Talking Real Money - Investing Talk cover art

Talking Real Money - Investing Talk

Talking Real Money - Investing Talk

By: Don McDonald
Listen for free

About this listen

 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).2022 Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Questions Four

    Questions Four
    Mar 13 2026
    In this Friday Q&A episode, Don answers four listener questions covering fund recommendations, special-needs financial planning, retirement withdrawal strategy, and tax-efficient health savings. First, he addresses whether Talking Real Money receives commissions for mentioning Avantis and Dimensional funds (they do not) and explains why those firms’ evidence-based strategies stand out. A second caller asks about planning for a child with a lifelong disability, prompting Don to stress the importance of working with a specialist attorney to establish structures such as special-needs trusts and ABLE accounts. Another listener questions whether all-in-one funds complicate retirement withdrawals, but Don argues that simple portfolio withdrawals beat complex optimization strategies. The episode closes with a teacher nearing retirement asking whether drawing from a 457 plan to keep funding an HSA is worthwhile, which Don notes can create a powerful tax advantage similar to a Roth conversion. 0:05 Friday Q&A intro and reminder to submit voice questions at TalkingRealMoney.com 0:50 Listener asks whether Don and Tom receive commissions for recommending Avantis or Dimensional funds 1:33 Don explains the evidence-based origins of Dimensional and Avantis and confirms there are no commissions or compensation 4:15 Caller asks how to financially plan for a child with a lifelong neurological disability 5:15 Don stresses the importance of working with a special-needs attorney and explains tools like ABLE accounts and special-needs trusts 7:09 Listener asks whether all-in-one funds like VT or AVGE create problems when withdrawing money in retirement 8:27 Don argues simplicity is better than optimization and recommends withdrawing from the portfolio as a whole rather than trying to pick winners 10:49 Teacher retiring at 54 asks whether it makes sense to withdraw from a 457 plan to continue maximizing HSA contributions 12:38 Don explains how using taxable withdrawals to fund an HSA can effectively create a Roth-like tax benefit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Don't Invest?

    Don't Invest?
    Mar 12 2026
    A debate over jelly bean flavors quickly pivots into a takedown of a flashy Inc. Magazine article claiming people shouldn’t save for retirement. Don and Tom dissect the “cash-flow over investing” pitch from entrepreneur Joseph Drups, exposing the realities of running small businesses, the risks behind claims of passive income, and the likelihood that the real money comes from selling the system rather than executing it. The conversation then turns to listener questions, including the differences between Avantis ETFs AVGE and AVTM and a thoughtful inquiry about whether factor investing from firms like Avantis and Dimensional justifies higher fees compared with traditional cap-weighted index funds. 0:04 Jelly bean debate returns: Costco Jelly Belly flavors, jalapeño surprises, and the “Pepto-Bismol” mystery bean 1:58 Inc. article claims you shouldn’t save for retirement 2:45 Entrepreneur Joseph Drups’ “cash-flow over investing” strategy 4:08 The myth of passive income from small businesses 5:46 Valuing a business vs. claiming low net worth 7:17 Reality check: most small businesses fail 10:06 Drups Ventures model and e-commerce brand acquisitions 11:10 The $100/month “Fast FI Club” and selling the system 13:55 Entrepreneurship vs. unrealistic promises of passive income 15:28 Impatience and the risks of chasing quick financial independence 16:44 Listener question: Avantis AVTM vs. AVGE 19:11 What actually defines a “true” index fund 23:06 Bogleheads critique of smart beta and factor strategies 24:08 Evidence for small-cap and value premiums since 1926 27:18 Fees vs. expected factor premiums 28:00 Recency bias and long periods when factors underperform 30:53 Raisin Bran bag conspiracy theory and aging complaints Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Retiremeet 2026 Part Two

    Retiremeet 2026 Part Two
    Mar 11 2026
    Broadcast from RetireMeet 2026 in Bellevue, Don and Tom reflect on the evolution of retirement planning—from a narrow focus on investments to a broader conversation about purpose, relationships, and life after work. They interview Paul Merriman, who discusses portfolio construction, the role of small-cap value stocks, risk tolerance, and long-term investing discipline. The conversation also explores withdrawal strategies, market history, and how investor behavior during downturns often determines success more than asset allocation itself. The episode closes with a major announcement: the Talking Real Money radio show will end in April and transition fully to a podcast format with five weekly episodes. 0:27 Reflections on the event and praise for speakers like Christine Benz and Paul Merriman. 1:54 Growing focus on purpose and lifestyle in retirement, not just money. 3:11 Audience turnout and attendees traveling from across the country for RetireMeet. 3:51 The importance of a holistic approach to retirement planning including relationships and lifestyle. 5:25 Estate planning conversation and the uncomfortable reality of thinking about life after we’re gone. 6:01 How to listen to the podcast and transition from radio listening to podcast apps. 6:41 Introduction of Paul Merriman and discussion of portfolio construction and asset classes. 8:15 Understanding risk tolerance and balancing portfolios for different ages. 9:41 Investor behavior during crises like 2008 and the tech crash of 2000–2002. 10:32 Cap-weighted vs equal-weighted S&P 500 and tax implications. 11:48 Why investors should document how they feel during market highs and lows. 12:06 Using nearly 100 years of market data to understand future volatility. 14:42 The evolution of financial planning from investment management to comprehensive planning. 16:19 Financial education gaps and rising bankruptcy rates among retirees. 18:00 Debate over whether 401(k)s replaced pensions successfully. 20:52 Merriman explains small-cap value investing and why unpopular stocks can outperform. 23:12 Why most investors don’t hold small-cap value despite historical advantages. 26:11 Long-term investing and the importance of patience through underperformance cycles. 28:24 Withdrawal strategy research showing dramatic compounding over long periods. 30:05 Whether future market returns can resemble historical returns. 31:41 The danger of reacting to news headlines and wars when investing. 33:52 Talking Real Money radio show ends in April and shifts to a podcast-only format with five episodes weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.