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 and Tom tear into the lunacy of financial predictions—starting with famed doomsayer Nouriel Roubini suddenly turning optimistic (is that a good sign or a terrifying one?). Then it’s onto Ron Baron and his wildly volatile, high-fee Barron Partners Fund, which beat the QQQ—barely—by taking massive concentrated bets on Tesla and SpaceX. Finally, they answer listener questions about portfolio diversification, international exposure, and outrageously overpriced 401(k) fund options (Nationwide, we’re looking at you). It’s a full-on roast of Wall Street’s ego-driven nonsense with a side of smart, actionable advice.
0:04 Predicting markets is impossible—so why do people still listen to those who try?
1:50 Dr. Doom (Nouriel Roubini) turns into Mr. Boone—predicting good times ahead
3:35 Roubini blames AI and nuclear fusion for his new optimism
4:57 Don’s rule: All predictions are a prehistoric brain trap
5:20 Ron Baron and his Partners Fund—poster child for active management hype
6:41 Nearly half the fund is in two holdings: Tesla and SpaceX
8:44 From $10K to $6.5K in 6 months: the cost of extreme concentration
9:47 Expense ratio: 2.25%—with $7.5B in assets? Outrageous
10:54 Why high-flyer funds are built to crash hard, too
11:39 Investing in Barron = trying to beat the market (and probably failing)
13:14 Lost 43% in 2022—twice the S&P’s loss
13:48 But in 2020? Up 150%. Thanks, Tesla
14:51 Listener Q: Army major wants to clean up his Roth portfolio
16:10 Don and Tom: Scrap the mid-cap clutter—go global with VT
17:59 Listener Q: New job, horrible 401(k) fund choices—can he still contribute?
19:03 Nationwide’s 93-basis-point index fund sparks full-on Don rant
20:14 High fees vs. tax breaks: what wins?
21:31 Why the financial industry is addicted to greed
22:11 Appella’s no-pressure offer to review your portfolio
23:04 Don’s publisher’s clearinghouse FaceTime scam story
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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).
