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).
This episode opens with a reality check on streaming delays before diving into the growing divide between investing and gambling, highlighted by Charles Schwab’s refusal to promote crypto, options, and prediction markets while Robinhood leans fully into high-intensity trading. Don and Tom warn that flashy features and frequent trading usually lead to worse outcomes, not better ones. Listener questions cover whether employees can roll a 401(k) during a plan change (usually no), how to cope with bad retirement plans, and how to choose between a high-cost growth fund and a low-cost index option. The show also tackles whether mixing Avantis and Dimensional funds truly adds diversification, argues that over-engineering portfolios is counterproductive, and closes with a candid discussion about the decline of financial radio, the rise of podcasts, and why a strong financial plan matters more than recent market gains.
0:04 Recorded-not-live reality, streaming delays, and why nothing feels real anymore
1:56 Schwab draws a hard line between investing and gambling
2:56 Robinhood’s casino-style features and the problem with pandering
6:12 Why trading more usually means ending up with less
6:52 Listener question: Can you roll a 401(k) during a plan change while still employed?
9:23 Why “in-service” rollovers usually aren’t allowed before 59½
11:53 What employees can do when stuck in a bad 401(k) plan
14:44 Fund choice question: Fidelity Growth vs. Vanguard 500 Index Trust
18:06 Why expenses, risk, and diversification matter more than past performance
19:21 Why podcasts are replacing traditional financial radio
22:06 How to listen to podcasts using Apple Podcasts and Spotify
27:22 Avantis vs. Dimensional: does doubling up add diversification?
31:52 Over-diversifying and the illusion of control
34:42 New-year reminder: returns don’t equal good planning
35:25 The importance of having an actual financial plan
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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).