Talking Real Money - Investing Talk

This Friday:A listener corrects one of Don's statement about Bitcoin ETFs.Can buying a building for a business replace a REIT in a portfolio?What's the best way to invest a court settlement for a minor?A suggestion that an umbrella insurance policy could lower other P&C rates.A discussion of the difference between dividend reinvestment in mutual funds and ETFs.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Sure, building the wealth we want to retire well is hard work. However, let's look at the bright side. One hundred years ago, we'd probably be dead. Tom and Don talk about the current state of retirement in the U.S. and share some ideas for making it better. Listeners ask:What's the correct asset allocation for a portfolio including an HSA?How should I invest in retirement?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In very short order, the market sprouted thousands of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While most were solid concepts with decades of research supporting them, a few were just silly. Thankfully, we are now seeing the demise of these crazy products. We also look at some of the worst ETFs from last year. With so many living with parents, what's the best way to help adult children become financially independent? Don goes back to some comments he has made about the need for homeowners insurance in a few cases. A listener asks how to used fixed-income securities in a portfolio?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

High-yield CDs are nothing new. It's just been a long-time. While a 5% rate feels pretty good after years of low rates, how long will they last? What should you do when rates fall again? Are there better ways to invest, particularly for younger investors? Did God really tell a Colorado preacher to create and sell a worthless cryptocurrency to his flock?We hear from a listener who believes that the Federal Reserve FedNow program is designed to control behavior.Another wonders if Fidelity can send monthly payments from a 401k?Does investing in a target-date fund make sense in an HSA account?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

The real estate sales business is about to face the same issues as other professions that have been squeezed by both technology and regulation. After a costly court ruling, and with increasingly powerful technology, the decline in real estate commissions is expected to accelerate (as have brokerage commissions over the years). Then, we hear from listeners like you:Is it too late to invest in a 529 for older kids?Is there a better option that the age-based plan in the Utah 529 plan?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In today's episode callers ask DonWhich is worse: and annuity of a leaf blower?What can be done for a friend who is on the brink of bankruptcy?Which CD is best and what is a callable CD?After a financial windfall is it too late to hire an advisor?Can a retired pastor take tax-free housing withdrawals after moving from 403b to IRA?Should a portfolio be diversified among accounts based on tax treatment?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

How many securities should you own in a well-diversified portfolio? Is it ten or ten thousand? We explore some advice on proper portfolio diversification versus market-timing and stock picking. Then, listeners ask:How should a Health Savings Account (HSA) be invested?Does it make sense to add Boston Partners Large Cap Value Equity Fund to a portfolio?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

It's no wonder that businesses love the subscription model. It makes paying for products and services automatic and provides steady predictable cash flow. On the flip side, it also creates an almost impercetible drain of your budget. Learn how to reduce the subscription cash suck. We agree with Dave Ramsey's dislike of cash-value life insurance.A listener shares a tool for cutting subscription costs and wonders why it would ever be okay to go without homeowners insurance? Others ask:When is it better to pay off a mortgage than invest?Why can't dividends be reinvested in an ETF?How much liability insurance is needed?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

After a big week for stocks, we address the reality of the equity markets and why a "new high" is nothing to get excited about. While 5% rates feel better than zero, we are concerened that too much money languishes in banks. Plus, more money is finally invested in passive funds than actively managed products and why it's about darned time.Listeners ask:Is Retiremeet worthwhile for those already retired?How should money be invested in a deferred compensation plan?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In today's podcast, we present more evidence showing it may be subssrantially cheaper to rent a home than to buy one. However, the equation changes when you factor in emotions. Plus, how much money do you need to be wealthy? Do shares an example of why buying a new cars is a financial mistake?A listener asks:What should be done with an old whole life policy purchased by parents for an adult child?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

First, a listener wants to take Don to task for his Bitcoin negativity.What is the value of tax-loss harvesting?Can a Coverdell ESA be moved to a 529 plan?Can RMDs be postponed by going back to work?Finally, we conclude with some listener created musical interludes.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

We're all over the fiscal place today. After an ad during our radio show we look at the horrible and yet perfectly legal predatory predatory short-term loan business. Then, we try to understand why experts are still advising investors to try to find the right time to buy stocks and consider the psychological effect of bad markets. Plus, we compare whether it makes more sense to buy gold bars or freeze-dried emergency food at Costco. A listener looks for advice on taking a lump-sum distribution or a monthly pension.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

