Talking Real Money - Investing Talk

Hosted by Don McDonald

Business Investing Education

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1914

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Financial talk radio veteran, Don McDonald and former host of Serious Money on PBS, Tom Cock, join forces to talk about real money issues. In each episode, they solve real money problems, dole out real investing (not speculating) advice, and really explain the financial issues that effect all of us. Plus, it's actually fun! Talking Real Money is a podcast designed to provide the real help we all need to enjoy a really great future. Call in with your questions anytime at 855-935-TALK (8255).

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60 recent

June 16, 202630 min

Better Income?

Should retirees live off dividends and bond interest, or use a total return strategy? Don and Tom tackle one of the most persistent myths in retirement investing: that dividend-paying stocks create safer retirement income. They explain why dividends are not “free money,” how dividend-focused portfolios can create hidden risks, and why most academic research favors a diversified total return approach. The conversation explores dividend traps, covered-call income funds, sustainable withdrawal strategies, and the importance of diversification. They also respond to a listener defending Robinhood’s platform, debate gamification in investing, and discuss Philadelphia’s new automatic retirement savings program designed to help workers without employer-sponsored plans.0:05 Introduction: Dividend income vs. total return investing1:44 Why retirees are attracted to dividend-focused portfolios2:19 What a total return strategy actually means3:37 The appeal of predictable dividend income4:55 High-yield ETFs and the risks behind the payouts5:03 Why dividends are not free money6:10 Larry Swedroe’s argument: dividends are not income6:27 Understanding the dividend trap7:05 Extreme dividend yield example: GMEX Robotics8:35 YieldMax and triple-digit yields9:44 Why academics favor total return strategies10:48 Rebalancing as an income source in retirement11:43 The hidden risks of income-focused products13:30 Bridge-playing and retirement banter14:21 How listeners can submit questions15:12 Listener question: Is Robinhood getting unfair criticism?16:13 Robinhood, gamification, and investor behavior18:18 Why “stodgy” may be good for money management19:53 Philadelphia’s new retirement savings initiative20:45 Automatic enrollment and retirement success22:30 Why saving must be made easy23:28 Free portfolio reviews at Appella24:21 Discussion of The Line Uncrossed26:47 Family history and future book possibilitiesQuestions? Comments? Click!

June 15, 202637 min

Advice Evolution

Don takes listeners on a journey through nearly four decades of investment advice, explaining how his thinking evolved from recommending active mutual funds in the 1980s to embracing index funds, factor investing, and eventually ETFs. Along the way, he and Tom discuss Vanguard’s rise, Don’s early relationship with Paul Merriman, the emergence of Dimensional Fund Advisors and Avantis, and why their recommendations have changed over time. They also address listener skepticism about fund recommendations, compare Avantis and Vanguard products, answer a tax-efficient portfolio rebalancing question from a retired couple, and debunk a marketing pitch for “layered income portfolios.”0:08 Don shares the story of his early days giving investment advice from Leadville, Colorado2:56 The active management era and why great fund managers were once considered essential3:52 Vanguard’s early growth and the gradual acceptance of index investing5:38 Don discusses Vanguard sponsoring his radio show and maintaining disclosure transparency6:55 Paul Merriman introduces factor investing and Fama-French research9:10 Early Dimensional Fund Advisors portfolios and advisor-only access10:56 The rise of ETFs, Dimensional’s hesitation, and Avantis’ origins11:23 The 2010 ETF flash crash and why Tom and Don were initially cautious13:29 Why factor investing remains compelling despite uncertain future returns14:20 Addressing listener skepticism about Avantis recommendations16:07 Comparing AVUV and Vanguard VBR small-cap value funds17:44 Comparing AVGE and Vanguard VT global equity funds19:15 Clarifying compensation, conflicts of interest, and transparency21:27 Listener Anton asks about tax-efficient portfolio rebalancing in retirement26:03 Why holding bonds inside IRAs can improve tax efficiency27:23 Discussion of Roth conversion strategies and tax considerations30:20 Listener asks about “Layered Income Portfolios”31:05 Why income portfolio marketing pitches are often more sales than substanceQuestions? Comments? Click!

June 12, 202623 min

Fewer Questions

Don answers a diverse collection of listener questions covering Roth conversions, indexed annuities, emergency fund management, TSP contributions, inherited money, and portfolio construction. He delivers a forceful warning about indexed annuities and commission-driven insurance sales after one listener considers using an annuity bonus to offset Roth conversion taxes. Other questions explore whether short-term bond funds belong inside a Roth IRA, how much attention investors should pay to taxes, investing a potential $200,000 windfall, Roth versus traditional TSP contributions, and Paul Merriman’s popular Two-Fund for Life strategy. Along the way, Don shares his appreciation for readers of The Line Uncrossed and reminds listeners how to submit questions through the new Talking Real Money website.0:05 Summer question slowdown, Friday Q&A format, and submitting questions through the new website1:41 Listener asks about using an indexed annuity bonus to help fund a Roth conversion3:14 Why indexed annuities are often misleading and how insurance commissions create conflicts5:01 The risks of moving an entire retirement portfolio to cash at retirement6:30 Why a comprehensive fiduciary financial plan may be essential for this listener8:16 Question about holding VFSTX as part of an emergency fund strategy10:36 Why taxes are often a minor concern compared with investment allocation11:03 Why a short-term bond fund may not belong inside a 42-year-old’s Roth IRA12:17 Balancing growth, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs13:22 TSP lifecycle funds, Roth contributions, and planning for a possible $200,000 windfall15:03 Separating travel money from long-term investment assets16:09 Paul Merriman’s Two-Fund for Life strategy17:38 The role of small-cap value funds alongside target-date funds18:13 Fama-French factor investing and the tradeoff between simplicity and optimization19:15 Closing thoughts on listener questions and participation20:26 What makes a fiduciary advisor different from a commissioned salesperson21:13 Update on The Line Uncrossed and request for listener reviewsQuestions? Comments? Click!

June 11, 202628 min

How Bonds Work

Don and Tom tackle rising bond yields and the anxiety they create for investors, explaining why higher bond yields mean lower bond prices and why recent moves in long-term Treasury rates have sparked comparisons to the period before the 2008 financial crisis. They discuss inflation fears, interest rate policy, and why investors should be cautious about reading too much into bond market movements as predictors of future stock returns. The conversation reinforces the role of bonds as portfolio stabilizers rather than return generators, particularly for retirees. They also answer a listener question about covered-call ETFs, explaining how option premiums create income, why the strategy isn’t “magic money,” and the tradeoffs between yield, complexity, and risk. The episode closes with a correction involving Robert Wagner and Robert Conrad and a humorous detour into reverse-mortgage celebrity spokespeople.0:05 Bond investing versus “bondage” and why bonds are suddenly making headlines1:07 Rising Treasury yields and concerns about the bond market2:30 Why investors compare today’s bond yields to conditions before 20083:00 Bond prices, bond yields, and the inverse relationship between them3:51 Inflation fears, energy prices, and their impact on bonds5:50 Global bond market pressures and rising yields in Britain7:06 Federal Reserve rate expectations and inflation control7:51 Lessons from the bond market collapse of 20228:36 Can bond market activity predict future recessions or market declines?10:06 Why geopolitical events often fail as market-timing signals10:31 Why own bonds when long-term returns have been disappointing?11:03 The role of bonds in diversification and retirement portfolios12:06 Using bonds as a spending reserve during stock market declines13:07 Listener question: How covered-call ETFs generate income14:18 Covered-call basics and selling options against stocks17:26 Risks, costs, and limitations of covered-call strategies19:38 Evaluating JEPI and the tradeoff between yield and volatility21:22 Listener correction: Robert Wagner versus Robert Conrad24:01 Reverse-mortgage spokespeople and celebrity rankings25:34 Why making a top-five list may be life’s greatest achievementQuestions? Comments? Click!

June 10, 202628 min

Hot IPOs, Cold Returns?

Don and Tom examine the coming wave of blockbuster IPOs, including rumored offerings from SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI, and explain why investor excitement often leads to disappointing results. Drawing on research from Dimensional Fund Advisors and examples such as Uber, Facebook, and Groupon, they discuss the historical underperformance of IPOs and the dangers of buying into hype. They then answer a listener’s question about assets-under-management fees, explaining the broader planning, tax, behavioral, and retirement services provided by fiduciary advisors beyond portfolio construction. The episode concludes with a look at the growing number of highly speculative ETFs, including UFO-themed and meme-stock funds, and a warning that investors should focus on diversification and discipline rather than chasing the latest financial product.0:05 Summer IPO mania: SpaceX, Anthropic, OpenAI, and the hype machine1:24 SpaceX’s massive valuation and why investors are excited3:05 Anthropic and OpenAI join the trillion-dollar IPO conversation4:29 Comparing today’s IPO wave to the dot-com boom5:09 Why hot IPOs are usually a bad investment6:27 Dimensional research on IPO underperformance and liquidity concerns7:51 Uber, Facebook, Groupon, and other IPO cautionary tales8:50 Why even great companies can be poor investments at the wrong price9:45 Why disciplined firms delay adding IPOs to portfolios10:59 How to submit questions to Talking Real Money13:17 Listener question: Is a 1% AUM fee really worth it?15:20 What advisors actually do beyond portfolio management16:44 Vanguard’s research on advisor value17:12 Why large portfolios shouldn’t pay a flat 1% on all assets18:24 The emotional and behavioral benefits of professional advice20:29 How advisors help investors stay diversified21:45 The explosion of bizarre new ETFs22:49 UFO ETFs, meme-stock funds, and speculative product launches25:05 Why investors should be skeptical of niche ETFs and high feesQuestions? Comments? Click!

