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Episodes

We post new episodes verey weekday (except holidays).
Feb. 1, 2024

We’re Retiring Better

Sure, building the wealth we want to retire well is hard work. However, let's look at the bright side. One hundred years ago, we'd probably be dead. Tom and Don talk about the current state of retirement in the U.S. and share...
Jan. 31, 2024

So Long Silly ETFs

In very short order, the market sprouted thousands of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While most were solid concepts with decades of research supporting them, a few were just silly. Thankfully, we are now seeing the demise of t...
Jan. 30, 2024

Certificate of Excitement?

High-yield CDs are nothing new. It's just been a long-time. While a 5% rate feels pretty good after years of low rates, how long will they last? What should you do when rates fall again? Are there better ways to invest, particularly for younger investors? Did God really tell a Colorado preacher to …
Jan. 29, 2024

Culling the Real Estate Herd?

The real estate sales business is about to face the same issues as other professions that have been squeezed by both technology and regulation. After a costly court ruling, and with increasingly powerful technology, the decli...
Jan. 26, 2024

Global Questions

In today's episode callers ask Don Which is worse: and annuity of a leaf blower? What can be done for a friend who is on the brink of bankruptcy? Which CD is best and what is a callable CD? After a financial windfall is it to...
Jan. 25, 2024

Seeking Diversification

How many securities should you own in a well-diversified portfolio? Is it ten or ten thousand? We explore some advice on proper portfolio diversification versus market-timing and stock picking. Then, listeners ask: How should...
Jan. 24, 2024

Stealthy Budget Killers

It's no wonder that businesses love the subscription model. It makes paying for products and services automatic and provides steady predictable cash flow. On the flip side, it also creates an almost impercetible drain of your budget. Learn how to reduce the subscription cash suck. We agree with Dav…
Jan. 23, 2024

New Highs Mean Little

After a big week for stocks, we address the reality of the equity markets and why a "new high" is nothing to get excited about. While 5% rates feel better than zero, we are concerened that too much money languishes in banks. Plus, more money is finally invested in passive funds than actively manage…
Jan. 22, 2024

The Great Home Debate

In today's podcast, we present more evidence showing it may be subssrantially cheaper to rent a home than to buy one. However, the equation changes when you factor in emotions. Plus, how much money do you need to be wealthy? Do shares an example of why buying a new cars is a financial mistake? A li…
Jan. 19, 2024

Questions and Songs

First, a listener wants to take Don to task for his Bitcoin negativity. What is the value of tax-loss harvesting? Can a Coverdell ESA be moved to a 529 plan? Can RMDs be postponed by going back to work? Finally, we conclude w...
Jan. 18, 2024

Legal Loan Sharks

We're all over the fiscal place today. After an ad during our radio show we look at the horrible and yet perfectly legal predatory predatory short-term loan business. Then, we try to understand why experts are still advising ...
Jan. 17, 2024

Better in an ETF?

The SEC finally have given in to the pressure and approved "real" Bitcoin ETFs. Does this change make cryptocurrencies and less ephemeral or improve their possibilities as an "investment?" What are the 5 biggest annuity sales lies? Plus, are "regular investor" hedge funds any better than their "big…
Jan. 16, 2024

Invest and Reduce Taxes

In the new year, you can save even more for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis. Take full advantage of your opportunities to save now and in the future. Plus, listeners want to know: How should excess money in an HSA be inv...
Jan. 12, 2024

Friday Questions and More

In this Q&A episode: Does it make sense to switch from taxable bonds to tax-free municipal bonds? Does a portfolio need more international or value exposure? What effect will new Bitcoin ETFs have on the value of Bitcoin? A l...
Jan. 11, 2024

Short-Term Means Little

Beware of most (if not all) of the investing advice in the financial press. This is particularly true when the information is based on short-term data. Don't peek at your portfolio too often. Then we take listeners questions:...
Jan. 10, 2024

The Weakest Plan?

Of all the types of employer-sponsored retirement plans, 403(b) plans are among the worst. Without a fiduciary requirement, many of the investment options are expensive, high-commission insurance products. That's why the onus...
Jan. 9, 2024

Biggest Retirement Blunders

Very few Americans feel confident they can financially enjoy a comfortable retirement. So, what do real retirees wish they knew before retiring? We discuss why every investor should have international stocks and and share the...
Jan. 8, 2024

Know Before You Commit

Before you enter into any relationship, it's important to know how the other person perceives money. This is particularly important to know if you plan to spend your life with that person. Plus, listeners ask: Can funds from ...
Jan. 5, 2024

New Year. New Questions.

Happy new year and we have new questions: What do we think of XY Planning Network? Is Vanguard's new Core Actively Managed Bond Fund a good investment? What can or should be done with a gifted annuity? Should VT and VTI be pu...
Jan. 4, 2024

Money Unmentionable

There may be a few things we shouldn't discuss. Money isn't one of them. We need to share nuggets of financial wisdom with our families to help them become better money managers. Beware of a clever new gift card scam. Plus, we share lessons from the Great Recession and more of Suze Orman's bad advi…
Jan. 3, 2024

Inept Investing Info

We look back at "expert" market predictions for 2023. Who got it right, and who failed to come close? Then, we share better ways to invest. Do presidential elections have any impact on stock prices? Discover the big difference in fees for financial advice. We also discuss the huge financial mistake…
Jan. 2, 2024

Most Own Equities

One hundred years ago, very few Americans owned stocks. It was only in the past decade that a majority of us were invested in equities. Yet, the vast majority of stock investors fail even to match the performance of the S&P 5...
Dec. 29, 2023

Last Q&A of '23

This is the last episode of 2023 and it's only fitting that it be Don's favorite type: questions and answers. We have some great ones this week: Is adding a DFA value fund worth the added cost? Should 529 money be used to eve...
Dec. 28, 2023

Retirement Relocation

Retirement can mean gaining the freedom to live anywhere you want. Tom and Don consider the best and worst states for retirees, based on multiple criteria, from two different sources. One of the worst may surprise you. Plus, ...