Talking Real Money

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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