Talking Real Money - Investing Talk

As Tom and Don meet up at Lake Chelan, they discuss:2:58 Index Fund Disadvantages13:56 Market Decline in September21:47 Avoiding the Herd Mentality27:40 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis36:26 Airstream Adventures40:31 Meet with an AdvisorLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode, Tom and Don are in the same room discussing:6:38 Securing Your Financial Future10:27 Understanding Risk Tolerance14:22 The Insurance Industry's Self-Interest16:50 Bonds: From Bad to Good20:51 The Big Moving Sale: Silver Bullet Airstream21:38 The Legend of the Chelan Sea Monster23:23 Retirement Portfolio Diversification27:24 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis in Investments28:26 Managing Fear of Market Volatility32:32 Importance of a Holistic Financial Plan38:55 Tailoring Investments to Financial NeedsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

This week Don takes questions about:2:00 Investing for Grandson4:14 Evaluating 401k Investments6:50 Revising Investment Portfolio8:10 WEP and GPO Discussion19:34 Small Cap Value Index FundsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In another traveling episode, we discuss:1:01 Retirement Savings Importance2:10 Court Ruling Impact3:59 Common Retirement Mistakes6:25 Failing to Maximize 401k Benefits8:19 Borrowing from 401k Risks10:12 The Importance of Asset Allocation11:17 Traditional vs. Roth 401k Considerations13:44 Financial Planning Importance14:33 Variable Annuities Dilemma17:33 Equities in Short-Term PortfoliosLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

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/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

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/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Don's taking your questions as he sits in Montana for a moment:2:51 Simplifying Investment Management10:49 Choosing the Right Bonds13:14 Tax Implications of Selling Property16:55 Establishing a Trust for Inheritance17:52 Lump Sum vs. Monthly IRA ContributionsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

As Don continues to traverse the country, he and Tom talk about:0:04 Nearing Normalcy2:21 Special Investments Not So Special4:11 The Top 10 Investments4:53 Investing in Crypto7:39 Trouble with Special Investments11:15 Fees and Higher Costs12:47 Ignoring Risky Investments16:42 Career Change AdviceLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode, Don is dealing from Deadwood, South Dakota:2:05 Answering Money Questions on the Move11:48 Investing Dilemma: What to Do with $50,000?15:13 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis20:13 Annuitizing Annuities: A Dubious Deal26:21 The Risks of Annuities and Index Funds35:09 Dangers of Misguided Advisor Recommendations37:17 Red Flags in Investment AdviceLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Don keeps traveling west as we discuss:2:11 Change in Location, Change in Discussion3:19 Fallacies of the Past4:22 Social Security Beliefs6:31 Misconceptions about Equity Returns9:10 Misconceptions about Indexing12:06 The Persistence of Myths18:45 Complexity vs. Simplicity29:23 Home Team Bias35:25 Cicadas and Misunderstandings37:46 Gracious Midwest VisitorsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this Q&A episode:0:04 The Shiny Object Syndrome1:10 The Top Stock Funds3:46 Lessons from Janus Funds5:40 Roth IRA Contributions Dilemma8:30 Considerations for Traditional IRA9:06 Inherited 401ks and IRAs13:34 401k Match vs. Traditional IRA16:31 Don't Miss Out on Free MoneyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Wes Crill from Dimensional Funds joins us to discuss:1:47 Election Anxiety3:51 Presidential Concerns6:03 Market Concentration7:37 Diversification Dilemma10:15 Small Cap Superiority10:56 Global Market Balance14:18 Rebalancing Challenge16:10 New Market Highs17:18 Equity Portfolio Strategy23:43 Crypto CuriosityLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Tom meets Don and listeners in Madison, Wisconsin:0:35 Welcome to Talking Real Money live from Goodland Park8:19 The insurance industry's challenge with transparency12:34 The importance of recognizing ethical financial advisors24:19 The importance of financial literacy for investing31:26 Making informed decisions about high-interest savings accounts36:13 Wrapping up the show in Madison, WisconsinLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Tom meets Don on the road trip in a park in Madison, Wisconsin:0:04 The Corn Chronicles1:33 Ethanol Insights5:31 Financial Decisions7:32 Risky Yields10:44 Insurance Insights13:06 Too Good to Be True17:00 Retirement Dilemma25:05 Portfolio SimplificationLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this Q&A session:0:07 Die with Zero concept and spending for experiences1:37 Audience member's humorous desire for a bounced check9:22 Bill Perkins' extravagant birthday celebration and giving away wealth11:19 Importance of enjoying life and family experiences13:53 Valuable life lessons and considerations on money management17:22 Avoiding risky investments when saving for short-term goals18:36 Precautions and considerations for Roth conversions20:25 Impact of Roth conversions on Social Security and taxationLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Tom is back for a new episode featuring:0:04 Welcome Back Banter5:01 Shifting Investment Trends7:13 Generational Investing Shifts12:27 The Pitfalls of Trading15:29 VTWAX vs. VT17:59 Asset Allocation Adjustment19:36 Advisor Interview Form ReviewLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In today's episode:3:31 The Dow and Small Company Stocks6:37 The Value in Small Cap Investing13:01 Beware of Gimmickry in Investing15:06 Understanding Risky Investment Strategies21:09 Get a Second Opinion for Your Financial Future27:42 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis in Your Portfolio36:44 Recommendations for Small Cap Value FundsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In what was supposed to be the Tuesday podcast:1:46 The Truth About Annuities5:37 A Bright Financial Future6:25 Financial Decisions Made Easy6:43 Slamming the Insurance Industry7:03 Properly Placed Annuities7:16 Beware of Variable Annuities16:52 Basket Portfolios and ETFs27:33 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis30:43 Prioritizing Financial Goals35:14 Universal Life Insurance Dilemma36:41 Summer Adventures and UpdatesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this Q&Apisode:0:04 On the Road Again5:24 Planning for Retirement8:58 Handling Inherited Accounts13:08 Maximizing Retirement Savings14:24 Balancing Investment Focus18:48 Role of Real Estate in PortfolioLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Joe Saul-Sehy from Stacking Benjamins joins Don again to discuss:3:09 Financial Planning Teaching Methods8:23 Taxation and Financial Planning History12:25 Efficacy of Fee-Only Planners16:58 Transition to Lower Commission Annuities21:10 Portfolio Analysis and Index Fund Consideration26:54 Stoicism and Investing Philosophy29:06 Road Trip UpdateLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Another episode on the road:0:03 Bad Year for Stock Pickers3:24 Property Value and Lease Analysis4:35 Triple Net Lease Concerns5:19 Seeking a Second Opinion5:31 Fiduciary Advisors at Apella6:18 Creating a Bright Financial Future13:17 Starting a Retirement Plan15:02 Retirement Planning for Contractors25:24 Reality Radio and Index Funds27:03 Treating Hodgepodge-itis28:44 Retirement Planning for Special Needs Children37:27 Diversification with VanguardLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