June 9, 202629 min

What is Risk?

Don and Tom explore the difference between smart risk and dumb risk in investing, sparked by new survey data showing younger investors increasingly believe they must take big risks to achieve their financial goals. They discuss the rise in stock trading, options speculation, and meme-stock behavior, contrasting those activities with evidence-based risks such as broad stock market investing, factor tilts, and maintaining efficient use of cash. They also answer a listener question from a recently retired investor concerned about market valuations and inflation, discussing small-value tilts, bond allocations, and the role of TIPS. Along the way, they wander into Roman and Han Dynasty history, retirement boredom, Don’s Civil War novel, podcast economics, and the launch of the newly redesigned Talking Real Money website.0:05 Podcasting economics, removing ads, and the realities of making money from podcasts2:34 Why investors believe they need to take bigger risks to reach financial goals4:26 The growth of indexing and the shift away from active investing4:59 FINRA survey shows younger investors embracing options and speculative trading6:25 Smart risk versus dumb risk and why experience changes risk perception7:04 Options, IPOs, hot stocks, crypto, and other forms of speculative risk8:07 Research on options trading success rates and why most traders lose money8:48 Individual stocks, market timing, and sector bets that historically have not paid off10:47 Risks that may be worth taking, including all-stock portfolios for younger investors11:22 The long-term case for owning the global economy through diversified stock funds11:55 Small-cap, value, profitability, and momentum factor tilts12:37 The hidden cost of idle cash and improving returns through better cash management13:42 Why inflation is guaranteed to beat most traditional bank savings accounts14:59 Roman and Han Dynasty history and what it says about long-term economic growth15:42 The new Talking Real Money website and easier ways to submit questions17:34 Listener question from a 58-year-old retiree using a Boglehead four-fund portfolio19:15 Whether adding a small-value tilt makes sense in retirement20:41 Thoughts on bond funds, TIPS, and inflation protection22:02 Short-term Treasury ETFs versus high-yield savings accounts23:11 Avoiding emotional reactions to market valuations24:03 Retirement longevity risk and planning for a potentially decades-long retirement24:52 Don discusses researching and writing The Line Uncrossed27:32 Meet-an-Advisor invitation and how the free portfolio review process worksQuestions? Comments? Click!

June 8, 202634 min

Not Bogle's Vanguard

Don and Tom question whether the investment industry—and increasingly Vanguard—keeps creating new products simply to stay relevant rather than solve real investor problems. They critique Vanguard’s new Target Retirement Lifetime Income Fund, which combines a target-date fund with an annuity, arguing that it sacrifices liquidity, introduces inflation risk, and obscures costs. They also take aim at Vanguard’s new Active/Passive Model Portfolio Series, suggesting it adds unnecessary complexity and market-timing assumptions to what should be a straightforward indexing approach. Listener questions cover the risks of holding 72% of retirement assets in an ESOP and whether a military family should replace a simple Schwab index-fund portfolio for their two-year-old daughter with AVGE. The episode closes with a plug for The Line Uncrossed and a discussion of the real-life Civil War experiences that inspired the novel.0:12 Do investors really need new products and new ideas?2:11 Vanguard’s Target Retirement Lifetime Income Fund and annuities in target-date funds4:29 Liquidity, inflation risk, and the tradeoffs of guaranteed retirement income7:44 Why immediate annuities often take years just to return your own principal9:16 Morningstar’s skepticism of guaranteed-income retirement products10:46 Vanguard’s new Dynamic Active Passive Model Portfolio Series12:42 Are active/passive hybrid portfolios solving a real problem?13:38 Has Vanguard lost its indexing compass?15:30 New Talking Real Money website features and submitting listener questions16:12 ESOP question: 72% of retirement assets tied to employer stock17:59 The dangers of concentrated company-stock positions21:29 Understanding ESOP returns versus traditional investments24:09 Why diversification matters more than past ESOP performance26:49 Using GI Bill benefits, a 529 plan, and a UTMA to fund a child’s future28:27 AVGE versus a simple total-market index portfolio for a young child29:42 Why simplicity may be good enough for long-term investing success30:35 Discussion of The Line Uncrossed and its Civil War inspiration31:41 John B. Anderson, Andersonville Prison, and the history behind the bookQuestions? Comments? Click!

