
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 n... more
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 1798 | Founded | 12 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BusinessEducationInvestingHow To | |||

A year-end Boxing Day Q&A covering realistic downside expectations for global portfolios, the marginal value of adding international small-cap value, details for RetireMeet 2026, and a deeply skeptical look at Medicaid-compliant annuities. The common... more
It’s surprisingly hard to know what something is really worth until someone actually tries to buy it—and that problem is front and center in private funds. Don and Tom unpack why private equity, private real estate, and other “alternative” investment... more
A Wall Street Journal column argues that younger investors are turning to options, crypto, and betting as a rational response to a “rigged” economic system. Don and Tom aren’t buying it. While acknowledging real headwinds—student debt, housing costs,... more
Streaming was supposed to save us money. Instead, it quietly rebuilt cable… with better branding and worse self-control. Don and Tom trace the journey from rabbit-ear TV to today’s subscription sprawl, where “it’s only $14 a month” quietly becomes hu... more
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Don’s advice is all over the map. On one hand, he downplays 3–4% inflation as if it’s just background noise no one should worry about. But the moment a caller pays even 50 basis points more than the funds he promotes, suddenly it’s a cardinal sin worthy of a lecture. The inconsistency is hard to ignore—and even harder to take seriously.
I’ve made Tom & Don a regular part of my walks. They’ve provide me with great insights, ways to rethink about my financial hodgepodge and begin to get things in line. I miss T&D of I go a few days without listening but then I’m happy to be able to binge listen 😃. Also, the length of each episode is perfect for my listening pleasure. Keep up the great work Tom & Don 👍🏻😃
They are usually right on. But immediate annuities from a low cost source can be very effective. Check out Wade Pfau and many other researchers.
Love the show. Don’t get why the haters have to leave negative reviews. If you don’t like it, don’t listen. I do find it “fascinating” how Tom says “etc, etc, etc” multiple times per show. Keep up the great work guys. My favorite podcast and I listen to several.
Don, you’re missing the point about debasement.
You keep insisting that the U.S. dollar’s loss of value is “gradual,” as if that somehow makes it acceptable. But that’s precisely how monetary decay hides in plain sight—slow enough that people don’t notice until it’s too late. Let’s look at the numbers.
According to Zillow, the typical U.S. home in 2015 was worth $183,000. Today, that same home is valued at $363,932—a 99% increase. Did the home itself suddenly become twice as useful or desirable?... more
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Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Financial literacy and investment strategies are at the forefront of the discussions, with insightful analysis of retirement planning, taxes, and common pitfalls in the financial advisory industry. The hosts focus on real-world issues, providing listeners with practical advice for navigating the complexities of investing and retirement. Particularly noteworthy is their examination of common financial products like bonds, funds, and annuities, presenting a balanced view of potential pitfalls and benefits of each. Their engaging style blends education with entertainment, making challenging subjects more accessible and relatable, encouraging listeners to take charge of their financial futures.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Talking Real Money:
1. The Clark Howard Podcast
2. Sound Investing
3. Retire Sooner with Wes Moss
4. Your Money, Your Wealth
5. The Stacking Benjamins Show
Talking Real Money launched 12 years ago and published 1798 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Talking Real Money include:
1. Christine Benz
2. Roxy Butner
3. Megan Gorman
4. Michael DeJoseph
5. David Booth
6. Dave Butler
7. Joe Saul-Sehy
8. Roxy Butler
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