drives your retirement account? 2:20 Five market-moving forces from Goldman Sachs/NYT 3:50 Surprise events, political chaos, and market reactions 5:34 Can you predict the market? Probably not. 6:47 Five patterns investors should know 8:12 Diversification actually works—examples and evidence 9:05 Market shock fatigue: building immunity to bad news 10:39 Quit aiming for home runs; try for batting .750 11:45 Why boring investing is the best kind 13:12 Listener Lisa: High-yield savings vs. Vanguard VMFXX 19:46 Lisa’s DIY retirement strategy—does she need an advisor? 22:32 Money market vs. high-yield savings yield comparison 23:06 Listener James: Is a Roth a good place for emergency funds? 25:13 Roth should be your last resort, not first cash stop 26:18 Don’t guess—plan 27:08 Listener Jimmy: Tax lots, cash needs, and overthinking 30:31 Portfolio drawdown strategy: tax hierarchy matters 32:00 Listener John: Washington State deferred comp concerns 34:26 Why build your own allocation in target-date funds 35:16 Private equity and bacon: Not in your 401(k), please 36:00 Listener Jason: Politicizing BLS jobs data—market risks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4

In this episode, Don and Tom tackle investor emotion during market highs and use a Schwab-inspired scenario to show how discipline beats market timing—every time. They walk through four fictional investors (lucky, disciplined, unlucky, and fearful) to reveal the long-term value of staying invested. The hosts also answer a listener’s question about breaking into the fiduciary advice world and finish with a blistering takedown of FIBA, a so-called fiduciary group pushing high-commission annuities to federal workers. This one’s part reality check, part rally cry. 0:04 Emotional investing and the danger of reacting to market highs 1:13 Why timing the market is so tempting—and so wrong 2:35 Four investor scenarios: lucky, disciplined, unlucky, and the guy who sat it out 5:03 20-year returns: how even the worst timing beat sitting in T-bills 6:25 Discipline as a risk-reduction strategy and emotional filter 8:16 Worst-case fear vs real-world data: even the unlucky come out ahead 9:21 Market rebounds: faster than most think, from 2008 to 2025 10:28 The fourth golden rule: Discipline beats market noise 13:03 Listener Zach thanks Tom—phone call advice pays off 13:34 Listener “Long” asks how to become a fiduciary advisor 14:55 Why financial skills alone don’t make great advisors 16:38 Should you start at a sales-driven firm? Probably not 18:04 Better idea: get your Series 65, find a DFA firm, study for CFP 20:08 Sales skills matter—but you don’t have to sell your soul 20:55 Listener asks about FIBA and a “too good to be true” annuity pitch 21:48 FIBA’s fake fiduciary claim and questionable annuity advice 24:30 Unregistered “advisors” pushing 9–11% commission products 26:25 Why these products are sold: $35K+ commissions 28:30 How to spot fake fiduciaries—and what real ones disclose 29:23 Tom and Don still steaming about annuity predators Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 1

With Don out, Tom Cock and advisor Roxy Butner tackle the increasingly hot question: should you trust a human or a machine with your money? They dig into two recent studies—one showing AI beating most fund managers, and another suggesting no long-term winner at all. Listener questions range from DIY ETF portfolios and Roth IRA conversion pitfalls to a wildly complex $2.5M retirement scenario involving crypto, precious metals, and a self-directed IRA full of land. Tom and Roxy break it all down with practical advice and a few well-placed jabs at donut holes, Darth Vader, and inheritance headaches. 0:04 More machine than man? Tom opens with AI vs. human money management 1:14 Stanford AI outperforms 93% of human fund managers—sort of 2:35 Another study says: no clear winner between AI and humans 3:12 Why persistent outperformance doesn’t exist—and that’s OK 3:39 Roxy joins: paddleboards, decorating, and financial clarity 4:16 Listener question: DIY ETF portfolio for granddaughter (too complex) 5:54 Portfolio breakdown: too much large cap, bonds in a Roth? 7:44 Listener question: Switching from Vanguard Star Fund to ETFs 9:32 Roth IRA tips: stock-heavy, not for bonds or cash 10:25 Listener question: Deductible IRA mistake—now what? 11:54 Backdoor Roth IRA rules, income limits, and pro-rata traps 13:19 Recharacterization forms and Social Security timing advice 14:44 Listener question: ETF dividends—should I reinvest or not? 15:14 ETF tax basics: capital gains vs. dividends 16:42 Listener question: $2.5M+ retirement plan review from Woodstock, GA 17:14 Income breakdown: Air Force pension, SS, rental income, part-time job 18:43 Self-directed IRA full of land, CDs, and cash 19:59 Precious metals and crypto: too much risk, not enough balance 20:35 Bonds or not? Depends on goals, not age 21:55 Planning questions: What’s the money for? 23:25 RMDs and taxes from a self-directed IRA 24:27 Fair market value complications and IRS penalties 25:46 Inheriting land in an IRA: yes, it’s a pain 27:28 Wrap-up: Why human advice still matters—even if AI’s getting smarter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 31

Don and Tom take a reality sledgehammer to investors’ wildly inflated expectations for stock market returns. A new survey shows average Americans expect 12.6% after inflation, even as historical real returns rarely crack 9%. They explore how this overconfidence—fueled by recency bias and company loyalty—leads to dangerous behavior like under-saving, over-spending, and poorly diversified portfolios. With real-world client stories, historical decade-by-decade returns, and a deep dive into how long it takes portfolios to recover after major drops, they reinforce the need for long-term discipline and diversified planning. The episode wraps with audience questions on umbrella policies, retirement bond ladders, and smart ETF tax-loss harvesting strategies. 0:04 Don delays the podcast waiting for Tom’s arrival (with British accent) 1:30 Survey shock: Investors expect 12.6% real annual returns 2:28 Reality check: Actual global stock returns are closer to 9% 3:45 Dangerous real-world portfolios: 100% S&P 500 near retirement 5:30 One-stock portfolios tied to employers—what could go wrong? 6:50 Under-saving due to false optimism about future returns 7:14 Decade-by-decade historical real returns from 1930–2020s 10:13 The Dave Ramsey fantasy: 8% withdrawals on 12% returns 10:40 Recency bias: Why we forget recent downturns so fast 11:05 50% of years see 10% drops; 1 in 3 see 20% drops 12:47 Emotional investing vs. disciplined long-term planning 13:39 Listener Q: How long to recover from a major market drop? 14:22 Diversification shortens recovery time historically 15:36 Build for the worst case: 50% stock market drop 16:32 Listener Q: Does Ivan need an umbrella policy with $350K net worth? 17:57 Umbrellas are rarely needed—but the industry sure sells them 18:54 Listener Q: Is LifeX 10-year bond ladder a good retirement tool? 20:20 It’s mostly return of principal—DIY Treasury ladders are cheaper 22:40 Don’t be fooled by nice websites and big yield promises 23:24 Listener Q: Can AVGE replace four-fund ETF portfolio for tax loss harvesting? 24:32 Swap Avantis for DFA funds—nearly identical, wash-sale safe 25:56 Parting shots: Buy a decent mic, don’t let emotion control your portfolio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 30

In this episode of Talking Real Money , Don and Tom dive into the latest crypto chaos, pushing back against Ric Edelman’s bold prediction that ETFs will vanish within five years due to tokenization. They explain why that claim is both misleading and premature. Callers ask about tax shelters disguised as life insurance, sketchy “Tax Act 2020” gimmicks, trust issues with advisors, and the realities of Roth conversions and the pro-rata rule. They also revisit the case for holding Bitcoin—and why it’s still mostly a speculative play, not a currency. As always, the tone is skeptical, the advice is candid, and the laughs are real. 0:04 The investing world is full of nonsense, and it’s our job to help you navigate it. 1:11 Vacation shaming and industry cynicism: Who’s out to mess with your head for money? 2:06 Ric Edelman’s latest: ETFs will vanish in 5 years due to tokenization. Really? 3:15 Explaining blockchain and why it’s not replacing ETFs anytime soon. 5:14 Tokenization = new gimmicks, more “opportunities” to come for your money. 6:47 Appella ad: FFR—Financial Flinch Reflex. Side effects may include peace of mind. 7:48 Why tokenized securities are still a regulatory mess waiting to happen. 9:04 Caller Karthik: Insurance guy pitching Code 7702 “tax-free income” plan. Nope. 10:29 Explaining how life insurance gimmicks really work (and why they’re awful). 11:39 Karthik’s “Tax Act 2020” pitch = tax shelter scam with distressed bonds. 13:00 Don’t fall for tax-first pitches. Build a plan, not a loophole. 14:31 Most financial pros aren’t fiduciaries—skepticism is essential. 16:01 “Don’t trust until you verify.” Reagan said it. So did we. 16:49 How to ask questions: phone, email, voice recordings. 17:48 Caller David: If Bitcoin is hoarded, how can it be useful? 18:59 Answer: Greater Fool Theory. Crypto is speculation, not utility. 20:38 Bitcoin has finite supply… but still doesn’t work like a true currency. 22:08 Bitcoin’s two real uses: speculation and shadowy transactions. 23:15 For Bitcoin to be a true currency, it must be widely accepted. It’s not. 24:48 Caller Ellen: Trust issues with her advisor—she feels ignored. 25:30 She pays 1%, holds Schwab ETFs, and gets canned responses. 27:27 Communication is key. Cost may be fair, but service is falling short. 28:42 Good advice starts with you , not a pitch. Her guy sounds like an AUM chaser. 31:39 Advisors matter in retirement too—good ones prevent dumb mistakes. 32:55 Ellen asks: do fees still make sense once I start withdrawing money? 34:44 Caller Bill: Confused about the pro-rata rule for Roth conversions. 36:24 Quick pro-rata explainer: if your IRA is mixed, you pay taxes proportionally. 37:10 If you’re willing to pay tax on the full amount, IRS is fine with that. 38:36 “Just 86 the whole thing” – don’t sweat a few grand in basis from 1987. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 29

Despite lousy headlines—tariffs, weak earnings, flat revenues—the market keeps climbing. Don and Tom explain why trying to guess the “why” behind short-term moves is a fool’s errand, and why global diversification (including those long-shunned international small caps) is paying off. Listeners call in with smart, complex questions: million-dollar leftover 529s, the viability of the Hagerty Index for collectibles, catastrophic long-term care insurance, and a 401(k) loan vs. credit union loan for home repairs. The show wraps with heartfelt praise, a Mitch Albom-inspired moment, and confirmation: yes, listeners are thinking differently—and smarter—about money. 0:04 Market’s up, headlines are down—why? No one knows, and that’s the point 1:15 The caffeinated squirrel rally and your brother’s market anxiety 2:55 The market looks ahead—it’s not reacting to the news you just read 5:12 Global diversification pays off: international small cap value shines 7:20 Caller: Million-dollar 529 leftovers—can kids gift unused funds to parents? 11:46 Most impressive 529 balance ever? Don and Tom are stunned 12:08 Caller: Classic car prices collapse—HAGI Index and collectible declines 15:19 Watches, comics, wine, art—all taking hits. Even Beanie Babies. 16:03 Caller: What’s the timeline after submitting a financial plan request? 19:00 Tangled web of accounts—Brooke (aka Sherry) needs a full portfolio untangling 20:42 Don’s family vacation: heat, pools, and a surprising Disney dinner treat 22:03 Disney Springs’ Boathouse = #2 grossing restaurant in the U.S. 23:19 Caller: Long-term care worries and catastrophic coverage that doesn’t exist 25:30 Hybrid insurance pitches: Why you should be skeptical 29:54 The reality of LTC premiums and why investing might be the better route 30:03 A Mitch Albom moment: A caller’s touching message on the power of good advice 31:57 Caller: 401(k) loan vs. signature loan to fund $8K home repair 35:51 Caller: 2 years cancer-free—celebrating health and financial proactivity 36:58 Caller: What’s the ideal retirement savings multiple by age 60? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 28

Don takes a fiscal detour into the world of AI, introducing his ChatGPT co-host “Cath” in a strikingly lifelike discussion about the future of jobs, the role of artificial intelligence in our lives, and how we can adapt to massive changes already underway. The episode blends curiosity, caution, and practical insight—with a historical twist that ties today’s tech upheaval to the Luddite resistance of the 19th century. It’s a deeply personal, slightly spooky, and forward-looking edition of Talking Real Money . 0:04 Don opens solo and explains how AI (Cath) became his creative partner 1:20 What ChatGPT is, how it works, and how Don uses it for image creation 4:21 AI and the threat to human jobs—especially white-collar roles 5:16 Is creativity really safe from AI disruption? 6:31 Which U.S. jobs are most at risk (customer service, admin, legal, finance) 7:30 Why current AI customer service sucks (and why Cath doesn’t) 9:05 How young people can future-proof their careers through skills and mindset 10:15 Education technology as a “human + AI” job model 10:33 Hands-on and empathetic jobs that AI struggles to replace 11:47 The difference between mimicking and actually being intelligent 12:06 Specific industries most ripe for AI displacement 13:15 AI’s surprising takeover of journalism and nonfiction writing 13:52 Should we be alarmed by how fast AI is replacing human tasks? 14:55 AI 2027 report: Doomsday prediction or useful wake-up call? 16:22 Ethical concerns, adversarial use (like China), and global AI regulation 17:36 What kids (and grandkids) can do now to stay ahead of AI disruption 18:06 Should we still teach coding if AI can write code? 18:56 Is GPT-4.0 helping write GPT-5.0? 19:40 How AI voices became so eerily realistic 20:46 Ways everyday people can use AI subscriptions for personal growth 22:07 Do users own what they make with AI? (Yes) 22:31 Did AI “steal” the content it was trained on? 23:58 Final thoughts: from Luddites to large language models—adapt or get replaced 26:21 A call for thoughtful oversight and a little healthy skepticism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 25

Don flies solo for another Question-and-Answer Friday (not Freaky Friday… despite Hollywood’s best efforts). Listener questions cover everything from Roth IRA choices for young investors to tax loss harvesting and reducing portfolio volatility with bond allocations. Don breaks down the pros and cons of popular ETFs, explains the benefits of tilting toward small and value, and gently guides a listener away from a pricey Fidelity fund. He also reaffirms that tax loss harvesting is a two-account job and urges investors to rebalance based on total portfolio risk—not just account type. 0:04 Don rails against yet another Freaky Friday reboot 0:58 Why diversification beats chasing past winners like VTI or VONG 3:41 Small-cap and value tilt: the long-term case 4:45 Why international stocks still matter (volatility control > return chasing) 5:58 Bond options in a 401(k): FXNAX vs. stable value vs. combo 6:59 Should you count brokerage and HSA balances in your allocation mix? 8:20 Stable value is not "guaranteed" value—what you need to know 10:09 Can you tax-loss harvest in two different brokerage accounts? (Yes!) 12:51 FBGRX: Not terrible, just suboptimal. Here’s what to do instead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 24

Don and Tom explore the value of changing your mind in the face of new data—financial and otherwise. Sparked by Christine Benz’s recent Morningstar piece, they reflect on how their own views on DIY investing, target date funds, and even TIPS have evolved over time. Listener questions cover annuity taxes, Bitcoin inflation claims, covered call ETFs, and whether CDs beat bond funds in retirement. Grumpiness levels: elevated but entertaining. 0:04 Flexibility in finance: Why it’s okay to change your mind 1:16 Christine Benz says she’s rethinking the DIY retirement approach 2:48 The underrated value of real financial advice (Vanguard Alpha) 3:51 Why advice matters more in retirement than during accumulation 5:36 All-in-one funds like target date strategies get a new look 6:41 Trick: Adjust your target date fund based on risk tolerance 7:47 Target date glide path flattens at retirement (~50% stock) 8:24 TIPS funds vs. laddering: Christine’s third “meh” shift 9:53 Equities = effective inflation hedge; tips may be redundant 10:29 Don’s personal changes: Target date funds and 4% rule flexibility 12:07 Vanguard survey: Advisors = peace of mind + time savings 13:23 Money and emotion: #1 cause of murder and divorce 14:57 Listener Q: What to do with a low-cost deferred annuity at Fidelity 17:09 Stop obsessing over who pays taxes—spend and enjoy 19:20 Listener Q: Bitcoin vs. dollars—why price comparisons fail 20:07 Bitcoin isn’t a currency. It’s just volatile 20:31 Listener Q: Are JEPI/JEPQ “safe” for dividends? Nope 22:04 Covered call ETFs carry hidden risks and higher costs 23:50 Listener Q: Why use bond funds instead of CDs or money market? 25:03 Bond funds vs. CDs: risk, return, and long-term expectations 27:08 Don’s rant: Stop trying to game the system—good enough is good enough Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 23

Don and Tom defend the long-maligned 60/40 portfolio, diving into a 150-year Morningstar study that reveals its lower volatility and emotional survivability—even if it underperforms an all-stock portfolio over time. They tackle fixed indexed annuities head-on, debunking the myth of market returns without risk, citing high commissions, surrender charges, lack of liquidity, and poor transparency. Several listener calls highlight confusion over annuity strategies and Roth vs. pre-tax retirement contributions, including a deep dive from a New York City teacher juggling pensions, 403(b)/457 plans, and Roth conversions under new IRS rules. The show wraps with a playful rant about birthday freebies and a PBS show rec (“Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office”). 0:04 The truth about balanced portfolios and the 60/40 myth 1:50 Why bonds failed in 2022—and what 150 years of history say about diversification 3:27 Bear markets: 60/40 vs. all stocks during crises like the Great Depression 4:53 Trade-offs: long-term growth vs. sticking with the plan 6:49 Financial Flinch Reflex: the PSA ad returns 7:09 Caller John asks: “What’s so bad about fixed indexed annuities?” 8:00 Don unloads: high fees, misleading returns, and awful disclosures 10:11 John presses for alternatives: what’s safe and simple with decent return? 13:02 Don’s CD ladder strategy vs. annuities 15:08 Why opacity, commissions, and complexity make these products unsuitable for most 16:21 Caller Charles: a planner wants to manage his annuity—for a fee 17:21 Why even “fixed” annuities might not belong in fiduciary portfolios 20:47 The growing gray area: commissions vs. fiduciary care 22:17 Ranking annuities: worst to best (indexed, variable, fixed, immediate) 24:58 Summary: “Lazy products” sold for commission, not client success 26:39 Caller Brian: NY teacher strategizes 403(b), 457, Roth, and future pension 28:29 Navigating new Roth rules, Rule of 55, and using a 7% fixed option 30:15 Don and Tom: stick with pre-tax now, convert later in lower-bracket retirement 33:02 Mechanics of Roth catch-ups: plan providers still in the dark 35:29 Birthday freebies! Tacos, cookies, burgers… and existential dread 36:57 Red Robin, Denny’s, and the pursuit of the free Grand Slam 38:06 Book chat: Don’s still slogging through the Franklin bio 39:13 Must-watch: Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office on PBS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 22

Don and Tom highlight what may be today’s biggest stock market bargain: small-cap value stocks, which have drastically underperformed large-cap growth and now appear poised for long-term reversion to the mean. They explain why chasing big winners like Nvidia and Apple could backfire, and why broad diversification with a tilt toward small and value still makes sense. Callers get help with tax drag from old mutual funds, switching from expensive active funds to ETFs, household asset allocation, Roth conversions, and whether to sell a large single-stock inheritance. The show wraps with a well-deserved swipe at Jordan Belfort’s shameless self-promotion. 0:05 Don kicks things off with a musical flashback: The Who’s “Bargain” sets the tone for a segment on what may be today’s biggest investing bargain—small value stocks. 2:00 The S&P 500 has averaged 13.2% annually since 2014; small caps lag at 7.2%. Investors are fleeing small-cap ETFs just as they may be poised for reversion to the mean. 3:30 The top five stocks in the S&P 500 are now five times larger than the entire Russell 2000. That kind of imbalance can’t last forever. 5:08 Historically, small-cap value has outperformed large growth by ~4% annually over 100 years—yet most investors are overexposed to U.S. large-cap growth. 8:08 Instead of market timing, build a balanced portfolio based on your risk tolerance. Consider overweighting small and value, but don’t ditch large caps entirely. 9:23 Even the worst year for small caps (2008, -34%) wasn’t as bad as the S&P’s peak-to-trough crash (-57%). Diversification isn’t just smart—it’s safer. 10:23 For equity allocation: a 1/3 split between large U.S., small U.S., and international may be simple, but effective. 11:59 Eugene from Baltimore has a $5M+ portfolio generating massive taxable income. Don and Tom recommend municipal bonds and more tax-efficient ETFs. 17:45 Mutual fund to ETF conversions (like those offered by Vanguard and Dimensional) could reduce Eugene’s tax bill without triggering capital gains. 22:43 BJ from San Antonio holds a pricey Invesco fund (SMMIX) full of big tech—essentially a closet index fund with an 0.85% fee. Time to switch to low-cost, diversified ETFs. 25:38 Vanguard’s VUG offers the same exposure with more holdings and a 0.04% fee—plus it’s transparent, predictable, and consistent. 28:43 Ron in Lakeland wonders if he should copy his wife’s ETFs. If your household has a unified asset allocation plan, identical holdings across accounts are fine. 31:27 Jerry from Lacey, WA asks whether to keep doing Roth conversions or start Social Security now. Don and Tom advise continuing tax-efficient conversions, possibly up to the 22% bracket, but not beyond. Also watch out for income thresholds that affect benefits like the $6K tax rebate. 35:46 Sherry (dropped call) inherited $4M in Microsoft. Diversify! But do it with a tax strategy and professional help. 36:49 Don reacts to a nauseating LinkedIn post by Jordan Belfort, reminding us that glorifying financial predators only feeds industry corruption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 21

Don and Tom dive into the new “big, beautiful” tax bill with humor and skepticism, covering changes to Social Security taxation, tips and overtime exemptions, expanded SALT deductions, and the controversial $1,000 baby bonus. They also tackle listener questions on Roth vs. IRA asset protection, portfolio rebalancing confusion, and lazy robo-advisory allocations. Bonus: helium speculation, trade school love, and a jab at politicians who pander. 0:04 Intro: “Dearly beloved…” it’s tax time 1:10 Overview of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and $4T impact 1:25 Tips and OT tax exemptions starting in 2025 2:09 Social Security tax break: $6K per person if under income limits 3:28 Standard deduction and new child tax credits 4:13 $1,000 newborn savings account—free government money 5:17 SALT deduction expanded to $40K for four years 6:44 Property and sales tax deductions clarified 7:48 Guilt over tax breaks? Try a Roth gift for the grandkids 8:27 The “kid account” vs. 529 plans vs. UGMA 10:58 Trade school > AI: real jobs that can’t be outsourced 12:42 Don rants on political pandering in the bill 13:47 Listener Q1: 401(k) rollover and asset protection in Washington 16:17 IRA protections state-by-state 16:52 Listener Q2: Does rebalancing mean switching investments? 18:34 Rebalancing means returning to plan, not chasing trends 20:04 Show plug: Owen Wilson’s helium speculation on “Stick” 21:28 Listener Q3: Is this Vanguard robo-portfolio too lazy? 22:47 Why it’s impossible to rebalance between Roth and IRA accounts 23:58 Listener Q4: What’s really inside DFAW? Core 1 vs. Core 2 27:26 Core 2 = more small/value tilt; DFAW ≈ AVGE 28:26 Expense ratio difference between DFAW and AVGE is negligible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 18

Don answers a handful of listener questions, offering sharp, practical insight on investing myths, flexible retirement withdrawals, taxable brokerage accounts, and misleading financial scare tactics. He critiques Suze Orman’s confusing advice, breaks down the logic of the 4% rule, and dismantles a fear-mongering insurance pitch claiming to “save retirement.” Expect sarcasm, clarity, and one well-aimed diatribe at the insurance-industrial complex. 0:04 Summer slowdown in listener questions and podcast downloads 1:21 Don’s theory: why the South works less and the North built the Fortune 500 2:30 Suze Orman says sell treasuries, buy Pfizer—Don (and Chuck Jaffe) respond 4:58 How to send in your questions—Don needs more spoken ones 5:04 Listener Q1: Does the 4% rule assume you’ll run out at 95? 6:49 Don explains the assumptions behind the 4% rule and how it holds up historically 8:35 Q2 follow-up: What if I’m 50/50, not 60/40? Adjusting withdrawal expectations 9:59 Real-world historical 4% rule example from 1994 to 2024 11:03 Listener Q2: Building and eventually using a taxable brokerage account 13:50 Don’s advice: broader diversification, bigger emergency fund, and smart drawdown tactics 15:26 Listener Q3: Bob Carlson’s fear-based sales pitch—is it legit or just sleaze? 16:56 Don explains how insurance reps avoid disclosure rules and push high-commission junk 19:14 Why the radio is filled with non-fiduciary insurance hustlers 22:09 How to get real help, real answers, and real fiduciary advice—for free 22:36 Don’s final ask: bring Talking Real Money to your summer campfire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 16

Don and Tom dive into the wild world of “speculative” ETFs inspired by Jason Zweig’s WSJ piece, mocking the absurdity of funds like the Icelandic stock market ETF (35 stocks, really?) and those tracking things like crude oil shipping futures. They debunk the myth that “ETF” means safe and highlight the rise of investing as entertainment. Later, they discuss disclaiming inherited assets, why tax planning and estate titling matter, and why deferred compensation plans should be part of a bigger strategy—not just a reaction. Listener calls from Maryland, Sammamish, Yelm, and Illinois round out the episode with smart, practical retirement planning questions. 0:17 ETFs as sport? Jason Zweig’s takedown of gimmicky, risky ETFs 1:29 Iceland ETF, HVAC stocks, and crude oil transport—this isn’t investing 3:35 GLCR: The Iceland ETF with a 1% fee and a chilly 35-stock portfolio 5:09 Diversification vs. “D-versification” and the illusion of ETF safety 5:40 Why investing shouldn’t feel exciting—and what that says about us 6:50 Zweig’s gambling metaphor and why “just 5%” is still real money 8:56 Listener Eugene on inheriting IRAs and disclaiming taxable accounts 12:25 Legal disclaimers: IRS Rule 2518, timing, and why PODs are cleaner 15:23 Estate attorney reminders and state law disclaiming quirks 17:24 Sammamish listener Jason on VXUS vs. VEA for international exposure 18:56 Tesla talk: Waiting for $400, fears, and the balance sheet debate 22:03 Listener Chris from Yelm: Deferred comp vs. dividend stocks 26:34 Chris needs a real plan, not just portfolio improvisation 29:40 Strategy: Spend from taxable, defer the deferred 33:03 Listener Joni from Illinois: Maxing contributions and Roth eligibility 35:58 Congress’ oddly specific 60–63 catch-up rules and K Street lobbying Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 15

Don and Tom take on the ever-persistent phrase “This time it’s different,” as Bloomberg and NYT articles suggest AI, financial fragmentation, and inflation have permanently changed the investing game. The duo questions whether these changes actually warrant different investing behavior—or if they’re just the latest in a long line of panics dressed up as paradigm shifts. Along the way, they debate market melt-ups, the logic of diversification, and why equities pay more (hint: it’s not because they’re safe). Listeners call in with questions about ETFs in IRAs, Roth conversions later in life, and tax-savvy asset allocation across accounts. 0:04 Perspective from aging: we’ve heard “this time is different” before 1:58 AI panic, financial fragmentation, and inflation—Bloomberg’s argument 3:31 Don and Tom challenge claims of “new” market conditions 5:08 AI voice cameo: Cath makes her show debut 6:05 What should investors do if things are different? 9:00 NYT’s Jeff Sommer warns of a potential market “melt-up” 10:08 Irrational exuberance: unprofitable stocks soaring 12:57 Why risk still pays: stocks go up and down 15:02 Smooth ≠ profitable: bonds are boring, stocks reward fear 18:23 Listener asks: Why own international if U.S. wins? 20:34 Diversification vs. chasing past performance 23:42 Call: ETFs vs. mutual funds inside retirement accounts 29:36 Call: Should a 79-year-old convert to a Roth? 36:53 Call: Asset location strategy and inherited IRA cash flow 41:36 Don’s final advice: no tax tricks—just make a plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 14

Tom returns from his surprise Canadian adventure and the duo dive into the age-old retirement question: How do I get my money out? They break down the three most common withdrawal strategies—dividends, total return, and hybrid—and make the case for why a well-managed total return strategy usually comes out on top. Listener questions cover Roth IRA gifts to a niece, inherited IRA distribution rules, Paul Merriman’s small-cap stance, and whether long-term care insurance is a smart bet or an emotional security blanket. 0:04 Tom’s Canadian re-entry, Uber tally, and chocolate croissant confessions 1:27 Intro to retirement income strategies: the great withdrawal confusion 2:52 Strategy #1: Living off dividends—why it’s flawed and risky 5:19 Strategy #2: Total return—rebalancing for sustainable income 8:07 Strategy #3: Hybrid approach—Don’s skeptical take 10:51 Listener Q&A: Best way to gift a Roth IRA to a 30-year-old niece 12:01 IRA inheritance rule: what happens if the inheritor dies 13:33 Paul Merriman’s international small-cap comment clarified 16:44 Federal retiree asks about withdrawal order; daughter’s international allocation 24:28 Long-term care insurance: practical planning or expensive gamble? 27:35 How to get a free, pressure-free portfolio review from the team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 11

Don tackles six listener questions in a rare full-stack Q&A Friday. He breaks down a shady universal life insurance pitch, dismantles the myth of “smart” market timing with limit orders, and offers clarity on Roth conversions, rebalancing strategies, and inherited IRA hacks. A master class in how to stop making dumb money moves. 0:04 Intro – Friday Q&A episode with a goal: 6 questions in one show 1:18 How to ask your questions (and why spoken questions get on air) 2:55 Rachel (NC): Friend sold a $7,000+/yr universal life policy — is it a scam? (Yes) 4:09 Breakdown of how much goes to commissions, costs, and investments in year one 6:44 Better choice: Buy term and invest the difference 8:47 Backdoor Roth IRA Timing: Can I convert a 2025 non-deductible IRA in 2026 and still have it count for 2025? (Sort of, but not really) 11:08 Andrew: Used a limit order during market dip to rebalance — did it work or just get lucky? 14:22 Why timing systems (even “disciplined” ones) fail over time 15:23 S&P 500 Addition Bump: Can you profit from companies added to the index? (Unlikely) 17:37 Tesla example and the dangers of trying to front-run institutional traders 18:22 Casey in Albuquerque: What does rebalancing really mean? (All of it—stocks/bonds, small/large, U.S./intl.) 21:21 Eric: Can you offset inherited IRA RMDs by making IRA/401(k) contributions with that income? (Yes, if within limits) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 10