June 5, 202622 min

Stormy Q&A DAY

Don records through a booming Florida thunderstorm while tackling five listener questions. He discusses a thoughtful strategy for using a UTMA account to teach investing and potentially fund a future Roth IRA, then provides a detailed overview of what goes into a true financial plan, including cash flow analysis, insurance, estate planning, tax strategy, retirement projections, and investment management. Another listener asks about investing for a long life, prompting Don to explain why maintaining a diversified portfolio and spending less than portfolio growth are the keys to retirement sustainability. He also addresses when retirees might safely move from a 4% withdrawal rate toward 5%, emphasizing flexibility over rigid rules. The episode concludes with a discussion of HSAs, explaining why they are often better spent during retirement rather than left to non-spousal heirs, who may face less favorable tax treatment.0:04 Florida thunderstorm opening and update on the new podcast website and question system2:35 Using a UTMA account as a teaching tool, harvesting gains for a child, and eventually funding a Roth IRA4:47 What a comprehensive financial plan actually includes beyond investments6:14 Gathering financial data, setting goals, cash flow analysis, and risk management7:42 Asset allocation, diversification, Monte Carlo simulations, and behavioral coaching8:28 Retirement planning, Social Security timing, Roth conversions, RMDs, and tax strategies10:23 Listener crediting the show for retirement confidence and asking about investing for longevity12:37 Why spending less than portfolio growth is the key to long-term retirement success14:15 Whether a 4% withdrawal rule can become 5% later in retirement15:45 Fixed versus flexible withdrawal strategies and how age affects sustainable spending17:49 HSA withdrawal decisions in retirement and inheritance considerations19:31 Why HSAs generally should be spent rather than preserved for non-spousal heirs20:52 Meet-an-Advisor invitation and how portfolio reviews can uncover hidden risksQuestions? Comments? Click!

June 4, 202632 min

Worried About Inflation?

Don and Tom tackle investors’ obsession with inflation protection and the financial industry’s willingness to sell expensive products that promise impossible outcomes. Using PIMCO’s Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund as a case study, they explain why complex, high-cost inflation hedges often create more problems than they solve. The discussion explores historical inflation, why stocks remain the most effective long-term defense against rising prices, and the dangers of chasing investment magic. Listener questions cover retirement asset allocation at age 50, the role of bonds as retirement approaches, balancing Roth and traditional retirement contributions in a high-tax state, and the surprisingly small impact of foreign tax credits on international fund returns.0:05 Why investors constantly search for inflation-proof portfolios2:09 Historical inflation, Fed targets, and perspective on rising prices5:47 The endless appeal of inflation hedges6:15 Breaking down PIMCO’s Inflation Response Multi-Asset Fund8:09 Why TIPS, commodities, and leverage aren’t magic solutions10:57 Stocks as the best long-term inflation defense12:39 Listener question: Moving from 100% stocks toward retirement14:15 Risk tolerance versus age-based allocation formulas15:58 Building a bond allocation before retirement17:26 Small-cap value and international diversification considerations19:24 Roth versus traditional 401(k) contributions in New York21:44 The value of tax diversification and multiple retirement account types23:13 Countries that operate without personal income taxes24:19 Understanding foreign tax credits and international funds27:58 Why tiny tax differences shouldn’t drive investment decisions28:14 Celebrating 1,900 Talking Real Money podcast episodes29:09 An advisor shares how the podcast helps her growing practice30:26 Working with a fiduciary advisor at AppellaQuestions? Comments? Click!

June 3, 202629 min

Can You Retire?

Most Americans are far less prepared for retirement than many assume. Don and Tom discuss new Federal Reserve data showing that only about half of Americans have retirement accounts, the median retirement balance is just $200,000, and only a tiny percentage of retirees have more than $1 million saved. They explain why starting early, saving consistently, and avoiding speculative investing matter far more than chasing hot stocks or market trends. The episode also covers Social Security misconceptions, the challenges of retiring on limited income, concerns about Schwab’s Teen Investor Account, and the importance of teaching young people disciplined long-term investing habits.0:11 How many Americans actually have enough saved for retirement?2:08 Federal Reserve data on retirement account ownership3:18 The surprisingly low median retirement balance4:47 Why advisors chase million-dollar clients5:07 Income, education, and retirement savings disparities7:06 Homeownership and wealth accumulation8:25 The importance of simply getting started9:41 Why Fidelity says it takes roughly 27 years to reach $1 million10:56 Saving versus investing and the dangers of speculation12:03 Leaving retirement money alone during market and life crises14:08 Bellevue, Nebraska caller asks about Social Security earnings limits15:11 Social Security taxation and claiming considerations16:32 Discussion of Edward Jones and advisor relationships19:29 Can a 76-year-old buy a home with $400 monthly payments?21:44 Schwab Teen Investor Account review22:39 Why Don dislikes stock-picking education for teenagers25:12 How custodians profit from trading activity26:35 Better ways to teach young people about investing27:31 Free advisor meetings and listener resourcesQuestions? Comments? Click!