Final Broadcast - One
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In the final live broadcast of 'Talking Real Money' on Northwest News Radio, hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock reflect on a 38-year legacy that traces back to 1988 with the 'Ways and Means Committee' and includes iconic shows like 'Sound Investing' and 'Investor Radio.' The episode is a heartfelt farewell to the radio format, marking the transition to a five-day-a-week podcast. Don shares a powerful illustration of long-term investing: $500 monthly in the S&P 500 since 1988 would have grown to over $3 million today, underscoring the power of consistency and compounding. Amid market volatility, including a recent 10% drop in the NASDAQ and a $40,000 loss in his own portfolio, the hosts emphasize the importance of sticking to a disciplined plan, ignoring market noise, and avoiding those who claim to predict the future. Callers share personal stories—from retirement success and credit score glitches to concerns about overpriced advisors—prompting practical advice on freezing credit, tax-efficient investing, and evaluating financial advisors. The episode closes with a strong endorsement of the podcast as the new home for financial guidance, reinforcing their mission to educate and empower listeners.
Consistently investing $500/month in the S&P 500 since 1988 would have grown to over $3 million today, proving the power of time and compounding.
When markets fall, stick to your plan—don’t panic, don’t react to noise, and ignore those who claim to predict the future.
Freeze your credit files at TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian to prevent identity theft—easy to do with a single click.
If your advisor charges 1%+ and uses expensive, actively managed funds, they may not be adding value—consider a fee-only advisor or self-management.
Tax-efficient investing matters: avoid high-turnover funds and focus on low-cost, tax-aware ETFs and index funds.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
A Legacy in Radio: From 1988 to the Final Broadcast
“In July of 1988, you put $500 a month in starting in July of 88 over the next 38 years. S&P 500, not a fancy global portfolio, just the dull, boring S&P 500. And remember in there we did have the crash.”
The Power of Simplicity: $500/month in the S&P 500
“That $250,000 or so that you put in would be worth $3 million today.”
Market Volatility and the Investor's Response
The hosts address recent market declines, including a 10% drop in the NASDAQ, and advise listeners to stay calm, stick to their plan, and avoid reacting to fear-driven media narratives.
Listener Calls: From Retirement to Credit Scores
Callers share personal financial milestones and concerns—retirement success, credit score drops, and advisor fees—prompting practical advice on credit freezing, tax efficiency, and portfolio evaluation.
Paul Merriman: A Mentor and Friend
“You guys literally changed my life, get the radio show going and all the work that you did before you started your own company.”
“In July of 1988, you put $500 a month in starting in July of 88 over the next 38 years. S&P 500, not a fancy global portfolio, just the dull, boring S&P 500.”
“You guys literally changed my life, get the radio show going and all the work that you did before you started your own company.”
“That $250,000 or so that you put in would be worth $3 million today.”
Hosts
Guests
Don McDonald
person
Tom Cock
person
855-935-TALK
other
S&P 500
other
TalkingRealMoney.com
product
Paul Merriman
person
Northwest News Radio
other
Experian
other
Equifax
other
TransUnion
other
Final Broadcast - Two
Talking Real Money - Investing Talk • 40m • 4/1/2026
Yield Trap
Talking Real Money - Investing Talk • 29m • 4/2/2026
Questions Aplenty
Talking Real Money - Investing Talk • 25m • 4/3/2026
Retiree Ripoffs
Talking Real Money - Investing Talk • 27m • 4/6/2026
Modern Bucket Shops
Talking Real Money - Investing Talk • 20m • 4/7/2026
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