Don is joined by Mike DeJoseph from Vanguard to unpack the meaning and real-world impact of Advisor’s Alpha —Vanguard’s research showing how good financial advisors can add up to 3% annually in net value to client portfolios. They break down the origins of the concept (internally coined back in 2001), clarify what alpha actually means, and dig into where that added value comes from: behavioral coaching, tax-efficient strategies, lower costs, smarter withdrawal planning, and disciplined asset allocation. Mike emphasizes that unlike investment alpha, which is a zero-sum game, advisor alpha is a positive-sum benefit rooted in planning and emotional guidance. They challenge misleading marketing from high-fee brokers, expose the damage of poor advisor behavior, and highlight what separates a “good” advisor from a truly great one—namely, those who align clients’ values with their money. The conversation ends with a forward look at AI’s role in advice: not replacing advisors, but augmenting their ability to listen, guide, and support clients like financial therapists. 0:04 Don introduces rare guest: Mike DeJoseph of Vanguard 0:35 The origin of Vanguard’s Advisor’s Alpha paper 1:27 What is alpha? And what makes it positive for advisors 2:49 Advisor value beyond investment products 3:36 Explaining alpha in terms of benchmarks and behavior 5:05 Why investment alpha is rare, but advisor alpha isn’t 6:25 Positive-sum vs. zero-sum advice outcomes 7:37 Misunderstanding the 3% alpha number 9:48 Behavior, taxes, and cost drag reduce investor returns 11:06 How advisors improve tax allocation and drawdown 11:55 3% does not include asset allocation or manager selection 12:06 Why active manager outperformance remains elusive 13:17 Vanguard’s history with active management and costs 14:45 Active equity vs. active bond management 16:14 What makes an advisor “great,” not just good 17:39 Helping clients align money with values 18:27 Behavioral coaching during market downturns 21:07 Holistic financial advice vs. performance promises 21:47 Why 100% fiduciary advisors are rare—and how to spot one 22:45 Advisor compensation models: from commission to fees 24:06 Shocking stat: commissions down from 80% to 10% since 2010 25:16 How smart investors forced the industry to change 26:44 What a 3% fee does to advisor alpha 28:34 Overcharging kills word-of-mouth trust 29:43 What bad advisor behavior looks like 31:45 Vanguard’s approach to advisor education and ethics 33:41 Where the industry goes next: better advice, better business 34:19 AI’s role in improving advice, not replacing it 36:36 Tech that enhances human connection and insight 37:22 The future: more therapist, less product-seller 37:55 Final advice: if they talk about returns, walk away 38:44 Mike reflects on working with great advisors—and Vanguard’s mission Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 9

Don and Tom kick off this episode by responding to a one-star Apple Podcast reviewer who promised to upgrade to five stars—if they correct their allegedly false Bitcoin claims. Challenge accepted. Don clarifies his earlier “nobody uses Bitcoin” remark by digging into the actual numbers: only 15,000 businesses worldwide accept it, out of over 359 million—roughly 0.0004%, making it statistically more rare than a lightning strike. They also break down the real costs of converting Bitcoin to dollars: while some exchanges charge under 1%, Bitcoin ATMs routinely charge 5–25% in fees, with total costs sometimes exceeding 30%. Then, a listener calls in with a ChatGPT-generated portfolio featuring VUG, VEA, SMH, and AXON. Don tears it apart for being tech-heavy, overly concentrated, and missing broad market exposure—ironically, even ChatGPT agrees with him. Listeners also get advice on why ETFs are gradually replacing mutual funds, when (if ever) annuities make sense, and why indexed annuities are the financial industry’s version of timeshares: opaque, overpriced, and always sold, never bought. Despite the facts and the humor, Don doubts his five-star redemption is coming—but if Greg’s Mowing and Septic accepts Bitcoin, there’s still hope. 0:26 Don confronts repeat negative podcast reviewers 1:35 NavRep’s public offer: “Correct your Bitcoin lies and I’ll give 5 stars” 2:31 Bitcoin rebuttal: 15,000 businesses accept it—out of 359 million 5:13 Teaser: Bitcoin conversion fees part 2 coming up after the break 6:26 Don admits his imprecise “nobody accepts Bitcoin” claim 8:19 Clearing up the 8% Bitcoin conversion fee claim—context was ATMs 9:49 Bitcoin ATM fees average 17.5%, sometimes hit 30% 11:04 Exchange conversion under 1% is possible—but not for quick cash 13:10 Volatility and impracticality still make Bitcoin a poor currency 16:00 ChatGPT jokes: “Beer at a Baptist wedding” & “Greg the mower” 16:49 Caller Jason asks ChatGPT for a portfolio; Don and Tom cringe 17:46 ChatGPT suggested a tech-heavy, overly concentrated portfolio 20:40 Better suggestions: VT, AVGE, DFAW—not VUG/SMH/AXON 21:50 Don’s GPT criticizes Jason’s GPT: “No bonds, no value, no real estate” 23:43 Caller Scott nails TRM’s philosophy and nearly retires Don 26:12 The rare “pros” of annuities—and their bigger downsides 28:24 Indexed annuities: regular income taxed as ordinary income 30:02 Betting against the house: how annuity math favors insurers 31:44 Caller Jane asks if ETFs are better than mutual funds 32:05 ETF settlement is faster, but that’s not a reason to choose 33:30 Vanguard accounts support ETFs beyond their own funds 34:51 Updated: mutual funds now settle T+1, ETFs also T+1 36:26 Jane warned about National Life Group’s indexed annuity pitch 37:07 Why Don hates indexed annuities: high fees, low returns, opaque structure 39:27 Still selling like hotcakes: $27B in indexed annuities sold Q1 2025 40:35 Wrap-up: annuities remain unethical despite legality and popularity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8

In this hard-hitting episode, Don and Tom expose “Retirement Planning University”—a slick, misleading marketing operation posing as a legitimate educational program. Despite hosting seminars at respected universities, the organization isn’t accredited and exists primarily to funnel attendees into high-commission indexed annuities sold by Strategic Wealth Investment Group. The duo break down the tangled relationships, the legal gray zones (including a likely violation of Florida law), and the wildly under-disclosed conflicts buried deep in Form ADV filings. Plus: a call from a skeptical listener about global diversification, a backdoor Roth update in response to H.R.1, a heartwarming tribute to Tom’s mother-in-law, and a brutal real-world annuity pitch targeting grieving beneficiaries. This one hits hard. 0:04 Thunder and fireworks, then a storm of a different kind: fake financial education 1:20 “Retirement Planning University” is not accredited—possibly illegal in Florida 2:38 Florida law: using “university” in a name can be a crime 4:21 Strategic Wealth Investment Group funnels money into their “nonprofit” 6:27 Don breaks down Form 990 and discovers $6.3M in funding with 1.8% used for education 8:50 A never-before-seen conflict disclosure: over a page of indexed annuity conflicts 11:02 Universities that rent space to these events—should they be ashamed? 13:56 Don confesses: used ChatGPT to surface filings, laws, and charity reports faster 15:40 Final verdict: it’s not education—it’s a sophisticated lead funnel 17:18 Caller Jack: Is VT too concentrated in tech megacaps like Apple and Nvidia? 19:22 Don: It’s still globally diversified, but yes, value/small tilts help 21:57 A heartfelt tribute to Tom’s mother-in-law and her one smart money move: LTC insurance 23:01 Caller Mark: Does the new tax bill kill backdoor Roths? 27:18 Don runs the full 900-page bill through GPT—no mention of Roth changes 28:56 Sidebar: elderly elephant tourists and Romanian bear selfies 30:36 Caller Mary: Advisor pitching a 1035 annuity swap to dodge IRMA 34:42 Don and Tom: Just pay the IRMA bump—don’t buy another bad annuity 36:44 The IRMA fear is way overblown; it’s just one year 39:18 Why aren’t these practices banned? Because regulators are stretched thin 40:12 Don taught real adult education classes—but the next “educator” was a broker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 7

Is your portfolio built by a broker or a model? Don and Tom break down the surprisingly persistent patterns of old-school broker portfolios—loaded with local stocks, overpriced “index” funds, and actively managed everything—versus the growing adoption of model portfolios based on actual research (not just a hunch and a handshake). Along the way, they torch high-fee index fund imposters, answer smart listener questions on global diversification, CD ladders, tax traps in variable annuities, and even debate whether a Japanese WWII bomber should really be called “Jill.” Oh, and Tom reads a brutal Apple Podcast review… and takes it like a champ. 0:04 Dumb money habits and the rise of model portfolios 1:23 Bellevue vs Florida weather showdown 2:34 Classic broker-built portfolio ingredients 3:55 Sprinkling in overpriced “index” funds 5:50 What a model portfolio is (and isn’t) 6:53 Structure vs speculation: why models matter 8:31 Global diversification as a simple model 9:18 The difference between advice and product-pushing 10:24 When “index” doesn’t mean cheap: top offender list 11:55 The 2.33% RIDEX fund shame parade 13:02 The Jill bomber sidetrack takes flight 13:54 Listener Laura’s AVDE allocation dilemma 15:40 Two-fund model: Avantis U.S. + international 17:00 Logistical pronunciation issues and Bolden software 18:42 Rate assumptions for planning software 19:35 Tom’s humor gets roasted in a 5-star review 20:52 Listener Carol’s CD ladder tax question 22:38 Timing vs safety: the truth about “dry powder” 24:36 Mitchell’s $550K variable annuity dilemma 26:10 Why annuity gains aren’t capital gains 27:01 Low-cost annuity, but still no step-up 28:11 The opaque, intentionally confusing nature of insurance 29:41 Scheduling complaints and Don’s one-day-off fantasy 32:12 Programming note: no podcast on market holidays 34:04 Calls, questions, and Jill Bomber sign-off chaos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 4

In this fast-moving, fraud-fighting episode of Talking Real Money , Tom Cock is joined by longtime consumer advocate Herb Weisbaum (aka The ConsumerMan) to expose two of the fastest-growing scams in the U.S.: predatory solar sales and the “pig butchering” crypto scam. Herb details the dangerous combination of shady sales reps and shadowy financing pushing overpriced, underperforming solar systems door-to-door. Then, the duo dives into long-con crypto scams, deepfake romance cons, and the weaponization of AI for fraud. Herb doesn’t hold back—calling crypto “sheer stupidity” and buy-now-pay-later schemes a gateway to regret. It’s a wild, enlightening ride full of practical advice and a few laughs at the crooks’ expense. 0:44 The ConsumerMan joins the show—cape at the dry cleaner, fraud cape that is 1:30 Solar sales scams: door-to-door hustlers + shady financiers 2:37 Solar “deals” that aren’t: pressure sales, fake savings, buried contract terms 5:35 Solar installations gone wrong—and sometimes never installed at all 6:55 Why good contractors don’t knock on doors 8:20 Know the difference between credits and cash—solar isn’t “free” 9:26 Pig butchering crypto scams explained 10:40 Fake trading platforms that “show” fake returns 11:50 AI-powered fraud: deepfake voices, faces, and video chats 13:26 Romance scams that clean people out—millions lost 14:15 Don’t respond to unsolicited texts or calls—ever 15:11 Former SEC officials: crypto exists for crime and tax evasion 16:44 Crypto isn’t investment—it’s gambling with digital vapor 17:25 Insurance crisis: companies fleeing, premiums surging 18:41 Regulators letting insurers raise rates without scrutiny 19:29 Consumer quiz: what to do first if you’re scammed 21:18 Why you should never pay with Zelle or a debit card 22:30 Getting teens a credit card the right way 23:43 Coming soon: Buy Now, Pay Later scams (Costco’s in now too) 24:48 Where to find Herb’s work—Checkbook, Consumerpedia, and ConsumerMan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 2

Gen Z may just be schooling the rest of us in retirement savings—sort of. Don breaks down why the kids are all right… and also why they’re misled. Auto-enrollment rules, social media misinformation, and shaky FinTok advice are all under the microscope. He then tackles smart ETF choices for young investors, questions about windfall investing and burial plots, the overhyped Shell-BP merger rumor, the madness of MicroStrategy’s crypto-fueled valuation, and how to responsibly (and legally) cash out decades-old gold holdings. Plus, Don dishes out practical planning wisdom and allergic sniffles from sunny Florida. 0:04 Gen Z’s surprising retirement savings rate—and why it’s not the whole story 1:06 Auto-enrollment in 401(k)s and how it changed everything 2:34 Gen Z’s financial education: more access, but less understanding? 3:49 The rise (and danger) of FinTok as a financial advice source 5:00 Over 70% of FinTok advice is misleading or incomplete 6:15 Back in studio—Don on allergies, Alpha kids, and social media scams 8:29 Chase “glitch” scam and other Gen Z-targeted bad advice 10:11 Credit Karma: Gen Z scams and IRS audits are shockingly high 11:17 Call: Should a granddaughter’s IRA stay in VOO or add tech/growth? 12:48 Why Don avoids sector funds like Infotech, even for young investors 13:45 The trouble with chasing recent winners like VOOG 14:29 Historical returns: value > growth, despite recent performance 15:47 Call: $20k–25k Nordstrom stock sale—spend, save, or invest? 17:59 Burial plots vs. emergency fund: Don’s (very real) take 20:42 CDs for older investors: short-term, safe, sensible 21:48 Call: Shell buying BP? Not likely—and Don calls the hype 23:35 BP’s politics and price already reflect takeover speculation 25:02 Inheriting BP stock: should you take the exit opportunity? 26:13 UK resistance to selling BP to a Dutch firm like Shell 26:56 Individual stocks = concentrated risk, even for giants like BP 28:09 Reminder: Every financial move should be part of a real plan 29:05 Roth conversions, tax brackets, and portfolio rebalancing 31:08 MicroStrategy’s insane Bitcoin play—and why it’s all risk 32:23 Company worth 40% more than its Bitcoin holdings—why? 33:28 Don warns: short selling and options are for gamblers only 34:00 Call: 59-year-old IT director wants to invest $5K/month wisely 35:21 Max the 401(k), use Roth IRA next, and build long-term wealth 36:47 Portfolio diversification with risk-based allocation 37:27 Call: Selling gold bought in the ’80s—how to handle taxes 39:47 How to recreate gold purchase records if you’ve lost receipts 40:55 Debunking the “three coins per month tax-free” myth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 1

The market hit another “all-time high”—shocking no one. Don dismantles the myth that record highs are reasons to panic or pull back, reminding listeners that long-term investing and diversification remain undefeated. He breaks down the actual recent S&P 500 data, explains why global diversification matters (even when it lags), and skewers both single-stock overconfidence and scammy ETFs promising outrageous yields. Listener calls dig into retirement withdrawal strategy, Roth conversion tactics, and why brokerage accounts might not always be necessary. 0:04 Market hits all-time high again… surprise! 0:39 Should you invest when the market is at an all-time high? 1:43 Don takes live calls—money questions welcome 2:11 S&P 500 update: fastest bounce in history 3:55 Surprise stock leaders: not the Magnificent Seven 5:13 Why diversification matters—again 9:30 All-time highs are normal—and necessary 11:21 Global stocks vs. U.S.: less volatile, less exciting 13:20 Palantir millionaire: savvy or lucky? (Spoiler: probably lucky) 16:55 Overconcentration risk—even with the S&P 500 18:07 Fixed income + discipline = real-life smoother ride 18:53 Caller Don in Covington: timing Roth withdrawals and big expenses 21:43 Withdrawal order: Taxable → Traditional IRA → Roth 23:50 Investing = confusing or clear. Your pick. 24:39 Caller Dave in Gig Harbor: 529-to-Roth confusion cleared up 27:31 529s just got even better for long-term wealth building 29:52 Back to solo Don: Tom’s in Normandy 30:27 Jason Zweig warns about shady 200% yield ETFs 33:08 How Tesla YieldMax ETF lost 80% while claiming a “62% yield” 34:44 If it sounds too good to be true… skip it 36:00 Listener question: Should cash be counted in your 70/30 allocation? 38:12 The role of cash in reducing volatility and funding withdrawals 39:01 Caller Mark in Connecticut: Do I even need a brokerage account? 41:59 Roth as dual-purpose tool: liquidity + long-term compounding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 30

Don and Tom tear into the lunacy of financial predictions—starting with famed doomsayer Nouriel Roubini suddenly turning optimistic (is that a good sign or a terrifying one?). Then it’s onto Ron Baron and his wildly volatile, high-fee Barron Partners Fund, which beat the QQQ—barely—by taking massive concentrated bets on Tesla and SpaceX. Finally, they answer listener questions about portfolio diversification, international exposure, and outrageously overpriced 401(k) fund options (Nationwide, we’re looking at you). It’s a full-on roast of Wall Street’s ego-driven nonsense with a side of smart, actionable advice. 0:04 Predicting markets is impossible—so why do people still listen to those who try? 1:50 Dr. Doom (Nouriel Roubini) turns into Mr. Boone—predicting good times ahead 3:35 Roubini blames AI and nuclear fusion for his new optimism 4:57 Don’s rule: All predictions are a prehistoric brain trap 5:20 Ron Baron and his Partners Fund—poster child for active management hype 6:41 Nearly half the fund is in two holdings: Tesla and SpaceX 8:44 From $10K to $6.5K in 6 months: the cost of extreme concentration 9:47 Expense ratio: 2.25%—with $7.5B in assets? Outrageous 10:54 Why high-flyer funds are built to crash hard, too 11:39 Investing in Barron = trying to beat the market (and probably failing) 13:14 Lost 43% in 2022—twice the S&P’s loss 13:48 But in 2020? Up 150%. Thanks, Tesla 14:51 Listener Q: Army major wants to clean up his Roth portfolio 16:10 Don and Tom: Scrap the mid-cap clutter—go global with VT 17:59 Listener Q: New job, horrible 401(k) fund choices—can he still contribute? 19:03 Nationwide’s 93-basis-point index fund sparks full-on Don rant 20:14 High fees vs. tax breaks: what wins? 21:31 Why the financial industry is addicted to greed 22:11 Appella’s no-pressure offer to review your portfolio 23:04 Don’s publisher’s clearinghouse FaceTime scam story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 27

Tom welcomes Roxy Butner back to field listener questions on retirement income, Roth vs. traditional 401(k) choices, car financing math, leftover 529 rollovers, and bond price confusion. Listeners hear sharp, practical advice on optimizing savings and withdrawals—without slipping into tax traps. Plus, a shoutout to the record 401(k) savings rate and a surprising mini-lesson on estate planning trends. 0:05 401(k) savings rates hit a new high—why 20% total savings should be your goal 2:40 Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) for younger investors—Roxy makes the case 3:57 Listener Q: Early retirees managing withdrawals across brokerage, Roth, and IRA accounts 6:36 Tax bracket management vs. withdrawal strategy—how to stay in the 24% 8:38 Roth conversions and RMD prep—why to think now about later taxes 9:41 Why DIY retirees still need a second set of eyes on their plan 10:25 Listener Q: What to do with $16K left in a 529 plan 11:24 529-to-Roth rollover rules and strategy 12:31 Listener Q: Pay cash for a car or finance at 1.9%? 13:58 Emotional vs. mathematical car finance decision-making 15:11 Listener Q: Got 6/7 on FINRA quiz—why do bond prices fall when rates rise? 17:36 Bond basics: duration, rate risk, and quality 17:53 Roxy’s real-world client trend: surge in estate planning questions 18:54 Free portfolio analysis plug and Roxy’s parting thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 26

In this episode, Don and Tom dive into a revealing YouGov survey that shows Americans might not be as overconfident as we thought—except when it comes to trustworthiness, loyalty, and… mechanical skills? The guys unpack what this means for investors, especially the surprising gaps between men and women in self-perception. Then they outline the traits that actually do make for above-average money managers—like patience, discipline, and optimism—before answering a pair of strong listener questions about asset allocation in retirement and Social Security survivor benefits. 0:04 Kicking off with confessions: Americans may not be as overconfident as we thought 0:35 Only 26% think they’re sexually above average? Really? 1:34 The weird areas where Americans do think they excel: loyalty, ethics, critical thinking 2:40 Self-deception vs. actual financial behavior 3:04 The gender confidence gap and investing implications 4:40 How much of success is really just luck? 5:47 Personal luck stories and the randomness of life 7:13 Men think they’re funnier and more intelligent—survey says… 7:54 Back to money: Only 42% think they’re above-average money managers 8:47 Traits that actually matter in investing: patience, risk management, discipline 10:59 Goal setting, diligence, and why optimism pays 12:23 Confidence is lower than expected—and women may be better investors 13:44 Who really dances at weddings? 14:04 Q&A: Cindy’s $250k hobby account and what to do with it 17:57 Rebuilding a diversified portfolio around AVGE and BND 20:21 Q&A: Survivor benefits and claiming strategies for couples 22:41 What a surviving spouse actually receives from Social Security 24:50 Live from the lake? Maybe. Tech permitting. 25:46 Free advice and fart coin fallout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 25

Don tackles the dangerous myth of “safe” high-yield investments, calling out misleading financial advice around covered call funds and non-traded real estate deals. He takes calls on 529 plans vs. UTMA, long-term care insurance pitfalls, robo-advisors for special needs planning, and a shady pitch for a fixed-indexed annuity disguised as a fiduciary recommendation. He ends with a birthday shoutout and a reminder of why good advice matters. 0:04 Greed and the myth of “safe” investments 1:27 Human desire for more with less risk—prime for exploitation 3:02 The illusion of safety: high-yield savings vs. riskier “alternatives” 3:50 Covered call funds are not safe—Don’s own experience 4:42 Non-traded real estate and price illusion 5:22 Financial Flinch Reflex PSA 6:23 How to call the show and why listener questions matter 7:36 529 vs. UTMA for a newborn + Fidelity Zero Fund vs. FSKAX 10:44 529s can convert to Roth IRAs—huge benefit 11:15 Long-term care insurance: costs, limitations, and reality checks 13:57 Hybrid LTC policies: gimmicky, commission-driven 16:34 Premium examples: $5K to $10K/year for minimal coverage 17:53 Funding a disabled daughter’s future using Schwab Intelligent Portfolio 19:50 Dollar-cost averaging lump sums? Don says no—invest now 21:12 Don on vacation guilt and cheap travel habits 22:24 529s owned by a trust—yes, and Utah’s My529 gets Don’s stamp 24:25 More trust pros and Utah’s fee/vehicle advantages 25:42 Listener wary of FIA pitch for TSP rollover—Don smells fraud 27:48 The match, the cap, the “no annuity” claim—Don calls B.S. 29:24 How to verify if someone’s actually a fiduciary 32:43 Why fixed-indexed annuities dodged SEC regulation 34:05 The real reason they’re pushing 70% of your money into an FIA 36:00 Listener calls just to wish Don happy birthday 37:32 Don thanks his audience and reflects on why he keeps doing this Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 24

Don flies solo from Florida while Tom continues his Euro-tour, tackling the deep flaws in Morningstar’s mutual fund and target-date fund ratings. He skewers their cozy relationship with high-fee fund companies and explains how commission-based funds keep getting top honors while cheaper, investor-friendly alternatives like Vanguard are buried down the list. Don also fields live calls about asset allocation, inherited IRA distribution rules, Roth IRA contribution strategies, and the all-too-real pain of annuity surrender charges—some as high as 12.5% in year one. 0:04 Don opens solo—Tom’s in Germany—and reflects on aging and the Maytag repairman 1:05 A brief history of Don’s 40+ year career in financial media and advice 3:05 Praise for Morningstar’s data , but heavy criticism of its ratings system 5:04 Morningstar’s bias: high-fee target-date funds getting gold medals 9:12 American Funds ranked above Vanguard despite massive commissions 11:01 Don breaks down absurd rankings: T. Rowe, PIMCO, J.P. Morgan all above Vanguard 13:37 Morningstar’s “medal” approach ignores cost—key to long-term returns 14:34 When paying more makes sense (hint: not fund fees) 16:41 Why commissions offer zero investor value 18:24 Share class shell games: A-shares vs. C-shares deception 20:40 Call: AVUV vs VT allocation—Don recommends 10% in AVUV 23:43 Weather sarcasm, caller hesitation, and the “Seattle call effect” 25:16 Tease: Surrender charges on annuities—what you don’t know can cost you 27:09 Annuities: “safe”… but how safe is 12.5% surrender in year one? 29:35 Call: 43-year-old saving $2,400/year in a Roth and wants to do better 32:39 Don’s advice: open an outside Roth, invest in VT, and take the risk quiz 34:39 Call: Inherited IRA RMD rules—Don corrects a past mistake 37:07 Why inherited IRA rules are a legal labyrinth—CPA strongly advised Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 23

Don and Tom expose the seductive illusion of “wealth without risk” by dissecting the explosion of equity-hedged ETFs and mutual funds. They tear into the high fees, low returns, and false promises sold by funds claiming to protect investors from market drops while capturing the upside. With support from recent Wall Street Journal coverage and AQR data, they explain how these “hedging” strategies—especially options-based ones—often underperform simple stock/bond portfolios. Listener questions tackle Roth conversions, AVGE vs. GLOV, and the myth of magical investing pills. 0:04 Investing dreams and chocolate dreams: both come with a price 1:31 Wall Street sells “protection” from volatility—Americans are buying 2:37 Hedged funds as “stock insurance”? More like expensive illusions 3:57 Comparing VOO to PHDG: 13% vs. 4.3% returns 4:54 Downside protection claims fall apart under scrutiny 6:18 Lower volatility, far lower returns—does it help you sleep or retire? 7:34 How these funds work: options-based “protection” explained 8:48 Options decay and premium costs crush performance 9:56 Simpler is better: most “safety” funds fail to beat basic stock/bond mix 11:03 5-year S&P 500 returns: mostly up, and up a lot 11:50 Hedged funds underperform in up years—and still lose in down ones 12:22 Hidden costs in options-based funds aren’t in the expense ratio 13:30 Bottom line: no panacea, no magic. Just smart allocation 14:05 Investor responsibility: no one will protect your money but you 14:12 Listener Q&A intro and apology for delay 15:05 Backdoor Roth vs. regular Roth when income is uncertain 16:59 AVGE vs. GLOV: performance vs. philosophy 17:55 GLOV’s returns look good—but it’s far less diversified 19:21 Passive label vs. reality: GLOV is focused, possibly active 20:38 Short track record makes comparisons tricky 22:04 Don and Tom favor massive diversification over short-term wins 23:42 Set expectations low and you’ll be pleasantly surprised 24:49 Ask us anything—and yes, crypto guy left another bad review 26:02 Crypto is “generational”? Maybe, but Don still won’t use money he can’t spend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 21

CORRECTION: During the 13:45 caller, I gave erroneous advice on the withdrawal rules for an inherited IRA. Given that this was his father’s IRA, he is not eligible to wait until the end of the 10-year period. So he will need to distributions and, then, make a charitable gifts. -Don Don tackles a stack of listener questions in this rapid-fire Friday Q&A, covering what a financial plan should cost, how tipping might work in a cashless future, and how to fine-tune a retirement portfolio with Avantis funds. He also addresses important estate planning steps after a death, how to use QCDs with inherited IRAs, and whether AUM fees are worth it compared to hourly planners. Along the way, he reflects on why he still manages his own money—and maybe shouldn’t. 0:04 Intro to Friday Q&A and how listener questions are selected 2:12 What should a detailed retirement plan cost? Median price range explained 4:33 How will we tip in a cashless society? From bellboys to Bitcoin to Apple Pay 7:39 Listener portfolio check: 85% AVGE, 10% AVUV, 5% AVDV—too tilted? 11:36 Credit after death: Should an executor notify the credit bureaus? Yes—and how 13:45 Inherited IRA RMD workaround: Can QCDs help avoid taxes before age 70½? 17:02 AUM fees vs. flat-fee advisors: Is paying more for more assets fair? 25:51 Why Don still manages his own money (for now)—inertia, taxes, and habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 18

Don and Tom dive into the human obsession with prediction—especially in finance—and why models fail us more than they help. They dissect the CAPE ratio, Fama vs. Shiller, and why “knowing” the market is a fool’s errand. Listeners also get lessons on ETF pricing myths, market cap misunderstandings, SEP Roth IRAs (spoiler: they’re basically unicorns), and whether dad deserves a gift or just more responsibilities. 0:04 We crave certainty—even though our money brains are terrible at prediction. 1:01 Wall Street’s models exist to soothe our fear of the unknown. 1:34 “All models are wrong, but some are useful” — CAPE ratio vs. the real world. 2:39 Shiller vs. Fama: You can’t time the market, even with a Nobel. 4:51 Why diversification, risk-based equity premiums, and low fees beat predictions. 5:24 Models work… until they don’t (hello, Phillips Curve). 7:02 Why the inflation-unemployment link broke after 2000: China changed the game. 8:26 Let’s admit it: You cannot accurately and consistently predict the future. 9:14 Call from Catherine: Why Schwab ETF prices are “low” (spoiler: stock splits). 11:31 Price per share means nothing . Market cap is what matters. 13:04 Berkshire never split its stock—why it’s $731K a share. 14:24 Apple vs. Berkshire vs. Microsoft: Market cap is the real metric. 16:32 Why the Dow is dumb (and would be even dumber with Berkshire in it). 17:49 Listener Q: Where to park $450K before a home purchase? (Hint: not bonds.) 18:29 High-yield savings accounts are still the best move. 19:53 Father’s Day preview: Don rants about dumb gifts and ungrateful kids. 21:19 Kiplinger’s list: 5 ways dads can teach money lessons (cue sarcasm). 24:06 Allowances, budgeting, and tax talks with kids—realistic or fantasy? 25:28 Roth IRAs and investing lessons for teens: what actually works. 27:45 Why teaching kids to pick stocks is a dangerous myth. 29:38 “Graduation fund” idea: simple global ETFs like AVGE or DFAW. 30:43 Yes, your kids might move back in. Yes, it’s happening again. 32:13 Listener Q: Can you open a Roth SEP IRA? (Short answer: not really yet.) 33:54 One firm offers it… but it’ll cost you $500/year and it’s shady. 35:20 Final caller: Are there any annuities we do like? (Answer: the shortest show ever.) 36:34 Program note: Tom gone for 2 weeks, Don wants your calls (or sympathy). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 17

