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 answers a range of listener questions covering topics from Fidelity’s fully paid lending program to the Roth 401(k) decision and mortgage payoff strategies. He explains why stock lending rarely adds much value for ETF investors, why paying off a 2.6 percent mortgage makes little financial sense, and why even Berkshire Hathaway isn’t a substitute for true diversification. Listeners also learn about HSA payroll tax savings and how to build Roth flexibility without triggering the pro-rata rule.
0:04 Friday Q&A intro and listener invitation
1:25 Fidelity’s fully paid lending program explained—small returns, limited upside
3:47 When stock lending might make sense for rare or hard-to-borrow shares
4:33 Mortgage payoff debate—2.6% rate vs. 7% investing return
5:30 Don confirms: investing wins, emotion aside
7:09 Caller argues for Berkshire Hathaway B as the “perfect” one-stock portfolio
9:14 Don dismantles the myth—Buffett’s own warnings, risk concentration
11:23 401(k) vs. Roth 401(k)—how to decide and why a plan matters
14:04 Backdoor Roth options for self-employed spouses
15:32 Importance of long-term planning once portfolios near $1 million
15:56 HSA payroll advantage—no Social Security tax on contributions
17:11 Using a Roth to store “extra mortgage” money until retirement
18:08 Why paying off a low-rate mortgage later may not make sense
19:37 Free fiduciary portfolio checkup offer from Apella Wealth
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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).