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).
All content for Talking Real Money - Investing Talk is the property of Don McDonald and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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 listener’s nightmare 401(k) story sparks a deep dive into how small employers can delay, misuse, or even lose employee retirement contributions before they ever reach the plan custodian. Don and Tom explain the Department of Labor’s weak enforcement, why small plans are most vulnerable, and what workers must do to protect themselves. Then the show tackles backdoor Roth timing rules, Social Security “worst-case” planning, the appeal (or lack of) of mid-cap ETFs, and how to unwind a hodgepodge portfolio without triggering massive tax bills.
:04 When employers steal 401(k) contributions before depositing them
1:42 The WSJ case: three-year hunt for missing contributions
3:02 Why small employers are the highest-risk group
5:02 DOL enforcement loopholes and the “administratively feasible” dodge
7:04 What to do if your contributions never show up
8:09 Fidelity bonds, audits, and how recovery really works
9:39 Big-company plans vs. small plans
10:36 Inside the Amazon layoff notice fiasco
11:54 Listener question: timing a backdoor Roth in 2026 for the 2025 tax year
13:40 The Form 8606 trap and pro-rata consequences
15:03 Listener question: Should you assume Social Security cuts in your plan?
16:41 Why benefits probably won’t be cut—even though the system needs fixing
18:04 Listener question: Should anyone buy a mid-cap ETF?
18:46 Why good portfolios already own plenty of mid-caps
19:36 Listener question: Fixing 20 years of hodgepodge-itis at age 72
21:22 Taxes, capital gains, and the slow cleanup strategy
23:52 Why Wellington and Wellesley don’t fit a modern portfolio
25:20 Personal banter: vacations, spending guilt, and sci-fi
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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).