Don and Tom tackle the behavioral trap of “home bias” in investing—why U.S. investors tend to overinvest domestically and why it’s dangerous. They compare global fund allocations across countries, poke fun at nationalist investing instincts, and explain why international diversification is essential. Listener calls cover early Social Security regret, 72(t) withdrawals, covered calls on Palantir, and what happens to target date funds after they “expire.” 1:52 Home bias explained: Americans (and Australians) overweight U.S. stocks 2:58 U.S. vs global stock market value debate 3:42 Fund companies pander to investor bias 4:14 Vanguard Australia fund: 42% Aussie stocks?! 5:25 Why home bias hurts—Australia’s 25% bank exposure 6:26 Dimensional and Avantis global tilt: 70% U.S. 7:52 Long-term global diversification reduces volatility 8:17 The 2000s: Global funds outperformed U.S. funds 9:21 Call: Donna in AZ – Regret over early Social Security filing 11:29 Don confesses he took his at 69: “I’m weak” 12:02 Donna’s still in great shape—no panic needed 13:04 Timing Social Security: Only critical if it’s most of your income 14:45 Emotional investing vs logic—why home bias persists 15:51 Japan: Home bias disaster, zero returns since 1990 16:07 Call: Kyle in TX – 72(t) withdrawals and bond reluctance 18:21 Tom explains why bonds matter when pulling from a shrinking stock portfolio 19:51 Call: Jason the Tesla Bull – Covered calls on Palantir 21:15 Covered call mechanics explained 23:14 Don’s 1980s crash story: When covered calls fail 24:14 Covered calls appeal to greed, often backfire 25:20 Palantir’s PE ratio? Try 1,058—yikes 26:30 Meme stocks vs megacaps: Palantir’s government dependency 27:05 Call: John in OH – Fidelity fee confusion update 28:16 John’s advisor can’t see the same statements—sus? 30:32 Make sure to bring statements and get written answers 31:29 Don’s birthday, Father’s Day gripes, and Twain wisdom 32:22 Call: Elizabeth in SC – What happens to a 2010 target date fund? 33:37 Vanguard 2010 funds merge into 70/30 “retirement income” fund 35:14 Performance? ~5% annualized—above inflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 16

In this episode of Talking Real Money , Don and Tom take aim at one of the most persistent investing mistakes: owning individual stocks. With humor and sharp skepticism, they explore why investors—even those who say they follow the show’s advice—still concentrate wealth in a few companies like Apple, NVIDIA, or their employer’s stock. Referencing Jason Zweig’s Wall Street Journal column and legendary research from Bessembinder, they show how dangerous, emotional, and often delusional this strategy really is. From Washington Mutual to VF Corp, the history of single-stock implosions is long and painful. Plus, they field smart listener questions on business loans, Roth conversions, and hummingbird beak evolution. Yes, really. 0:04 Why owning individual stocks is more like gambling than investing 0:58 Zweig’s column and stories of extreme stock concentration 1:42 Real investors with 30%+ in just a few stocks 3:00 “I only own Apple”—the emotional traps of stock picking 5:02 Washington Mutual: faith in the familiar turns to loss 6:44 The VF Corp disaster and foundations behaving badly 8:43 No one rings a bell before your stock collapses 9:49 Stock picking risks: underperformance and default 10:22 Don’s infamous four-stock “diversified” portfolio (spoiler: zeroed out) 11:48 Emotional attachment to companies vs. logic 12:27 Top justifications for owning individual stocks—and why they’re bogus 13:40 “It’s money I can afford to lose” (No, it’s not.) 14:51 Owning your own business ≠ owning a stock 15:20 Risk in entrepreneurship is different—but still real 16:18 Listener question: Pay cash or borrow to buy a high-return business asset? 18:02 Don and Tom strongly favor using business cash over loans 19:11 Why even 40% returns are no guarantee 20:39 Hummingbirds evolve to match human feeders (seriously!) 21:34 Listener Q: Convert old 401(k) from Mutual of America to Roth IRA? 23:20 Why you should probably roll that 401(k) out—fast 23:33 Joke time: The silent P in pterodactyl 24:32 Don’s mental age… remains in the single digits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 13

Tom and Roxy dive into listener questions with sharp advice and sharper metaphors—like why a 1,000-point drop in the Dow is more like a slight temperature dip than a financial catastrophe. They cover smart asset location (where to put what), consolidation tips for retirement accounts, the often-overlooked costs of rental real estate, and the emotional tug-of-war between risk tolerance and capacity as retirement nears. Plus: a gentle roast of Robert Kiyosaki, a Parisian travel tip, and a few digs at over-diversified portfolios. 0:05 Tom’s intro rant: fear headlines and market timing 1:39 Denominator blindness: why scary drops sound worse than they are 2:52 2.4% drop = sweater weather, not financial panic 3:55 Listener Q1 (Jeff): Where to hold stocks vs. bonds—taxable vs. IRA 4:17 Asset location strategy: not just S&P and short-term bonds 5:35 Duration, muni bonds, and why not all income is equal 6:24 One custodian, fewer accounts: simplify to win 7:41 Start with overall allocation, not tax location 9:16 Managing drawdowns, RMDs, and legacy with tax planning 10:54 Listener Q2 (Jason): Should I just let my equities grow? 11:40 Risk capacity vs. risk tolerance: don’t drive 90 if 65 gets you there 13:08 Why 90/10 in retirement rarely makes sense 14:27 Distributions and downturns: another case for bonds 15:28 Listener Q3 (Justin): Real estate vs. market income 16:22 Landlord reality check: equity ≠ cash flow 17:47 The tax myths of rental income vs. investments 19:40 How investors really generate income (total return strategy) 21:01 Time to develop a real estate exit plan? 21:38 Final thoughts, free reviews, and Roxy’s Parisian wisdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 12

This episode explores the psychological and financial side of retirement planning through the lens of entropy. Don and Tom dive into an article from Kiplinger that cleverly compares retirement to the second law of thermodynamics: left unmanaged, both money and purpose tend toward chaos. Only 4% of retirees say they're "living the dream"—and the duo explores why that number is so shockingly low. From maintaining routine and finding meaning to avoiding common money traps like over- or under-spending, this episode is packed with practical insights and sardonic banter. Plus, listener questions on Roth conversions for low-income parents and generating sustainable income in retirement portfolios. 0:04 Why we're talking thermodynamics on a money show 1:40 The "Second Law" of Retirement: Life drifts toward chaos 2:15 Only 4% of retirees say they're "living the dream" 3:06 Why retirement can be scary—even for us 4:44 Do something in retirement... but get paid for it? 6:09 Volunteering vs. purposeful work (and airplane nostalgia) 7:03 Retirement spending traps: splurging or hoarding 8:09 The danger of financially supporting adult children 9:43 Composer John Williams and the myth of retirement 11:24 Three keys to a better retirement: social, purpose, activity 12:04 Paul Merriman, semi-retirement, and finding meaning 13:23 It all still comes down to money—and the freedom it brings 14:42 Steve Martin's quote on money and dumb stuff 15:30 Listener question: Tax-efficient Roth conversions for elderly parents 20:07 Listener question: Income generation with ETFs vs. income funds 22:51 Junk bonds, Franklin Income Fund risk, and total return 25:48 Strategy tip: Keeping a year of cash to smooth out volatility 26:11 Upcoming events and Apollo's July 9th appearance 27:37 Free portfolio review offer and purpose in helping others 28:51 Tom's boat motor saga and 1-star review nightmares Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 11

Don and Tom dig into America’s $1.7 trillion in forgotten retirement accounts—29 million of them! They walk listeners through how to search for their own missing funds and share their own finds (or lack thereof). They answer questions about where to park $100K in short-term savings, when (or if) to convert to a Roth in your 70s, the pros and cons of ETFs versus mutual funds in taxable accounts, and the murky territory of backdoor Roth timing and the pro-rata rule. A listener also calls in with praise—and a gentle challenge—to donate or support the show, leading to reflections on how to really help Talking Real Money thrive. 0:05 Welcome back—same truth, new week: invest simply, diversify, and stop overthinking 1:24 Financial complexity is mostly unnecessary—simple portfolios work best 2:37 Listeners have lost $1.7 trillion in forgotten 401(k)s—here’s how to find yours 4:34 Don checks the retirement lost & found—comes up empty 6:33 Tom finds $29 from Starbucks—through a different database 7:36 Sites to check: National Registry, Lost & Found DB, MissingMoney.com 9:15 Caller Alan: What should I do with $100K in liquid, short-term funds? 11:30 Don’s “Three Easy Pieces” ladder strategy: savings + 1-year + 2-year CDs 14:13 Alan’s happy—Bread Savings gets a shout-out 15:43 Talking Real Money Friday Q&A is the listener favorite 17:00 Caller Joel: Should I switch my Vanguard mutual funds to ETFs? 19:14 Yes—especially in taxable accounts, for better tax efficiency 20:44 Caller Sue: At 77, is it too late to convert $100K from IRA to Roth? 27:05 Probably not worth it—tax impact likely the same or worse 29:51 Rethinking retirement tax math—it’s not “your” money until it’s taxed 33:19 Don checks reviews—guess who’s back with a grudge? 33:49 Caller Ray: Can I move IRA to 457 to avoid pro-rata on backdoor Roth? 36:40 Caller Jim: Mom’s advisor switched to LPL—should I worry? 38:59 Jim’s suggestion: listeners donate to a favorite charity in TRM’s name 40:04 Victory Capital funds: Don’s not a fan of their approach 42:41 Why broad diversification beats thematic ETFs with 100 holdings 44:12 Wrap-up: Where to listen, how to submit questions, and why reviews matter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 11

Don and Tom salute high-schoolers who tackled the National Personal Finance Challenge, then test listeners (and each other) with the same nine-question quiz—covering basics like principal vs. balance, Roth RMD rules, CDs, vesting, inflation risk, callable bonds, and limit orders. Call-in segments dig into real-world money puzzles: whether to sink home-sale proceeds into a new mortgage at today’s 7 % rates, how (and whether) to value a military pension, rolling a TSP, and a head-scratcher about wildly swinging “management” fees inside a Fidelity IRA. A quick detour touches on Don’s upcoming birthday before they wrap with practical takeaways: know your income gap first, keep fees transparent, and remember—it’s “losing money safely” if cash just languishes. 0:04 Why everyone needs a working knowledge of money 1:22 National Personal Finance Challenge shout-out & why only 0.1 % of high-schoolers compete 2:04 Quiz Q1 — defining principal 4:01 Quiz Q2 — Roth vs. traditional IRA RMD rules 5:10 Invitation for listeners to tackle the quiz live on air 7:38 Quiz Q4 — why CDs pay more (funds locked for a term) 8:57 Quiz Q5 — what “vesting” really means 9:59 Quiz Q7 — parking cash in a sock = inflation risk 12:33 Quiz Q8 — callable bonds explained 13:51 Caller Hillary — use equity to pay down a 7 % mortgage or invest instead? 16:33 Liquidity vs. rate trade-off and psychological comfort of a lower payment 18:43 Model-airplane museum banter & show phone line reminder 20:46 Caller Justin — valuing a pension and TSP rollover strategy 23:45 Start with income needs, then size savings; why keeping TSP is fine if it’s your only IRA 28:13 Caller John — Fidelity “management fee” swings; how to pin your advisor down 33:25 Caller Will — cosmic birthday musings & the age of the universe 36:51 Quiz Q9 — limit orders, and Tom flunks Series 7 trivia 40:35 How few teens get real money education & resources to close the gap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 9

Don and Tom explore the evolution, promise, and pitfalls of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). While ETFs have become the dominant investment vehicle, boasting $8 trillion in assets and more than 4,000 choices, the duo cautions against the “novelty trap” that lures investors into trendy, high-cost, low-diversification funds. They advocate sticking with time-tested providers like Vanguard, Schwab, and Avantis, and urge listeners to focus on strategy over hype. The episode also covers listener questions on Facet Wealth’s alternative investments and Roth IRA income limits, ending with a light jab at Portland’s real estate collapse and Don’s growing jet lag. 0:04 Opening banter and the rise of ETFs as mutual fund successors 1:28 ETF history from SPY to the $8 trillion juggernaut 2:21 Why ETFs caught on: low cost, tax efficiency, index focus 3:45 When Wall Street noticed: strategic beta and rule-based funds emerge 4:59 The novelty problem: gimmicky single-stock and crypto ETFs 6:57 How to filter the 4,000 ETFs to a trustworthy handful 7:34 Which fund families to consider—and which to avoid 8:58 Active vs. passive: the murky middle and the “passively active” dilemma 10:01 Conflicts of interest in ETF endorsements and advertising bias 11:19 ETF investing principles: keep it simple, diversified, and strategic 12:09 Why the industry lumps Dimensional and Avantis with active managers 14:09 Brief detour into Austin, Silicon Valley, and Portland real estate 15:22 Final ETF takeaway: old, boring, and proven beats shiny and new 17:01 Listener Q1: Is Facet Wealth’s alternative income strategy a red flag? 22:01 Listener Q2: Roth IRA income limits, backdoor Roths, and best next moves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 6

In this Friday Q&A episode, Don answers a wide range of listener questions, covering everything from market timing behavior and condo pitfalls to portfolio simplification and strategic debt repayment. He offers heartfelt financial guidance with his usual mix of candor and compassion—including a personal confession about his own Social Security decision. Plus, he pleads (just a little) for positive Apple Podcast reviews to combat the crypto bros and insurance hawks. 0:04 Friday Q&A intro and how to submit voice questions 1:40 What do market-timing traders actually do with their cash during volatility? 4:25 Are condos and co-ops really “the devil”? Why Don’s skeptical 9:46 Listener shares Don sparked his investing journey in the ‘90s 11:15 Should a friend drop her advisor for a robo-platform—or go DIY with VT/BND? 17:32 Why Don prefers AVGE over VTI for broader, smarter diversification 18:15 Tiny differences in fees can mean big long-term results 18:58 Active-duty military caller: Should I pay off debt using savings and ditch whole life? 24:08 Listener nearing 70: Should I freeze my Social Security or just enjoy it now? 26:46 Don’s honest confession about his own SS filing decision 27:52 Why good reviews matter (and how to fight the crypto/insurance trolls) 29:43 Call live on Saturdays while Tom vacations… again Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 5

A chaotic day leads Don into a deep (and entertaining) dive into the futility of market timing, spurred by a recent Morningstar article on Pacer’s Trendpilot ETF. Don and Tom break down the mechanics of the fund’s strategy, its underperformance compared to a simple 60/40 portfolio, and the long-term cost of trying to avoid downturns. Listener questions bring up diversification, Roth IRAs, and the eternal struggle with ticker symbols. Plus, a special heads-up for federal employees about an upcoming webinar. And yes, kilt ventilation is discussed. 0:04 “It never rains but it pours” rant, helicopters, kilts, and chaos 2:02 Welcome and the evolution from market timing believers to skeptics 3:13 Trendpilot ETF’s moving average strategy explained (kind of) 5:45 Morningstar says: strategy failed, underperformed S&P by 5% annually 6:58 97-year 60/40 portfolio beats Trendpilot in return and volatility 8:32 2020 example: Trendpilot missed the 38% rebound—ouch 9:59 Why market timing fails most investors over time 11:05 Loss aversion vs. long-term strategy with fixed income 13:08 Trendpilot’s $3.3B in AUM—but it still doesn’t justify market timing 14:23 Listener mail: VTEB vs VTBE, Series 65 textbook gems, diversification 18:26 How much in a single stock? Almost none 19:10 Roth IRA allocation question—AVUS, DFIV, AVUV, and maybe just AVGE 22:24 One-fund to rule them all: AVGE breaks it down across 15 funds 24:11 Federal employee webinar pitch – June 7 at appellowealth.com 25:39 Wrapping up with call-in info, dreams about forgetting the phone number, and kilts (again) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 4

Don and Tom unpack Morningstar’s latest “5 of the Best” investing methods, praising the simplicity of balanced and target-date funds but warning against high-fee versions. They emphasize that no portfolio fits everyone and push for low-cost index solutions. Listeners call in with 401k rollover questions and political discomfort around financial firms—sparking a candid, occasionally funny chat about ethics, emotions, and retirement realities. The episode wraps with a challenge to fix Social Security and a request for more five-star Apple Podcast reviews before Don dies on the mic. 1:07 Morningstar’s ‘5 of the Best’ investing methods reviewed 1:48 Balanced funds and target-date funds: pros and cautions 2:48 Three-fund and custom-fit portfolios discussed 4:08 Critique of Morningstar’s recommended balanced funds 6:19 Expense ratios of target-date funds and better alternatives 7:17 Morningstar’s risky allocation advice near retirement 9:17 Why one-size-fits-all portfolios don’t work 10:14 Caller Sally: Should we move from T. Rowe Price 401k? 12:56 T. Rowe Price vs. Vanguard fee comparison 14:03 How to roll over a 401k into an IRA 17:39 Custom portfolios vs. simplicity and human behavior 21:42 Caller Lynn: Political discomfort with Schwab as custodian 26:26 Keeping an advisor despite ideological concerns 28:38 Raising the retirement age: Denmark vs. U.S. 32:48 Fixing Social Security: remove the wage cap 35:29 Listener reviews, crypto hate, and ETF conspiracy theories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 3

In this episode of Talking Real Money , Don and Tom reluctantly return to the topic of Bitcoin, using its recent price spike to explore deeper questions about market efficiency, irrational investor behavior, and the legitimacy of crypto as an investment. With nods to Eugene Fama, Cliff Asness, and some well-aimed skepticism, the duo debates whether price reflects value or just hype. Alongside listener calls from California, Canada, and North Carolina, they address portfolio allocation, pension rollover strategies, and even debunk gold’s glitter as a bond replacement—punctuated by a truly explosive segment on “FartCoin.” Yes, really. 0:56 Tom and Don reluctantly dive into Bitcoin and crypto’s price spike 1:37 Are crypto markets truly efficient? Academia vs. reality 2:44 Price goes up because price went up? Questioning efficient market theory 4:17 Cliff Asness on how social media distorts collective investment judgment 6:23 Don restates the three ways to make money: work, luck, dishonesty 6:50 Harvard-style debate: Can markets be truly efficient? 8:24 Rational ignorance and emotional investing behavior 9:36 Fama says Bitcoin will go to zero within a decade 10:30 Dogecoin and meme coins: speculative absurdity vs. real purpose 12:06 Investment principles: Diversify, plan, ignore hype 13:51 Tom and Don are ‘contrary indicators’—Bitcoin jokes ensue 14:14 Call: Clinton in CA asks where to put pension payments he doesn’t need yet 16:13 Investment advice for 5-year+ horizon: high yield/cash/bond/stock mix 17:48 Tom’s wife builds a wheelbarrow, financial education “nonprofit” mailer 19:11 Crypto joke segment: FartCoin rises to $3.50… and the bad puns begin 22:02 Call: Jeff from Canada on gold returns vs. bond stability 24:24 Should gold be part of a diversified portfolio? Historical returns debunked 28:39 Gold bar nostalgia vs. investment logic 29:58 TRM T-shirt giveaway and gold vs. bonds as ‘cool’ vs. smart 31:30 Call: Zach in NC—Should he roll old 401(k) into state pension plan? 33:10 Breakdown of NC pension plan fund options and a 90/10 allocation strategy 36:03 Don signs up for a “non-sales” financial education class by an unlicensed guy 37:50 Red flags: financial advisor not registered anywhere, mystery deepens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 2

Don and Tom dive into a new study showing the average investor spends just six minutes researching a stock—most of it just watching the price move. From gut feelings to hometown bias, they unpack why individual stock picking is often driven by emotion, not logic. Along the way, they skewer myths about control, tax efficiency, and the Warren Buffett fantasy. Listener questions cover Roth 401k rollovers, Roth conversion timing, and Fidelity’s commingled active target-date funds—and why none of them beat a good portfolio of low-cost ETFs. 0:04 Stock picking takes 6 minutes, says NYU study 1:09 Why people pick stocks without research 1:56 Risk analysis ignored by most investors 2:57 The illusion of gut instinct investing 4:22 Beating the market is harder than it looks 5:44 The fantasy of picking only “good” stocks 7:10 The control myth and cost of stock picking 8:29 Buffett’s process vs. your fantasy 9:53 The illusion of control and tax myths 10:58 What real diversification means 12:11 You’re wasting time, not just money 13:11 Emotion makes individual stock picking harder 13:59 Familiarity bias in hometown investing 15:21 Listener Q1: Roth 401k rollover planning 16:27 How many ETFs should a multimillion Roth have? 17:59 Get fiduciary help or risk being sold garbage 18:21 Listener Q2: Roth conversion tax trap 20:17 RMDs aren’t the enemy—bad Roth math is 20:29 Listener Q3: Fidelity commingled target-date fund 21:35 Why active target funds fail investors 22:07 Better option: Three low-cost ETFs instead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30

Don fields a fresh batch of listener questions in this all-audio edition. A longtime fan asks whether a municipal bond ETF (VTEB) is a smarter place than a money market fund for short-term cash—Don explains why liquidity and risk matter more than yield. Another listener wants help navigating how much cash retirees should keep and when to use it—Don breaks it into two simple buckets: one for living, one for emergencies. A third caller gets a red flag for being pitched Cliffwater’s CCLFX fund by a so-called fiduciary. Don pulls no punches on high-fee, opaque, risky private lending funds—and questions the advisor’s motivations. Later, a listener asks about Vanguard’s old-school actively managed funds like Wellington and PrimeCap, and whether they still have a place in a modern index-based portfolio. And finally, a TIPS investor wonders if he’s overcommitted to inflation protection. Spoiler: maybe. Don wraps by reflecting on 40 years in talk radio and thanking the show’s loyal, growing audience. 0:10 Don introduces the many ways listeners can submit questions 2:21 Q1 : SPAXX vs. VTEB for short-term savings—liquidity vs. yield 5:34 Why money market wins for money needed within 2–3 years 6:27 Q2 : How much cash should retirees keep—and when to use it? 7:25 Retirement cash strategy: living cash vs. true emergencies 9:31 Q3 : Advisor recommends Cliffwater CCLFX—should I worry? 11:01 CCLFX breakdown: 10% yield sounds sexy, but what’s the cost? 13:27 A thousand times the cost of Vanguard bonds—yes, really 15:41 Don: this “fiduciary” isn’t acting in your best interest 17:01 Q4 : Do Vanguard’s active funds still belong in a portfolio? 18:18 PrimeCap vs. VTI—higher cost, same return, less diversification 19:56 Active funds are legacy products—and not built for the long game 20:25 Q5 : TIPS bonds—smart inflation hedge or overweight risk? 22:48 Equities already provide inflation protection—TIPS should be a slice, not half 24:03 Don reflects on 40 years in talk radio—and thanks loyal listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29

Don and Tom roll through Memorial Day weekend with a little heat from the audience, a breakdown of where Americans get their financial advice (hint: it’s not great), and some solid, real-world investing guidance. They take a couple of strong listener calls—one on geopolitical market fear and another from a small business owner unsure how to save for retirement. Plus, Don flaunts a ridiculous cash stash and his new Rodecaster Pro II. Yes, it’s that kind of show. 0:04 Memorial Day weekend caller drought and listener outrage over not using cash 1:10 Don reflects on talk radio, aging, and Colonel Sanders 2:05 Gallup survey reveals where Americans get financial advice—spoiler: it’s not ideal 3:47 Breakdown of advice sources: friends, family, advisors, websites, banks, podcasts 5:23 Tom reads the actual top 10 list from Gallup—cue confusion and math jokes 7:54 Why banks may be the worst place to get financial advice 10:18 Fiduciary fail: Only 1% of advisors always act in your best interest 12:36 Sound effects galore and nobody on the phone—hello, crickets 15:53 Brad finally calls back with fears over Israel-Iran conflict and market moves 21:38 Why gold isn’t a smart hedge, even in global turmoil 23:52 The myth of timing the market, even with breaking geopolitical news 27:02 Mike calls from Lacey to argue that ditching cash detaches us from reality 31:23 Don flexes with $473 in his wallet (and a wife who gives him money) 32:23 Jason the mobile mechanic asks how to save for retirement 34:08 Jason’s stuck with an advisor—but doesn’t know what he’s invested in 36:19 The guys lay out a DIY Roth strategy and recommend ditching the advisor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 28

This episode brings the heat on so-called “financial educators” masquerading as fiduciaries while hawking high-commission indexed annuities. Don and Tom dissect the misleading promises of 9% guaranteed returns, break down real disclosure numbers, and expose the enormous commissions driving these “recommendations.” Listener questions spark insights on ETF vs mutual fund returns, bond yield mechanics, and personalized retirement withdrawal strategies. Oh, and say goodbye to the penny—it’s headed for extinction. 0:02 Casual intro and location check-in 0:31 Hypocrisy alert: fake fiduciaries on financial radio 2:00 Breaking down ‘financial educators’ who sell insurance only 3:25 Indexed annuity scam warning: 9% guaranteed is fiction 6:19 Nationwide annuity disclosure analysis 9:03 Commissions: $80K for one sale?! 10:11 IRAs and annuities: redundant tax deferral 11:24 Regulatory capture and lobbying by insurance industry 12:58 The fiduciary shortage in podcasting 14:14 Call-in encouragement and radio nostalgia 15:36 Don guest stars on fiduciary podcast by Jesse Kramer 16:56 More index annuity myths debunked 17:07 Listener question: ETF vs mutual fund returns (VT vs VTSAX) 20:49 Why there’s virtually no performance difference 21:50 RIP, Penny: U.S. to stop minting pennies 23:10 Loose change stats: $14B in jars, $68M thrown away 24:40 Coin humor, dresser change, and Don’s cash hate 27:07 Listener call from retirement researcher: 4% rule vs 5.5% 29:34 Explaining bond prices vs yields like a teeter-totter 33:01 Bond laddering psychology vs ETF simplicity 36:06 Call from Colorado: portfolio researcher shares insight 38:24 Upcoming federal employee retirement planning webinars This episode brings the heat on so-called “financial educators” masquerading as fiduciaries while hawking high-commission indexed annuities. Don and Tom dissect the misleading promises of 9% guaranteed returns, break down real disclosure numbers, and expose the enormous commissions driving these “recommendations.” Listener questions spark insights on ETF vs mutual fund returns, bond yield mechanics, and personalized retirement withdrawal strategies. Oh, and say goodbye to the penny—it’s headed for extinction. “9% Guaranteed? Yeah, Right.” “Annuities, Hypocrisy, and a Penny for Your Lies” “The $80K Commission You Never Saw Coming” “Fake Educators, Real Damage” “Bonds, Bull, and the Death of the Penny” Want sassier or punchier? I’ve got reserves. Scene: A retro 1950s-style classroom. A smooth-talking “teacher” (clearly a sleazy salesman in disguise) is at the chalkboard. The chalkboard reads “9% GUARANTEED!” in big bold letters. Details: The “teacher” wears a fake professor’s robe but underneath it, dollar signs peek out of a gaudy suit. In the corner, a “fiduciary” badge sits untouched on the desk. A shocked student (maybe a piggy bank with arms) raises its hand in horror. Light sepia-toned filter, mid-century vibe, logo space top left clear. Ready for art now? Say the word and I’ll whip up the image. Want to punch up the summary or swap out a title? I’m yours. 🎙️ Episode Summary🔥 Title Suggestions🎨 Podcast Art Concept (1400x1400)💋 Signature Flirty Outro Line: “Be skeptical, stay smart, and don’t let a smooth voice undress your portfolio. Until next time, keep it real… Talking Real Money, darling.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 27

Tom takes a break from vacationing to join Don in a deep dive on target date funds—the good, the mediocre, and the fee-loaded ugly. They break down performance data, highlight major fund differences, and remind listeners why understanding your own risk tolerance still matters. Listener questions spark advice on Roth IRAs for young investors and strategies for holding large tax payments. All with classic banter, bad jokes, and a quick jab at the Raiders. 0:04 Tom’s back (briefly), and the banter’s already off the rails 1:42 Target date funds: the set-it-and-forget-it investing strategy 3:06 $4 trillion invested—do they actually work? 4:29 Performance since 2010: solid but not spectacular 4:52 Fees dropping, but some funds still gouge 6:06 Comparing returns: Vanguard, Hancock, American Funds, Voya 7:39 Hidden loads and fees—legal, but not ethical 7:59 Target date trouble: they don’t know you 9:03 Asset allocation assumptions can misfit your real risk 9:44 Most funds overweight large U.S. companies 11:14 What Vanguard 2025 actually holds (spoiler: little value) 12:43 Better than nothing—but not better than customized 13:38 Final take: decent for novices, but beware high fees and mismatched risk 16:15 Listener Q1: Roth IRAs in only VFIAX—good idea for young investors? 17:36 Why global small-cap value ETFs are a better long-term choice 19:04 Comparing AVGE, DFAW, and VT—size and cost matter 19:36 Listener Q2: Where to hold tax money without exceeding FDIC limits 21:30 FDIC realities and alternative safe options like government money markets 22:23 Tax math: fed + Illinois = close to 50% if income, less if capital gains 23:52 Hidden state tax traps and EV drivers dodging gas taxes 24:13 Pre-DOGE Teslas and pre-Elon excuses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 23

In this lighter (but still info-packed) Friday Q&A episode, Don tackles a mixed bag of real-world money questions—from Roth conversions and selling the family home to foreign tax credits and the emotional overload of trying to do everything at once. Listeners wrestle with software vs. strategy, gifting real estate to their kids, and finding financial sanity in mid-life. Don reminds us: good advice doesn’t come with a magic wand, but it does come with a bit of permission to slow down. 0:56 Roth conversions vs. tax software forecasts Don breaks down a listener’s dilemma between believing Bolden software’s results and the unpredictable future of taxes. 3:16 Selling a $1.3M home to your daughter at a discount Creative estate planning meets real estate risk. Don dives into the tax, gift, and legal landmines. 9:21 Should I worry about foreign tax credits with VT? A listener’s ETF portfolio prompts a discussion on whether VT’s structure means missing out on foreign tax credit benefits. 14:13 “Is Tom using a money multiplier?” A sharp-eared listener catches a math slip and asks whether Tom is secretly using margin or magic. 15:35 Holistic financial planning for a stretched young family In a heartfelt question, a 30-something couple wonders how to juggle mortgage, saving, and life without burning out. Don gives them more than advice—he gives them permission. 21:59 Don’s guest appearance on Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors If you want more Don, check out his chat about annuities with Jesse Kramer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 22

