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
Teach Real Investing
•
Don McDonald
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Financial education is expanding nationwide—but much of it is still teaching speculation instead of investing. Don and Tom critique stock-picking contests, flawed risk frameworks, and misleading “active vs. passive” framing, while arguing for evidence-based investing and early Roth contributions as the true foundations of financial literacy. They break down the compounding power of a 529-to-Roth strategy, address custodial transaction fees when selling mutual funds, caution against performance chasing in emerging markets after a major rally, and help a caller navigate moving an elderly parent’s CD out of a low-yield bank account. The through-line: education is powerful—but only if it’s grounded in reality.
0:04 Financial education expanding nationwide—but stock-picking contests still dominate curricula.
2:14 Why stock games teach trading, not investing. Own the market instead.
3:32 Federal Reserve curriculum critique—risk scales and “active vs passive” framing.
6:10 Teach teenagers Roth IRAs early. Time is the superpower.
7:36 Questionable risk ratings—growth stocks equated with collectibles.
9:17 Efficient Market Hypothesis in plain English—luck vs insider info.
10:45 529 plans and Roth rollovers—$35K opportunity.
11:37 Compounding example—$35K to nearly $2M tax-free over 40+ years.
15:43 Withdrawing from a Vanguard target-date fund—costs and custodian fees.
20:07 Performance chasing—emerging markets surge after tariff ruling.
23:13 South Korea’s role and Avantis outperformance.
28:40 Helping an elderly parent move a $200K CD—avoid automatic rollovers.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
0:04 Financial education expanding nationwide—but stock-picking contests still dominate curricula.
2:14 Why stock games teach trading, not investing. Own the market instead.
3:32 Federal Reserve curriculum critique—risk scales and “active vs passive” framing.
6:10 Teach teenagers Roth IRAs early. Time is the superpower.
7:36 Questionable risk ratings—growth stocks equated with collectibles.
9:17 Efficient Market Hypothesis in plain English—luck vs insider info.
10:45 529 plans and Roth rollovers—$35K opportunity.
11:37 Compounding example—$35K to nearly $2M tax-free over 40+ years.
15:43 Withdrawing from a Vanguard target-date fund—costs and custodian fees.
20:07 Performance chasing—emerging markets surge after tariff ruling.
23:13 South Korea’s role and Avantis outperformance.
28:40 Helping an elderly parent move a $200K CD—avoid automatic rollovers.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
