Why So Mean?

In this episode, Don and Tom dig into the podcast rankings to explain why Talking Real Money isn’t at the top—and why Dave Ramsey still is, despite offering more shame than substance. They explore the concept of financial shaming vs. education, reflect on listener Judy’s brilliant retirement planning, and take aim at stock-trading politicians, especially California Rep. Ro Khanna with his 4,700+ trades in one year. Listener questions cover inheritance allocation, condos as investments, and 401(k) vs. Roth vs. brokerage savings. Bonus: Tom yells at his grandkids, Don hates condos, and Congress gets roasted.

0:04 Who’s #1 in investing podcasts? Spoiler: It’s not Don and Tom—it’s still Ramsey

1:18 Financial shaming, bullying, and the “toxic” tone of the Ramsey Show

2:22 The lost LinkedIn post that called out Ramsey culture

3:49 Should shame ever be part of financial advice? (They say no)

5:05 How Talking Real Money tries to educate—not humiliate

7:04 What should great financial advice sound like? A compassionate take

8:47 Caller Judy (age 72) seeks advice on a $200k inheritance—Tom and Don love her plan

11:51 Municipal bond ETFs (like VTEB) vs. international bonds vs. risk tolerance

13:53 Judy’s journey learning finance solo—Don gets emotional

14:38 Why are podcast rankings volatile? Don suspects cheating again

16:03 Listener question: Should you max both 401(k) and IRA? (Yes, and here’s why)

17:59 Roth > Traditional > Brokerage: A savings priority guide

18:45 Target-date funds vs. S&P 500 returns—why it’s not apples to apples

20:05 Caller Nathan: Getting married, no kids, and thinking of buying a condo

22:56 Warning: Condos are almost always terrible investments

25:44 Real estate reality check—condos lag, freestanding homes rebound better

27:52 Don’s definitive answer: “I would never own a condo”

28:33 Congress and stock trading: 86% of Americans say it should be banned

30:20 Ro Khanna made 3,000+ trades in 2023… and wants to ban stock trading?

31:52 Why Congress shouldn’t trade stocks—and how index funds are the solution

34:24 Ro Khanna’s $103 million in trades and 149 conflicts of interest

36:46 Wrapping up: Condos, curmudgeons, and Central Florida emptiness
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