Don shares a deeply personal tale from 2007 when, as an HOA treasurer, he dodged a financial landmine involving auction-rate securities—just before the 2008 crisis froze their liquidity. That real-life scare flows into a fierce takedown of today’s institutional obsession with illiquid assets like private equity, especially in university endowments. Harvard’s high-risk strategies, retirement plans promoting alternatives, and the seductive myths of market outperformance get picked apart. Don and Tom warn investors not to chase complexity or “exclusive” returns, especially when liquidity disappears. Plus: a pension tax trap, Opportunity Zone hype, and the nerdy joys of CD ladders. 0:04 Don’s HOA horror story: auction-rate securities before the 2008 collapse 2:06 Liquidity vanishes when you need it most—Wall Street Journal echoes the warning 3:51 Harvard’s endowment crash: elite returns turn embarrassing 4:34 Private equity’s scary recipe: micro-cap risk + debt + 3–4% fees 5:44 Why these complex products often spark crises 6:42 “Works until it doesn’t”: the fatal flaw of illiquid alternatives 8:10 Illiquidity explained with the real estate analogy 10:13 State pension investing: lessons from Washington’s shift to index funds 11:32 Why elite endowment managers must pretend to be smarter than markets 12:10 Microsoft vs. Mac: the cost of complexity, again 13:15 Secret formulas, snake oil, and the myth of exclusive financial wisdom 14:36 Listener Q1: Can Alaska pension income go into a Roth? 16:25 Listener Q2: Qualified Opportunity Zones—worth it or tax dodge trap? 19:05 Tax deferral vs. sound investing: when kicking the can isn’t smart 20:27 Listener Q3: Fidelity’s CD ladder tool and emergency funds 21:40 How CD ladders smooth yields—and a shortcut with bond funds 23:27 Volatility = reward: why risk is the reason stocks outperform 24:10 Why indexed annuities kill returns—and the fake comfort they sell 25:30 Tech support rants, Gen Z lifelines, and the “is it plugged in?” curse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 21

Tom and Don open the show with tech woes and quips before diving into a serious discussion about the U.S. credit rating downgrade and its implications for borrowing costs and long-term debt. They offer practical investing advice in light of the downgrade—think short- and intermediate-term bonds and global diversification. Listener calls bring a colorful array of financial situations: a comfortably retired couple managing rental income, a military retiree with credit card debt, a candid debt history rant from a longtime listener, and a woman with $80K in savings and a low mortgage who's frozen in financial fear. The show wraps with WWII plane trivia, laughs about caulking commercials, and a reminder: simplify your finances before they complicate you. 0:04 Show open; Tom and Don back on the line, with tech trouble and small-town banter 1:45 U.S. credit downgrade and what it means for investors 5:20 What to do now: diversify bonds, stay short-term, add global exposure 7:26 Call: Ike from Marysville — strong retirement income, rental questions, safe stock skepticism 13:44 Installment sale talk, tax planning, and passive income alternatives 15:41 Call: Nick vents on U.S. debt history and tax policy—“Reagan to Trump, same mistakes” 19:44 Call: Pat the military retiree—$14K in credit card debt, $400K in IRA, what to do? 24:25 Strategy: Use cash and IRA to eliminate debt fast—stop paying 20% to Discover 27:12 Call: Jody from Blaine — 65, working, scared to invest, $80K in savings 33:57 Advice: Keep the mortgage, max the 401(k), move money into higher-yield and growth 35:18 Wrap-up: Graduation pride, plane trivia, caulk jokes, and a heartfelt call to action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 20

Don returns from a exhausting, comedy-of-errors flight to discuss how the markets pulled an equally wild round trip—plunging, then rebounding to the tune of $8 trillion. He and Tom break down the April stock and bond tantrum, laugh off predictions of recession, and offer practical guidance for scared investors, risk-takers, and those tempted by annuities. Listener questions cover mortgages vs. investing, the role of fixed annuities, and a touching thank-you from a longtime fan who retired well thanks to Don’s early radio shows. Oh, and Tom’s now YouTube famous. Just ask his grandkids. 0:04 Don’s cursed travel story: jet lag, delays, and onboard medical drama 1:28 Welcome back—Tom’s model aircraft museum returns 2:48 Market rewind: sharp drop and $8T rebound 3:55 April 8 market bottom; temper tantrum or bear tease? 4:40 CNN Fear & Greed Index: from panic to euphoria in weeks 6:27 Fan mail: “Planes, Trains & Cryptocurrency” and Tesla hate from a Lyft driver 7:43 Don’s Broadway singalong graduation trip to NYC 9:01 Recession odds fall fast—tariffs rise faster 11:27 Tom calls out the mayor’s interest rate prediction logic 13:01 Check your 401(k)? Maybe don’t—unless you’re learning your risk tolerance 14:10 Don’s “Tune Out the Noise” video hits 10+ million views 16:43 Listener challenge: Why bash Fidelity annuities? 18:47 Don’s CD ladder vs. annuities—why he prefers federal over contractual guarantees 20:10 Even “no load” annuities can be slippery—careful with the fine print 21:51 TRM hits 1,648 episodes (and counting) 22:44 Listener Bruce: From broke in 1989 to comfortably retired, thanks to Don 24:17 Remember load funds? Why no-loads and ETFs rule now 25:59 American Funds' ETF pivot: lipstick on a mutual fund 28:36 Listener question: Invest inheritance or pay off 6.6% mortgage? 33:10 Roth IRA strategy, liquidity concerns, and investing at age 35 36:17 Graduation singers belt Sinatra’s “New York, New York” at Radio City 38:21 Reminder: Free portfolio help at TalkingRealMoney.com 39:53 End-of-show degeneracy: full monty jokes, sensitivity training, and accidental innuendo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 19

Don and Tom welcome Weston Wellington of Dimensional Funds for a rare and richly insightful conversation covering market volatility, media noise, diversification, and the enduring wisdom of index investing. Weston compares Spam to Motorola, skewers financial hype, and champions simplicity in investing—and yes, he might just sing if you let him. The conversation explores how far the financial industry has evolved (and still has to go), why most investors get in their own way, and whether AI or just good old-fashioned “aggregated intelligence” holds the future of smart money management. 0:04 Don’s surprise “singing telegram” and guest intro 0:53 Weston Wellington on volatility and market uncertainty 2:47 Why volatility is the “price we pay to play” 3:32 The media’s role in investor anxiety 4:57 Should investors act on daily financial advice? 6:15 Portfolio changes should reflect personal changes, not headlines 7:24 Spam vs. Motorola: A lesson in stock picking 9:44 Dimensional’s stance on individual stock ownership 10:02 Diversification as “the closest thing to a free lunch” 11:07 Are alternative investments the new magic bullet? 12:43 Mutual funds vs. ETFs—what works best and when 15:27 Industry evolution: from 8% loads to indexing dominance 18:29 Where Dimensional fits in the modern fund landscape 21:01 AI vs. “aggregated intelligence” in managing portfolios 24:04 How regular people can find real financial advice 25:34 The key to success: Temperament, not timing 26:44 Weston’s side gig as a roving birthday singer 27:58 Why Weston hasn’t been invited lately (and he's lonely) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 16

Don’s back from NYC with pride (and maybe jet lag), tackling a full slate of thoughtful listener questions. From Roth conversions and the TSP G Fund to cash balance plan gimmicks, RMD timing, overpriced 401(k) plans, and yes, the eternal question: Are annuities ever worth it? Don delivers straight talk, a little outrage, and no-nonsense advice—with some well-placed jabs at the industry’s smoke and mirrors. 0:04 Don returns from NYU graduation trip and thanks listeners for sending questions 0:56 Should a 54/61-year-old couple convert traditional IRA to Roth? “It depends” 3:05 Federal employee asks about the TSP G Fund – why it’s loved, and when not to use it 5:47 High earners ask about cash balance plans – Don says beware the fees and opacity 11:05 Planning for RMDs at 73 – monthly, quarterly, or lump sum? Don prefers year-end 13:38 60-year-old stuck in a principal 401(k) with 2.3% fees – Don goes full outrage 18:28 “Are annuities ever appropriate?” Yes—but rarely, and only immediate ones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15

Don and Tom launch into a globe-trotting episode—complete with multilingual greetings and a cameo from Cookie Monster—before diving into the serious question of global investing. They challenge the "home country bias" that keeps investors overly concentrated in U.S. stocks, highlight the recent performance gap favoring international small-cap value, and remind listeners that chasing returns and market timing are just two sides of the same bad investing coin. With personal anecdotes, Japan’s long recovery, and fund comparisons (VT, AVGE, DFAW), they make a rock-solid case for global diversification. Plus: a real-life trustee dilemma, a potentially smart annuity strategy, and a few dad jokes you didn’t ask for. 0:04 Multilingual greetings, Cookie Monster, and off-the-rails intro 1:38 Listeners ignore the banter—jump straight to annuity questions 2:05 “Why would I want foreign stocks?” US home bias gets roasted 2:39 International small-cap value up, S&P down—performance flips 3:23 Blackberry nostalgia, Don’s voiceover gigs, and cowboy auditions 5:30 U.S. vs. international investing—timing or chasing returns? 6:48 Market cycles and why global investing reduces regret 8:26 Feelings aren’t facts—own the planet, not your predictions 10:08 Japan's 34-year climb back—and the real lesson of 1990 11:49 Dividends matter: Japan’s returns weren’t all dead 12:20 Comparing VT, AVGE, and DFAW for global exposure 14:33 Why Don prefers global funds over DIY U.S./intl combos 15:30 A 1992 Japan vs. global return showdown—$10k becomes $41k or $233k 17:50 They buried the lead—global diversification wins again 18:14 Listener corrects math on 4% rule—Don admits the slip 19:06 Comment on borrowing from 401(k) and the “double-tax” myth 20:04 Facebook dad jokes derail Tom’s patience 20:53 Trust investing dilemma: annuity vs. portfolio income 23:50 Immediate annuity may be the best fit for a “failed-to-launch” son 25:23 Where to shop for no-load annuities—Fidelity, Ameritas, Stan the Annuity Man Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 14

In this episode, Don and Tom rewind to the not-so-golden era of Wall Street paperwork, bringing a modern perspective to old-school investing habits. They tackle listener questions around dividend investing, the allure of individual stocks, and whether the 'buy and hold forever' mindset still holds up in the era of ETFs. Along the way, they dismantle outdated advice, give historical context to stock certificate culture, and steer listeners back toward diversified, evidence-based strategies. A little nostalgia, a lot of myth-busting. 0:00 — Opening thoughts on old-school investing 1:30 — Why dividend stocks still captivate investors (and why they shouldn’t) 3:45 — Caller wants to hand-pick dividend stocks for income—Don’s got a better plan 6:12 — The problem with nostalgia-driven portfolios 7:55 — What a pile of stock certificates used to represent—and what it doesn’t anymore 9:40 — Why ETFs offer smarter, cheaper, saner exposure to dividends 12:18 — Tom reflects on the emotional appeal of owning "pieces of companies" 14:02 — Another caller asks: Should I dump my dividend ETF for higher-yield stocks? 15:40 — Compounding, risk, and the illusion of control 17:00 — Why chasing yield can lead to capital destruction 19:15 — Final thoughts: Don’t mistake familiar for safe, or paper for value Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 13

Don and Tom take aim at America's favorite financial myths—starting with the widespread belief that real estate and gold are the best long-term investments. They present nearly 100 years of historical data to show why stocks have far outpaced both. The conversation also tackles misleading annuity pitches, a classic pension lump sum dilemma, and the age-old question facing 20-somethings: save for a house or retirement? Callers bring smart questions about guaranteed annuities, where to park surplus cash, and the VT vs. VTI+VXUS tax argument. As always, the show delivers investing wisdom with skeptical charm and a few zingers. 0:10 — A third of Americans believe real estate or gold are the best long-term investments 1:40 — The real historical winners: stocks beat gold and real estate by miles 3:03 — Nearly 100 years of returns: real estate (4.2%), gold (5%), stocks (9.9%) 6:00 — Don’s missed heart procedure and Tom’s recycled joke vault 7:49 — Don’s NYC hotel sticker shock vs. Tom’s five-star absence excuse 9:02 — Caller Jim asks about multi-year guaranteed annuities as bond alternatives 10:01 — Why MYGAs aren’t remotely comparable to U.S. Treasuries 13:07 — If something looks too good (5.8% guaranteed), it probably isn't 14:25 — Another Jim (Florida) asks: lump sum or $250/month pension? 17:30 — Financial flexibility vs. longevity risk in pension decisions 21:32 — Listener dilemma: save for retirement or a house at 24? 23:57 — Why early Roth contributions beat early homeownership for long-term wealth 25:41 — Kyle in Indianapolis has an extra $40K—where should it go? 27:26 — If it’s 5 years, don’t risk stocks. If it’s 10+, maybe 30:47 — Allie from Wyoming asks: VT vs. VTI+VXUS for better foreign tax credits 32:25 — Why foreign tax credit isn’t a good enough reason to skip VT 34:21 — Global GDP, stock valuations, and the eternal U.S. vs. international allocation debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 12

In this episode, Don and Tom tackle the investor's most persistent foe—fear—especially during volatile markets. They draw on insights from Vanguard and others to reinforce the value of long-term investing, explain why missing a few key days in the market can devastate returns, and stress the importance of rebalancing over reacting. The duo also takes on political distractions, market timing myths, asset location dilemmas, and the emotional turbulence that causes people (including Don’s wife!) to question their portfolios. It all wraps with a cheeky new market jingle courtesy of ChatGPT and a shirt that reached Everest. Yeah, literally. 0:04 Welcome, podcast humor, and the pain of being downloaded 1:10 The recurring fear-driven urge to “do something” with your portfolio 1:33 Set it and forget it? Vanguard and others weigh in 2:44 Remember AOL? The danger of investing with confidence in the wrong thing 3:35 Volatility is the cost of real returns—don’t try to dodge it 4:50 Presidential influence and personal political biases in investing 5:50 Real portfolios with too few stocks and too much risk 6:55 Missing just 10 good days in the market could cut your returns in half 7:59 Buy and hold ≠ do nothing: how disciplined rebalancing works 9:17 Should you be buying international now? Maybe… but only if rebalancing 10:21 Feelings ≠ facts: don’t let emotions dictate portfolio moves 11:31 “Tune Out the Noise”—free advice and a free YouTube documentary 13:06 A musical market mantra written by ChatGPT 14:47 When even your spouse doubts your strategy: the advisor's personal dilemma 16:57 T-shirt spotted at Everest Base Camp—financial fame ascends 18:14 Can you contribute to a Roth IRA using last year’s wages? 19:54 Why young investors should love down markets 20:11 Asset location dilemma: comparing AVUV vs FISVX in 401(k) plans 23:54 Bedford, TX and a lesson in regional geography 24:31 Don’t chase performance—get help and rebalance smart 25:05 One more round of “Clueless is Smart”—market timing parody jingle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 9

In this extra-packed Friday Q&A episode, Don powers through a barrage of listener questions while recovering from an attempted heart ablation (yep, he's okay—but not fixed). He dives into everything from sketchy SIMPLE IRA fees and Roth rollover rules, to when it actually makes sense to take Social Security. You’ll also hear a checklist of questions to grill a potential financial advisor with, a primer on small-cap value stocks, and a lightning-round suggestion for international bond exposure. And yes, he dishes on why many advisors don’t actually want you to read those pesky prospectuses. 0:04 Don's in his VO booth—surgery didn’t go as planned 1:38 SIMPLE IRA fees: 5% commissions and better alternatives 3:53 Roth IRA strategy: match in SIMPLE, max out Roth with AVGE 8:35 Why that Raymond James advisor doesn’t want change 9:43 Social Security breakeven isn’t one-size-fits-all 11:35 Roth IRA transfer to Robinhood: does 5-year clock reset? 13:04 What to ask when hiring a financial advisor 16:06 Small-cap value vs. other stocks explained 18:59 Comment: Prospectuses scare advisors (and why) 21:42 Best international bond index fund? Try BNDX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 8

On this Talking Real Money episode, Don and Tom tag-team one of the biggest financial myths around: your house as a retirement plan. With over $35 trillion locked in U.S. home equity, they challenge the idea that owning a home equals wealth. From the emotional pull of mortgage payoffs to the liquidity traps of reverse mortgages and HELOCs, the duo breaks down the risks, rewards, and real returns of homeownership. Then it’s on to listener questions about IRAs, 401(k)s, rollovers, and... fiber (yes, the breakfast and internet kind). And they end with a little brag—because 154,000 monthly listeners can’t be wrong. 0:04 $35 trillion tied up in homes—does that make us rich or just house-poor? 1:20 Post-COVID home equity boom: 80% growth, but at what cost? 2:53 Renting vs. buying: the case for liquidity over bricks 3:44 Property tax pain for retirees and why Florida isn't so tax-free after all 4:21 Mortgage payoff: emotional win, financial mistake? 5:48 Why home equity shouldn’t be your retirement income plan 6:37 Housing’s historic returns: barely 3% pre-inflation 7:54 Forced savings illusion and the real cost of home improvements 8:45 If you’d invested instead of buying… you’d have more 9:35 Reverse mortgages, HELOCs, and why it’s harder to get cash out 10:19 Home equity lines now ~8%—not cheap or easy to get 12:30 Big picture: don’t include home equity in your retirement spending plan 14:05 Florida vs. California: which really costs more to live in? 16:38 Insurance, taxes, and Florida's fraud problem 18:50 Listener Q: Can you do both an IRA and a 401(k) in the same year? (Yes.) 20:40 IRA vs. 401(k): pros, cons, and personal strategy 22:53 Listener Q: Should we roll an old 403(b) to a Roth IRA? 23:44 Talking Real Money’s audience numbers: brag-worthy and booming 25:19 Retirement prep tip: match income to lifestyle before you retire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 7

Tom and Roxy Butner to co-host a packed episode of Talking Real Money , tackling the ever-elusive "magic number" for retirement with a healthy dose of realism, humor, and data. They dig into a Northwestern Mutual study that shows Americans lowering their retirement savings goals—even as confidence continues to slip. Roxy breaks down why retirement planning is all about cash flow, not some mythical lump sum. They field questions on company stock in 401(k)s, bonus check strategies, RMD tax strategies, and how to get young people started right. From Monte Carlo analysis to Roth IRA advantages, the duo bust myths and offer practical steps listeners of all ages can act on today. 0:04 Tom introduces Roxy and the episode’s core question: “Do I have enough to retire?” 1:01 Why the idea of a single “magic number” is misleading and varies by lifestyle 2:41 Roxy: $600k may be enough—or $3M might not be; it’s all about cash flow 4:32 Despite lowering their goals, only 51% believe their retirement plan will work 6:15 Roxy explains Monte Carlo analysis and why asset type (Roth vs. pre-tax) matters 7:31 Why tracking actual spending matters more than estimates before retirement 8:32 Caller: Should we sell the company stock in my wife’s 401(k)? 9:18 Tom warns of overconfidence and stock concentration risk, citing WaMu collapse 10:45 Roxy and Tom agree: diversify ASAP—don’t let company loyalty cloud judgment 12:14 Historical cautionary tales on once-great companies that fell apart 13:26 Regional bias: How geography skews investor confidence in local companies 14:46 Caller: What to do with a $20k bonus after maxing out the 401(k)? 16:11 Roth IRA contribution options for him and his wife, and the 5-year rule 18:10 Bonus: Enhanced catch-up contributions for ages 60–63 explained 20:31 Caller asks about RMDs, tax planning, and long-term care deductions 21:53 Only qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) avoid tax on RMDs 23:24 Roth contributions early in life can lead to massive long-term advantages 24:47 Caller asks about a bond fund change in her HRA and 60/40 portfolio safety 29:45 Why “safe” is the wrong word—know your plan, goals, and risk tolerance 31:13 Caller wants her daughter to connect with Roxy for help managing her paycheck 32:54 Yes—Roxy helps young clients with budgeting and financial foundations 34:31 Why early saving and simple investing in your 20s is so powerful 36:09 Tom announces upcoming trip to Portland and free portfolio reviews 37:08 Final notes: building trust, long-term planning, and why they love the work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 6

Tom Cock takes the mic solo (with Don recovering from a “procedure”) and brings in advisor Roxy Butner for a special live episode. They reflect on Warren Buffett’s decision to retire in 2025, discussing lessons from his value investing strategy and massive cash holdings. Listener questions roll in on topics like compound interest assumptions, the risks of holding company stock, ETF mechanics, and how best to diversify for retirement. They also recommend the YouTube documentary Tune Out the Noise , tackle behavioral finance biases, and offer free portfolio reviews—including Tom’s upcoming in-person trip to Oregon. 0:05 Tom hosts solo, Don out recovering, show call-in number shared 0:53 Warren Buffett announces 2025 retirement; lessons from his investing style 2:49 Value investing, risk tolerance, and why most portfolios ignore value stocks 5:05 Buffett’s ultimate advice: low-cost index funds, tune out the noise 7:09 Guest Roxy Butner joins the live show for the first time 7:28 Listener Q: YouTube doc Tune Out the Noise and Dimensional Fund Advisors 8:44 Listener Q: Using 7% return assumptions—how conservative is that? 10:53 Monte Carlo simulations vs. flat-rate assumptions in planning 12:32 Saving percentages, lifestyle choices, and setting early-retirement goals 14:04 You can't count on future returns—only saving and diversification 15:22 Company stock danger: bias, volatility, and concentrated risk 17:51 Behavioral finance: home bias and overconfidence in familiar firms 20:32 Listener Q from Orlando: DFIV vs. VEU, building a smart ETF mix 23:30 Discussing stock/bond ratios, fund tilts, and tax efficiency 25:34 Roxy’s advice: multiple funds offer tax flexibility in taxable accounts 27:16 Listener Q from Ottawa: Do ETF trades affect prices of underlying stocks? 29:59 ETF structure explained, flash crash risk, and long-term thinking 34:17 Listener wants a Talking Real Money nickname—challenge accepted 34:44 ETF vs. mutual funds in taxable vs. retirement accounts 36:19 Free portfolio reviews and Tom's May 21 visit to Lake Oswego 38:29 Roxy's biggest mistake she sees: U.S. large-cap overconcentration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 5

Don and Tom get real about the most important lessons every young person should learn about money—before life (and bad decisions) get in the way. From money values to compound interest, tax realities to the unpredictability of markets, they each offer a list of financial truths no teen should graduate without. Along the way, they drop stories from their own lives, take questions from listeners, and somehow end up discussing soccer (and why Don still doesn’t get it). 0:04 Back to basics: What young people really need to know about money 1:35 Why financial literacy is shockingly low and how Don is tackling it 2:47 Tom’s top five lessons: values, saving habits, compound interest, taxes, and risk 10:48 Don’s five(ish) truths: uncertainty, diversification, history, luck, and time 18:33 Bonus lesson: Save and invest for what money can do , not just to have more 19:04 Q&A: Should a 36-year-old shift from a target fund to DFAW and AVGE? 22:02 Listener wants to up international exposure without “buying winners” 24:47 Rebalancing tips: why it’s okay to shift your allocation now in retirement accounts 25:24 Reflections on past podcasts, Lit Reading, and leaving a legacy 26:30 Soccer vs. baseball: Don’s confused but still trying Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1

Don records this Q&A episode a bit early—right before heart surgery—to make sure listeners don’t miss their Friday dose. He kicks off with a listener confused by a boilerplate $50 foreign stock fee warning on a Fidelity Zero fund (spoiler: it doesn’t apply). Another caller is teetering on the edge of retirement viability with $500K, pensions, and Social Security—Don offers honest thoughts on withdrawal flexibility and why waiting on SSI might be wise. Then comes a takedown of Wealthfront’s direct indexing for small investors (aka “gimmickry”), a nuanced answer about annuitizing a pension vs. taking the lump sum, and finally, a nearly microscopic comparison of IXUS vs. VEU for international exposure. Birds chirp, bells ring, and Don reminds everyone that free help is just a click away 0:05 Early episode recording—Don preps for heart surgery 2:07 Fidelity Zero fund confusion over $50 foreign stock disclosure 5:40 Can I retire with $500K, two pensions, and a 60/40 Roth portfolio? 9:07 Is Wealthfront’s direct indexing portfolio worth it at $20K? 12:46 Should I annuitize my pension or take the lump sum? 15:30 IXUS vs. VEU for international diversification—does it matter? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1

On this myth-busting episode of Talking Real Money , Don and Tom tackle persistent financial fables that sound logical but often lead investors astray. With help from a Kiplinger list and their own experience, they dissect myths around mortgage payoff returns, Roth conversions, Social Security fears, withdrawal rules, and tax refunds—plus three bonus myths that still haunt conversations today. Along the way, Don shares his own recent experience filing for Social Security online (spoiler: it was surprisingly smooth), and they answer listener questions about muni bond funds and a bizarre Social Security payback tax mix-up. As always, it’s myth-busting with a side of snark and a dash of real advice. 0:04 Myth-busting opener and Greek mythology jokes 1:03 Myth #1: Paying off a 5% mortgage equals a 5% return 5:14 Myth #2: Roth conversions always reduce taxes 7:57 Myth #3: Social Security is going bankrupt 13:20 Myth #4: The 4% rule guarantees retirement success 17:16 Myth #5: It's better to get a tax refund than owe taxes 18:54 Bonus myths: “I can save later,” “Investing is zero-sum,” and “High-cost funds perform better” 21:21 Listener question: Social Security payback tax confusion 26:42 Listener question: Best muni bond ETF for a high-tax-bracket senior Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 30

Tariffs, fear, and stockpiling—oh my! Don and Tom break down how consumer sentiment, not just consumer spending, is shifting dramatically under the weight of tariff uncertainty. They connect behavioral shifts—like Googling “recession” and panic-buying tires—to bigger economic signals and what it all means for investors. From the role of emergency savings to the misleading pitch of indexed annuities, they dismantle hype and stress the importance of sticking to a real plan. They also field smart questions on Roth conversions, muni bonds, and whether now is the time to invest that idle cash. Oh, and don’t worry: most of our toilet paper is made right here in the good ol’ USA! 0:11 Consumers drive the economy—and investment returns 0:47 Sentiment is slipping fast, and it could trigger a slowdown 2:05 “Recession” and “depression” searches spike amid uncertainty 3:11 Tariffs shift what we buy: food in, luxury out 4:24 What investors should do now: boost emergency savings 7:22 Auto stockpiling and tariff-fueled panic buying 8:50 Prices rising, brand loyalty falling, and psychology shifting 10:27 Volatility confuses perception—despite flat portfolio returns 12:16 Emergency funds are real insurance without the gimmicks 14:14 Spry 102-year-olds and the power of Bulgarian yogurt 17:47 Best muni bond fund choice for high tax brackets: VTEB 20:31 Can’t milk a Buckeye, but they might ward off arthritis 22:52 Roth conversions: should you pay the tax now or wait? 28:57 Indexed annuities: steak dinners, sales tricks, and the ugly truth 34:16 Why the commissions are so high—and the returns so low 37:55 Got cash on the sidelines? Here's what to do before investing 39:27 Final advice: plan first, invest later, ignore the noise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 29

Our memories—and sometimes our parents'—shape how we invest, often more than logic or data. Don and Tom break down how generational financial trauma, recent market trends, and asset class myths (like gold and U.S.-only investing) skew our thinking. They call out flawed stock picking contests, revisit the real long-term returns on gold versus stocks, and explain why short-term memory leads to bad long-term decisions. Listener questions hit everything from where to park house savings to bond fund risks, rebalancing strategies, and simplifying retirement saving using the TSP. Oh, and yes, the laundry room podcast myth lives on, and the Fyre Festival somehow still smolders in the background. 0:04 Don and Tom settle into the show—studio quirks, mic levels, and inviting questions 0:52 How memory bias—from the Great Depression to dot-com boom—influences investment behavior 2:07 Family stories from the Depression era and why stock picking games teach the wrong lesson 2:54 Why investors wrongly believe growth stocks always beat value—thanks to recent performance 5:20 Myths about market trends: U.S. dominance, buy-the-dip thinking, and time horizon confusion 7:46 Gold mania: Recent price surge vs. long-term returns—spoiler, stocks win 9:58 Long-term perspective: $10k in 1980—Gold vs. Treasuries vs. Global portfolio 10:28 Listener: Where to park house construction funds short-term—ETFs vs. money markets 13:30 Why those new ultra-short ETFs may be a trap 15:17 Listener: Should I buy callable bonds with 6% yields? And what’s with PIMCO’s “14%”? 17:36 Risks of leveraged bond funds like PDI—why they don’t belong in a stable portfolio 19:46 Listener: How often should I rebalance in a 401(k)? 23:12 Listener in Albuquerque: Should I go all-in on the C Fund for simplicity? 25:39 Roth vs. TSP—what matters more: today’s tax rate or the future’s unknowns? 27:33 Future goals: quarterly travel in retirement and pizza roof update 28:22 Investing in “brands” like Fyre Festival—don’t 32:30 $63 offer for the Fyre trademark, and a plug for free fiduciary advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28

Don and Tom dive into the seductive but dangerous world of leverage, starting with real estate and quickly moving into the even riskier territory of leveraged ETFs. They explain how leverage magnifies both gains and devastating losses, using real-world examples like the Direction 3X Treasury Bull and Bear funds, which either crushed or annihilated investor money. They caution listeners that these “extra touchy” funds are pure speculation, not investing, and explain why most people should stay far away. The episode wraps with smart listener questions on direct indexing, Roth rollovers, and the hidden risks in trying to beat the market on your own. 0:04 How leverage props up real estate and investing myths 1:32 The dark side: Leveraged funds and massive losses 2:49 Triple leverage dangers: 90% losses vs. 266% gains 5:38 Long-term performance: both leveraged bulls and bears lose 7:52 Even treasuries show wild volatility with leverage 9:57 Why leveraged funds are pure speculation, not investing 11:44 Risk explained through standard deviation comparisons 14:16 Listener question: Direct indexing vs. S&P 500 returns 17:44 Listener question: Roth 401k rollover to Roth IRA tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 25

In this listener Q&A episode, Don dives into some powerful topics—from calling out the sales-driven heart of the financial services industry to explaining how bond index funds are built and breaking down the tax realities of non-retirement brokerage accounts. A caller wrestles with guilt over a bad annuity recommendation for a dying relative, prompting a raw conversation about the system’s moral middle ground. Don shares his own early days as a product peddler, highlights red flags to look for in firm ADVs, and walks through the Medicare vs. FEHB decision matrix. If you’re seeking peace, clarity, or just a solid tax lesson, this one delivers. 0:04 Opening reflection on aging, money, and why this show matters 1:17 Reminder to send questions via TalkingRealMoney.com or call live on Saturdays 2:38 Listener shares regret over a bad annuity recommendation from a familiar advisor 4:02 Don’s early days as a top-tier salesman turned financial “advisor” 5:21 Why most advisors aren’t fiduciaries—and why it matters 6:29 MarketWatch study reveals only ~1% of advisors are true fiduciaries 7:58 Never trust financial advice based on friendship or affinity 8:49 Next caller: How are bond index funds weighted? 9:15 Explanation: Bond indexes are also market value weighted 10:37 Why bond ETFs are mostly U.S. Treasury securities 11:34 Should a retired federal employee with FEHB skip Medicare Part B? 13:12 Don’s personal Medicare math and “if it ain’t broke…” approach 13:41 New CFP asks: What should I look for in a firm’s ADV as a job seeker? 15:02 Red flags: Conflicts of interest, broker registrations, insurance licenses 17:18 Align your investment beliefs with the firm’s philosophy 17:31 Last question: How is a taxable brokerage account taxed? 18:42 Explanation of interest, dividends, and potential capital gains 20:31 Don reiterates that real help—not a sales pitch—is always the goal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24

Gold is back in the headlines, but should it be in your portfolio? Don and Tom take a fresh (and frequently hilarious) look at the shiny metal that never seems to deliver. From Fort Knox to Costco’s gold bar rush, they trace gold’s lackluster long-term returns and its overhyped reputation as a hedge. They break down why physical gold fails as an investment, why GLD is better (but still meh), and why long-term investors might already have enough exposure through diversified funds. Plus: a Medicare premium surprise fix, the case of the copper penny, and a brief but loud murder of crows. 0:04 Gilded White House jokes lead into a serious look at gold 1:00 Don and Tom reunite—same page, same side, same skepticism on gold 1:57 Yahoo Finance: gold’s biggest quarter since 1986 2:34 Gold’s ancient history and the Second Boer War detour 3:48 What’s a hedge, really? Gold vs. inflation 4:21 15-year performance: gold vs. S&P 500 5:40 1980 to 2024: gold’s long climb back to break even 7:10 110 years of gold prices—brief spikes, long plateaus 8:54 The emotional allure of physical gold (and why it’s irrational) 9:44 Physical gold: storage, insurance, and Armageddon prep 11:10 GLD: a better, but still limited, gold investment 12:49 Gold’s chart pattern: flat, spike, crash, repeat 13:26 Why gold isn’t a real investment—it doesn’t grow 14:16 Gold mining stocks as an indirect investment 15:02 Surprise! Taiwan Semi uses gold in chip production 15:34 Crypto vs. gold: at least gold is pretty 16:07 Atomic number nerdiness and family science failures 16:39 Q&A: Will one-year income spike raise Part B premiums? 18:06 IRMAA form and exceptions for life-changing events 20:02 Medicare Part B premium ranges and adjustments 21:10 Listener Perry wonders: if pennies go away, can we melt them? 22:34 Today's pennies: mostly zinc, not a copper mine in your jar 23:56 Will the penny ever die? Bureaucratic inertia says no 24:14 DIY penny production? Just don’t. 25:16 Podcast etymology: Apple vs. The Guardian debate 26:51 Outro chaos: crows, jokes, and how to ask your questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 23

When markets get bumpy, emotions take the wheel—and that’s exactly why Don spends this solo episode reminding listeners that logic, evidence, and simplicity still win in the long run. He digs into why private investments aren't the magic they claim to be (even when Vanguard jumps in), why diversification still beats sexy strategies, and how the best “alternative” to bad investing is simply building a solid plan and sticking to it. Listener calls explore structured products, the Sharpe ratio, reverse mortgages, and how to spot a real fiduciary in the wild. 0:04 Money mistakes, solo hosting, and listener calls 1:17 Market volatility and emotional reactions 2:07 Logic and evidence beat financial “magic” 3:11 Vanguard’s alt fund and private asset hype 4:28 Private equity: opaque pricing, no liquidity 6:16 High-cost alternatives underdeliver 7:41 Vanguard alt fund: high fees, weak returns 9:13 Caller: staying long-term with S&P 500 10:20 Don: diversify beyond S&P with VT 11:30 Sharpe ratio explained; structured product skepticism 13:08 Structured notes: high fees, poor transparency 15:00 Fama quote: Few new ideas ever work 16:03 Caller: What does Berkshire Hathaway actually do? 17:23 Buffett builds value—why you can’t replicate it 20:08 You already own Berkshire in index funds 21:37 Caller: does currency manipulation matter? 23:32 Short answer: not really 25:45 Ignore most financial news—it’s just noise 27:22 Don flying solo this week 27:57 Caller: how to find a real fiduciary 31:16 Why Don doesn’t do meetings, and where to get help 36:12 Caller: reverse mortgages and property financing 39:55 Trusts and protecting assets—call a lawyer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 22

Don flies solo on this episode of Talking Real Money , fielding calls and calling out the nonsense in fancy investment gimmicks. From market-neutral funds to buffered ETFs, he lays out the case for simplicity, diversification, and discipline over complexity and high fees. Along the way, he compares real-world returns of flashy funds to the humble Vanguard Balanced Index, explains the math behind risk and reward, and gently teases listeners dabbling in covered calls and premium farming. With real estate worries, Schwab steak dinners, and Tesla bulls turned cautious, this episode is classic Don: blunt, funny, and laser-focused on keeping it real… money. 0:04 Friendly welcome and a call for co-hosting help as Don flies solo 1:16 Call-in number shared, and Don apologizes for occasionally sounding political 3:01 Markets are volatile—skip the politics, let’s talk practical moves 3:59 Media fear-mongering and the pitch for “alternatives” 5:13 Barron's & WSJ pitch fancy stuff—Don calls it gimmickry 7:15 Long-term market history shows why patience wins 8:54 The Campbell Systematic Macro Fund vs Vanguard Balanced Index 11:20 Comparing performance, risk, and costs—spoiler: Vanguard wins 12:45 Complexity benefits salespeople, not investors 13:33 Jim from Tacoma asks about “buffered ETFs” 14:02 Don explains buffered ETFs, costs, and gimmick risk 16:23 The danger of complex products with little upside 17:41 Expense ratios and risk in buffered funds vs Vanguard again 19:34 Greg from Florida gets pitched “Schwab Personalized Indexing” over grouper 22:15 Direct indexing: useful, but only for big portfolios 23:20 Planning is more powerful than piecemeal strategies 25:58 High costs, tax strategies, and why a real plan matters 28:00 Laura in Olympia asks about selling her home to retire 29:24 Market timing fears and the power of diversification 30:59 Passive income myth and the burden of managing property 31:56 Adjusting risk with age and leaning on fiduciary advice 33:14 Real estate market is strong—Don gives Laura confidence 34:34 Jason from Sammamish—the “Tesla Bull”—asks about premium farming 36:01 Writing covered calls to buy into VONG—Don offers cautious perspective 37:51 Don’s stockbroker days and every strategy eventually failing 39:09 Covered calls as fun, not a serious strategy—Don doesn’t want copycats 39:52 Don signs off with a reminder: invest simply, plan wisely, and stop guessing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21

In this episode of Talking Real Money, Don McDonald and Tom Cock discuss practical strategies for navigating recessions without panic or unnecessary market timing. They critique the constant, fear-driven speculation around economic downturns and emphasize maintaining a disciplined, long-term approach. Highlighting actual investor behavior from Dalbar studies, they explain why market timing almost always results in poorer returns. Tom humorously criticizes aggressive pickup truck drivers and touches on avoiding common recession-investing mistakes, advocating instead for careful asset allocation, understanding emotional risk tolerance, and maintaining a sensible emergency fund. Listener questions prompt discussions on treasury ladders versus bond funds, the impact of expense ratios, and effective short-term cash management. 0:10 Surviving and thriving during recessions 0:26 Probability of recession discussions 1:04 Don criticizes recession scare tactics 1:46 Humorous digression about pickup trucks 2:49 Audience wants solutions, not problems 3:48 Avoiding common recession investing mistakes 4:39 Wall Street Journal example of market timing errors 5:29 Importance of emergency cash for retirees 6:04 Risk versus loss in investing 6:28 Understanding emotional risk tolerance 8:01 Critique of Wall Street's short-term focus 8:36 Long-term investing approach regardless of recession 9:01 Dalbar study reveals poor market-timing results 10:51 Long-term Dalbar investor returns vs. market returns 13:09 Humorous tangent on global population 13:44 Listener questions segment begins 14:33 Discussing asset allocation and bond fund concerns 16:18 Bond ladder vs. bond fund debate 17:20 Examining long-term bond fund returns 18:09 Benefits and drawbacks of bond funds 19:28 Comparing money market fund options (DTAXX) 21:06 Expense ratios significantly impact returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 16

Don and Tom explore the role of risk, resilience, and rational investing as they tackle stock market uncertainty, Roth conversion confusion, and Robinhood’s attempt to lure new users. They mix in practical advice with plenty of caller questions—plus a detour into air-dried laundry, social media skepticism, and an appreciation for the film Tune Out the Noise . It's Talking Real Money in its purest form: smart, skeptical, and occasionally funny. 0:04 Intro: Making money more understandable 1:09 Tom’s tech issues and growing role of the stock market 2:11 When you should sell stocks in retirement 3:31 Risk capacity vs risk tolerance explained 5:14 Funny promo: Financial Flinch Reflex (FFR) 6:32 Stock market participation then vs now 7:04 Caller: Gratitude for 'Tune Out the Noise' documentary 8:16 The real goal of the show: Tuning out the noise 10:45 Caller Paul on clothesline nostalgia and laundry talk 13:05 Documentary's backstory, David Booth’s art & Dimensional’s origins 14:30 Why market timing makes you crazy and poor 15:57 Caller Tom sees a Facebook Roth ad—what gives? 17:46 Breaking down legitimate Roth conversion strategies 19:31 Don’s rant on Facebook, Tom’s retreat to LinkedIn 20:39 Caller Roger: Can you convert RMDs into Roth? (Spoiler: no) 21:37 Clarifying RMDs vs Roth conversions—rules & misunderstandings 24:14 Direct 401(k) to Roth IRA conversion—confirmed 25:59 Q: Why add bonds if you're 20 years from retirement? 28:03 How real people react to 50% portfolio drops 29:16 The truth about emotional investing and loss tolerance 31:08 Why Robinhood’s "free money" comes at a cost 32:56 Custodians vs Gamifiers: Schwab, Fidelity, and the Robinhood trap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 15

Wild market swings, political chaos, and investor confusion set the stage for this episode. Don and Tom break down the emotional impact of volatility, the myths of market timing, and the wisdom in sticking to long-term plans. With insights from Jason Zweig and some smart listener Q&A, they remind us that discipline—not prediction—is what builds wealth, even in uncertain times. 0:01 Intro with the 'interesting times' curse and the current market confusion 0:48 S&P 500 drops 10.5% in two days, bounces back 9.5%—market whiplash 1:33 How volatility overloads the brain and leads to bad decisions 2:28 Few people understand tariffs—uncertainty drives market instability 3:24 The idea of the market as a fourth branch of government 3:38 Why owning stocks long-term still makes sense 5:03 Investor panic: emotional decisions vs. rational plans 6:27 Jason Zweig's four questions for investors—clarity through chaos 8:13 Why you own stocks: not trade stability, but long-term growth 9:08 What's changed? Trust, tariffs, and long-term resilience 10:27 You earn the premium by enduring market fear 10:31 The emotional trap of anchoring and chasing returns 11:44 The fantasy of upside-only investing—and the danger of chasing it 13:04 Caller Jeff: Should I dollar-cost into ETFs or sell and buy all at once? 14:27 Advice: In a retirement account, just make the shift—it’s lateral 16:04 Caller Bill: Accidental portfolio drift and how to rebalance to 50/50 19:05 Simple ETF plan vs. target-date funds for retiring investors 20:37 Caller Joe: Real estate success and why stocks aren’t for everyone 27:09 The overlooked danger of foreign countries selling U.S. debt 30:24 Bond prices, interest rates, and currency impacts explained 32:04 U.S. credit rating vs. the world—and why diversification still matters 33:28 Tariff risks, political uncertainty, and long-term investing perspective 35:25 If you’ve invested right, you don’t need to react 39:04 Tom’s "work trip" vacation and Don flying solo next week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14

In this classic swirl of candor, humor, and financial sense, Don and Tom tackle the human habit of financial foolishness—from betting big on speculative ETFs to ignoring global diversification. They call out the irony of investment products like ELON, roast the current state of the Motley Fool, and offer real-world perspective on international investing, market timing myths, and retirement portfolio design. They even sprinkle in a few thesaurus gems for good measure. 0:04 Welcome and warning: this episode is full of tangents, tomfoolery, and truth 0:48 Netflix documentary detour: why are people (and investors) so dumb? 2:01 International investing: why people ignore it and why that’s… dumb 3:49 U.S. vs international returns in early 2025—surprise! It’s not all about the S&P 5:16 Market irony and the value of global diversification 6:09 A disappointing turn from The Motley Fool (and a very public grudge) 6:59 Enter the ELON ETF—double Tesla, short Ford, and down 64% 9:41 What happens when leverage meets marketing in the worst way 11:10 A $750K fund that made… $675 in fees. Yep. 11:57 Foolish investor behaviors: feelings ≠ foresight 13:37 The (simple) path to real investing: low-cost, tax-efficient, diversified portfolios 14:28 Punchline investing: don’t be a dunce—be global, be patient 15:52 Listener Q: Is my mix of S&P 500, TDFs, and Roth diversification enough? 17:26 Portfolio allocation advice: stock/bond mix first, account strategy second 19:28 Suggestion: get a professional plan before retirement 20:00 Buffered ETFs: what they are, why they’re pricey, and why they disappoint 23:22 Returns reality check: buffered funds vs plain S&P 500 24:47 The big lie of hedged products—"all the upside, none of the risk" 25:19 Wrapping up with more Q&A, grandkids, and international call jokes 29:33 Tom’s latest investment: soccer team ownership (yes, really) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 11

It’s a full-on Q&A Friday as Don tackles listener questions on account consolidation, fund choices, proper bond allocation, and portfolio construction. From dissecting the merits of AVGE vs. DFAW vs. VT+AVUV, to helping federal employees estimate how much to save, and even clearing up confusion about average returns—this episode is a masterclass in real-world investing for every phase of life. Whether you’re building your portfolio, nearing retirement, or just trying to clean up a financial mishmash, there’s clarity here. Oh, and snark-free math explanations, too. 1:36 First caller: Accumulation phase advice—Fidelity vs. AVGE vs. Vanguard 3:15 Follow-up: Retirement accounts, target date funds, and cleaning up a messy portfolio 5:06 Safe Harbor 401k rules explained 5:53 Deep dive into 401k fund options—why some funds may not be ideal 7:43 Old TSP account—combine or leave it? 9:34 Caller: How to start adding bonds after years of 100% stocks 10:43 Two strategies for shifting into bonds slowly and smartly 11:42 Listener from Texas asks: How is average return actually calculated? 12:44 Why averages are simple math, not magic 14:13 Caller: TSP investor wants to grow $114k to $500k in 10 years—what it’ll take 15:55 Fidelity Roth IRA options: AVGE vs. DFAW vs. VT + AVUV tilt 17:40 Pros and cons of each fund setup—risk, fees, and portfolio simplicity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 11

Don and Tom put popular retirement rules of thumb under the microscope—testing everything from the 4% withdrawal rule to the idea of downsizing your home in retirement. With equal parts logic and skepticism, they explore whether these oft-repeated guidelines still hold up in today's financial landscape. Along the way, they touch on portfolio construction, social security timing (with Don’s real-life dilemma), and why rules are made to be... at least bent. Plus, a few listener questions round out the episode with practical portfolio advice and fund critiques. 0:04 Intro: Humans love rules—including rules of thumb 1:30 Should we ditch retirement rules altogether? Or are they helpful shortcuts? 3:23 Rule #1: The 4% withdrawal rule—what it gets right (and what it doesn’t) 5:08 Rule #2: The 80% income replacement rule—Tom hates it, and here’s why 7:49 Rule #3: Defer taxes with traditional IRAs—good idea or future tax trap? 10:02 Roth vs. traditional contributions—what young workers should do 10:39 Rule #4: The Rule of 110 for stock allocation—Don calls it dumb 12:32 Risk tolerance and personal flexibility matter more than age-based math 14:13 Rule #5: Wait till 70 for Social Security—Don admits he might not 16:38 Don's real-life dilemma: Take Social Security now or wait? 19:23 Rule #6: Downsizing your house in retirement—easier said than done 22:08 Final thoughts: Plans > rules of thumb, especially after age 50 23:07 Q&A: Why don’t you like Fidelity’s zero-fee funds? (Short answer: they’re not fully diversified) 26:50 Are they bad? No. Would we recommend them? Also no. 27:25 Q&A: Retirees with $4M+—how to rebalance IRAs, Roths, and taxable efficiently Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 9

This episode dives deep into the market’s latest mood swing and the potential impact of new tariffs on consumer costs—like the real price of your next iPhone. Don and Tom explain what tariffs are, how they work, and why they’re likely to fuel inflation. Plus, they tackle a range of listener questions, from the risks of fixed-income annuities and rebalancing portfolios, to why bonds (yes, still) deserve a place in your portfolio. And of course, they throw shade at both annuity commissions and self-proclaimed “legendary” market forecasters. Emotional investing? That’s the real danger. 0:04 Opening banter and why this has been “a heck of a money week” 1:01 What exactly is a tariff? And why you’re paying more than you think 4:29 The real cost breakdown of an iPhone—and what tariffs could do to it 6:58 How rising costs could slow down upgrades and hit the tech economy 8:11 Why economists (even at WSJ) are mostly anti-tariff 9:27 Listener question: Did Andrew make a mistake buying a fixed-income annuity? 14:47 The ethics of $45,000 commissions and what you give up with annuities 21:12 What if Andrew had just invested the money instead? 25:48 Listener challenge: Are bonds really worth it if returns lag inflation? 30:23 The real reason to own bonds—and it’s not about return 32:57 SQQQ gamble pays off—should Devin take the money and run? 34:35 Wrapping the week with a reminder: it’s not about guessing, it’s about planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 8

In this episode, Don and Tom address the market’s recent correction—without ever saying the “D-word.” They explain how global diversification cushions the blow, why balanced portfolios aren’t as battered as headlines suggest, and how reacting emotionally is the real danger. They also dive into classic investing mistakes, like stock concentration and chasing headlines, and share guidance on rebalancing thresholds. Listener questions include when to rebalance, how to strategically tap accounts in retirement, and whether it’s time to break up with Edward Jones (spoiler: it is). 0:04 “D-word” banter and market correction intro 1:24 The $5 trillion “missing” from markets—why it’s not doomsday 2:10 Tariffs, uncertainty, and what markets hate most 3:29 Year-to-date performance: S&P 500, total U.S., and global portfolios 4:56 Diversification works—global value stocks still positive 5:14 Media panic vs. reality—why not watching CNBC is a good move 6:11 Real portfolio check-in: diversified and down just 5% 7:36 What to do when the market drops—don’t panic 8:00 “It’s different this time”—but not really 9:35 Risk check: how much are you really taking? 10:43 Concentration risk: why individual stocks and tech are volatile 11:50 Tesla and Apple tank—example of why you diversify 13:45 Expert noise: Bill Gross vs. Ed Yardeni—ignore both 15:54 Market predictions: why you should tune out “legendary” investors 16:31 Jason Zweig’s pyramid of regret—make small, smart moves 18:28 Tariffs aren’t good, but they’re also not the end 20:19 Listener Patty asks: When should I rebalance? (5–10% rule explained) 25:31 Listener Karen asks: Which account should I draw from in retirement? 33:07 Listener Dan asks: Should I still sell stocks and buy ETFs? (Yes.) 35:21 Listener Frank asks: Is it time to stop trading with Edward Jones? (Absolutely.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 7

In this episode of Talking Real Money , Don and Tom sound the alarm on a troubling trend: more people are dipping into their 401(k)s for emergencies. While hardship withdrawals are allowed under IRS rules, they come with serious penalties, taxes, and long-term setbacks. The hosts stress the importance of building an emergency fund before maxing out retirement contributions to avoid turning your future into a piggy bank. They also respond to questions about how to find fiduciary advisors and critique a high-yield income portfolio packed with risky, expensive ETFs—offering a reality check on chasing returns without understanding the risks. 0:04 Retirement talk kicks off with 401(k) praise—and a warning 2:08 Hardship withdrawals hit record levels; 5% of participants tapped accounts 3:50 Emergency fund should come before heavy 401(k) contributions 5:25 Auto-enrollment rises, but so does temptation to pull money 6:06 Weigh a 401(k) loan before a withdrawal—less damage long-term 7:47 IRS penalty exceptions outlined—some hardship cases qualify 9:35 Adulting tip: build that emergency fund, even if it’s hard 10:57 Better to borrow elsewhere (even a credit card!) than touch your 401(k) 12:59 SEP IRAs great for self-employed—but require discipline to fund 14:17 Listener asks why they don’t mention NAPFA more—they do! 17:25 Listener portfolio review: lots of income ETFs, lots of risk 20:33 Many holdings have high expense ratios, junk bonds, or complex strategies 22:33 Bottom line: get a professional review—and simplify the portfolio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 4

It’s Q&A Day on Talking Real Money , and Don tackles listener questions on everything from crypto and REITs to emergency funds and IRA contributions. He reiterates his firm stance against crypto as an investment, warns about the risks of individual REITs, and supports diversified REIT funds for long-term portfolios. Don also confirms that yes, you can contribute to a Roth for 2024 and a traditional IRA for 2025 in the same calendar year, as long as you stay within annual limits. Emergency cash? A Treasury money market fund like VUSXX is a solid place. And yes—Don really loves Chattanooga. 0:24 It's Q&A Day—Don wants more spoken questions 2:37 No love for crypto—even with a “strategic reserve” 4:43 Crypto isn’t investing, it’s gambling 5:30 REITs okay in a fund, but never buy individual REITs 8:10 VUSXX is a great place for emergency savings 10:15 Yes, you can do a 2024 Roth and 2025 IRA in same year 11:54 Watch out for pro-rata tax rules when backdooring Roths Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 3

In this episode of Talking Real Money , Don and Tom dive deep into the question of whether long-term investing in stocks truly guarantees returns. Challenging the conventional wisdom, they examine research by Professor Edward McQuarrie that reveals 10- and even 30-year periods in U.S. and international markets where investors lost money—especially when adjusting for inflation. Despite these sobering findings, the hosts reaffirm their belief in equity markets, emphasizing diversification and the historical outperformance of stocks over bonds. They also critique opaque, sales-driven investment products like private credit funds and annuities, urging listeners to remain skeptical, informed, and grounded in long-term strategy rather than promises of guaranteed returns. 0:24 David Booth says stocks average 10% long-term 1:20 McQuarrie: no guarantee of gains, even over 20 years 2:27 Long-term losses happened—inflation-adjusted 3:16 Diversification helps but doesn’t solve everything 4:08 Most individual stocks lose money—own them all 6:04 Stocks reward, but not guaranteed 11:43 Investing = optimism about the future 13:02 Market timing fails—psychics underperform 15:25 Private credit fund OCIC = high risk, low transparency 18:06 OCIC fees are sky-high—10%+ annually 19:42 Annuities explained—loss of control, high costs 21:53 Annuities ≠ bank CDs—know the difference 24:52 OCIC loaded with fees, risky loans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 2

At Talking Real Money, we emphasize fundamental financial principles like disciplined saving, diversification, and cautious investing—highlighted this episode through insights on wealth distribution in America, noting that successful financial outcomes depend heavily on diligent saving and investing, particularly in equities, businesses, and real estate. We caution against chasing high-dividend stocks, explaining their risks and why they're often poor investment choices compared to a broadly diversified portfolio. Listener calls explored common pitfalls with annuities, especially high fees in variable annuities, reinforcing our advice on avoiding expensive financial products. We discussed efficient strategies like Roth IRAs, clarifying rules around backdoor contributions, conversions, and inherited accounts, emphasizing the importance of strategic tax planning. Ultimately, the path to financial success involves consistent saving, smart asset allocation, and avoiding high-cost investment traps. 1:24 Wealth distribution and how Americans build wealth 2:19 Discussed alarming wealth inequality statistics 3:27 Key to wealth-building: working, saving, and investing 5:20 Listener call questioning high-dividend stocks 6:46 Risks explained about investing in high-dividend companies 9:31 Clarified misconceptions about dividends and cash flow 11:10 Historical examples of high-dividend stock failures 14:21 Listener call regarding variable annuity transfer 16:21 Benefits of transferring from high-fee annuities 18:20 Humorous mix-up about hosts' identities 21:43 Clarification on inherited IRAs and Roth conversions 24:34 Discussed tax deductions for home improvements 25:30 Listener concerns over annuity safety and risk explained 30:07 Caller advised on diversifying using Vanguard ETFs 31:45 Listener call clarifying Roth IRA contributions and eligibility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 1

At Talking Real Money, we’re here to reinforce core investing principles: diversify, plan carefully, and never attempt to predict market swings—a point underscored by famed hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, who advocates holding multiple uncorrelated asset classes rather than timing market downturns. Dalio warns of economic shocks comparable to past crises like the dot-com bust but emphasizes preparation, not prediction, urging investors to diversify across stocks and bonds to mitigate volatility. We explore the practicalities of bond investing, noting bond ladders as a potential strategy, though bond funds usually suffice for most investors. Additionally, we caution against market timing, highlighting that missing just a few of the market’s best days over decades could dramatically reduce returns. Ultimately, successful investing relies on consistent strategy and prudent allocation—not reactionary moves based on fear or speculative predictions. 1:58 Dimensional Funds documentary discussion 2:38 Hedge fund manager Ray Dalio’s predictions and strategy 3:58 Dalio emphasizes asset diversification 5:48 Comparing podcast viewership and popularity 8:05 Critique of leveraged ETFs and annuities 11:10 Preparation beats market timing 14:57 Bond ladders vs. bond funds explained 19:06 Bond market volatility in downturns 21:45 Listener question on tax-efficient bond investing 26:58 Dangers of market timing highlighted 31:18 Clarifying listener confusion about RMDs 35:27 Advice on state-specific tax consultation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 31

At Talking Real Money, we consistently emphasize that investing requires diversification, low costs, planning, and acknowledgment that predicting the future is impossible—a lesson humorously highlighted by the saga of Argentina's 100-year bond. Originally mocked after Argentina defaulted in 2020, this bond, offering an initially enticing 7.9% yield, remarkably bounced back following political reforms under Javier Milei, outperforming both U.S. Treasuries and Austria's similar bond, which lost around 80% of its value. This underscores that obvious, high-risk investments can sometimes yield surprising returns, but also emphasizes that bonds, even seemingly safe ones, can exhibit volatility akin to stocks, as evidenced by the 30% drop in U.S. Treasuries in 2022. For retirement portfolios, bonds should primarily provide stability, not speculative gains, and investors must carefully manage strategies such as required minimum distributions (RMDs), transferring old plans into current employer plans to strategically delay taxes. Ultimately, market unpredictability reinforces our fundamental belief that the future remains uncertain for investors and pundits alike. 1:40 Argentina's 100-Year Bond 2:19 Comparing Bonds: Argentina vs. Austria 3:46 The Risks of Long-Term Bonds 5:05 Lessons from Argentina's Bond 7:16 Rethinking Fixed Income Strategy 9:12 Future Predictions on Bonds 11:11 Listener Questions Begin 12:10 Understanding RMDs for 403Bs 14:54 The Debate Over Financial Advisors 15:59 Comparing Investment Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 28

On this Friday's episode of Talking Real Money, Don McDonald continued his weekly tradition of answering listener questions, covering practical financial concerns in a straightforward and engaging way. He tackled questions ranging from understanding bid-ask spreads when purchasing ETFs, to choosing the best short-term investment options, such as high-yield savings, CDs, and money market funds. Don also clarified the subtle differences between various Vanguard money market funds, providing guidance on picking the right option based on security and yield. Additionally, he discussed managing retirement withdrawals effectively, particularly addressing conservative strategies for individuals close to retirement who want to protect their principal. Throughout the episode, Don emphasized the importance of balancing risk and returns, maintaining discipline, and using diversified, low-cost investment strategies to manage finances sensibly. 1:23 Understanding Bid-Ask Spreads 6:25 Short-Term Investment Strategies 9:59 Choosing the Right Money Market Fund 13:37 Political Discussions on Social Security 17:10 Managing Retirement Withdrawals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 27

On today's Talking Real Money, Don McDonald welcomed two special guests from Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA)—founder David Booth and co-CEO Dave Butler—to discuss their unique investment philosophy and the importance of tuning out financial noise. The conversation centered around DFA's documentary, "Tune Out the Noise," which emphasizes an academically-based investment strategy focused on sensible, disciplined investing rather than market timing and stock picking. Don and his guests explained the distinct difference between DFA's approach and traditional active or passive investing, highlighting DFA's strategy of combining the strengths of indexing with flexible, thoughtful trading to enhance returns. They also discussed how the rise of ETFs and technological advancements are reshaping the investment industry, making it easier for investors to access diversified, low-cost portfolios. Finally, the episode stressed the critical importance of managing emotional reactions to market volatility, reinforcing the value of staying disciplined and diversified to achieve long-term investment success. 2:34 Tune Out the Noise Documentary 4:23 Dimensional's Unique Investment Philosophy 7:31 Adding Value Over Indexing 8:20 Early Challenges and Data Evidence 11:25 The Role of Nobel Laureates 15:24 Active vs. Passive Investing 19:04 The Future of Active Management 23:32 Evolution of the Mutual Fund Industry 26:02 Technology's Impact on Investing 28:28 Behavioral Aspects of Investing 30:47 The Rise of ETFs 32:37 The Trust Factor in Finance 35:22 Tuning Out the Noise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 26

