In this episode, we examine the key principles of constructing an investment portfolio, focusing on asset selection tailored to individual needs. We address listener questions about foundational components like stocks and bonds, featuring Paul Merriman's four-fund model for balanced diversification. The conversation includes the value of international investments and real-life scenarios illustrating successful strategies. We also discuss the implications of tax-efficient fund choices and my pers...
Mar 10, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this Q&A episode, Don and Tom address listener questions about comparing Vanguard funds with Avantis Global Equity Fund, review an Army officer's retirement portfolio, provide debt management guidance for a young professional, discuss options for handling an old 403(b) plan, and explain fund benchmark comparisons for Dimensional Funds. [0:04] Introduction and explanation for Q&A format change [3:07] Comparing Vanguard funds to Avantis Global Equity Fund (AVGE) [7:34] Army officer's retirement...
Mar 07, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of "Talking Real Money," Don and Tom discuss investment risk using "volatility scores" to compare investments. They break down how the ARK Innovation ETF's higher returns come with extreme volatility and steeper losses compared to the Vanguard Total World Stock Index. They answer listener questions, suggesting a fee-only fiduciary advisor to someone with a broker-built portfolio of individual stocks and annuities. They also recommend a retirement plan update for a long-time follo...
Mar 06, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast From Saturday's second radio show hour: 2:04 Magical Technology and Reality 3:05 Understanding Risk in Investing 5:42 Measuring Investment Risk 7:20 The Importance of Drawdown 13:25 The Volatility of Investments 14:12 Comparing Investment Options 16:55 Live Questions and Listener Insights 18:04 Portfolio Rebalancing Strategies 19:41 Call for Listener Engagement 21:50 Evaluating Investment Portfolios 24:53 Choosing the Right Financial Advisor 31:18 Preparing for Retirement Learn more about your a...
Mar 05, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Saturday's first radio hour becomes a podcast: 1:56 The Truth About Money Lies 3:18 Jonathan Clements' Insights 5:04 Coping with Financial Anxiety 7:01 Automating Your Finances 12:03 Tax Efficiency in Investments 18:36 Finding a Professional Fiduciary 22:21 Planning for Future Financial Care 31:13 Jonathan Clements' Final Advice 34:04 Understanding Rebalancing Risks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 04, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode: 0:58 Introduction to the Dow Debate 2:11 The Dow's Calculation Explained 4:04 Big Tech's Influence on the Dow 5:17 The Dow's Media Presence 6:27 Ownership of the Dow Jones 8:07 The Arbitrary Nature of Indexes 11:21 Trusting Financial Indexes 14:18 Evaluating Investment Choices 17:06 Risks of Complex Funds 20:04 Reassessing Retirement Strategies 22:05 Tax Implications of Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 03, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thanks for the great questions (and a comment): 1:29 Long-Term Disability Insights 5:15 Fidelity Target Date Funds Discussion 10:59 Annuity Portfolio Changes 13:02 Understanding Wrap Accounts 16:49 Navigating Long-Term Care Insurance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 28, 2025•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode: 0:33 Investing Truths Uncovered 1:38 The Fallacy of Active Management 2:55 Diversification and Market Cycles 5:23 Autopilot Investment Strategies 6:58 Trusting Long-Term Data 9:19 Historical Returns Explained 11:49 The Power of Index Funds 13:03 Listener Questions and Insights 19:03 Young Investors and Market Perceptions 19:59 Understanding Fund Expenses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 27, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Now, the rest of the Saturday show: 0:52 The Biggest Heist in History 0:54 Financial Literacy: Are We Really Educated? 2:35 The Three Questions of Financial Literacy 5:10 Disappointment in Financial Knowledge 5:16 Finding a Financial Advisor 7:06 Preparing for Your First Advisor Meeting 10:02 Researching Your Potential Advisor 11:41 Understanding Fees and Conflicts of Interest 13:21 Selling Your Home: Capital Gains Deductions 17:54 Estate Planning and Probate Concerns 19:37 The Importance of Pen...
Feb 26, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast From Saturday's show: 0:34 US Stocks Take a Tumble 4:44 Market Sentiment and Performance Analysis 7:41 Listener Call: Financial Concerns 12:00 Navigating Taxes and Annuities 14:57 Personalized Financial Planning Importance 17:46 The Challenge of Finding Good Advisors 19:04 Fiduciary Responsibilities and Advisor Selection 24:50 Decumulation Strategies for Retirement 33:01 The Value of Professional Financial Guidance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Feb 25, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's podcast: 1:27 Vanguard Cuts Fees 2:34 Small Savings for Investors 6:54 Customer Service Concerns 8:22 Index Fund Clarity 13:14 Dog Food Comparisons 13:43 Listener Questions Begin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 24, 2025•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's podcast: 0:44 Active vs Passive Fund Management 1:40 The Bond Fund Debate 3:01 Active Bond Management Challenges 4:20 Vanguard's Role in Bond Funds 5:46 Comparing Bond Fund Quality 6:55 The Risks of Active Management 13:34 Questions and Comments 21:59 Self-Directed IRA Considerations 24:22 Personal vs Business Investments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 21, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Here's Saturday's second radio hour: 1:48 Super Bowl Betting Frenzy 15:55 Long-Term Care Insurance Insights 17:39 Evaluating Pet Insurance Costs 31:52 Understanding Charitable Distributions 36:51 The Podcast Production Team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 20, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Here's the first part of Saturday's show: 0:48 Real Money Basics 3:22 Hedge Funds Uncovered 5:15 The Role of AI in Investing 6:12 Listener Questions Begin 18:26 Performance and Client Feedback 19:37 Understanding Fund Comparisons 31:07 Navigating Closed-End Funds 33:22 Strategies for Retirement Income Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 19, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast We needed a special edition: 0:23 Opening the Question Pile 2:58 Historical Reflections 4:59 Tangents and Technology 9:31 Retirement Fund Strategies 11:19 Health Savings Accounts Explained 13:35 Roth Contribution Changes 15:23 Understanding Fund Prices 18:54 Clarifying Roth IRA Confusion 23:04 The Role of Financial Advisors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 18, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Here is this week's Q&A: 1:41 High-Yield Savings Accounts Discussion 5:05 Retirement Income Strategies 8:52 Transforming Your Retirement Portfolio 13:35 Rollover IRA Insight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 14, 2025•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's big show: 0:33 Social Media and Financial Advice 1:14 The Risks of Finfluencers 2:20 Regulation Gaps in Financial Advice 5:52 Shaquille O'Neal's Financial Evolution 7:14 Finding Reliable Financial Sources 8:55 The Appeal of Meet Kevin 11:51 Dave Ramsey's Legal Troubles 13:09 Kevin's Family Life and Career 14:52 Engaging with Our Listeners 21:44 Navigating Avantis Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 13, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast From our live event in Bellevue, WA: 1:32 Empowering Young Investors 2:52 Overcoming Financial Knowledge Gaps 4:05 Navigating Financial Information 5:16 Transition to Tom's Return 6:16 Food and Networking at Retire Meet 7:18 Weather Woes and Retirement Concerns 10:02 Addressing Retirement Purpose 13:03 The Importance of Social Security 14:17 Tom Takes Over the Show 14:50 Callers and Financial Questions 24:49 The Impact of Politics on Money 31:00 Building a Personal Portfolio 33:59 Joe's Annuity ...
Feb 12, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Don and Joey Saul-Sehy recorded live at Retiremeet. 0:37 Live from RetireMeet 2025 2:13 Impressions of RetireMeet 6:05 Lifestyle in Retirement 8:38 Practicing Retirement 9:54 Setting Up for Retirement 14:00 Transitioning to Retirement 14:56 Balancing Retirement Goals 19:26 Long-Term Disability Insights 27:13 Navigating Social Security 34:50 Comprehensive Financial Planning 35:52 Control in Retirement Planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 11, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast To start another week: 0:27 Introduction to Hedge Funds 1:57 Hedge Fund Slogans and Fees 5:04 Hedge Fund Performance vs. S&P 500 8:43 The Problem with Hedge Fund Strategies 11:08 The Grift of Hedge Funds 12:48 Listener Questions Begin 15:48 Flashbacks to 2008 Financial Crisis 17:19 Investing in ETFs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 11, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we answer listener questions. We explore essential topics, starting with Chris's inquiry about medallion signatures and the support he received from Fidelity during a transfer. We talk about Doug's frustration regarding advisor performance versus index funds, emphasizing the need for performance evaluation. Joey's question about AI in financial management leads to a discussion on its supportive role, complemented by human emotional intelligence in advising. We also address conce...
Feb 07, 2025•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's podcast episode: 0:45 Introduction to the Investment Debate 2:26 The Case for Total Market Index Funds 5:56 Performance Comparison: ETFs vs. Index Funds 7:46 Understanding Risk in Investment Choices 10:29 The Importance of Diversification 14:07 Global Investing: A Broader Perspective 15:07 Listener Questions: Asset Location Strategies 17:56 Bond Investments: Tips vs. ETFs 22:39 CD Ladders vs. Bond Funds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 06, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode from Saturday's radio show: 1:48 The Illusion of Gold 7:13 Retirement and Investment Strategies 8:52 Health Savings Accounts Explored 12:53 The Dangers of Meme Coins 15:54 Navigating Required Minimum Distributions 25:19 Bond Funds and Market Stability 28:56 Capital Gains Tax Insights 34:14 Understanding IRMAA and Medicare Costs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 05, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: 0:56 Surprises in the Stock Market 5:05 NVIDIA Stock Shock 11:50 The Importance of Diversification 19:32 Cryptocurrency and Meme Coins 22:19 The Rise of Dogecoin 26:03 The Trump Coin Phenomenon 33:19 Investing Strategies for the Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 04, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's show: 0:59 The Allure of Hot Stocks 6:22 Best International Funds Unveiled 14:07 Choosing Your Equity Funds 14:44 Listener Questions: Bond Fund Confusion 18:20 Emergency Fund Strategies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 03, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, a passel of Q&A: 3:07 Understanding Active vs. Passive Management 5:43 Exploring Callable and Non-callable CDs 9:06 Investing Strategies for Young Couples 13:32 Navigating Investment Options for Retirement 18:06 Customizing a Target Date 529 Fund 22:23 Roth Conversions and Tax Implications Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 31, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode: 0:38 Stock Market Insights 2:35 The Power of Stock Selection 5:40 The Challenge of Picking Winners 11:23 Lessons from Netflix and Streaming 12:53 Tax Loss Harvesting Explained 17:58 Portfolio Questions from Listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 30, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Taken from Saturday's radio show: 4:59 The Power of Diversification 6:50 Understanding Cash Management 9:19 The Role of ETFs 10:34 Interest Rates Explained 13:06 The Impact of Risk 14:06 Evaluating Financial Advisors 15:34 Exploring Employer Plans 17:45 Options for HSA Rollovers 19:24 The Future of Your Investments 25:04 Navigating Advisor Relationships 27:27 Dividends and ETFs 32:03 Managing Health Savings Accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jan 29, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Here is the first hour of Saturday's radio show: 1:43 The Importance of Portfolio Rebalancing 5:15 Understanding Stock to Bond Ratios 6:25 Risks of Overexposure to Stocks 9:08 The Need for a Financial Plan 12:02 Insights on LLC and Estate Planning 14:01 The Value of Professional Financial Advice 15:01 Clarifying Investment Fees 16:49 Balancing Debt and Investments 19:23 The Role of International Investments 21:43 The Psychology of Investing 28:37 Early Retirement Planning 34:52 Finding Purpose i...
Jan 28, 2025•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's exciting episode: 0:26 What Goes Up Can Come Down 0:47 The Stock Market Surge 4:57 Preparing for Market Corrections 7:33 Investor Strategies During Corrections 15:01 Listener Questions Begin 16:39 Investment Strategies for Retirement 19:16 Financing Home Improvements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 27, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
