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
Retiremeet 2026 Part Two
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Don McDonald
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Broadcast from RetireMeet 2026 in Bellevue, Don and Tom reflect on the evolution of retirement planning—from a narrow focus on investments to a broader conversation about purpose, relationships, and life after work. They interview Paul Merriman, who discusses portfolio construction, the role of small-cap value stocks, risk tolerance, and long-term investing discipline. The conversation also explores withdrawal strategies, market history, and how investor behavior during downturns often determines success more than asset allocation itself. The episode closes with a major announcement: the Talking Real Money radio show will end in April and transition fully to a podcast format with five weekly episodes.
0:27 Reflections on the event and praise for speakers like Christine Benz and Paul Merriman.
1:54 Growing focus on purpose and lifestyle in retirement, not just money.
3:11 Audience turnout and attendees traveling from across the country for RetireMeet.
3:51 The importance of a holistic approach to retirement planning including relationships and lifestyle.
5:25 Estate planning conversation and the uncomfortable reality of thinking about life after we’re gone.
6:01 How to listen to the podcast and transition from radio listening to podcast apps.
6:41 Introduction of Paul Merriman and discussion of portfolio construction and asset classes.
8:15 Understanding risk tolerance and balancing portfolios for different ages.
9:41 Investor behavior during crises like 2008 and the tech crash of 2000–2002.
10:32 Cap-weighted vs equal-weighted S&P 500 and tax implications.
11:48 Why investors should document how they feel during market highs and lows.
12:06 Using nearly 100 years of market data to understand future volatility.
14:42 The evolution of financial planning from investment management to comprehensive planning.
16:19 Financial education gaps and rising bankruptcy rates among retirees.
18:00 Debate over whether 401(k)s replaced pensions successfully.
20:52 Merriman explains small-cap value investing and why unpopular stocks can outperform.
23:12 Why most investors don’t hold small-cap value despite historical advantages.
26:11 Long-term investing and the importance of patience through underperformance cycles.
28:24 Withdrawal strategy research showing dramatic compounding over long periods.
30:05 Whether future market returns can resemble historical returns.
31:41 The danger of reacting to news headlines and wars when investing.
33:52 Talking Real Money radio show ends in April and shifts to a podcast-only format with five episodes weekly.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
0:27 Reflections on the event and praise for speakers like Christine Benz and Paul Merriman.
1:54 Growing focus on purpose and lifestyle in retirement, not just money.
3:11 Audience turnout and attendees traveling from across the country for RetireMeet.
3:51 The importance of a holistic approach to retirement planning including relationships and lifestyle.
5:25 Estate planning conversation and the uncomfortable reality of thinking about life after we’re gone.
6:01 How to listen to the podcast and transition from radio listening to podcast apps.
6:41 Introduction of Paul Merriman and discussion of portfolio construction and asset classes.
8:15 Understanding risk tolerance and balancing portfolios for different ages.
9:41 Investor behavior during crises like 2008 and the tech crash of 2000–2002.
10:32 Cap-weighted vs equal-weighted S&P 500 and tax implications.
11:48 Why investors should document how they feel during market highs and lows.
12:06 Using nearly 100 years of market data to understand future volatility.
14:42 The evolution of financial planning from investment management to comprehensive planning.
16:19 Financial education gaps and rising bankruptcy rates among retirees.
18:00 Debate over whether 401(k)s replaced pensions successfully.
20:52 Merriman explains small-cap value investing and why unpopular stocks can outperform.
23:12 Why most investors don’t hold small-cap value despite historical advantages.
26:11 Long-term investing and the importance of patience through underperformance cycles.
28:24 Withdrawal strategy research showing dramatic compounding over long periods.
30:05 Whether future market returns can resemble historical returns.
31:41 The danger of reacting to news headlines and wars when investing.
33:52 Talking Real Money radio show ends in April and shifts to a podcast-only format with five episodes weekly.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
