All Episodes

October 29, 2025 44 mins
Don and Tom go after one of their favorite targets: bad actors in the financial industry—especially those who flee regulation by becoming insurance salesmen. They break down a shocking new study showing that 98% of brokers kicked out by FINRA stay in the business by selling annuities and other insurance products, often with little oversight. The duo compares this behavior to “cockroaches,” slamming state insurance commissions for weak enforcement and minimal fines. Later, they tackle Washington State’s ballot measure SR 8201 on investing long-term care funds, answer listener questions about 529 plans versus UTMAs, discuss 457 plan costs and fund choices, and close with a fun chat about Halloween chaos and coffee and cocoa prices. 0:04 Opening rant on misbehavior in the financial industry and the perils of “bad advisors.” 1:03 How fired brokers reappear as insurance salesmen—98% stay in the industry. 3:10 Why state insurance oversight is toothless and how low the penalties really are. 5:14 Insurance firms masquerading as planners—why fiduciary-only advisors matter. 6:03 The study’s “cockroach” comparison and why the problem persists. 7:37 How to vet your advisor using FINRA’s BrokerCheck and state insurance lookups. 9:16 State vs. federal regulation—why the insurance lobby spent $200 million to avoid SEC oversight. 11:08 Caller Beth from Washington asks about SR 8201—investing long-term care funds in stocks. 13:27 The fiduciary perspective: diversification and realistic expectations. 15:23 Caller Gene from Puyallup on 529 plans vs. UTMAs for grandkids. 17:55 Tax control, gift rules, and the best state 529 options. 19:20 Holiday gifting and a little banter about who’s on Tom’s “nice list.” 20:22 Halloween costumes, tourists, and Celebration, Florida trick-or-treat madness. 23:28 Behind the scenes: Don reveals the entire “Talking Real Money” production staff (himself). 24:32 Podcast email list plug—how to subscribe at TalkingRealMoney.com. 25:35 Explaining podcasts for the AM radio crowd—how to find Talking Real Money on your phone. 27:30 Listener question from Matthew in Illinois about 457 plan costs and hidden fees. 30:38 The truth about 457s, penalties, and why Schwab’s low-cost ETFs may be smarter. 32:34 Caller Rob from Bellevue discusses attending RetireMeet and noticing the Apella building. 33:18 Wrapping with cocoa and coffee futures—good news for chocolate, bad for espresso lovers. 37:49 Don plugs Litreading’s Scary Story Season before switching to Christmas stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Ruthie's Table 4

Ruthie's Table 4

For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.