The Value of Rethinking

Don and Tom explore the value of changing your mind in the face of new data—financial and otherwise. Sparked by Christine Benz’s recent Morningstar piece, they reflect on how their own views on DIY investing, target date funds, and even TIPS have evolved over time. Listener questions cover annuity taxes, Bitcoin inflation claims, covered call ETFs, and whether CDs beat bond funds in retirement. Grumpiness levels: elevated but entertaining.

0:04 Flexibility in finance: Why it’s okay to change your mind

1:16 Christine Benz says she’s rethinking the DIY retirement approach

2:48 The underrated value of real financial advice (Vanguard Alpha)

3:51 Why advice matters more in retirement than during accumulation

5:36 All-in-one funds like target date strategies get a new look

6:41 Trick: Adjust your target date fund based on risk tolerance

7:47 Target date glide path flattens at retirement (~50% stock)

8:24 TIPS funds vs. laddering: Christine’s third “meh” shift

9:53 Equities = effective inflation hedge; tips may be redundant

10:29 Don’s personal changes: Target date funds and 4% rule flexibility

12:07 Vanguard survey: Advisors = peace of mind + time savings

13:23 Money and emotion: #1 cause of murder and divorce

14:57 Listener Q: What to do with a low-cost deferred annuity at Fidelity

17:09 Stop obsessing over who pays taxes—spend and enjoy

19:20 Listener Q: Bitcoin vs. dollars—why price comparisons fail

20:07 Bitcoin isn’t a currency. It’s just volatile

20:31 Listener Q: Are JEPI/JEPQ “safe” for dividends? Nope

22:04 Covered call ETFs carry hidden risks and higher costs

23:50 Listener Q: Why use bond funds instead of CDs or money market?

25:03 Bond funds vs. CDs: risk, return, and long-term expectations

27:08 Don’s rant: Stop trying to game the system—good enough is good enough
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