The SEC finally have given in to the pressure and approved "real" Bitcoin ETFs. Does this change make cryptocurrencies and less ephemeral or improve their possibilities as an "investment?" What are the 5 biggest annuity sales lies? Plus, are "regular investor" hedge funds any better than their "big" investor counterparts? Then listeners asks::Which funds should be used for young people's Roth IRAs?Can an advisor pitching indexed annuity be a fiduciary as he claims? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In the new year, you can save even more for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. Take full advantage of your opportunities to save now and in the future. Plus, listeners want to know:How should excess money in an HSA be invested?What should be done with a $500,000 inheritance?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this Q&A episode:Does it make sense to switch from taxable bonds to tax-free municipal bonds?Does a portfolio need more international or value exposure?What effect will new Bitcoin ETFs have on the value of Bitcoin?A listener disagrees with our statements about buying a home versus renting?Is Emancipare a legitimate advisor?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Beware of most (if not all) of the investing advice in the financial press. This is particularly true when the information is based on short-term data. Don't peek at your portfolio too often. Then we take listeners questions:Does it make sense to purchace pension service credits?Do those with checking at their broker need a bank account?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Of all the types of employer-sponsored retirement plans, 403(b) plans are among the worst. Without a fiduciary requirement, many of the investment options are expensive, high-commission insurance products. That's why the onus is on you to make smart choices. Then, we hear from listeners:To discuss issues with distributions from and taxes on an estate.How to get a portfolio evaluation from us?What do we think of Delaware Stautory Trusts (DSTs)?When should RMDs be taken?What's the best way to retire to Florida and find a place to live?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Very few Americans feel confident they can financially enjoy a comfortable retirement. So, what do real retirees wish they knew before retiring? We discuss why every investor should have international stocks and and share the hottest global markets. How did the United States fare? Along the way, callers join in.What do we think of the retirement investment options from Northen Trust?In the current environment would it be better to invest in longer term bonds?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Before you enter into any relationship, it's important to know how the other person perceives money. This is particularly important to know if you plan to spend your life with that person. Plus, listeners ask:Can funds from a UGMA or UTMA be moved into a minor's 529 plan?What is our opinion of spiders (the ones spelled SDPRs)?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Happy new year and we have new questions:What do we think of XY Planning Network?Is Vanguard's new Core Actively Managed Bond Fund a good investment?What can or should be done with a gifted annuity?Should VT and VTI be purchased now "at a peak?"Is a $9,000 RMD tax analysis worthwhile?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

There may be a few things we shouldn't discuss. Money isn't one of them. We need to share nuggets of financial wisdom with our families to help them become better money managers. Beware of a clever new gift card scam. Plus, we share lessons from the Great Recession and more of Suze Orman's bad advice. We also take a lot of calls:Does it make sense to get back into target-date funds?What do we think of this bond ladder fund?How should an extra $500 a month be invested?What should be done with the cash from a home sale?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

We look back at "expert" market predictions for 2023. Who got it right, and who failed to come close? Then, we share better ways to invest. Do presidential elections have any impact on stock prices? Discover the big difference in fees for financial advice. We also discuss the huge financial mistakes of Don's favorite NFL team. Then we hear from listeners:Can funds (except for proprietary BridgeBuilder funds) be transferred from Edward Jones to Vanguard?Should mid-cap funds be included in a diversified portfolio?Which is the best diversified bond fund?In which type of accounts should bonds be invested?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

One hundred years ago, very few Americans owned stocks. It was only in the past decade that a majority of us were invested in equities. Yet, the vast majority of stock investors fail even to match the performance of the S&P 500. Find out how you can be a better stock investor. Listeners ask:What do we think of a few of Fidelity's factor funds?Does it make sense to consolidate a portfolio in Vanguard Wellington?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