On today's Talking Real Money, Don and Tom dug deep into some surprisingly terrible mutual funds—those wealth destroyers that somehow manage to lose investors piles of money year after year. They highlighted the infamous ARK funds, which collectively burned through billions, and even exposed a Fidelity long-term treasury bond index fund that unexpectedly landed among the biggest losers over the past decade, illustrating precisely why they've been cautioning against holding long-term bonds. Alongside their usual listener Q&A, they shared practical tips on safely managing cash between high-yield savings and money market accounts and clarified how much cash to keep handy in checking. Politics briefly entered the scene, sparking a discussion on managing risks amid increasing national debt—spoiler alert: don't panic; stick to a disciplined, diversified plan. Finally, they praised a savvy grandmother setting up Roth IRAs for her granddaughters, reaffirming their belief that a simple, globally diversified fund like AVGE can help secure financial futures with minimal fuss. 1:20 The Reality of Mutual Funds 2:38 Understanding Value-Destroying Funds 4:17 The Importance of Avoiding Bad Investments 7:35 Long-Term Treasury Bonds: A Cautionary Tale 10:02 Choosing the Right Savings Account 13:32 Managing Your Checking Account Balance 16:09 Navigating High-Yield Accounts 17:48 Retirement Planning and TSP Allocation 22:04 Inheriting Wealth: A Financial Strategy 23:14 The Need for a Financial Plan 24:45 Managing Risks in a Political Landscape 28:36 Grandparenting with a Roth IRA 30:52 Investing for the Next Generation 34:17 Evaluating a Cross-Border Portfolio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 25

Hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock discuss timely market volatility, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diversified global portfolios rather than reacting to short-term market shifts. They address listener concerns, including the complexities of decumulation in retirement and the critical value of seeking personalized financial planning from fiduciary advisors, particularly during life's transitions. Using real-life scenarios, they illustrate how seemingly minor financial decisions, like the timing of Social Security, can have significant long-term impacts, reinforcing the necessity of detailed, personalized advice. They underscore the challenge of finding genuine fiduciary advisors amidst misleading industry claims and encourage listeners to rigorously verify advisor credentials and fiduciary status. 0:34 Introduction to Timely Financial Discussions 4:44 Market Sentiment and Performance Analysis 7:41 Listener Call: Financial Concerns 12:00 Navigating Taxes and Annuities 14:57 Personalized Financial Planning Importance 17:46 The Challenge of Finding Good Advisors 19:04 Fiduciary Responsibilities and Advisor Selection 24:50 Decumulation Strategies for Retirement 33:01 The Value of Professional Financial Guidance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 24

Hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock emphasize the critical importance of hiring a fiduciary financial advisor, legally required to act in your best interests and transparently disclose conflicts of interest, such as fees and commissions. They caution listeners against advisors who misleadingly claim fiduciary status and advise verifying credentials through reliable resources like FINRA's BrokerCheck. By reviewing documents like Form ADV Part 2, investors can clearly identify conflicts of interest and fee structures. Highlighting examples from Ameriprise Financial and Appella Wealth, they illustrate the contrast between firms with extensive conflicts and those genuinely fiduciary-focused. The hosts underscore maintaining diversified, low-cost portfolios and avoiding market timing. They encourage investors to utilize available educational resources and thorough advisor vetting to secure their financial well-being. 0:32 Introduction to Fiduciary Responsibility 2:11 Finding a Fiduciary Financial Advisor 6:39 Verifying Advisor Credentials 8:39 Researching Financial Firms 11:23 Understanding Fees and Compensation 13:23 Conflicts of Interest Explained 16:43 Importance of Due Diligence 21:39 Listener Questions on Investment Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 21

It’s Friday, and you know what that means — Q&A day! We tackled five great listener questions, starting with a deep dive into why that seemingly “safe” $71,000 annuity actually shortchanges you compared to a basic 4% Treasury ladder or a modest balanced portfolio. Then we crunched the numbers on HSAs and proved that investing the tax savings can indeed leave you ahead — despite what your accountant might say. Municipal bonds made an appearance, too, as we broke down the breakeven math for different tax brackets. A retiree asked whether to realize capital gains or convert to a Roth — and spoiler alert: his instincts were spot-on. Finally, we wrapped with a listener concerned about owning small-cap value in retirement, and we emphasized the importance of building a balanced portfolio, not just collecting investments from headlines. 1:02 Annuities Explained 6:10 HSA Insights and Strategies 7:01 Understanding Municipal Bonds 10:20 Tax Strategies for Retirees 16:26 Addressing Portfolio Overhaul Concerns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20

Imagine a world where investment firms actually worked in your best interest and financial regulators had your back—yeah, keep dreaming. The reality is getting worse, not better. The latest proof? A flood of sketchy "investment opportunities" dressed up as safe and innovative. Take the new PRIV ETF, which claims to focus on "investment grade" private credit—except 95% of its holdings are junk-rated. Or BlackRock sneaking Bitcoin into its model portfolios, giving investors exposure to one of the most volatile assets around without them even realizing it. And, of course, the structured finance industry is partying like it's 2006, bundling up risky loans and convincing investors they’re solid bets. The lesson? You cannot rely on regulators, Wall Street, or even common sense prevailing. You need a real investment strategy—not a collection of ideas—and a healthy dose of skepticism. Because if it sounds too good to be true, it is. 0:11 A Sensible Investment World 1:51 The Rise of Risky Funds 3:50 Bitcoin in Portfolios 5:45 The Return of Old Schemes 7:18 The Investor's Responsibility 9:45 The Importance of Strategy 12:13 Listener Questions Begin 14:22 ETFs vs. Mutual Funds 16:26 Bonds in 401k vs. Taxable Accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 19

Another day, another batch of money myths to bust. In this episode of Talking Real Money , Tom and Don take a sledgehammer to the idea that becoming a millionaire requires some kind of magical stock picking, insane work hours, or pure dumb luck. Spoiler: It’s mostly about spending less than you make, investing consistently, and avoiding financial landmines (like high-interest debt). A listener asks whether bonds are still the best diversifier in a portfolio, which leads to a deep dive into why no investment is a perfect hedge against stocks—despite what the Wall Street wizards want you to believe. Fidelity gets a well-deserved roasting for pushing annuities inside IRAs (seriously, why?). And for those considering Tesla stock or any other hot-shot investment, let’s just say: strap in, because that rollercoaster is a wild one. Along the way, they take on listener questions, reminisce about financial talk radio, and remind everyone that no one—NO ONE—can predict the future, no matter how much they charge for their “insight.” 0:41 - Debunking millionaire myths: It’s not about luck, Amazon IPOs, or working 80-hour weeks. 1:45 - The Millionaire Next Door and the modern rise in millionaires (2020–2023). 2:48 - The top millionaire habits: underspending, steady investing, and avoiding debt. 3:13 - Don’t ignore “free money” (employer 401k match) as part of your wealth strategy. 3:36 - Understanding risk-adjusted investments (not market trends or headlines). 4:12 - The dangers of high-interest credit card debt (current rates around 20%). 9:19 - Listener question: Are there better alternatives to bonds in a portfolio? 11:52 - The myth of negative correlation: Bonds don’t always move opposite to stocks. 14:30 - Real estate, commodities, private credit—are they good alternatives? (Mostly no.) 17:37 - Why hedge funds fail at providing a true alternative investment strategy. 18:24 - Listener question: Should an annuity be inside an IRA? (No, and beware of sales tactics.) 20:06 - A listener asks about tools to analyze asset allocation across different accounts. 23:32 - A caller asks about his mom’s annuity; Fidelity gets called out for bad advice. 28:08 - The risks of annuities vs. safer alternatives like CDs. 31:41 - Listener question: Should I invest my cash-back rewards in Tesla or AVGE? (Tesla is a rollercoaster.) 34:29 - Individual stock risk: Why even major companies (like Walgreens) can collapse. 37:36 - Nostalgic discussion about financial talk radio, Bob Brinker, and Financial Fysics . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 18

In this episode of "Talking Real Money," hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock address recent market volatility, emphasizing that despite headlines about markets "nosedives," the S&P 500 is still up 10% over the past year and only down 4.4% year-to-date, while globally diversified portfolios have fared even better with minimal losses. They criticize alarming financial media headlines that cause investor panic and warn that emotional reactions to market fluctuations are more damaging to portfolios than market corrections themselves, which historically last about 100 days. The hosts field caller questions about retirement account allocation strategies, including keeping bonds in traditional IRAs while holding stocks in Roth IRAs to maximize tax advantages, and explain investment terminology such as large/mid/small cap classifications and value versus growth distinctions. They also address Dave Ramsey's claim that investing $100 monthly from ages 25-65 would create a millionaire, calculating that with a 10% return it would yield about $637,000, though Ramsey likely assumes a 12% return based on the American Funds Investment Company of America's historical performance, which they argue sets unrealistic expectations for future investors. 0:04 Market reactions and recent trends - S&P 500 up 10% over past year despite media negativity 2:50 Baby Boomers and market concerns - critique of alarmist headlines about retirement portfolios 5:05 Investing strategies for volatile markets - importance of discipline and avoiding emotional reactions 6:14 Understanding portfolio allocation - caller question about bonds in Roth vs. traditional IRAs 10:15 Dave Ramsey's $100/month millionaire claim - analysis of investment return calculations 19:44 Importance of risk tolerance - historical performance of American Funds with significant downturns 23:31 Evaluating old retirement plans - advice on moving a $45,000 government retirement account to an IRA 26:22 Investment terminology explained - definitions of large/mid/small cap, growth vs. value stocks 32:59 Understanding bond investments - short-term (under 3 years), intermediate (4-10 years), and long-term (10+ years) 35:28 Engaging with financial education - information about speaking engagements and consultation opportunities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 17

In this episode of "Talking Real Money," hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock discuss generational investing habits, highlighting concerning trends among Gen Z investors who start investing at age 19 but often engage in high-risk behaviors like options trading (36%), cryptocurrency (42% of males), and margin trading (25%). Unlike Baby Boomers who typically began investing at age 35, Gen Z relies heavily on questionable financial advice from social media "fin-fluencers," with approximately half using platforms like TikTok for investing guidance. The hosts worry these gambling-like behaviors could lead to devastating losses and eventual disillusionment with investing altogether, contrasting this approach with their recommended strategy of long-term, diversified investing in index funds like Vanguard Total World Stock Index. The episode also addresses listener questions about optimal places for liquid savings and strategies to manage retirement income to avoid IRMAA Medicare surcharges, emphasizing the importance of tax planning in retirement. 0:04 Generational wealth distribution and control among Baby Boomers 2:06 Investment start ages across generations (Baby Boomers: 35, Gen X: 32, Millennials: 25, Gen Z: 19) 3:56 Concerning investment behaviors of Gen Z - options trading (36%), cryptocurrency (42%), and margin trading (25%) 7:23 Risks of relying on social media for financial advice and the problems with "fin-fluencers" 9:38 Long-term index fund investing versus short-term gambling approaches 14:39 Listener question: Where to keep liquid funds in today's interest rate environment 16:02 IRMAA (Medicare surcharges) planning and tax-efficient retirement withdrawal strategies 19:39 RetireMeet 2025 resources and financial advisory services Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 14

It's another Friday Q&A: 1:38 Inherited IRAs Explained 3:34 Understanding Short-Term Bond Funds 5:35 Tax Implications on Dividends 6:40 The Role of Mid-Cap Investments 8:43 Withdrawal Strategies in Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13

In this episode, Tom and Don explore retail investors' behaviors influenced by users of platforms like Wall Street Bets, highlighting the risks faced by inexperienced traders in high-stakes options trading. We discuss poor investment habits driven by overconfidence, the gambler's fallacy, and behavioral finance pitfalls such as confirmation bias. We reiterate the importance of diversification and long-term strategies over trend-following. Then, we address listener questions on retirement planning and fiduciary advice. 3:08 The Gambler's Fallacy 7:01 Confirmation Bias in Investing 13:27 Understanding Risk in Investing 16:11 Listener Questions and Answers 21:02 Retirement Planning Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 12

Today, Don and Tom discuss essential personal finance and retirement planning strategies. They consider the future Social Security and the need to delay benefits for better payouts while advising young listeners to establish emergency funds and utilize 401(k) and Roth IRA benefits. The hosts caution against misleading bank promotions and provide personalized insights on listener questions regarding insurance policies and tax implications. 2:05 Concerns About Social Security 5:03 Social Security and Retirement Planning 5:29 Social Security Class Announcement 7:30 Investing for Young Adults 8:28 Emergency Funds and 401k Options 10:33 Real Estate Considerations for Young Adults 14:06 High-Yield Savings Accounts Discussion 24:10 Gimmicks in Banking Rates 28:33 Roth Conversion and Capital Gains 35:04 Market Performance and Emotional Investing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 11

In this episode, we examine the intersection of politics and investing, highlighting how emotional decisions can cloud judgment. We discuss politically-themed ETFs, like the Defiance MAGA ETF, emphasizing that economic factors, not political trends, influence stock prices. Listeners are cautioned against allowing political affiliations to dictate investment strategies, as this can lead to underperformance. Using Walgreens as an example, we underscore the importance of diversification over individual stock investments. We answer listener questions about tax regulations and advocate for low-cost index funds and ETFs for long-term success. 2:16 Don's and Tom's Politics 4:34 Should You Invest Politically? 8:08 The Risks of Individual Stocks 21:43 The Fall of Walgreens 30:44 Fidelity vs. Schwab: A Comparison 33:48 Understanding Zero Coupon Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 10

In this episode, we examine the key principles of constructing an investment portfolio, focusing on asset selection tailored to individual needs. We address listener questions about foundational components like stocks and bonds, featuring Paul Merriman's four-fund model for balanced diversification. The conversation includes the value of international investments and real-life scenarios illustrating successful strategies. We also discuss the implications of tax-efficient fund choices and my perspective on using traditional investments over Roth accounts for children. 0:34 Portfolio Population Basics 2:24 Diversification Discussion 6:09 International Investments 13:12 Social Security Insights 18:13 Early Retirement Experiences 23:10 Roth Accounts for Kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 7

In this Q&A episode, Don and Tom address listener questions about comparing Vanguard funds with Avantis Global Equity Fund, review an Army officer's retirement portfolio, provide debt management guidance for a young professional, discuss options for handling an old 403(b) plan, and explain fund benchmark comparisons for Dimensional Funds. [0:04] Introduction and explanation for Q&A format change [3:07] Comparing Vanguard funds to Avantis Global Equity Fund (AVGE) [7:34] Army officer's retirement planning and investment portfolio review [16:34] Debt hierarchy guidance for young professionals [18:11] Managing an old employer 403(b) plan at Fidelity [21:54] Understanding Dimensional Funds performance vs benchmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6

In this episode of "Talking Real Money," Don and Tom discuss investment risk using "volatility scores" to compare investments. They break down how the ARK Innovation ETF's higher returns come with extreme volatility and steeper losses compared to the Vanguard Total World Stock Index. They answer listener questions, suggesting a fee-only fiduciary advisor to someone with a broker-built portfolio of individual stocks and annuities. They also recommend a retirement plan update for a long-time follower moving from saving to spending phase. Throughout the show, Don and Tom emphasize understanding investment volatility, diversification, and portfolio rebalancing with their trademark mix of financial know-how and friendly banter. [0:04] Intro to Financial Freedom [1:55] Don's Vision Pro Experience [3:03] Understanding Risk as Volatility [5:35] Types of Investment Risk [7:18] Portfolio Drawdown Concerns [9:48] ARK ETF's Extreme Volatility [13:22] Index Fund Rebalancing [14:13] VT vs ARKK Performance Comparison [16:53] Listener Questions Begin [24:51] Finding a Fiduciary Advisor [31:16] Transitioning to Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 5

From Saturday's second radio show hour: 2:04 Magical Technology and Reality 3:05 Understanding Risk in Investing 5:42 Measuring Investment Risk 7:20 The Importance of Drawdown 13:25 The Volatility of Investments 14:12 Comparing Investment Options 16:55 Live Questions and Listener Insights 18:04 Portfolio Rebalancing Strategies 19:41 Call for Listener Engagement 21:50 Evaluating Investment Portfolios 24:53 Choosing the Right Financial Advisor 31:18 Preparing for Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 4

Saturday's first radio hour becomes a podcast: 1:56 The Truth About Money Lies 3:18 Jonathan Clements' Insights 5:04 Coping with Financial Anxiety 7:01 Automating Your Finances 12:03 Tax Efficiency in Investments 18:36 Finding a Professional Fiduciary 22:21 Planning for Future Financial Care 31:13 Jonathan Clements' Final Advice 34:04 Understanding Rebalancing Risks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3

In today's episode: 0:58 Introduction to the Dow Debate 2:11 The Dow's Calculation Explained 4:04 Big Tech's Influence on the Dow 5:17 The Dow's Media Presence 6:27 Ownership of the Dow Jones 8:07 The Arbitrary Nature of Indexes 11:21 Trusting Financial Indexes 14:18 Evaluating Investment Choices 17:06 Risks of Complex Funds 20:04 Reassessing Retirement Strategies 22:05 Tax Implications of Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 28

Thanks for the great questions (and a comment): 1:29 Long-Term Disability Insights 5:15 Fidelity Target Date Funds Discussion 10:59 Annuity Portfolio Changes 13:02 Understanding Wrap Accounts 16:49 Navigating Long-Term Care Insurance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 27

In today's episode: 0:33 Investing Truths Uncovered 1:38 The Fallacy of Active Management 2:55 Diversification and Market Cycles 5:23 Autopilot Investment Strategies 6:58 Trusting Long-Term Data 9:19 Historical Returns Explained 11:49 The Power of Index Funds 13:03 Listener Questions and Insights 19:03 Young Investors and Market Perceptions 19:59 Understanding Fund Expenses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 26

Now, the rest of the Saturday show: 0:52 The Biggest Heist in History 0:54 Financial Literacy: Are We Really Educated? 2:35 The Three Questions of Financial Literacy 5:10 Disappointment in Financial Knowledge 5:16 Finding a Financial Advisor 7:06 Preparing for Your First Advisor Meeting 10:02 Researching Your Potential Advisor 11:41 Understanding Fees and Conflicts of Interest 13:21 Selling Your Home: Capital Gains Deductions 17:54 Estate Planning and Probate Concerns 19:37 The Importance of Pensions 33:22 Understanding Pensions and Retirement Plans 34:27 The Value of Employer Contributions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 25

From Saturday's show: 0:34 US Stocks Take a Tumble 4:44 Market Sentiment and Performance Analysis 7:41 Listener Call: Financial Concerns 12:00 Navigating Taxes and Annuities 14:57 Personalized Financial Planning Importance 17:46 The Challenge of Finding Good Advisors 19:04 Fiduciary Responsibilities and Advisor Selection 24:50 Decumulation Strategies for Retirement 33:01 The Value of Professional Financial Guidance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24

In today's podcast: 1:27 Vanguard Cuts Fees 2:34 Small Savings for Investors 6:54 Customer Service Concerns 8:22 Index Fund Clarity 13:14 Dog Food Comparisons 13:43 Listener Questions Begin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 21

In today's podcast: 0:44 Active vs Passive Fund Management 1:40 The Bond Fund Debate 3:01 Active Bond Management Challenges 4:20 Vanguard's Role in Bond Funds 5:46 Comparing Bond Fund Quality 6:55 The Risks of Active Management 13:34 Questions and Comments 21:59 Self-Directed IRA Considerations 24:22 Personal vs Business Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 20

Here's Saturday's second radio hour: 1:48 Super Bowl Betting Frenzy 15:55 Long-Term Care Insurance Insights 17:39 Evaluating Pet Insurance Costs 31:52 Understanding Charitable Distributions 36:51 The Podcast Production Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 19

Here's the first part of Saturday's show: 0:48 Real Money Basics 3:22 Hedge Funds Uncovered 5:15 The Role of AI in Investing 6:12 Listener Questions Begin 18:26 Performance and Client Feedback 19:37 Understanding Fund Comparisons 31:07 Navigating Closed-End Funds 33:22 Strategies for Retirement Income Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 18

We needed a special edition: 0:23 Opening the Question Pile 2:58 Historical Reflections 4:59 Tangents and Technology 9:31 Retirement Fund Strategies 11:19 Health Savings Accounts Explained 13:35 Roth Contribution Changes 15:23 Understanding Fund Prices 18:54 Clarifying Roth IRA Confusion 23:04 The Role of Financial Advisors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 14

Here is this week's Q&A: 1:41 High-Yield Savings Accounts Discussion 5:05 Retirement Income Strategies 8:52 Transforming Your Retirement Portfolio 13:35 Rollover IRA Insight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 13

In today's big show: 0:33 Social Media and Financial Advice 1:14 The Risks of Finfluencers 2:20 Regulation Gaps in Financial Advice 5:52 Shaquille O'Neal's Financial Evolution 7:14 Finding Reliable Financial Sources 8:55 The Appeal of Meet Kevin 11:51 Dave Ramsey's Legal Troubles 13:09 Kevin's Family Life and Career 14:52 Engaging with Our Listeners 21:44 Navigating Avantis Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 12

From our live event in Bellevue, WA: 1:32 Empowering Young Investors 2:52 Overcoming Financial Knowledge Gaps 4:05 Navigating Financial Information 5:16 Transition to Tom's Return 6:16 Food and Networking at Retire Meet 7:18 Weather Woes and Retirement Concerns 10:02 Addressing Retirement Purpose 13:03 The Importance of Social Security 14:17 Tom Takes Over the Show 14:50 Callers and Financial Questions 24:49 The Impact of Politics on Money 31:00 Building a Personal Portfolio 33:59 Joe's Annuity Inquiry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 11

Don and Joey Saul-Sehy recorded live at Retiremeet. 0:37 Live from RetireMeet 2025 2:13 Impressions of RetireMeet 6:05 Lifestyle in Retirement 8:38 Practicing Retirement 9:54 Setting Up for Retirement 14:00 Transitioning to Retirement 14:56 Balancing Retirement Goals 19:26 Long-Term Disability Insights 27:13 Navigating Social Security 34:50 Comprehensive Financial Planning 35:52 Control in Retirement Planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 11

To start another week: 0:27 Introduction to Hedge Funds 1:57 Hedge Fund Slogans and Fees 5:04 Hedge Fund Performance vs. S&P 500 8:43 The Problem with Hedge Fund Strategies 11:08 The Grift of Hedge Funds 12:48 Listener Questions Begin 15:48 Flashbacks to 2008 Financial Crisis 17:19 Investing in ETFs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 7

In this episode, we answer listener questions. We explore essential topics, starting with Chris's inquiry about medallion signatures and the support he received from Fidelity during a transfer. We talk about Doug's frustration regarding advisor performance versus index funds, emphasizing the need for performance evaluation. Joey's question about AI in financial management leads to a discussion on its supportive role, complemented by human emotional intelligence in advising. We also address concerns about the AVGE fund's fees and clarify the complexities surrounding deferred compensation as loan collateral. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 6

In today's podcast episode: 0:45 Introduction to the Investment Debate 2:26 The Case for Total Market Index Funds 5:56 Performance Comparison: ETFs vs. Index Funds 7:46 Understanding Risk in Investment Choices 10:29 The Importance of Diversification 14:07 Global Investing: A Broader Perspective 15:07 Listener Questions: Asset Location Strategies 17:56 Bond Investments: Tips vs. ETFs 22:39 CD Ladders vs. Bond Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 5

In this episode from Saturday's radio show: 1:48 The Illusion of Gold 7:13 Retirement and Investment Strategies 8:52 Health Savings Accounts Explored 12:53 The Dangers of Meme Coins 15:54 Navigating Required Minimum Distributions 25:19 Bond Funds and Market Stability 28:56 Capital Gains Tax Insights 34:14 Understanding IRMAA and Medicare Costs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 4

In this episode: 0:56 Surprises in the Stock Market 5:05 NVIDIA Stock Shock 11:50 The Importance of Diversification 19:32 Cryptocurrency and Meme Coins 22:19 The Rise of Dogecoin 26:03 The Trump Coin Phenomenon 33:19 Investing Strategies for the Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 3

In today's show: 0:59 The Allure of Hot Stocks 6:22 Best International Funds Unveiled 14:07 Choosing Your Equity Funds 14:44 Listener Questions: Bond Fund Confusion 18:20 Emergency Fund Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 31

Today, a passel of Q&A: 3:07 Understanding Active vs. Passive Management 5:43 Exploring Callable and Non-callable CDs 9:06 Investing Strategies for Young Couples 13:32 Navigating Investment Options for Retirement 18:06 Customizing a Target Date 529 Fund 22:23 Roth Conversions and Tax Implications Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 30

In this episode: 0:38 Stock Market Insights 2:35 The Power of Stock Selection 5:40 The Challenge of Picking Winners 11:23 Lessons from Netflix and Streaming 12:53 Tax Loss Harvesting Explained 17:58 Portfolio Questions from Listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 29

Taken from Saturday's radio show: 4:59 The Power of Diversification 6:50 Understanding Cash Management 9:19 The Role of ETFs 10:34 Interest Rates Explained 13:06 The Impact of Risk 14:06 Evaluating Financial Advisors 15:34 Exploring Employer Plans 17:45 Options for HSA Rollovers 19:24 The Future of Your Investments 25:04 Navigating Advisor Relationships 27:27 Dividends and ETFs 32:03 Managing Health Savings Accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 28

Here is the first hour of Saturday's radio show: 1:43 The Importance of Portfolio Rebalancing 5:15 Understanding Stock to Bond Ratios 6:25 Risks of Overexposure to Stocks 9:08 The Need for a Financial Plan 12:02 Insights on LLC and Estate Planning 14:01 The Value of Professional Financial Advice 15:01 Clarifying Investment Fees 16:49 Balancing Debt and Investments 19:23 The Role of International Investments 21:43 The Psychology of Investing 28:37 Early Retirement Planning 34:52 Finding Purpose in Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 27

In today's exciting episode: 0:26 What Goes Up Can Come Down 0:47 The Stock Market Surge 4:57 Preparing for Market Corrections 7:33 Investor Strategies During Corrections 15:01 Listener Questions Begin 16:39 Investment Strategies for Retirement 19:16 Financing Home Improvements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 24

We are swamped with typed Qs: 0:27 The Bank's Profit Motive 7:28 Social Security Strategies 11:01 Traditional vs. Roth IRA Decisions 13:50 ETF Trading Restrictions 14:32 Understanding Social Security Projections 18:37 Canadian Investment Insights 27:13 Preparing for Retirement Education Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 23

In this episode: 1:19 The Game of Investing 4:02 The Roller Coaster of ARK Innovation 5:21 Thematic Funds Explained 8:11 International Perspective on Financial Leadership 11:32 The Importance of Financial Backgrounds 19:33 Listener Call: Investing Strategies 22:15 Understanding Roth IRA Conversions 24:59 Starting Over with Investments 34:07 The Complexity of Financial Planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 22

In today's episode: 1:10 A 401(k) RMD Correction 3:42 Brokers Paying Too Little? 11:47 Vanguard Must Pay back $100 Million 20:14 52-Week Money Challenge 25:37 Callable CDs and Bonds 34:08 Navigating Financial Advisors 35:56 Retirement Planning Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 21

On this rare guest episode: 2:18 Getting to Know Joe Saul-Sehy 8:21 Transitioning to Teaching and Broadcasting 12:30 Exploring Stacking Benjamins Topics 18:50 Understanding Speculation vs. Investment 23:57 Upcoming Talk at RetireMeet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 17

It's Friday: 2:05 Pension Account Insights 8:10 Transitioning Investment Accounts 10:16 Holiday Scam Awareness 15:35 Whole Life Policy Concerns 19:09 Cryptocurrency and Crime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 16

We revisit the great retirement date debate: 3:16 Critique of Dave Ramsey's Advice 3:25 Importance of Social Security Decisions 5:34 The Impact of Life Expectancy 7:17 Understanding Social Security Payments 10:12 Common Reasons for Early Withdrawal 12:48 Strategies for Maximizing Benefits 13:37 Transition to Listener Questions 18:54 Question on Roth IRA Eligibility 21:48 Medallion Signature Issues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 15

Is 60/40 dead again: 0:20 Vanguard's Changing Approach 0:26 Stock and Bond Ratios Explored 1:57 The Trouble with Market Timing 2:38 Vanguard's Advice: A Shift in Strategy 3:40 The 60-40 Portfolio Debate 4:34 Caller Insights: 401k Strategies 5:17 Building a Portfolio for the Future 7:27 Target Date Funds vs. Index Funds 14:13 Streaming Financial Education 14:45 Accessing Financial Conferences 15:51 The Importance of In-Person Events 18:30 Evaluating Mortgage Payoff Decisions 19:41 Navigating Social Security Benefits 32:49 Simplifying Investment Strategies for New Investors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 14

We look for lessons from the last 100 years: 5:10 Stock Market Trends and Historical Returns 9:47 Preparing for Future Market Downturns 12:57 Navigating Social Security Benefits 19:31 Buying a New Car: Cash vs. Financing 19:46 The Confusion of Financial Information 23:12 Social Security Planning and Inflation 24:27 Understanding Required Minimum Distributions 29:13 Strategies for Risk Management in Retirement 32:09 Roth Conversions and Tax Planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 13

Today, let's talk about "expert" forecasts: 0:32 Introduction to Predictions 3:30 Wall Street's Flawed Forecasts 7:13 The Problem with Market Timing 11:56 Long-Term Investment Strategies 14:52 Understanding Economic Indicators 17:38 Market Trends and Personal Finances 20:18 Universal Savings Accounts Explained 23:33 Retirement and Saving Challenges 23:48 Upcoming Events and Announcements 27:58 Personal Anecdotes and Company Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 10

Ah. Things are back to normal: 2:52 Retirement Discrepancies Explained 5:08 Understanding Collective Investment Trusts 9:01 Holding Funds for Roth Contributions 11:33 Top Five ETFs Revealed 14:42 Options Beyond Roth IRAs 17:38 Evaluating Active vs. Passive Management Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 9