As Don continues his travels, we discuss:0:03 On the Road Again5:41 Berry Talk8:11 Financial Philosophy12:39 Protecting Your Investments20:56 Family Inheritance Dilemma24:48 Setting Expectations27:36 Overcoming Hodgepodge-itis33:53 Portfolio Allocation Concerns36:58 Banking Fees DeceptionLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this Q&A episode:1:49 The Dangers of Following Market Trends4:27 Making Decisions Based on Future Feelings4:58 Investing for Yourself, Not the World5:19 Welcoming Roxy Butner to the Studio5:31 Question from Jane about Robo-Advisors10:24 Estate Planning and Trusts13:35 Exploring Annuities in Retirement Accounts18:25 Retirement Planning with Thomas from New Jersey25:39 Importance of Financial Planning in RetirementLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Another exciting episode from the mountains of North Carolina:0:03 Introduction to the Journey2:40 Looking for exciting investments?7:45 Importance of Seeking Second Opinions9:23 Retirement Planning and Investment Allocation11:05 Sustainable Withdrawal Rate in Retirement21:43 Investing Should Be Boring24:32 Discussion on Avoiding Capital Gains Taxes28:09 Seeking Treatment for Hodgepodge-itis34:22 Push for Consumer-Centric Financial Industry38:25 Challenging Live Show Amidst RainstormLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Here's the first true "On the Road" edition:0:04 On the Road Woes4:09 Temptation of the S&P 50013:25 Technical Challenges Resolved14:24 The Dumb Duo of Investing14:56 Investment Horrors Unveiled15:33 Real Estate Syndicates Warnings25:22 Portfolio Purpose Planning29:46 Avoiding High Fee Traps34:18 Great American Road Trip AheadLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Join Don and Joe Saul-Sehy from Stacking Benjamins as they discuss:0:04 The Secret Coup1:27 Stacking Benjamins3:07 The FIRE Movement9:18 Work and More12:22 Retirement Realities14:56 Retirement Reimagined17:39 The Power of Need19:05 Unveiling the Box21:53 Understanding Complexity25:03 Analyzing ETF BOXX26:25 The Greatest Money Show on EarthLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Don is on the road, so Friday's Q&A is a bit late:1:28 Maximizing Financial Aid Strategy4:06 Investing in Individual Stocks7:49 Converting 401k to IRA11:37 Creating a Glide PathLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode:0:03 Slow Roll into Retirement2:38 Working Beyond Retirement Age4:38 Managing Retirement Portfolio Successfully7:48 Housing Dilemma9:18 Mutual Funds vs. ETFs14:34 Owning Multiple Houses16:46 Long-Term Housing PlansLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this edition:13:09 Exploring Retirement Costs Across the Country20:44 Importance of Second Opinions in Investing29:31 Exploring Anti-ESG Funds35:02 Disputing Charges on Credit CardsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode:1:34 Don's Dumb Duo5:23 Get a Second Opinion8:40 The Value of Gold11:43 Financial Planning Challenges14:55 Roth Conversions Advice16:57 Schwab and Fidelity Comparison19:50 Clarification on Bond Holdings22:06 After-Tax Contributions in 401k29:46 Disagreement on Alternative Investments33:56 Caution on Private Credit Investments37:08 Risks of Alternative InvestmentsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In today's show:0:04 Slipping into the Matrix5:01 The Fascination with Market Capitalization9:45 The Importance of Diversification13:14 Understanding Pension Plan Options16:59 Annuities vs. IRAs: Which is Better?19:16 Opportunities for Financial GuidanceLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this Question and Answer Episode:0:04 The Gold Rush: Physical vs. Financial1:18 The Speculation of Gold3:05 Investing Insights: Stocks vs. Gold4:36 Q&A with Roxy Butner5:06 Roth IRA Dilemma: Lump Sum or Dollar Cost Average?8:06 Portfolio Makeover: Fund Reallocation11:17 Retirement Planning: Managing 403b and 401k Funds14:45 Understanding Fund Gains: Net vs. Gross16:41 Financial Evolution: Trends in Investor Questions18:23 Special Announcement: Retirement Reprise EventLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode we discuss:0:04 Investment "Cheesecake"1:46 Market Predictions: To Worry or Not to Worry1:53 Stock Market History: Looking Back and Moving Forward6:41 The Unpredictable Future: Market Speculations9:56 Market Timing Dilemma: Selling and Buying Strategies16:15 Retirement Investment Queries: Bond Funds and Risk Tolerance18:49 Evaluating Investment Providers: Avoiding GimmicksLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this show we discuss:1:12 Parents' Influence on Money Behavior2:22 Impact of Childhood Money Habits9:45 Retirement Dilemma Discussion13:45 Tax Planning Considerations17:00 Managing Real Estate Assets20:49 Annuity Evaluation Guidance24:46 Selecting Investment Funds in 401k29:08 Annuity Liquidation Tax Implications32:01 Annuity Sales Pitch Awareness35:30 Indexed Annuities Podcasts OverviewLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode:3:40 A Potential Problem with Some ETFs.10:12 Understanding Standard Deviation in Investing14:34 Holding a Diversified Portfolio19:41 Comparing Avantis and Vanguard Funds21:29 The Impact of Index Funds on the Market26:19 Importance of Diversification in Investing31:13 The Value of Target Date Funds33:28 The Impact of Small and Value Companies36:55 Housing Market Trends and Real EstateLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In today's skeptical episode:0:04 Introduction: The Importance of Trust in Finance3:09 The Market's Trustworthiness: A Closer Look5:29 Misconceptions About the Market: Zero-Sum Game9:53 Addressing Market Manipulation and Trust Issues13:42 Managing Emotional Responses to Market Fluctuations17:04 Understanding the Long-Term Value of Market Investing21:27 Analyzing High Beta and Exponential Tech Investments23:46 Evaluating the Role of Financial Advisors25:48 Dissecting Trust Company Practices and FeesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Don takes on more of your queries:1:45 Listener Experience with Vanguard and Robinhood5:23 Taking Advantage of Robinhood's Promotion6:45 Vanguard's New Fees and the $100 Exit Fee10:08 Annoyance Fees and Pricing Structures11:47 Exploring Fidelity's Brokerage Link Option15:01 Historical Perspective on Stock Market Participation21:18 Invitation to Seek Free Financial Advice and Join the Road TripLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this podcast:0:04 Retirement Reflections21:06 Stock Inclusion Dilemma22:27 Managing Stock Movements25:06 Value of Free Financial HelpLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode:0:04 The Problem with Dave Ramsey's mutual fund advice5:14 Importance of Second Opinions in Investing11:21 Retirement Income Strategy and Dividend Reinvestment16:07 Creating Income in Retirement21:00 Financial Advice and Misinformation27:15 Overcoming "Hodgepodge-itis" in Investment Portfolios31:26 Comparison of Actively Managed and Index Funds36:57 Caller Plays Back Seat QuarterbackLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

