Talking Real Money - Investing Talk

More Raised Hands

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this listener Q&A episode, Don dives into some powerful topics—from calling out the sales-driven heart of the financial services industry to expl...

More Raised Hands

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this listener Q&A episode, Don dives into some powerful topics—from calling out the sales-driven heart of the financial s...

Gold Doesn't Work–Your Money Should

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gold is back in the headlines, but should it be in your portfolio? Don and Tom take a fresh (and frequently hilarious) look at the shiny metal that ne...

Gold Doesn't Work–Your Money Should

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Gold is back in the headlines, but should it be in your portfolio? Don and Tom take a fresh (and frequently hilarious) look at the...

The Best New Strategy is Old

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When markets get bumpy, emotions take the wheel—and that’s exactly why Don spends this solo episode reminding listeners that logic, evidence, and ...

The Best New Strategy is Old

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?When markets get bumpy, emotions take the wheel—and that’s exactly why Don spends this solo episode reminding listeners that l...

Less Risk Can Cost More

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Don flies solo on this episode of Talking Real Money, fielding calls and calling out the nonsense in fancy investment gimmicks. From market-neutral f...

Less Risk Can Cost More

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Don flies solo on this episode of Talking Real Money, fielding calls and calling out the nonsense in fancy investment gimmicks. F...

Wall Street Wants You Scared

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talking Real Money, Don McDonald and Tom Cock discuss practical strategies for navigating recessions without panic or unnecessary m...

Wall Street Wants You Scared

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode of Talking Real Money, Don McDonald and Tom Cock discuss practical strategies for navigating recessions without pa...

Your Proper Risk

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Don and Tom explore the role of risk, resilience, and rational investing as they tackle stock market uncertainty, Roth conversion confusion, and Robin...

Your Proper Risk

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Don and Tom explore the role of risk, resilience, and rational investing as they tackle stock market uncertainty, Roth conversion ...

A Wild Ride

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wild market swings, political chaos, and investor confusion set the stage for this episode. Don and Tom break down the emotional impact of volatility,...

A Wild Ride

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Wild market swings, political chaos, and investor confusion set the stage for this episode. Don and Tom break down the emotional i...

A Fool and His Money...

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this classic swirl of candor, humor, and financial sense, Don and Tom tackle the human habit of financial foolishness—from betting big on specula...

A Fool and His Money...

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this classic swirl of candor, humor, and financial sense, Don and Tom tackle the human habit of financial foolishness—from be...

Q'in' and A'in'

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a full-on Q&A Friday as Don tackles listener questions on account consolidation, fund choices, proper bond allocation, and portfolio constructi...

Q'in' and A'in'

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?It’s a full-on Q&A Friday as Don tackles listener questions on account consolidation, fund choices, proper bond allocation, ...

Talking Real Rules

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Don and Tom put popular retirement rules of thumb under the microscope—testing everything from the 4% withdrawal rule to the idea of downsizing your...

Talking Real Rules

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Don and Tom put popular retirement rules of thumb under the microscope—testing everything from the 4% withdrawal rule to the ide...

Tariffs Feed Inflation

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives deep into the market’s latest mood swing and the potential impact of new tariffs on consumer costs—like the real price of your ...

Tariffs Feed Inflation

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?This episode dives deep into the market’s latest mood swing and the potential impact of new tariffs on consumer costs—like the...

Ups and Downs

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Don and Tom address the market’s recent correction—without ever saying the “D-word.” They explain how global diversification ...

Ups and Downs

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode, Don and Tom address the market’s recent correction—without ever saying the “D-word.” They explain how glo...

Inviolate Investments

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talking Real Money, Don and Tom sound the alarm on a troubling trend: more people are dipping into their 401(k)s for emergencies. ...

Inviolate Investments

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode of Talking Real Money, Don and Tom sound the alarm on a troubling trend: more people are dipping into their 401(k...

Capital Queries

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Q&A Day on Talking Real Money, and Don tackles listener questions on everything from crypto and REITs to emergency funds and IRA contributions...

Capital Queries

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?It’s Q&A Day on Talking Real Money, and Don tackles listener questions on everything from crypto and REITs to emergency fun...

Wait Long Enough?

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Talking Real Money, Don and Tom dive deep into the question of whether long-term investing in stocks truly guarantees returns. Cha...

Wait Long Enough?

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode of Talking Real Money, Don and Tom dive deep into the question of whether long-term investing in stocks truly gua...

The Rich Half

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At Talking Real Money, we emphasize fundamental financial principles like disciplined saving, diversification, and cautious investing—highlighted th...

The Rich Half

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?At Talking Real Money, we emphasize fundamental financial principles like disciplined saving, diversification, and cautious invest...

Hedge Secrets?

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At Talking Real Money, we’re here to reinforce core investing principles: diversify, plan carefully, and never attempt to predict market swings—a ...

Hedge Secrets?

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?At Talking Real Money, we’re here to reinforce core investing principles: diversify, plan carefully, and never attempt to predic...

Don't Cry for Me

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At Talking Real Money, we consistently emphasize that investing requires diversification, low costs, planning, and acknowledgment that predicting the ...

Don't Cry for Me

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?At Talking Real Money, we consistently emphasize that investing requires diversification, low costs, planning, and acknowledgment ...

You're Asking Away

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this Friday's episode of Talking Real Money, Don McDonald continued his weekly tradition of answering listener questions, covering practical financ...

You're Asking Away

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?On this Friday's episode of Talking Real Money, Don McDonald continued his weekly tradition of answering listener questions, ...

Quiet Investing Science

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's Talking Real Money, Don McDonald welcomed two special guests from Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA)—founder David Booth and co-CEO Dave But...

Quiet Investing Science

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?On today's Talking Real Money, Don McDonald welcomed two special guests from Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA)—founder David ...

Biggest Losers

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's Talking Real Money, Don and Tom dug deep into some surprisingly terrible mutual funds—those wealth destroyers that somehow manage to lose...

Biggest Losers

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?On today's Talking Real Money, Don and Tom dug deep into some surprisingly terrible mutual funds—those wealth destroyers th...

Market Moodiness

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock discuss timely market volatility, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diversified global portfolios rather than ...

Market Moodiness

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock discuss timely market volatility, emphasizing the importance of maintaining diversified global por...

Fiduciary Homework

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock emphasize the critical importance of hiring a fiduciary financial advisor, legally required to act in your best intere...

Fiduciary Homework

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock emphasize the critical importance of hiring a fiduciary financial advisor, legally required to act...

A Bunch of Your Questions

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Friday, and you know what that means — Q&A day! We tackled five great listener questions, starting with a deep dive into why that seemingly ...

A Bunch of Your Questions

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?It’s Friday, and you know what that means — Q&A day! We tackled five great listener questions, starting with a deep dive ...

No Protection?

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine a world where investment firms actually worked in your best interest and financial regulators had your back—yeah, keep dreaming. The reality...

No Protection?

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Imagine a world where investment firms actually worked in your best interest and financial regulators had your back—yeah, keep d...

Wanna Be Rich?

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Another day, another batch of money myths to bust. In this episode of Talking Real Money, Tom and Don take a sledgehammer to the idea that becoming a...

Wanna Be Rich?

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Another day, another batch of money myths to bust. In this episode of Talking Real Money, Tom and Don take a sledgehammer to the ...

Prices Also Fall

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Talking Real Money," hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock address recent market volatility, emphasizing that despite headlines about ma...

Prices Also Fall

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode of "Talking Real Money," hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock address recent market volatility, emphasizing t...

Catching Some Zs

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Talking Real Money," hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock discuss generational investing habits, highlighting concerning trends among G...

Catching Some Zs

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode of "Talking Real Money," hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock discuss generational investing habits, highligh...

These Questions Five

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's another Friday Q&A: 1:38 Inherited IRAs Explained 3:34 Understanding Short-Term Bond Funds 5:35 Tax Implications on Dividends 6:40 Th...

These Questions Five

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?It's another Friday Q&A:1:38 Inherited IRAs Explained3:34 Understanding Short-Term Bond Funds5:35 Tax Implications on ...

Misplaced Confidence

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Tom and Don explore retail investors' behaviors influenced by users of platforms like Wall Street Bets, highlighting the risks faced ...

Misplaced Confidence

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode, Tom and Don explore retail investors' behaviors influenced by users of platforms like Wall Street Bets, high...

Social inSecurity

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Don and Tom discuss essential personal finance and retirement planning strategies. They consider the future Social Security and the need to del...

Social inSecurity

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Today, Don and Tom discuss essential personal finance and retirement planning strategies. They consider the future Social Security...

Partisan Portfolios

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we examine the intersection of politics and investing, highlighting how emotional decisions can cloud judgment. We discuss politicall...

Partisan Portfolios

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode, we examine the intersection of politics and investing, highlighting how emotional decisions can cloud judgment. W...

Build Better

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we examine the key principles of constructing an investment portfolio, focusing on asset selection tailored to individual needs. We a...

Build Better

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode, we examine the key principles of constructing an investment portfolio, focusing on asset selection tailored to in...

Q&A Duo

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

Q&A Duo

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this Q&A episode, Don and Tom address listener questions about comparing Vanguard funds with Avantis Global Equity Fund, re...

Bouncing Around

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Talking Real Money," Don and Tom discuss investment risk using "volatility scores" to compare investments. They break down how the...

Bouncing Around

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In this episode of "Talking Real Money," Don and Tom discuss investment risk using "volatility scores" to comp...

Financial Fear Factors

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Saturday's second radio show hour: 2:04 Magical Technology and Reality 3:05 Understanding Risk in Investing 5:42 Measuring Investment Ri...

Financial Fear Factors

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?From Saturday's second radio show hour:2:04 Magical Technology and Reality3:05 Understanding Risk in Investing5:42 Measuri...

Worry Less

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 An...

Worry Less

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Saturday's first radio hour becomes a podcast:1:56 The Truth About Money Lies3:18 Jonathan Clements' Insights5:04 Cop...

Put Down the Dow

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Put Down the Dow

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In today's episode:0:58 Introduction to the Dow Debate2:11 The Dow's Calculation Explained4:04 Big Tech's Influe...

We Have Questions

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks for the great questions (and a comment): 1:29 Long-Term Disability Insights 5:15 Fidelity Target Date Funds Discussion 10:59 Annuity P...

We Have Questions

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Thanks for the great questions (and a comment):1:29 Long-Term Disability Insights5:15 Fidelity Target Date Funds Discussion10:59...

Why Try?

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode: 0:33 Investing Truths Uncovered 1:38 The Fallacy of Active Management 2:55 Diversification and Market Cycles 5:23 Auto...

Why Try?

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In today's episode:0:33 Investing Truths Uncovered1:38 The Fallacy of Active Management2:55 Diversification and Market Cyc...

Financially Illiterate?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Questio...

Financially Illiterate?

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Now, the rest of the Saturday show:0:52 The Biggest Heist in History0:54 Financial Literacy: Are We Really Educated?2:35 The Th...

Stocks Also Fall

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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:...

Stocks Also Fall

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?From Saturday's show:0:34 US Stocks Take a Tumble4:44 Market Sentiment and Performance Analysis7:41 Listener Call: Financia...

How Low Can They Go?

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 13:1...

How Low Can They Go?

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In today's podcast:1:27 Vanguard Cuts Fees2:34 Small Savings for Investors6:54 Customer Service Concerns8:22 Index Fund C...

Managed Bonds Better?

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

Managed Bonds Better?

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In today's podcast:0:44 Active vs Passive Fund Management1:40 The Bond Fund Debate3:01 Active Bond Management Challenges4:...

Super Bowl Investing?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Co...

Super Bowl Investing?

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Here's Saturday's second radio hour:1:48 Super Bowl Betting Frenzy15:55 Long-Term Care Insurance Insights17:39 Evalua...

Price of Protection

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Price of Protection

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Here's the first part of Saturday's show:0:48 Real Money Basics3:22 Hedge Funds Uncovered5:15 The Role of AI in Inves...

Q&A on a Tuesday?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We needed a special edition: 0:23 Opening the Question Pile 2:58 Historical Reflections 4:59 Tangents and Technology 9:31 Retirement Fund ...

Q&A on a Tuesday?

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?We needed a special edition:0:23 Opening the Question Pile2:58 Historical Reflections4:59 Tangents and Technology9:31 Retireme...

It's Your Q

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here is this week's Q&A: 1:41 High-Yield Savings Accounts Discussion 5:05 Retirement Income Strategies 8:52 Transforming Your Retirement Port...

It's Your Q

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?Here is this week's Q&A:1:41 High-Yield Savings Accounts Discussion5:05 Retirement Income Strategies8:52 Transforming ...

Modern Money Media

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 S...

Modern Money Media

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?In today's big show:0:33 Social Media and Financial Advice1:14 The Risks of Finfluencers2:20 Regulation Gaps in Financial ...

Retiremeet '25 - Part Two

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From our live event in Bellevue, WA: 1:32 Empowering Young Investors 2:52 Overcoming Financial Knowledge Gaps 4:05 Navigating Financial Infor...

Retiremeet '25 - Part Two

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Questions? Comments?From our live event in Bellevue, WA:1:32 Empowering Young Investors2:52 Overcoming Financial Knowledge Gaps4:05 Navigating Fina...