Episode Details

A wide-ranging Q&A episode tackles the real-world tradeoffs investors actually face: whether Paul Merriman’s aggressive small/value “ultimate” portfolio is worth the complexity and risk, how much stock to put in scary online bank reviews versus FDIC reality, and how to find advice when you don’t want someone managing your money. Don also explains why FAFSA tricks with traditional IRA contributions don’t work, how to control capital gains taxes using specific share identification, and—somehow—confirms he was the voice behind a powerful Auschwitz exhibit. Practical, skeptical, and very Don.

0:05 Friday Q&A intro and how to submit questions

1:49 Merriman 10-fund portfolio vs “owning the market”

5:21 Don confirms Auschwitz exhibit voiceover work

6:54 Bread Savings reviews, withdrawal limits, and FDIC reality

9:38 Finding tax-only retirement advice (CPA vs hourly planner vs EA)

12:05 FAFSA myth: traditional IRA won’t lower aid eligibility

13:55 Selling ETFs: minimizing taxes with specific lot selection

17:01 Podcast hosting quirks and MP3 download workaround

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