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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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).
Don tackles the dangerous myth of “safe” high-yield investments, calling out misleading financial advice around covered call funds and non-traded real estate deals. He takes calls on 529 plans vs. UTMA, long-term care insurance pitfalls, robo-advisors for special needs planning, and a shady pitch for a fixed-indexed annuity disguised as a fiduciary recommendation. He ends with a birthday shoutout and a reminder of why good advice matters.
0:04 Greed and the myth of “safe” investments
1:27 Human desire for more with less risk—prime for exploitation
3:02 The illusion of safety: high-yield savings vs. riskier “alternatives”
3:50 Covered call funds are not safe—Don’s own experience
4:42 Non-traded real estate and price illusion
5:22 Financial Flinch Reflex PSA
6:23 How to call the show and why listener questions matter
7:36 529 vs. UTMA for a newborn + Fidelity Zero Fund vs. FSKAX
10:44 529s can convert to Roth IRAs—huge benefit
11:15 Long-term care insurance: costs, limitations, and reality checks
13:57 Hybrid LTC policies: gimmicky, commission-driven
16:34 Premium examples: $5K to $10K/year for minimal coverage
17:53 Funding a disabled daughter’s future using Schwab Intelligent Portfolio
19:50 Dollar-cost averaging lump sums? Don says no—invest now
21:12 Don on vacation guilt and cheap travel habits
22:24 529s owned by a trust—yes, and Utah’s My529 gets Don’s stamp
24:25 More trust pros and Utah’s fee/vehicle advantages
25:42 Listener wary of FIA pitch for TSP rollover—Don smells fraud
27:48 The match, the cap, the “no annuity” claim—Don calls B.S.
29:24 How to verify if someone’s actually a fiduciary
32:43 Why fixed-indexed annuities dodged SEC regulation
34:05 The real reason they’re pushing 70% of your money into an FIA
36:00 Listener calls just to wish Don happy birthday
37:32 Don thanks his audience and reflects on why he keeps doing this
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Talking Real Money - Investing Talk
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).