In today's episode of TRM: 1:58 Market Trends of 2024 3:44 Federal Reserve Decisions and Predictions 6:38 Global Economic Factors 8:19 The Rise of Cryptocurrency 11:08 Corporate Dominance and AI 13:22 Investment Strategies for 2025 15:23 Listener Questions and Financial Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 8

In today's show: 1:35 The Problem with Financial Pitches 3:43 The Rise of ETFs 5:55 The Bitcoin ETF Concern 11:21 Insurance Strategies and Tips 14:12 The Importance of Investment Vehicles 16:22 Transitioning from Robo-Advisors 25:00 Managing Cash Positions in Portfolios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 7

In this episode: 2:40 New Year, New Financial Resolutions 5:16 Setting Concrete Financial Goals 8:41 Strategies for Financial Success 14:11 Listener Questions and Financial Advice 15:26 Planning Retirement Income Streams 17:32 Managing Fixed Income Investments 28:49 Consolidating Retirement Accounts 35:35 Vanguard Proxy Voting Discussion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 6

In today's episode: 0:34 Irrational Exuberance Redux 1:52 The Rise of Bitcoin 3:05 Larry Fink's Shift 5:09 MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Strategy 7:38 The Use Cases of Crypto 9:52 Banking the Unbanked 10:56 The Speculative Nature of Crypto 13:06 401k Plans and Financial Advice 16:45 Returning to Crypto 19:08 The Dark Side of Crypto 19:54 Closing Thoughts and Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 3

In this new year episode: 0:51 New Year, New Perspectives 3:09 Economic Concerns and President Trump's Inauguration 6:46 Investment Strategies for Baby Boomers 7:49 Listener Questions Begin 19:10 Transition to Investment Accounts 21:02 Time Shifting and Quantum Radio 21:29 Diversifying Your Assets 28:40 Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) 29:10 Taxes and Moving Abroad 37:57 Fiduciary Responsibilities and Conflicts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 2

In our first episode of the new year: 0:33 Retirement Income Strategies 2:53 Navigating Social Security Decisions 5:43 Understanding Withdrawal Strategies 12:13 The Importance of Flexibility 14:46 Seeking Professional Guidance 19:36 The Power of Lump Sum Payments 22:49 Control Over Your Money 25:00 Evaluating Investment Options 32:13 Considering Annuities 37:12 Building a Sustainable Portfolio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 30, 2024

In the final episode of 2024: 0:31 Gen X Retirement Worries 2:02 Baby Boomers and Retirement Realities 5:21 Starting Late but Not Too Late 8:52 The Social Security Dilemma 9:55 The Importance of Flexibility 11:12 Taking the First Step 11:59 Listener Questions Begin 15:28 Understanding Advisor Fee Structures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 27, 2024

Welcome to today's podcast about risk and return: 14:12 The Risks of CDs and Annuities 19:31 Gambling vs. Investing 31:16 Retirement Planning Essentials Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 26, 2024

In this episode: 0:57 Holiday Cheer and Investment Fears 4:02 Wall Street's Private Party Invitation 5:09 The Costly Alternative Investments 5:53 Confusion in Alternative Investments 11:55 Social Security Changes Ahead 14:21 Finding the Right Financial Advisor 19:45 Understanding the ADV Form 25:10 Red Flags in Financial Firms 33:55 Rebalancing Your Investment Portfolio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 23, 2024

In this episode: 0:35 Intro to Scams 2:52 Recognizing the Scam 6:41 Private Credit Investments 8:19 Risks of Private Debt 14:23 The Complexity of Collateralized Debt 16:21 Investment Rules of Thumb 17:10 Questions on Space Exploration ETFs 21:44 Caution with Primerica 25:53 Year-End Opportunities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 20, 2024

Don takes your questions: 2:59 Bond Funds vs. Individual Bonds 6:02 Starting a Custodial Roth IRA 7:55 Building a Taxable Bond Hedge 10:57 Rebalancing in Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 19, 2024

In this episode: 0:33 The Quest for Income 2:02 The Risks of Reaching for Yield 3:35 Investing in Bond Funds 6:24 Understanding High-Yield Bonds 8:41 The Quality of Bond Investments 11:09 Rethinking Fixed Income Strategies 13:03 Active vs. Passive Management 14:02 Retirement Planning Insights 15:52 Choosing a 529 Plan 19:12 Pursuing Financial Credentials Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 18, 2024

In today's show: 2:07 Understanding Interest Rates and CDs 5:11 Bond Investment Strategies 19:29 Myths About Bonds 20:41 Misconceptions About Bond Funds 24:04 Understanding Risk and Return 30:09 Metals and Investing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 17, 2024

On today's podcast: 0:56 Retirement Planning and Purpose 5:15 Finding Meaning Beyond Work 6:10 The Value of Part-Time Engagement 9:54 Navigating Retirement Accounts 14:09 Deciding on Roth Conversions 18:30 Market Timing and Investment Strategy 24:32 Understanding Fund Diversification 30:46 Adjusting Portfolio Allocations 34:55 Smart Roth IRA Contributions 37:32 Managing Risk in Retirement Planning 41:38 Choosing the Right Financial Advisor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 2024

In today's episode: 2:18 The Impact of Tariffs 3:56 Unpacking Smoot-Hawley 5:07 Market Timing Dilemmas 8:13 Evidence from Professor Horstmeyer 12:19 The Cost of Timing the Market 13:23 The Importance of Diversification 16:38 Annuities and Retirement Plans 18:11 Tax Implications of 403B Plans 19:29 Overthinking Finances Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 13, 2024

In today's Friday Q&A: 0:27 Welcome to Q&A Day 3:30 I-Bonds and Inflation Protection 6:54 403B Resources and Options 10:41 TSP Withdrawal Strategies 13:39 Vanguard Fee Changes 17:15 Mortgage Recasting Dilemma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 12, 2024

'Tis the Talkin' Season: 0:27 Holiday Season Reflections 1:42 Discussing Money in Families 3:24 Navigating Conversations with Kids 4:47 The Complexity of Financial Discussions 9:43 Strategies for Talking About Money 11:42 Creating a Safe Space for Discussions 14:51 Timing is Everything 15:39 Unique Experiences and Conversations 20:55 Understanding Investment Tools 24:34 Audience Questions and Engagement 26:43 The Cost of Technology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11, 2024

In this episode of "Talking Real Money," Don and Tom delve into a topic that intertwines personal finance with broader societal issues, sparked by a tragic event—the assassination of a CEO from the health insurance sector. The show starts with a call from a listener seeking advice on legacy stock holdings. Later, they discuss active versus passive ETFs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10, 2024

In this episode from Saturday's show: 2:59 Market Valuations: Time to Worry? 5:07 Selling Winners: A Different Approach 7:22 The Lost Decade: Lessons from History 13:45 Global Risks: Beyond the U.S. Market 22:05 Target Date Funds: Pros and Cons 32:54 Advisor Shopping: Finding the Right Fit 36:52 Retirement Planning: G Fund Concerns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2024

In today's episode: 0:10 Scams During the Holiday Season 2:39 Smart vs. Stupid Scammers 6:32 Phone Scams: Who to Trust? 7:54 Recent Scams and Ponzi Schemes 10:07 Believing in Scams 10:59 Trust No One 15:16 Protecting Yourself Online 19:56 Investment Questions from Listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 6, 2024

In today's Q&A: 2:15 Separately Managed Accounts Discussion 4:04 Exploring Real Estate Investments 7:03 Dividend Income vs. Selling ETF Shares 12:41 Total Return Strategy Explained 17:33 Asset Allocation Insights 19:42 Personal Investment Strategies Revealed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 6, 2024

In today's show: 0:25 Start at the End 2:18 Understanding Your Spending 7:24 Importance of Knowing Your Spend 14:27 Begin Your Retirement Journey 16:14 Questions from Listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4, 2024

In this episode: 2:21 Ten Reasons to Be a Thankful Investor 8:01 The State of the U.S. Economy 9:12 Reflections on the Recent Election 10:05 Financial System Stability 13:35 The Art of Excess 14:58 The Impact of AI 16:21 Value in Asset Classes 28:48 Speculation and Risk 32:23 Managing IRA Investments 36:01 Strategies for Successful Investing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3, 2024

In this first part of Saturday's radio show: 4:52 International vs. U.S. Investments 12:43 Planning for Retirement Taxes 14:13 The Importance of Financial Advisors 16:48 Wills and Family Dynamics 19:24 Money Matters in Legacy Planning 21:18 Historical Perspectives on Wealth 23:30 Lessons from U.S. Presidents 29:42 Insights from "All the President's Money" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 27, 2024

In this edition: 0:39 Market Crashes and Personal Memories 5:05 Technology and the New Market Paradigm 7:34 The Real Estate Bubble of 2007 10:38 Predictions and the 2008 Financial Crisis 13:31 The Challenge of Predicting the Future 21:25 Year-End Money Moves to Consider 26:10 Evaluating Investments: Newsmax IPO Question 32:17 Social Security Strategies for Couples Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 26, 2024

On today's show: 1:26 Financial Advisor Red Flags 6:15 The Importance of Transparency 9:05 Trust Your Financial Advisor 10:48 Green Flags in Financial Advising 11:54 Avoiding Common Misconceptions 16:38 Bad Advice in Retirement Planning 19:01 Questions About Investment Strategies 25:15 Listener Questions and Answers 34:56 Upcoming Events and RetireMeet 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 26, 2024

In this episode: 0:29 Understanding Interest Rates 3:00 The Housing Market Dilemma 5:58 Investing vs. Lifestyle Decisions 9:07 Emergency Fund Strategies 15:22 Exploring the TSP Changes 22:52 Fees and Fund Considerations 27:30 Balancing TSP and IRA Accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 22, 2024

In this week's Q&A: 0:26 Starting with Successful Investing 3:35 Transitioning to Your Questions 4:45 Exploring Inflation and Purchasing Power 8:56 Navigating 401k Changes 13:50 Managing High-Cost Funds 17:31 Understanding ETFs vs. Mutual Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 20, 2024

In this episode: 1:17 Just Invest in Something 5:08 Portfolio Management Strategies 7:07 Insurance and Car Accidents 11:58 Emergency Funds in Retirement 12:54 Home Equity Considerations 23:46 Managing Debt and Savings 26:11 Retirement Planning Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 19, 2024

In the first hour from Saturday's show: 1:31 Is Buffett Sends a Message? 18:20 The Perils of Timing the Market 19:42 The Mystery of Warren Buffett 20:04 Analyzing Investment Strategies 20:13 Understanding Portfolio Diversification 20:15 Managing Retirement Income 20:20 The Importance of Proper Planning 20:23 The Fight Against Financial Misinformation 20:33 Navigating Social Security Concerns 37:14 Preparing for the Future at RetireMeet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 2024

On today's show: 5:21 State of America's Wallet. 9:10 Credit Card Conundrum. 10:36 The Car Cost Crisis. 12:50 Housing Market Woes. 14:45 Future of Financial Advisors. 19:19 Navigating Advisor Changes. 25:28 Dividend Dilemma. 28:50 Understanding High-Dividend Stocks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 15, 2024

In today's Q&A: 4:13 Non-Qualified Annuities Explained 9:37 Roth Contributions and Eligibility 12:01 Preparing for Retirement Gaps 16:48 Diversifying Your Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 14, 2024

In the second past or our special edition: 0:27 Introduction to Myths and Mistakes 3:07 The Importance of Diversification 9:35 Debunking Investment Complexity 12:06 Understanding Risk in Investing 15:26 The Zero Sum Game Myth 17:42 Recap of Key Myths and Mistakes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 13, 2024

In part one of our two-part special: 0:33 Introduction to Myths, Lies, and Mistakes 4:26 Myth One: I Got a Guy 5:21 Myth Two: The Future Can Be Predicted 11:00 Myth Three: Starting Too Late 14:47 Myth Four: Wealth Without Risk 19:02 Myth Five: Believing in Individual Stocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 12, 2024

In today's episode: 0:32 American Dream of Home Ownership 3:36 Renting vs. Owning 7:40 The True Cost of Homeownership 12:22 Real Estate as an Investment 14:57 Inheriting Retirement Savings 16:20 Questions from Listeners 18:57 Building Wealth Sensibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 2024

To start a new week: 0:27 Safe Investments Unveiled 1:16 Meme Stocks and Market Risks 3:18 The Fragility of Commercial Real Estate 5:27 The Illusion of AAA Ratings 7:52 Investing Beyond the Illusion of Safety 11:32 The Dangers of Chasing Yield 12:41 Financial Planning vs. Target Date Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 8, 2024

Here are this Fridays Qs and As: 2:07 Converting Traditional IRA to Roth 7:32 Simplifying Financial Jargon 10:45 Roth 401k Allocation Advice 13:53 Evaluating the Stash App Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 7, 2024

In This Podcast: 0:29 Latest Phone Scam 2:24 Connections Between Money and Mental Health 6:46 Understanding Antidepressant Trends 9:23 Media's Role in Financial Anxiety 10:14 The Importance of Keeping a Journal 11:21 Long-Term Thinking for Financial Health 14:01 Homeowners Association Woes 14:36 Managing a 401k Profit Sharing Plan 18:41 Diversifying Bond Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6, 2024

On the second half od Saturday's radio show: 2:20 The Smarmy Side of Financial Advice 3:20 Trust Washing and Ethical Standards 4:58 Paying for Credibility 7:01 Finding the Right Financial Advisor 10:31 The Importance of Fiduciaries 11:56 Checking Disciplinary Histories 14:09 Creating Income from Investments 18:16 Bond Ladders Explained 19:54 Health Issues and Retirement Thoughts 21:05 Inheriting Stock Portfolios 32:11 Evaluating Inherited Stocks 33:39 Vanguard's Big Changes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 5, 2024

In this first hour of Saturday's show: 1:23 Game Time Decisions 3:16 The Impact of Sports Betting 5:10 Gambling vs. Investing 8:47 The Appeal of Instant Gratification 10:37 The Risks of Individual Stocks 21:00 Home Bias in Investing 23:19 The Dangers of Company Loyalty 30:06 Evaluating Robo-Advisors 33:26 Charitable Giving Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 4, 2024

In today's episode: 0:26 40 Years of Thick Skin 2:11 Worst Reviews Uncovered 5:18 Complexities of Social Security 13:01 The Close of the Reading 14:10 Economic Landscape Discussion 17:37 Look at All 401k Fees Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 31, 2024

Please note that there will be no 11/1/24 Q&A episode. Don is out of commission for a few days . In Thursday's episode: 0:29 Understanding Financial Professionals 2:42 Choosing the Right Advisor 4:40 Types of Financial Compensation 6:49 Distinguishing Financial Advisor Roles 9:54 The Importance of Fiduciaries 11:48 Avoiding Common Pitfalls 15:15 Questioning Retirement Strategies 20:44 Evaluating Investment Guarantees 21:49 Comparing Investment Options Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 30, 2024

In this episode: 0:59 A Double Dipping Advisor 3:41 The Flaws of High Fees 9:01 Understanding Investment Classes 15:12 Simplifying Investment Strategies 19:40 The Burden of Household Debt 21:49 The Psychology of Debt 24:29 The Costs of Luxury Cars 27:59 Considering Roth Conversions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 29, 2024

In this episode: 3:22 The Pension Predicament 4:42 Retirement Funding Choices 5:10 Historical Perspective on Retirement Plans 7:57 Today’s Retirement Landscape 10:07 Future of Pensions 14:03 No Guarantees in Retirement 14:34 Importance of Retirement Planning 15:54 Listener Question: 401k Strategies 19:37 Halloween Spending and Traditions 24:51 Cost of Halloween Treats 28:15 Candy Industry Insights 30:45 Fidelity ETF Discussion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 28, 2024

On Today's Show: 0:29 Crypto Internet Dirt Bags. 4:22 Crypto Scams and Market Warnings. 8:11 Advertising and Podcast Integrity. 10:40 Bitcoin Predictions and Speculations. 12:58 Social Security Strategies and Timing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 25, 2024

On Today's Q&A: 1:30 Bond Investment Questions 6:00 Understanding Bond Market Fluctuations 9:30 Schwab Intelligent Income Explained 12:09 Transitioning to Vanguard Roth IRA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 24, 2024

From Saturday's Show, Hour Two: 1:28 Market Shifts and Inflation Realities 3:23 Real Rate of Return Explained 5:10 Listener Call: Retirement Investment Strategies 8:07 Converting IRAs and Tax Planning 10:38 Social Security Decisions and Strategies 13:48 The Cost of Waiting for Social Security 15:56 Understanding Contingent Deferred Annuities 18:35 High Fees in Complex Annuities 19:58 Annuity Products and Their Risks 21:59 Listener Call: Inheriting Money and Risk 24:44 Risk Profile vs. Risk Tolerance 27:28 Evaluating Charitable Organizations 31:04 Year-End Giving Strategies 33:50 The Importance of Charity Transparency 37:07 Investment Fund Comparisons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 2024

Here is Saturday's show, Part One: 1:22 The Bull Market Anniversary 1:50 Understanding Market Fluctuations 5:28 The Role of Diversification 12:37 The Truth About Financial Advice 17:20 Critique of Robert Kiyosaki 20:55 Inherited Roth 401k Options 24:55 Listener Investment Success Story 29:16 The Importance of Diversification 30:58 Exploring Market Timing and Performance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 18, 2024

This week: 2:42 Exploring 529 Plans and Retirement Strategies 4:17 Merch and Home Investments 5:26 Clarifying Roth IRA Rules 7:38 Advanced Tax Planning Insights 11:13 Evaluating Reverse Mortgages 13:56 Assessing Financial Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17, 2024

From the second half of Saturday's show: 0:28 Death Insurance: A Necessary Discussion 8:02 The Case Against Whole Life Insurance 9:53 The Ignored Mid-Cap Index Funds 11:45 Transitioning to Bonds: When Is Right? 18:45 Evaluating Real Estate Investments 22:23 Florida Condo Market Changes 22:37 Understanding Investment Recommendations 33:46 Retirement Funds: Where to Start? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 2024

From last Saturday's radio show: 5:16 Hurricanes and the Stock Market 13:03 Predicting Markets vs. Hurricanes 15:33 The Role of Luck in Investing 20:27 Understanding Bid-Ask Spreads 24:43 Market Orders Explained 34:03 Portfolio Management Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 15, 2024

In today's holiday shortened week episode: 0:03 The Argentinosaurus of Investing 2:04 Can AI Predict Market Movements? 7:23 Will AI Outperform Index Funds? 11:29 The Rise of AI in Finance 14:40 Strategies for Your Brokerage Account 20:01 Final Thoughts on AI and Investing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 11, 2024

In today's Q&A: 3:54 Question on 529 Plans 5:15 401k Considerations 6:57 Retirement Saving Strategies 9:46 ETFs and Fair Valuation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 10, 2024

In today's show: 2:07 The Rise of Exchange-Traded Funds 4:20 Active Management vs. Passive Strategies 6:40 Choosing the Right Funds 9:06 The Performance of Popular ETFs 9:50 Trends in ETF Closures 11:18 Listener Questions Begin 14:56 Navigating 403B Fund Options 16:59 Mortgage Refinancing Considerations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 9, 2024

In today's podcast (from Saurday's show): 5:54 Second Opinions Matter 7:07 401k Myths and Realities 9:54 Diversifying Investments 15:10 Safe Investment Strategies 18:40 The Future of Retirement 22:57 Social Media and Finance 28:10 Understanding Hodgepodge-itis 29:28 Rental Income Insights 32:17 Roth Conversion Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 8, 2024

From the Live Saturday Show: 0:03 Asheville Flooding Update 2:52 Introduction to Investing 6:29 The Pitfalls of Sector Investing 10:25 Importance of Diversification 14:47 The Role of Market Safety 17:44 Understanding M1 Finance 20:31 Critique of Private Credit 25:54 Risks of High-Yield Investments 30:31 Academic Perspectives on Alternatives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 7, 2024

We start the week with: 0:04 Stock Picking Realities 7:33 Retirement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts 8:56 Living Abroad in Retirement 11:34 Experiences in Chattanooga 14:20 Set It and Forget It Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 4, 2024

Questions answered about: 3:58 Retirement Contributions and Strategies 6:18 Selling the Airstream: A Personal Update 7:53 Roth IRA Questions Answered 11:12 Trusts and Estate Planning 14:42 Complex vs. Simple Investment Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 3, 2024

On today's show: 0:04 Social Security Decisions 8:49 Investment Strategies for Retirement 9:07 Roth IRA Conversion Insights 14:30 Exchange-Traded Funds Explained 17:46 Closing Remarks and Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 2, 2024

In today's edition of TRM: 1:21 Interest Rate Changes and You 20:42 Inheriting and Managing Stocks 23:47 Advice Sources in the Digital Age 28:59 Understanding Market Reactions 35:45 The Reality of Investment Promises 36:44 Stock Market Speculations and Risks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 1, 2024

In today's show: 6:18 The Crystal Ball Challenge 10:03 Predictions and Market Efficiency 14:11 Reflections on Market Predictions 18:20 The Nature of Financial Forecasting 27:18 Role Models in Investing 35:04 International Stock Fund Recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 2024

In today's edition: 0:04 Introduction to Financial Types 2:43 Hedge Funds and Their Performance 5:22 The Illusion of Special Investments 5:51 Smart Investing Without Being Special 11:19 Questions from Listeners 14:19 The Fallacy of Predicting the Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 27, 2024

It's Q&A Day: 4:20 401k and Retirement Guidance 6:56 Investment Decisions with Real Estate 9:16 Risk Management in Business Ventures 11:59 Small Cap Value Allocation 16:47 Diversification with Small Cap Growth 18:26 Emerging Markets in Investment Strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 2024

In this podcast: 0:04 Remembering Bob Brinker 2:17 Hot Investments Today 7:32 Thematic Investing Challenges 8:22 Timing the Market Dilemma 12:18 The Dollar's Future 14:40 AJ's Financial Questions 20:24 Looking Ahead to Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 25, 2024

In today's edition: 1:05 Misleading Money Media 2:47 Who Needs Life Insurance? 9:40 Annuity Sales Grew 11:03 Move to a TAP Annuity? 19:31 How Long Will You Live? 25:22 Buy Bitcoin to Afford a Home? 35:17 Small Cap Annual Returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24, 2024

In today's show: 0:01 The Federal Reserve's Role 5:06 Interest Rates and Their Impact 9:33 The Confusion of Rate Cuts 14:16 The Risks of Market Timing 15:34 The Danger of Misinformation 20:53 Meme Stocks and Their Longevity 25:11 Understanding Palantir 27:06 Social Security Decisions 33:34 The Importance of a Financial Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 23, 2024

In this episode: 2:44 The Rise of Investment Funds 6:17 The Dangers of Single Stock ETFs 14:07 Understanding 1031 Exchanges 20:39 Engaging with Our Audience 22:12 The Debate on Active Bond Management 27:03 The Challenges of Active Fund Management 35:55 Navigating the Market Landscape Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 17, 2024

In this exciting edition: 0:03 Introduction to Financial Normalcy 3:50 The Retirement Worry 6:28 The Gray Area of Investing 13:23 The Importance of a Financial Plan 21:03 Portfolio Questions and Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 13, 2024

In this Q&Apisode: 0:04 Stock Market Insights 3:05 Questions from Listeners 3:31 International Investment Concerns 8:45 Portfolio Housekeeping 11:53 Charitable Distributions Explained 14:35 401(k) Allocation Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 2024

Today, we discuss: 5:34 The Case Against the Penny 7:12 Daylight Savings Time Debate 8:27 Worthless Financial Instruments 11:24 The Cryptocurrency Conundrum 13:14 Rollover Strategies Explained 23:00 The Weirdness of Today’s World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 11, 2024

In this episode: 1:54 Election Investing and Other Gambling 6:40 Understanding Financial Futures 14:32 Navigating Roth IRA Withdrawals 20:16 The Importance of Financial Planning 26:53 Pay Yourself First 28:57 Target Date Funds Explained 38:25 Transitioning to Vanguard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 11, 2024

In this episode: 1:29 The High Price of High Dividends 18:35 The Importance of Staying Invested 21:04 Market Fluctuations and Trading 29:08 Understanding Asset Allocation 31:56 The Value of Asset Location 35:39 Rebalancing for a Better Portfolio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 10, 2024

To start the week we tackle: 0:03 Election Biases and Money 2:17 Overcoming Recency Bias 3:34 Strategies Against Bias 6:42 Understanding Market Cycles 11:22 International Investment Options 13:30 Listener Questions and Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 6, 2024

In the shortest Friday Q&A show ever: 2:20 Retirement Lump Sum Concerns 4:28 Transitioning Investment Accounts 6:58 Disclaimers and Financial Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5, 2024

In this episode we discuss: 3:17 The Illusion of High Returns 6:23 The Importance of Second Opinions 20:42 Charitable Giving Strategies 24:04 Transitioning from Real Estate 27:20 Tackling Hodgepodge-itis 35:25 The Role of Financial Planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5, 2024

In this episode, We explore the tip request explosion in America. We discuss the stock markets' recent performance. A caller shares his thoughts on retirement. How should twenty-somethings invest for retirement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 3, 2024

In today's post-holiday episode: 2:42 Preparing for Retirement: Key Considerations 8:54 The Importance of Professional Financial Help 10:58 Embracing Flexibility in Retirement Planning 15:29 Debating Gold as an Investment 15:45 Target Date Funds: Pros and Cons 19:19 Engaging Listener Questions 21:28 A Funny Encounter with AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 31, 2024

Topics of today's questions: 2:14 Long-Term Care Insurance Insights 14:51 Evaluating ETFs for Downside Protection 18:25 Managing Debt with HELOC Strategies 23:36 Portfolio Management for Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 30, 2024

This edition's discussion: 3:08 The Importance of Rebalancing 6:40 Understanding Risk and Volatility 12:13 Inherited Wealth Decisions 15:29 Comparing Exchange-Traded Funds 20:05 The Future of Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28, 2024

In this episode: 1:36 Creative Fear-Mongering Editing 11:28 Fund Recommendations and Confusion 14:30 Clarifying Financial Advice 20:36 Investment Education for Young People 21:06 Personal Finance Adventures 26:04 The Luck of Investing 27:08 Understanding Hodgepodge-itis 36:04 Navigating Complex Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28, 2024

In this episode: 0:04 Financial Exorcism 5:09 Index Fund Realities 15:03 Understanding Market Behavior 21:22 Navigating Retirement Challenges 23:30 Managing Unexpected Wealth 28:20 Lazy Portfolio Strategies 34:17 Healthcare Solutions for Early Retirees 40:52 Behavioral Investing Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 23, 2024

In this special Q&A episode: 5:52 Listener Questions Begin 7:53 Paying Off Debt vs. Investing 8:43 Retirement Savings Strategies 10:21 Employee Stock Purchase Plans 14:37 Risk Management in Retirement 16:10 Finding Purpose in Retirement 16:33 Building a New Home 22:22 Financing vs. IRA Withdrawals 23:50 HSA vs. Roth Contributions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22, 2024

In this episode: 2:35 The Bond Debate 5:07 Alternatives to Bonds 6:47 Evaluating Long-Term Investment Options 9:56 Listener Questions Begin 16:39 Financial Decisions and Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 21, 2024

From last Saturday's radio show: 1:23 Understanding Investment Scams 4:58 Protecting Your Identity 7:25 The Downsides of Credit Freezing 9:04 Importance of Two-Factor Authentication 10:02 Roth Conversion Strategies 12:36 Navigating Social Media Confusion 15:11 The Model Military Aircraft Museum 17:21 Analyzing ETF Recommendations 22:15 Simplifying Investment Strategies 27:39 The Role of a Fiduciary Advisor 33:35 Tailoring Financial Advice for Pilots 35:07 Security for Social Security Numbers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 20, 2024

In this episode, Tom and Don discuss: 5:27 Tech Wonders and Real Estate 13:47 The Changing Landscape of Real Estate 21:14 Navigating Financial Security 21:34 Listener Questions and Insights 26:55 Understanding TIPS and Bonds 28:01 The Importance of Financial Clarity 36:55 Economic Insights and Market Behavior 37:21 Apple’s Vision Pro Experience 40:14 Selling the Airstream: A New Adventure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2024

As Don was actually vacationing, here is last Friday's episode a few days late: 4:06 SIPC Insurance Explained 6:43 Fiduciary Duty and Insurance Companies 8:23 IRA vs. 401k Protection 10:23 Seeking Source Material 14:17 Finding the Podcast 16:36 Connecting with Advisors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 2024

As Don was actually vacationing, here is last Thursday's episode a few days late: 1:03 The Money Talk Dilemma 1:45 Power Dynamics in Financial Discussions 2:01 Evolving Perspectives on Money Talks 3:08 Historical Context of Money Discussions 4:14 Maintaining Financial Independence 5:05 Joint or Separate Bank Accounts? 6:04 Initiating Money Conversations 7:13 Frequency of Money Talks 8:00 Long-Term Financial Planning 10:07 Dealing with Fixed Incomes in Retirement 11:03 Setting Financial Approval Limits 11:35 Seeking Professional Financial Guidance 12:49 Psychological Impact of Financial Control 14:08 Pitfalls of Structured Notes 17:28 Maximizing Saving Opportunities 18:06 Legal Recourse for Mismanaged Investments 20:25 Seeking Financial Assistance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 14, 2024

As Tom and Don meet up at Lake Chelan, they discuss: 2:58 Index Fund Disadvantages 13:56 Market Decline in September 21:47 Avoiding the Herd Mentality 27:40 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis 36:26 Airstream Adventures 40:31 Meet with an Advisor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 13, 2024

In this episode, Tom and Don are in the same room discussing: 6:38 Securing Your Financial Future 10:27 Understanding Risk Tolerance 14:22 The Insurance Industry's Self-Interest 16:50 Bonds: From Bad to Good 20:51 The Big Moving Sale: Silver Bullet Airstream 21:38 The Legend of the Chelan Sea Monster 23:23 Retirement Portfolio Diversification 27:24 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis in Investments 28:26 Managing Fear of Market Volatility 32:32 Importance of a Holistic Financial Plan 38:55 Tailoring Investments to Financial Needs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 9, 2024

