When Dull is Desirable

Talking Real Money opens with a stark illustration of why Bitcoin fails as a usable currency, showing how volatility can destroy real-life budgets overnight. Don and Tom compare crypto to historic speculative bubbles, argue that stability—not hype—is the core function of money, and dismantle the “store of value” narrative. The show then shifts to practical listener calls covering CD ladders, Treasury yields, retirement readiness, estate planning, and early-retirement balance. Throughout, they emphasize boring, diversified, evidence-based investing over speculation, reminding listeners that long-term financial security comes from discipline, planning, and emotional restraint—not chasing the next hot trend. 0:04 Bitcoin paycheck scenario and real-world income collapse 1:04 Currency volatility vs. household budgeting reality 2:22 Bitcoin’s 45% drop and “currency vs. speculation” argument 3:24 Hyperinflation examples and why stability matters 4:03 “Greater fool” theory and vanishing crypto hype 4:47 Why Bitcoin fails as a functional currency 5:59 Tulip mania and historical bubbles comparison 6:59 Tangible assets vs. pure speculation 7:39 “At least you can live in a house” argument 8:26 Michael Saylor, HODL culture, and empty promises 9:30 NFT collapse and Beeple example 10:11 Crypto returns vs. real assets 11:14 Listener question: CDs vs. Treasuries 12:22 Current CD rates and Bankrate reference 13:56 Risks of long-term bonds and rate changes 15:32 Don’s real CD ladder example 16:37 Fixed income diversification strategy 18:35 Hot money leaving crypto for prediction markets 19:45 Generational blind spots and bubble psychology 21:08 Retirement planning call: housing proceeds and savings 23:57 Social Security timing and cash-flow planning 25:41 Importance of fee-only fiduciary planning 27:32 Vernita Toll Bridge digression (classic TRM) 30:33 Estate planning: wills vs. trusts 33:49 RetireMeet promotion and resources 35:43 FIRE listener call: saving vs. living balance 38:58 Permission to spend responsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices