Questions and Critiques

In this Friday Q&A edition of Talking Real Money, Don tackles listener questions ranging from the dangers of options trading and critiques of Dave Ramsey, to building a simple 60/40 portfolio, comparing flat-fee versus AUM advisors, and whether international bonds deserve a spot in a portfolio. Along the way, he mixes in humor, candid pushback, and practical advice while emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and the importance of asking good questions. 0:04 Intro, gratitude for enough listener questions to fill a show 1:20 Why Don won’t recommend any book on options trading 3:29 Caller defends Dave Ramsey and critiques Don & Tom’s take 5:55 Don responds, clarifies criticisms, and acknowledges Ramsey’s positive impact 8:00 Portfolio question from Andy: building a 60/40 with a value tilt 11:14 Flat fee vs. AUM advisors—when each makes sense 13:41 Bond question: Fidelity vs. Vanguard total bond funds, and role of international bonds 17:27 Don on thick skin as a talk show host and why critique is welcome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices