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).
A year-end Boxing Day Q&A covering realistic downside expectations for global portfolios, the marginal value of adding international small-cap value, details for RetireMeet 2026, and a deeply skeptical look at Medicaid-compliant annuities. The common thread: diversification helps, simplicity usually wins, and when complexity shows up early, commissions are often lurking nearby.
0:04 Boxing Day confusion, goodwill, and a short-format holiday Q&A
1:07 Why this is a shorter, four-question episode to wrap the year
2:17 How much can a globally diversified stock portfolio really fall
3:06 Limits of global market data and why 2008 still sets expectations
4:11 Roughly 40% decline for global stocks in 2008 and how bonds softened the blow
4:54 Why worst-case scenarios are about expectations, not predictions
6:07 Listener portfolio with VXUS, AVUV, and SWTSX and whether to add AVDV
6:35 Balancing small-cap value exposure versus keeping things simple
7:56 Why a few basis points rarely justify added complexity
8:38 RetireMeet 2026 question and a well-earned jab at Tom’s joke delivery
10:02 RetireMeet 2026 details and early seat reservations
10:29 Event date and location: March 7, Bellevue at Meydenbauer
11:44 Medicaid-compliant annuities explained through a real family scenario
13:57 Why MCAs are usually last-resort tools, not early planning solutions
15:49 Concerns about elder law attorneys, incentives, and hidden commissions
16:35 What MCAs really do: income conversion, not asset protection
17:28 Why skepticism is healthy and shopping non-commission options matters
18:43 Closing thoughts on trust, incentives, and surviving another financial year
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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).