This is the last episode of 2023 and it's only fitting that it be Don's favorite type: questions and answers. We have some great ones this week:Is adding a DFA value fund worth the added cost?Should 529 money be used to eventually fund a Roth IRA?Can we make a better case against Bitcoin?What should be done with an old annuity?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Retirement can mean gaining the freedom to live anywhere you want. Tom and Don consider the best and worst states for retirees, based on multiple criteria, from two different sources. One of the worst may surprise you. Plus, we answer your questions:How will some short-term, extra income effect Medicare costs?If a major recession occurs, would it make sense to use emergency money to "buy the dip?"Is it better to have multiple brokerage accounts?Is there any way to speed up the distribution of assets from an estate?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

This episode was recorded on December 23, 2023. Just before going on the air, Don's wife told him about a lost dog found 3,000 miles from his Washington state home. The outpouring of offers to help was soul-stirring. Later, we talked about the foolishness of following the hottest parts of the markets and why annuities are one of the best selling "investments." Plus, we took listeners questions:What are the best funds for a simple portfolio?Is Morningstar a good source of investing information?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

We return from our holiday hiatus with quiz: Which is an investing fact and which is a money myth? Plus, a listener want to know:What can be done with a brokerage firm that refuses to let go of funds?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

We revisit the "active vs. passive" debate. We thought this debate had been settled, yet many still invest with active money managers. Then, we hear from listeners:Objectively, why do we hate Bitcoin?How should an elderly mother invest for heirs?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Where in the country has home equity risen most and least? What can you do to tap that hidden wealth? Does a HELOC or reverse mortgage make sense? Does owning a house even make sense in this economy?Then, we hear from listeners:Should a fiduciary advisor also act as a financial "psychologist?"Does it make sense to borrow home equity and lend it to a friend in construction?Should he stick with his aggressive "advisor?"How can renting be less expensive than buying a home?What's the difference between points and percents?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Don finally peeked at his brokerage statement and was pleasantly surprised. His portfolio finally made money. Did yours? We talk about the investment markets' ups (and downs) and finding the right balance between safety and potential return. We also share the states with the best and worst home equity appreciation. How can you tap that hidden wealth? Then, we hear from callers asking:What should be done with an old variable annuity in a 403b?How should an end-of-year backdoor Roth be done?Can someone from out-of-state attend Retiremeet?What do we think of some advice from a Voya rep?Is renting really better than buying a home?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode, we talk about some of the steps you should take well before retirement to get your financial house in order. We discuss money-saving tips and investing ideas to help those in their younger years improve their odds of retiring comfortably. Plus, we answer your questions:How can I force myself to rebalance my portfolio when my emotions get in the way?Which is better: a bond fund or a CD ladder?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

The questions may not be festive, but they're important, and Don answers them:How should assets be allocated across different types of accounts?What happens to the money in a 529 plan if the custodian needs to withdraw some?How should a young adult invest money from an inherited IRA?Can brokers' cash management accounts replace traditional bank accounts?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Another problem with actively managed mutual funds is the mortality of managers. What happens if you rely on the incredibly rare, super-smart, practically prescient money manager, and they go away? Plus, we hear from listeners:What do we think of Vanguard's variable insurance funds?Does a 100% equity portfolio make sense for someone comfortable with risk?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

A new academic study concludes that you might be better off avoiding bonds. Tom and Don discuss whether a strategy that potentially risky makes sense for you. We discuss the sorry state of most investing advice, including that from financial psychics. Then, we hear from listeners:Is gold a good investment?What do we think of the "investment" advice provided at a free Italian dinner?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

We keep making damaging financial mistakes. Are you ready to manage your money better and actually invest? We hear from listeners:Can iBonds be transferred to others?What's the best way to set up a 529 ABLE planIs tax loss selling a bit like market timing?What's the best way to sell appreciated stocks to reduce taxes?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

The price of both Bitcoin and gold have soared recently. Has anything changed that might make them attractive investments? Plus, there is more evidence that those who chase returns using mutual funds fail to beat those who buy and hold. We also help listeners:Better understand a Nuveen muni bond fund they own.Create a tax minimization plan for retirement.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

After Don grumbles about the length of the holiday season, he goes on to answer listeners questions:Does it make sense to use a 529 Plan to make future Roth IRAs for grandkids?Is the 4.7% interest from Vanguard new Cash Plus account better than a high yield savings account?Does an allocation entirely too small cap stocks make sense?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Investing "professionals" run the gamut from highly skilled and honest to truly dangerous. How can you avoid the mediocre to crooked financial advice providers out there? Tom and Don have some simple ways to protect your wealth from the unscrupulous. Plus, listeners ask:What is the name of the bank paying over 4%?How should money be allocated between taxable and tax-advantaged "baskets?"Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

The end of the year often brings mutual fund investors an unpleasant surprise that can raise taxes; the realized capital gains distribution. How can you avoid this tax surprise? Are traditional mutual funds headed for extinction? Dimensional Funds rolls out a total market ETF to compete with Avantis. Then, listeners ask:How can the Washington state estate tax be avoided?Do they have enough to live a confortable and enjoyable retirement?How do you find a financial advisor you can trust?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

What's the best way to create a retirement income stream from your investment portfolio. Today, Tom and Don share four popular income strategies. Then, we hear from you (actually, a few of you):Does it make sense to sell Apple stock to pay off a HELOC (home equity line of credit) early?What is the best way to invest an inheritance?How does money have to be withdrawn from a non-spousal inherited IRA?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Once thought to be nearly extinct (except for government workers), some major employers are bringing back the old fashioned pension plan. Does the apparent certainty of a pension make it a better retirement option than defined contribution plans, like 401k and 403b Plans? Plus, listeners ask:Should the proceeds from the sale of an investment property be moved into a DST (Delaware Statutory Trust)?Should a regular mutual fund be sold and an ETF purchased instead?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In todays's Q&A session:Which funds should be used in a 403b?Thanks for the podcast.How much of fixed income should be in inflation hedges?How could a mom squeeze a bit more income out of her portfolio?Did it makes sense to sell bond funds and move into T-Bills?Is an umbrella liability insurance policy needed?How should a million dollar portfolio be invested?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

A recent list of "the best mutual funds" is best ignored. The funds prised in this piece are not great funds, just a few that got lucky by being in the right investments at the right time. Plus, most of the funds are eclectic, expensive, and extremely risky. Then, Tom defends his Bob Brinker criticism and a listener asks:Should a multi-fund portfolio be converted to ETFs?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Most know him as the "Wolf of Wall Street." After ripping on investors for millions of dollars, Jordan Belfort claims to have "seen the light" and now believes that low-cost, index-style investing is the path investors should take. Then, listeners look for help......with a Health Savings Account's (HSA) divestment allocation....understanding why the value of a dividend fund has barely moved.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Forget the 4% rule, Dave Ramsey wants you to believe that you can take an 8% annual income from an American Funds (or other broker-sold) portfolio. We explain why that is incredibly unlikely.Then on to the questions:What's the best allocation among funds in the Thrift savings Plan?Should a REIT in a taxable account be sold and invested in something more tax-efficient?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

A new study of Americans financial knowledge shows that a sizable portion of us are woefully uniformed about financial matters. Tom and Don share the results and ideas for improving our fiscal education.Plus, listeners ask:What do we think of a move from bonds into T-bills?Is a financial advisor needed and why?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

This is the last show of Thanksgiving week, as Tom and Don are taking time off. In the episode, we discuss the many problems with 401k and 403b plans that keep employees from doing as well as they might in other types of accounts.Listeners want to know:Does it make sense to invest almost $500,000 in a jumbo CD?Why don't we make longer episodes and suggest people listen at higher speeds?What do (did) we think of Bob Brinker?In what order should retirement accounts be used for income?How much would a diversified account have made so far in 2023?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Today, we talk about the biggest reason housing prices have stayed so high in a period of rising rates. We also consider the right time to sell a home and downside and the impact a changing real estate sales market might have on real estate agents careers. We discuss the foolishness of keeping money in low-yield savings accounts. We also hear from listeners:How should a brokerage accoiunt be consolidated?Getting a lot on a savings accounts and hoping rates stay high.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

If you want to reduce the amount you pay the IRS in 2024, there are several things you can do before the year is up to reduce your tax burden. If you wait until it's time to file next April, your deduction options are severely limited.Listeners ask us:If I convert one IRA to a Roth, must I convert them all?How do you choose between financial advisors with widely divergent strategies?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode, Don addresses the following:Why should a portfolio be rebalanced regularly?Is a state teacher's pension pre-tax money or can it be rolled over tax-free?What is the difference between the pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax 403b options?Finally, a listener appreciates the Medicare episode.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!