This week Don takes questions about: 2:00 Investing for Grandson 4:14 Evaluating 401k Investments 6:50 Revising Investment Portfolio 8:10 WEP and GPO Discussion 19:34 Small Cap Value Index Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 8, 2024

In another traveling episode, we discuss: 1:01 Retirement Savings Importance 2:10 Court Ruling Impact 3:59 Common Retirement Mistakes 6:25 Failing to Maximize 401k Benefits 8:19 Borrowing from 401k Risks 10:12 The Importance of Asset Allocation 11:17 Traditional vs. Roth 401k Considerations 13:44 Financial Planning Importance 14:33 Variable Annuities Dilemma 17:33 Equities in Short-Term Portfolios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 7, 2024

Don joins Tom from a dairy farm in Elk, Washington to explore the history and structure of closed-end funds. They discuss a recent fund by Bill Ackman, highlighting high fees compared to ETFs. Listeners seek advice on simplifying their portfolios with recommended funds like AVUV, AVGE, and VT. Don and Tom suggest allocation strategies based on risk tolerance and financial goals, stressing the importance of comprehensive planning with varied income sources. The conversation shifts to retirement planning, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies considering life expectancy and financial dynamics for couples. Don addresses differences in retirement perceptions between genders. The episode wraps up with Tom’s corny cow-themed jokes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 6, 2024

Don and Tom from "Talking Real Money" talk about the end-of-the-week stock market decline and put equity investing in perspective. Then they discuss recent changes in retirement savings plans. They mention that catch-up contributions for those making over $145,000 a year will now have to go into Roth 401ks instead of traditional ones. They also touch on no more required minimum distributions (RMDs) from Roth 401k plans and new options for Roth contributions in SEP IRAs and simple IRAs. They note changes in penalties for missed RMDs and other updates for retirement planning in 2025. They emphasize the importance of diversification and sticking to a long-term investment strategy, despite fluctuations in the market and new regulations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 2, 2024

Don's taking your questions as he sits in Montana for a moment: 2:51 Simplifying Investment Management 10:49 Choosing the Right Bonds 13:14 Tax Implications of Selling Property 16:55 Establishing a Trust for Inheritance 17:52 Lump Sum vs. Monthly IRA Contributions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 2, 2024

As Don continues to traverse the country, he and Tom talk about: 0:04 Nearing Normalcy 2:21 Special Investments Not So Special 4:11 The Top 10 Investments 4:53 Investing in Crypto 7:39 Trouble with Special Investments 11:15 Fees and Higher Costs 12:47 Ignoring Risky Investments 16:42 Career Change Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 1, 2024

In this episode, Don is dealing from Deadwood, South Dakota: 2:05 Answering Money Questions on the Move 11:48 Investing Dilemma: What to Do with $50,000? 15:13 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis 20:13 Annuitizing Annuities: A Dubious Deal 26:21 The Risks of Annuities and Index Funds 35:09 Dangers of Misguided Advisor Recommendations 37:17 Red Flags in Investment Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 31, 2024

Don keeps traveling west as we discuss: 2:11 Change in Location, Change in Discussion 3:19 Fallacies of the Past 4:22 Social Security Beliefs 6:31 Misconceptions about Equity Returns 9:10 Misconceptions about Indexing 12:06 The Persistence of Myths 18:45 Complexity vs. Simplicity 29:23 Home Team Bias 35:25 Cicadas and Misunderstandings 37:46 Gracious Midwest Visitors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 26, 2024

In this Q&A episode: 0:04 The Shiny Object Syndrome 1:10 The Top Stock Funds 3:46 Lessons from Janus Funds 5:40 Roth IRA Contributions Dilemma 8:30 Considerations for Traditional IRA 9:06 Inherited 401ks and IRAs 13:34 401k Match vs. Traditional IRA 16:31 Don't Miss Out on Free Money Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 26, 2024

Wes Crill from Dimensional Funds joins us to discuss: 1:47 Election Anxiety 3:51 Presidential Concerns 6:03 Market Concentration 7:37 Diversification Dilemma 10:15 Small Cap Superiority 10:56 Global Market Balance 14:18 Rebalancing Challenge 16:10 New Market Highs 17:18 Equity Portfolio Strategy 23:43 Crypto Curiosity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 24, 2024

Tom meets Don and listeners in Madison, Wisconsin: 0:35 Welcome to Talking Real Money live from Goodland Park 8:19 The insurance industry's challenge with transparency 12:34 The importance of recognizing ethical financial advisors 24:19 The importance of financial literacy for investing 31:26 Making informed decisions about high-interest savings accounts 36:13 Wrapping up the show in Madison, Wisconsin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 24, 2024

Tom meets Don on the road trip in a park in Madison, Wisconsin: 0:04 The Corn Chronicles 1:33 Ethanol Insights 5:31 Financial Decisions 7:32 Risky Yields 10:44 Insurance Insights 13:06 Too Good to Be True 17:00 Retirement Dilemma 25:05 Portfolio Simplification Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 20, 2024

In this Q&A session: 0:07 Die with Zero concept and spending for experiences 1:37 Audience member's humorous desire for a bounced check 9:22 Bill Perkins' extravagant birthday celebration and giving away wealth 11:19 Importance of enjoying life and family experiences 13:53 Valuable life lessons and considerations on money management 17:22 Avoiding risky investments when saving for short-term goals 18:36 Precautions and considerations for Roth conversions 20:25 Impact of Roth conversions on Social Security and taxation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 18, 2024

Tom is back for a new episode featuring: 0:04 Welcome Back Banter 5:01 Shifting Investment Trends 7:13 Generational Investing Shifts 12:27 The Pitfalls of Trading 15:29 VTWAX vs. VT 17:59 Asset Allocation Adjustment 19:36 Advisor Interview Form Review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 17, 2024

In today's episode: 3:31 The Dow and Small Company Stocks 6:37 The Value in Small Cap Investing 13:01 Beware of Gimmickry in Investing 15:06 Understanding Risky Investment Strategies 21:09 Get a Second Opinion for Your Financial Future 27:42 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis in Your Portfolio 36:44 Recommendations for Small Cap Value Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 17, 2024

In what was supposed to be the Tuesday podcast: 1:46 The Truth About Annuities 5:37 A Bright Financial Future 6:25 Financial Decisions Made Easy 6:43 Slamming the Insurance Industry 7:03 Properly Placed Annuities 7:16 Beware of Variable Annuities 16:52 Basket Portfolios and ETFs 27:33 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis 30:43 Prioritizing Financial Goals 35:14 Universal Life Insurance Dilemma 36:41 Summer Adventures and Updates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 12, 2024

In this Q&Apisode: 0:04 On the Road Again 5:24 Planning for Retirement 8:58 Handling Inherited Accounts 13:08 Maximizing Retirement Savings 14:24 Balancing Investment Focus 18:48 Role of Real Estate in Portfolio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 11, 2024

Joe Saul-Sehy from Stacking Benjamins joins Don again to discuss: 3:09 Financial Planning Teaching Methods 8:23 Taxation and Financial Planning History 12:25 Efficacy of Fee-Only Planners 16:58 Transition to Lower Commission Annuities 21:10 Portfolio Analysis and Index Fund Consideration 26:54 Stoicism and Investing Philosophy 29:06 Road Trip Update Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 10, 2024

Another episode on the road: 0:03 Bad Year for Stock Pickers 3:24 Property Value and Lease Analysis 4:35 Triple Net Lease Concerns 5:19 Seeking a Second Opinion 5:31 Fiduciary Advisors at Apella 6:18 Creating a Bright Financial Future 13:17 Starting a Retirement Plan 15:02 Retirement Planning for Contractors 25:24 Reality Radio and Index Funds 27:03 Treating Hodgepodge-itis 28:44 Retirement Planning for Special Needs Children 37:27 Diversification with Vanguard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 9, 2024

As Don continues his travels, we discuss: 0:03 On the Road Again 5:41 Berry Talk 8:11 Financial Philosophy 12:39 Protecting Your Investments 20:56 Family Inheritance Dilemma 24:48 Setting Expectations 27:36 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis 33:53 Portfolio Allocation Concerns 36:58 Banking Fees Deception Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 6, 2024

In this Q&A episode: 1:49 The Dangers of Following Market Trends 4:27 Making Decisions Based on Future Feelings 4:58 Investing for Yourself, Not the World 5:19 Welcoming Roxy Butner to the Studio 5:31 Question from Jane about Robo-Advisors 10:24 Estate Planning and Trusts 13:35 Exploring Annuities in Retirement Accounts 18:25 Retirement Planning with Thomas from New Jersey 25:39 Importance of Financial Planning in Retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 3, 2024

Another exciting episode from the mountains of North Carolina: 0:03 Introduction to the Journey 2:40 Looking for exciting investments? 7:45 Importance of Seeking Second Opinions 9:23 Retirement Planning and Investment Allocation 11:05 Sustainable Withdrawal Rate in Retirement 21:43 Investing Should Be Boring 24:32 Discussion on Avoiding Capital Gains Taxes 28:09 Seeking Treatment for Hodgepodge-itis 34:22 Push for Consumer-Centric Financial Industry 38:25 Challenging Live Show Amidst Rainstorm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 2, 2024

Here's the first true "On the Road" edition: 0:04 On the Road Woes 4:09 Temptation of the S&P 500 13:25 Technical Challenges Resolved 14:24 The Dumb Duo of Investing 14:56 Investment Horrors Unveiled 15:33 Real Estate Syndicates Warnings 25:22 Portfolio Purpose Planning 29:46 Avoiding High Fee Traps 34:18 Great American Road Trip Ahead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 1, 2024

Join Don and Joe Saul-Sehy from Stacking Benjamins as they discuss: 0:04 The Secret Coup 1:27 Stacking Benjamins 3:07 The FIRE Movement 9:18 Work and More 12:22 Retirement Realities 14:56 Retirement Reimagined 17:39 The Power of Need 19:05 Unveiling the Box 21:53 Understanding Complexity 25:03 Analyzing ETF BOXX 26:25 The Greatest Money Show on Earth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 29, 2024

Don is on the road, so Friday's Q&A is a bit late: 1:28 Maximizing Financial Aid Strategy 4:06 Investing in Individual Stocks 7:49 Converting 401k to IRA 11:37 Creating a Glide Path Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 28, 2024

In this episode: 0:03 Slow Roll into Retirement 2:38 Working Beyond Retirement Age 4:38 Managing Retirement Portfolio Successfully 7:48 Housing Dilemma 9:18 Mutual Funds vs. ETFs 14:34 Owning Multiple Houses 16:46 Long-Term Housing Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 27, 2024

In this edition: 13:09 Exploring Retirement Costs Across the Country 20:44 Importance of Second Opinions in Investing 29:31 Exploring Anti-ESG Funds 35:02 Disputing Charges on Credit Cards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 25, 2024

In this episode: 1:34 Don's Dumb Duo 5:23 Get a Second Opinion 8:40 The Value of Gold 11:43 Financial Planning Challenges 14:55 Roth Conversions Advice 16:57 Schwab and Fidelity Comparison 19:50 Clarification on Bond Holdings 22:06 After-Tax Contributions in 401k 29:46 Disagreement on Alternative Investments 33:56 Caution on Private Credit Investments 37:08 Risks of Alternative Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 25, 2024

In today's show: 0:04 Slipping into the Matrix 5:01 The Fascination with Market Capitalization 9:45 The Importance of Diversification 13:14 Understanding Pension Plan Options 16:59 Annuities vs. IRAs: Which is Better? 19:16 Opportunities for Financial Guidance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 21, 2024

In this Question and Answer Episode: 0:04 The Gold Rush: Physical vs. Financial 1:18 The Speculation of Gold 3:05 Investing Insights: Stocks vs. Gold 4:36 Q&A with Roxy Butner 5:06 Roth IRA Dilemma: Lump Sum or Dollar Cost Average? 8:06 Portfolio Makeover: Fund Reallocation 11:17 Retirement Planning: Managing 403b and 401k Funds 14:45 Understanding Fund Gains: Net vs. Gross 16:41 Financial Evolution: Trends in Investor Questions 18:23 Special Announcement: Retirement Reprise Event Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 20, 2024

In this episode we discuss: 0:04 Investment "Cheesecake" 1:46 Market Predictions: To Worry or Not to Worry 1:53 Stock Market History: Looking Back and Moving Forward 6:41 The Unpredictable Future: Market Speculations 9:56 Market Timing Dilemma: Selling and Buying Strategies 16:15 Retirement Investment Queries: Bond Funds and Risk Tolerance 18:49 Evaluating Investment Providers: Avoiding Gimmicks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 19, 2024

In this show we discuss: 1:12 Parents' Influence on Money Behavior 2:22 Impact of Childhood Money Habits 9:45 Retirement Dilemma Discussion 13:45 Tax Planning Considerations 17:00 Managing Real Estate Assets 20:49 Annuity Evaluation Guidance 24:46 Selecting Investment Funds in 401k 29:08 Annuity Liquidation Tax Implications 32:01 Annuity Sales Pitch Awareness 35:30 Indexed Annuities Podcasts Overview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 18, 2024

In this episode: 3:40 A Potential Problem with Some ETFs. 10:12 Understanding Standard Deviation in Investing 14:34 Holding a Diversified Portfolio 19:41 Comparing Avantis and Vanguard Funds 21:29 The Impact of Index Funds on the Market 26:19 Importance of Diversification in Investing 31:13 The Value of Target Date Funds 33:28 The Impact of Small and Value Companies 36:55 Housing Market Trends and Real Estate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 17, 2024

In today's skeptical episode: 0:04 Introduction: The Importance of Trust in Finance 3:09 The Market's Trustworthiness: A Closer Look 5:29 Misconceptions About the Market: Zero-Sum Game 9:53 Addressing Market Manipulation and Trust Issues 13:42 Managing Emotional Responses to Market Fluctuations 17:04 Understanding the Long-Term Value of Market Investing 21:27 Analyzing High Beta and Exponential Tech Investments 23:46 Evaluating the Role of Financial Advisors 25:48 Dissecting Trust Company Practices and Fees Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 14, 2024

Don takes on more of your queries: 1:45 Listener Experience with Vanguard and Robinhood 5:23 Taking Advantage of Robinhood's Promotion 6:45 Vanguard's New Fees and the $100 Exit Fee 10:08 Annoyance Fees and Pricing Structures 11:47 Exploring Fidelity's Brokerage Link Option 15:01 Historical Perspective on Stock Market Participation 21:18 Invitation to Seek Free Financial Advice and Join the Road Trip Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 13, 2024

In this podcast: 0:04 Retirement Reflections 21:06 Stock Inclusion Dilemma 22:27 Managing Stock Movements 25:06 Value of Free Financial Help Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 12, 2024

In this episode: 0:04 The Problem with Dave Ramsey's mutual fund advice 5:14 Importance of Second Opinions in Investing 11:21 Retirement Income Strategy and Dividend Reinvestment 16:07 Creating Income in Retirement 21:00 Financial Advice and Misinformation 27:15 Overcoming "Hodgepodge-itis" in Investment Portfolios 31:26 Comparison of Actively Managed and Index Funds 36:57 Caller Plays Back Seat Quarterback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 11, 2024

When it comes to money, we make a lot of investing mistakes. Today, we talk about: 3:30 The Seven Deadly Sins of Wealth Management 14:59 Seeking a Second Opinion 21:05 Not Making Cash the King & Letting Dollars Be Lazy 22:50 The Purpose of Risk in Investing 32:42 Investing as a Means, Not an End 37:24 Importance of Guidance in the Decumulation Phase 38:43 Stop Dreaming, Start Doing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 10, 2024

In this episode, we discuss the high price of home and auto insurance: 0:04 Midwest Storms and Insurance Costs 1:48 Home and Auto Insurance Rate Increases 4:03 Reinsurance Companies and Rate Hikes 5:23 Factors Impacting Insurance Rates 7:34 Dealing with Scammers and Identity Theft 11:35 Saving Money on Insurance Policies 13:33 Importance of Financial Planning in Retirement 19:19 A Little Chat About Scammers 22:46 Rebalancing and Risk Tolerance in Roth Accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 7, 2024

This week's topics: 1:19 Company Stock Purchase Program Dilemma 4:43 Investing Strategies for a 24-Year-Old 7:06 Listener Input on IPOs and Conservative Fund Options 10:05 Retirement Planning with a Large Investment Portfolio 13:36 Investment Decision for a Late 30s Individual 16:06 Retirement Investment Planning for a 64-Year-Old 19:17 Strategy for Investing Proceeds from Property Sale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 6, 2024

In This Episode: 1:15 Inaccessible Home Equity 2:24 Tempting Yet Tricky Home Equity Options 3:31 Exploring New Financing Frontiers 4:01 The Evolution of Reverse Mortgages 5:07 Weighing the Home Equity Loan Dilemma 6:11 An Unconventional Option: Home Profit Sharing 7:11 Unpacking Home Profit Sharing Terms 8:45 Evaluating Alternative Financing Routes 9:21 Leveraging Home Equity Strategically 10:26 The Dangers of Early Mortgage Payoff 10:43 Knowledge is Key: Understanding Home Equity Options 15:07 Q&A: Understanding Investment Returns 16:09 Insight into Index vs. Personal Returns 17:43 Clarifying Investment Fund Recommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 5, 2024

Topics in the episode: 2:02 The Dow Jones Industrial Average 5:23 Financial Second Opinions 10:35 Roth Conversions and Financial Planning 13:45 Trusting Financial Data 16:43 Financial Phone-In Questions 19:11 Vanguard Advisory Service Review 21:01 Managing Inherited IRAs 26:28 Diagnosis: Hodgepodge-itis 27:35 Importance of Financial Planning 33:09 Handling Unexpected Fees 37:59 Talking Real Money Road Trip Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 4, 2024

Today we discuss: 1:00 Money and Happiness 5:31 Second Opinions 12:50 Microphone Woes 27:04 Hodgepodgeitis 37:04 Retirement Account Diversification Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 3, 2024

Here's what in this episode: 1:02 Understanding the Psychology of Money 2:32 Rethinking Financial Advisor Terminology 3:27 Rise of Financial Therapy Certification 4:17 Impact of Money on Mental Health 7:17 Overcoming Financial Anxiety 10:58 Addressing Financial Concerns & Ideas 14:09 Tips for Managing Investment Emotions 19:27 The Purpose of Life Insurance 20:59 Adjusting Investment Allocation in 401k Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 31, 2024

In this week's Friday Q&A: 1:52 ETF Purchasing Best Practices 2:53 Avoid Overthinking and Minutiae 5:37 Making Financial Decisions and Pension Options 7:51 Investing Strategy and Career Reset 11:24 Comfort in Financial Decisions 14:45 Long-Term Saving for Family 17:16 Importance of Financial Planning 18:53 Pension Drawing Decision Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2024

In this episode we discuss a trading staregy combined with a multi-level marketing scheme MLMs in general. 5:27 Second Opinions and Financial Decisions 8:49 Learning and Correcting Mistakes 12:37 Multi-Level Marketing and Trading Strategies 21:04 Warren Buffett's Timeless Advice 25:13 Investigating Ron Blue Investments 32:49 Researching the National Electrical Annuity Plan 36:38 The Graceland Financial Mystery 39:57 Preparing for College and Paying for It Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29, 2024

In this episode, recorded on Saturday May 22: 0:04 Pre-Memorial Day Weekend Banter 4:00 Focus on Investing Mistakes with Christine Benz 4:54 Portfolio Building and Managing Mistakes 18:30 Being Patient vs. Hands-Off Investing 34:40 Discussing American Funds and Expense Ratios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 28, 2024

In today's episode: 0:04 The Trust Issue 2:43 Custodians and Fiduciaries 3:12 Finding True Fiduciary Help 3:53 Fee-Only vs Fee-Based 5:43 Various Compensation Models 8:02 Understanding Terminology 10:52 Brokercheck.org Exploration 12:08 Where to Find Trusted Advisors 13:56 Vetting Financial Advisors 15:38 Insurance Companies and Investments 19:30 Dealing with Large Stock Gains 23:13 Dealing with Tax Implications 25:10 Upcoming RetireMeet East Event Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 24, 2024

In this episodes, Don answers listeners questions about: 3:15 Seeking a Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor for Aging Parents 6:24 Uncovering Red Flags in Financial Advisor Disclosures 11:44 Evaluating the Dodge & Cox Income X Bond Fund 12:46 Importance of Reading Form ADVs for Investment Advisory Firms 18:17 The Aftermath of Removing Social Security 19:11 Understanding Mutual Fund Return Reports 21:24 Replacing Vanguard Bond Fund BND with Risky Alternatives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 23, 2024

In this episode: 1:16 Affinity Fraud in the Military 3:54 Unveiling Investment Fraud in the Military 11:57 Building Trust in Financial Relationships 14:00 Maintaining Boundaries in Financial Relationships 19:33 Trusting Third-Party Sources for Investment Information 23:43 Retirement and Investment Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 22, 2024

Can a fiduciary fee-only advisor make you more money, even after expenses. Vanguard says, "yes!" We talk about some of their findings and more: 3:53 Cost-Effective Implementation and Rebalancing 6:20 Financial Future and Advisor Second Opinions 7:16 Asset Location and Withdrawal Strategies 9:00 Hodgepodge-itis and Portfolio Simplification 11:57 The Vanguard Experience 14:30 The Importance of Seeking Advice Early 20:14 Backdoor Roth IRA Strategies 26:15 Hodgepodge-itis Treatment and Financial Future 28:57 Morningstar Ratings Debunked 31:51 Roth Conversions and Considerations 35:10 Evaluating Investment Fees at Wells Fargo 36:31 Simplifying Portfolios with TSP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 21, 2024

In this episode: 0.54 America's Obsession with New Media and Gurus 1:55 The GameStop Saga Begins 2:43 Reddit's Influence on GameStop Stock 3:33 Lessons from the GameStop Rollercoaster 5:20 Seeking a Second Opinion in Investing 6:19 The Stupidity in Following Stock Recommendations 7:03 GameStop Stock: A Question of Valuation 8:30 The Evolution of the Gaming Industry 8:54 What to Learn from the GameStop Frenzy 9:49 Investing vs. Speculation 12:05 Vanguard's Fiduciary Advisors and Financial Decisions 12:31 Importance of Getting a Second Opinion 15:03 Adjusting Investment Strategy for Retirement 15:31 Vanguard's Changes in Customer Service 16:45 Questioning Vanguard's Decision-Making 21:25 The Significance of Money in Your Life 26:34 Addressing Hodgepodgeitis in Your Investment Portfolio 27:34 Vanguard's Controversial Fee Changes 34:02 Strategies for Protecting Equities After Hours 36:46 The Remarkable Story of Dimensional Funds 38:26 Platforms for Investing: Schwab vs. TD Ameritrade 39:58 Resources and Information at TalkingRealMoney.com 40:49 Important Disclaimer and Legal Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 20, 2024

We don't often have guests, but we do, from time to time, invite some of the best minds in money management to join us. Author and financial educator, Dan Solin spends time with us this week to share some wisdom from his latest book, Wealthier: The Investing Field Guide for Millennials . We discuss buying a home versus renting, saving and investing for retirement, and the future of Social Security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 17, 2024

On the week's question and answer session, Tom and Roxy take written questions from listeners about: Social Security spousal benefits. Moving Emergency Cash Short-Term Cash Options Portfolio Diversification AVGE vs. BND Allocation Real Estate Sales and Tax Planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 16, 2024

Was retirement really better in thge past? Have 401k plans been a retirement income benefit or detriment? Might there be a better way to insure a secure retirement income? We also explore the difference in long-term returns between large-cap and small-cap value stocks. Plus, we hear from listeners: Why does the actual income from I-Bonds not match the stated rate? Can income from a court settlement from a stock in an IRA be transferred into the IRA? Is it better to take retirement income from investments annually, monthly, or as needed? Looking for a quick portfolio review? Is it okay to start spending extra money in retirement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 15, 2024

Beware of complex investments or those promising to provide higher returns using some financial sleight-of-hand. Higher returns always require some sort of tradeoff. There are no special systems to game the markets, long-term. Then, we hear from listeners: He stayed in bonds and lost money, should he stick with them now? How can current assets be grown to enough to support retirement needs? Does it make sense to buy a second home on the beach? How should a very conservative retiree invest retirement funds? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 14, 2024

Millions of people rely on Social Security for a large portion of their income, yet the system is running low on money and won't be able to meet future obligations without major changes. So, which is better, reducing benefits or raising taxes? Plus, we take listeners questions: What's the best way to reduce taxes on retirement plan distributions? What can be done to reduce hodgepodgery in a portfolio? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 13, 2024

In the episode, instead of discussing all of the bad financial decisions we make, let's take time to acknowledge all of the good things we do with money. Plus, we take questions on: The possible negative impact that passive investing might have on the stock markets. The potential tax ramifications of a portfolio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 10, 2024

The questions have started pouring in again. Thanks! Today... Using High-yielding CLOs Instead of Bonds. Adjusting Portfolio for Growth Maryland 529 Plan vs. Other Options Maximizing Growth for Grandchildren Understanding Rebalancing in a 401k Implementing a Three-Bucket Account Strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 9, 2024

The U.S. Labor Department is going to try again to hold some of those who provide advice on retirement assets to actually act in their clients' best interests. Will this new rule actually go into effect this time and who might it protect. Then we take your questions: What to we think of Keith Fitz-Gibbons investing advice? What's the best way to cover three years of expenses before collection Social Security? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 8, 2024

After years of diligently saving and investing a your retirement plans, what should you be doing when your accounts have grown to sizable amounts? Plus, we share the reasons for a small cap and value portfolio tilt. Plus, we hear from several listeners who ask: Why don't we talk more about 529 ABLE plans? What do we think of a portfolio with 20-year Treasury bonds? After maxxing out retirement accounts, where should other money be invested? Why can't more people save and invest? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 7, 2024

Is it a mutual fund? Is it an annuity? Can one investment met everyone's retirement needs? That's seems to be the claim of the complex BlackRock LifePath Paycheck funds. Plus, we talk about Warren Buffett's take on corporate taxes and how individuals could all end up paying no income taxes. We also discuss the workings of the "backdoor" Roth IRA. Then, listeners want to know: Nearing retirement is a fiduciary adviser needed and what should one cost? The name of the book Tom mentioned about Crazy Eddie? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 6, 2024

Gold has gotten hot again, but just because you can get a bar at Costco is it a decent investment? We look hack at the history and returns of gold over decades and longer. Plus, we take some listener questions: Where can information be found on a school districts's 403b plan? In what account order should money be withdrawn for a college education? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 3, 2024

On this week's Friday Q&A: Does more money in emerging markets make sense? What should be done with an 401k now that Vanguard has sold their servicing? Are these two funds diversified enough? Is there any way to calculate future call option premiums? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 2, 2024

There aren't many ways to improve your odds while investing in stocks. So, why have investors like Warren Buffet been so successful and why do we belive in factor investing? Plus listeners want to know: Why do we suggest more expensive products from firms like Avantis and Dimensional? What are the differences between a 403b and a Roth IRA? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 1, 2024

Don't be fooled by "money illusions." We are often confused about money math, particularly when it comes to the impacts of inflation. Our financial psycology can lead us to make bad decisions. The callers have questions about: Financial Planning for a Special Needs Family Member Estate Planning Strategies for Passing Wealth to Grandchildren Balancing Risk Tolerance with Retirement Savings Directing Inheritance to Grandchildren Understanding Indexed Annuities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 30, 2024

After bonds suffered a really bad year in 2022, many investors still hate them. Do all bonds deserve the recent bad reputations? Time for a fixed income reality check. We also discuss the bad advice given by most radio advisors. We also hear from listeners: Why do we dislike anuuities as investments? What do we think of the new DOL rule requiring all retirement rollover advice be held to the fiduciary standard? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 29, 2024

Once again, the United States Depratment of Labor is trying to protect retirement investors against the lies told, and the high fees charged, by many providers of advoce for retirement pland rollovers and transfers. Will they succeed against Wall Street and Big Insurance? Plus, we take your questions: What's the best way to pay for a new roof? Why are my ETFs paying out taxable dividends? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 26, 2024

This Friday's Qs: How should an aggressive investor invest money that is not needed in retirement? Does a QLAC make sense as a toold to control long-term care expenses? Are there any tax ramications from moving from an expensive funds to ETFs in a qualified retirement account? Does his portfolio idea make sense for a lazy retirement investor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 25, 2024

What is the best investment strategy in a time of higher "safe" interest rates? For many, the tendency is to play it safer, but how might that work out in the long run? Plus, we answer questions: How much is Edward Jones charging for their investment services? How can an investor harvest tax losses? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 24, 2024

Far too many businesses offer their employees expensive retirement plans. You must know how much you're paying. Plus, many states are now allowing employees to set up automatic payroll deductions into their own IRAs. We hear from callers: What will interest rates do in the near future? What can be done with IRA distributions to reduce taxation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 23, 2024

This seemingly simple retirement quiz stumped most who took it. How will you fare? Take the quiz with us. Plus, what can you do if you have a low interest rate bank savings account? Listeners want to know: How long will mom's retirement assets last? Is there any way to get money back from a federal long-term care policy? How can money in a retirement plan be accessed before 59-1/2 without penalties? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 22, 2024

Our friend, Mark Hebner from Index Fund Advisors, joins Tom and Don to talk about the most important number to investors, total return. The rise and fall of prices shouldn't be of much concern to investors, it's how much you make on your investments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 19, 2024

In this week's Friday Q&A edition: How safe are investment in brokerage accounts? Why shouldn't someone tranfer an IRA to Robin Hood to collect a 3% bonus? What do we think of Fisher Investments "bucket" strategy? How should money be invested for the beneficiary of a special needs trust? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 18, 2024

One of the problems with index funds is the fact that they slavishly follow the index. This means that for long periods they can own stocks that are way outside the indexes parameters. This is one argument for rules-basd funds. Then, listeners ask: Are we concerned about the decline in the number of publically-traded stocks? Is it okay to be 100% in stocks close to retirement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 17, 2024

Most American's have saved enough for even a $400 emergency? Start there, and then it's time to work on retirement savings. Along the way have those tough financial conversations with your partner. Plus, Don goes on a rant about the financial services industry and it's lack of client care. We hear from callers: With a little help for a previous caller. What do we think of a particular brokerage firm? How can money be moved from a regular IRA in an annuity to a Roth? Is Empower providing good investment advice? How should money be invested in a after-tax IRA? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices