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).
Talking Real Money - Investing Talk
Asking Away
•
Don McDonald
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A lively Friday Q&A kicks off with some unintended voice effects courtesy of Don’s grandkids before diving into listener questions on money market funds versus high-yield savings accounts, Roth vs. traditional 401(k) decisions in high tax brackets, expense ratios in fund-of-funds like Avantis ETFs, the limited value of international bonds, the reality behind indexed annuity caps, and whether investors should ever move beyond simple one-fund portfolios. The throughline: keep it simple, understand risk vs. safety, and don’t overestimate your ability to outsmart well-constructed investment strategies.
0:04 Grandkids + Rodecaster voice effects open
1:55 HYSA vs. Schwab money market funds (SWVXX, Treasury MMFs)
3:54 Risk spectrum: prime vs. government money markets
5:35 Why some online banks are ditching ACH transfers
6:54 Roth vs. traditional 401(k) in a high tax bracket
8:11 Blended strategy and tax flexibility over time
10:21 AVGV expense ratio—are fees stacked?
10:47 Fund-of-funds pricing explained (no double dipping)
11:41 International bonds: worth it or unnecessary complexity?
13:22 Indexed annuity caps—can they go up? (the reality)
15:33 Why indexed annuities remain opaque and costly
16:08 One-fund portfolios vs. DIY allocation thresholds
17:42 Why simplicity often beats customization
18:47 Don’s own one-fund 401(k) approach
19:32 Plug: Short Storyverses podcasts
20:06 Plug: Financial Fysics Kindle release
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
0:04 Grandkids + Rodecaster voice effects open
1:55 HYSA vs. Schwab money market funds (SWVXX, Treasury MMFs)
3:54 Risk spectrum: prime vs. government money markets
5:35 Why some online banks are ditching ACH transfers
6:54 Roth vs. traditional 401(k) in a high tax bracket
8:11 Blended strategy and tax flexibility over time
10:21 AVGV expense ratio—are fees stacked?
10:47 Fund-of-funds pricing explained (no double dipping)
11:41 International bonds: worth it or unnecessary complexity?
13:22 Indexed annuity caps—can they go up? (the reality)
15:33 Why indexed annuities remain opaque and costly
16:08 One-fund portfolios vs. DIY allocation thresholds
17:42 Why simplicity often beats customization
18:47 Don’s own one-fund 401(k) approach
19:32 Plug: Short Storyverses podcasts
20:06 Plug: Financial Fysics Kindle release
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