When it comes to money, we make a lot of investing mistakes. Today, we talk about:3:30 The Seven Deadly Sins of Wealth Management14:59 Seeking a Second Opinion21:05 Not Making Cash the King & Letting Dollars Be Lazy22:50 The Purpose of Risk in Investing32:42 Investing as a Means, Not an End37:24 Importance of Guidance in the Decumulation Phase38:43 Stop Dreaming, Start DoingLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode, we discuss the high price of home and auto insurance:0:04 Midwest Storms and Insurance Costs1:48 Home and Auto Insurance Rate Increases4:03 Reinsurance Companies and Rate Hikes5:23 Factors Impacting Insurance Rates7:34 Dealing with Scammers and Identity Theft11:35 Saving Money on Insurance Policies13:33 Importance of Financial Planning in Retirement19:19 A Little Chat About Scammers22:46 Rebalancing and Risk Tolerance in Roth AccountsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

This week's topics:1:19 Company Stock Purchase Program Dilemma4:43 Investing Strategies for a 24-Year-Old7:06 Listener Input on IPOs and Conservative Fund Options10:05 Retirement Planning with a Large Investment Portfolio13:36 Investment Decision for a Late 30s Individual16:06 Retirement Investment Planning for a 64-Year-Old19:17 Strategy for Investing Proceeds from Property SaleLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In This Episode:1:15 Inaccessible Home Equity2:24 Tempting Yet Tricky Home Equity Options3:31 Exploring New Financing Frontiers4:01 The Evolution of Reverse Mortgages5:07 Weighing the Home Equity Loan Dilemma6:11 An Unconventional Option: Home Profit Sharing7:11 Unpacking Home Profit Sharing Terms8:45 Evaluating Alternative Financing Routes9:21 Leveraging Home Equity Strategically10:26 The Dangers of Early Mortgage Payoff10:43 Knowledge is Key: Understanding Home Equity Options15:07 Q&A: Understanding Investment Returns16:09 Insight into Index vs. Personal Returns17:43 Clarifying Investment Fund RecommendationsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Topics in the episode:2:02 The Dow Jones Industrial Average5:23 Financial Second Opinions10:35 Roth Conversions and Financial Planning13:45 Trusting Financial Data16:43 Financial Phone-In Questions19:11 Vanguard Advisory Service Review21:01 Managing Inherited IRAs26:28 Diagnosis: Hodgepodge-itis27:35 Importance of Financial Planning33:09 Handling Unexpected Fees37:59 Talking Real Money Road TripLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Today we discuss:1:00 Money and Happiness5:31 Second Opinions12:50 Microphone Woes27:04 Hodgepodgeitis37:04 Retirement Account DiversificationLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Here's what in this episode:1:02 Understanding the Psychology of Money2:32 Rethinking Financial Advisor Terminology3:27 Rise of Financial Therapy Certification4:17 Impact of Money on Mental Health7:17 Overcoming Financial Anxiety10:58 Addressing Financial Concerns & Ideas14:09 Tips for Managing Investment Emotions19:27 The Purpose of Life Insurance20:59 Adjusting Investment Allocation in 401kLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this week's Friday Q&A:1:52 ETF Purchasing Best Practices2:53 Avoid Overthinking and Minutiae5:37 Making Financial Decisions and Pension Options7:51 Investing Strategy and Career Reset11:24 Comfort in Financial Decisions14:45 Long-Term Saving for Family17:16 Importance of Financial Planning18:53 Pension Drawing DecisionLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

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 Mistakes12:37 Multi-Level Marketing and Trading Strategies 21:04 Warren Buffett's Timeless Advice25:13 Investigating Ron Blue Investments32:49 Researching the National Electrical Annuity Plan 36:38 The Graceland Financial Mystery39:57 Preparing for College and Paying for ItLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode, recorded on Saturday May 22:0:04 Pre-Memorial Day Weekend Banter4:00 Focus on Investing Mistakes with Christine Benz4:54 Portfolio Building and Managing Mistakes18:30 Being Patient vs. Hands-Off Investing34:40 Discussing American Funds and Expense RatiosLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In today's episode:0:04 The Trust Issue2:43 Custodians and Fiduciaries3:12 Finding True Fiduciary Help3:53 Fee-Only vs Fee-Based5:43 Various Compensation Models8:02 Understanding Terminology10:52 Brokercheck.org Exploration12:08 Where to Find Trusted Advisors13:56 Vetting Financial Advisors15:38 Insurance Companies and Investments 19:30 Dealing with Large Stock Gains23:13 Dealing with Tax Implications25:10 Upcoming RetireMeet East EventLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!