Talking Real Money - Investing Talk

We want to answer everyone's questions, without exception, However, every once in awhile a "trolll" takes advantage of our desire to present all sides of an issues. So, to be fair, I give the same listener three "last words" on crypto, before ending his participation. Then:What would it take to become a financial advisor?What are immediate annuities?Is it okay to play with one investment account?Does the wash sale rule apply to purchases right before a sales?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

The desire to "keep up with the Joneses" is ingrained in is. However, the result of financial envy can be disastrous. Discover why you need to avoid money jealousy. Plus, listeners ask:How much of a portfolio should be in this particular ETF?What are we referring to when we talk about 7% annuities?How can an investor find a 100% fee-only fiduciary advisor?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

With the stock markets at "all-time highs," should you wait a while before investing? In essence, can you accurately time the market? Then a bunch of listeners call in:What should an older investor do to create a simple retirement portfolio?Does it always make sense to tap taxable accounts before taking money from tax-advantaged account?How can an older person get started investing for retirement?Could Roths be taxed in the future?Would it be wise for an elderly investor to move her money from Edward Jones to Schwab?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

After experiencing some radio show technical problems, Tom and Don discuss the shockingly large percentage of your money that goes to Wall Street firms and why should be wary of alternative investments. Then, they bemoan the lack of financial literacy education and the horrible sales pitch passed of as education. Plus, a subject of a financial advisor profile lies about the fees he charges. Listeners chime in:On the Washington legislatures failure to pass a financial listeacy education bill.How is his broker making money off of his IRA account?Should money coming out of an annuity be invested in bonds as well as stock funds?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

With Retiremeet, question flow increased. So, we added a special Monday Q&A Edition with Tom and Don.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

This week:A comment about Don's Readastorus podcast.Avoiding taxes on Social Security.Using HSA benefits to indirectly fund a Roth.ChatGPT as an investment advisor.A couple of Bitcoin boosters.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Today, we swim against our demographic and address the issue of teengae investing. Don't you wish you would have started investing 30, 40, or even 50 years ago? Today, it's easier than ever to invest while young and we share some thoughts on starting early. Plus, listeners ask:For a "deep dive" into proper account asset allocation.What do we think of these perceived shortcomings of exchange-traded funds (ETFs)?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Nvidia. Apple. Microsoft. A huge chunk of the market is made up of just a few high-tech stocks. Yet, today's hot tech often grows cold. Once again, Tom and Don make the case for diversification in your investment portfolio. We also discuss the foolishness of collectible "investing." Then callers want to know:In a banking crisis, can we lose ownership of our stocks?What's the best way to pay for an emergency roof replacement?How should restricted company stock be sold?Does an IRA tax deduction makes sense?What's the best way to set up a retirement plan for a small business?Does a "sell on Friday, buy back on Monday" market timing strategy makes sense?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Managing your money and building a better financial future are easier than you think. All you need to know are a few simple things you must do and a few you must avoid. Plus, we hear from a bunch of listeners:In what order should retirement accounts be tapped?What happens to stocks if the banking system collapse?How should a family member's portfolio be invested for assisted living?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

The very worst thing you can do with money is gambling. Unlike the stock market, which has had an upward bias due to general economic growth, gambling is a less than zero sum game for everyone but the house. Today we talk about the dispicable things that gambling promoters do to keep you filling their pockets. Listeners ask:What do we think of Schwab's Theme ETFs?Is it better to save pre-tax money for retirement or use post-tax dollars to get tax-free growth?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Generation X is suffereing from a savings crisis. We know it sounds boring, but without a regular savings plan it's hard to to build wealth. The earlier you start the better. We have some ideas to make saving easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Here is the second part of our annual Retiremeet episode featuring a short visit from Paul Merriman and a few of your questions.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

It's our annual Retiremeet special program in which Don wings it from our big annual event in Bellevue. In this episode, Dimensional Fund's Weston Wellington drops by for a chat about the science of investing and Tom briefly passes through. Plus, a couple of questions from attendees and listeners.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Overconfidence is a financial killer. Far too many of us are certain that we know the direction of interest rates because there are just two choices: up or down. But, it's still just guessing. You can't know any part of the future. Then, listeners ask:What is the maximum number of clients an advisor can properly service?What do we think of Phoenix Capital Group?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

This week:What is the best way to buy a new car?How should younger people plan for healthcare in retirement?Should a total bond market fund be in a taxable brokerage account?Finally, four questions in one about creating a better portfolio in retirement.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

To help you avoid some of the mistakes that can spoil your retirement, we share what many retirees wish they had done differently. So, Dave, only the wealthy can afford a house? We also look at some real problems with Dave Ramsey's home ownership advice. The QQQ celebrates an anniversary, but is it even needed? Plus we hear from you:In what order should money be withdrawn from different kinds of accounts in retirement?Does it make sense to convert IRAs into a Roths in retirement?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In an ongoing attempt to entice you into risky bets, another financial firm has found a loophole that allows it to advertise a huge yield that isn't that impressive using a risky variation on covered call writing funds. We go on to explain how covered call writing works and the risks involved. Listeners want to know:Why do we still suggest bonds in an investor's portfolio?What's wrong with his covered call writing strategy?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

The Certified Financial Planner Board claims that those with the CFP designation are required to act in your best interests. However, do they always act as a fiduciary and what can be done if they don't?Plus you ask us questions:What to we think of David McKnight's (The Power of Zero) advice?Where should a small business emergency fund be invested?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

On today's question and answer episode:Can a custodian move a UGMA into a 529?Will there be an online replay of Retiremeet?Why should someone consider AVGE considering its flaws?A caller shares a crypto twofer?How should money from a 401k be invested at Vanguard?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

From a few stocks and bonds, investment options are practically beyond comprehension. How do you pick the best portfolio pieces from the bewidering mix of choices? We discuss the incredible failure of one such hot investment vehicles, ARKK.Listeners ask:Can you be both the owner and beneficiary of a 529 Plan?Do 401k assets count in the pro-rata requirements for a backfoor IRA?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Are we seeing the beginning of the end of traditional mutual funds? ETfs have proven their worth as an investment vehicle that is in many ways better than a regular open-end fund. Will ETFS take over the investing world? Plus, we talk about why some Wall Street firms are accepting crypto into their midst, with one major exception, Vanguard. We also take some questions from listeners:Is it better to give money to family from and IRA or brokerage fund?What's inportant in an advisors Form ADV, Part 2?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Once, dividends account for a large part of stocks' returns. Today they are far less important. Does it make sense for investors to chase after high dividends? Don shares the past power of a simple balanced fund.Listeners ask:Is a CD the best place to invest real estate proceeds for retirement income?How does rental income compare to income froma diversified portfolio?Can large positions in single stocks be combined into a fund to avoid capital gains?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Most feel the only way to save for retirement is through qualiried, tax-advangatwed retirement plans like 401ks, 403bs and IRAs. But are they always the best choices for long-term investing?Plus, listeners ask:What do we think of Fidelity Zero funds now?Can someone with a retirement plan at work still contribute to an IRA?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

In this episode Don answers more of your questions from talkingrealmoney.com:What portfolio adjustments should be made to avoid IRMAA?How should the bond portion of a portfolio be invested?Is investing in high dividend stocks a good way to create retirement income?Can backdoor Roth conversions be done in the same year for two different tax years?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

There is a lot of misinformations about retirement. Much is spread by people pitching products. Tom and Don go after many of the myths about retirement income, Social Security, Medicare, and more. They also hear from listeners:Wondering if a financial planner is needed goinf into retirement?Taking us to task over a mathematical misundertanding.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Happy to see Jason Zweig back from his sabbatical, Don shares his WSJ article on the wisdom of ignoring the stock market's fluctuations. Tom calls in from Vegas to explian his five-second $100 loss.Listeners ask:What should a house rich person do to create a decent retirement income?Is moving 401k money into an indexed annuity a wise move?This call sets Don on a rant against the horrible "advisors" who will say almost anything to sell these high-commission, complex insurance-based "investment" vehicles.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Now that there are potential fees to be collected from selling Bitcoin ETFs, many Wall Street firms have grwond enamored with this ephemeral speculation. A few firms are still standing firmly opposed. Bitcoin is the best of a bad bunch. The other 8000+ tokens have even less going for them. Don also shares the story of another crypto fraud.Listeners ask:Can a 529 be used as a "carrot" to reward good behavior in college?After the sale of a house, do they have enough to retire comfortably?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

Burton Malkiel and other academics continue to tell us that consistently "beating the market" is essentially impossible. Investors need to understand the impossible natire of accurate prognostication and focus on those things that are in our control. Tom and Don explain the simple path you can take to reasonable investing success. Don talks about the Talking Real Money summer road trip. Listeners ask:Does a Fidelity 250-stock direct indexing plan make sense?Is it better to max out a Roth IRA or Health Savings Account?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesQuestions? Comments? Click!

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!