Halloween Qs

Don answers a range of listener questions covering topics from Fidelity’s fully paid lending program to the Roth 401(k) decision and mortgage payoff strategies. He explains why stock lending rarely adds much value for ETF investors, why paying off a 2.6 percent mortgage makes little financial sense, and why even Berkshire Hathaway isn’t a substitute for true diversification. Listeners also learn about HSA payroll tax savings and how to build Roth flexibility without triggering the pro-rata rule. 0:04 Friday Q&A intro and listener invitation 1:25 Fidelity’s fully paid lending program explained—small returns, limited upside 3:47 When stock lending might make sense for rare or hard-to-borrow shares 4:33 Mortgage payoff debate—2.6% rate vs. 7% investing return 5:30 Don confirms: investing wins, emotion aside 7:09 Caller argues for Berkshire Hathaway B as the “perfect” one-stock portfolio 9:14 Don dismantles the myth—Buffett’s own warnings, risk concentration 11:23 401(k) vs. Roth 401(k)—how to decide and why a plan matters 14:04 Backdoor Roth options for self-employed spouses 15:32 Importance of long-term planning once portfolios near $1 million 15:56 HSA payroll advantage—no Social Security tax on contributions 17:11 Using a Roth to store “extra mortgage” money until retirement 18:08 Why paying off a low-rate mortgage later may not make sense 19:37 Free fiduciary portfolio checkup offer from Apella Wealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices