Talking Real Money - Investing Talk
Talking Real Money - Investing Talk
Don McDonald
Ep. 1994: The $31,000 Advice Bill
37 minutes Posted Oct 7, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Cajun Welcome and Money Talk
Advisor Fees and Fund Loads
Do You Need Financial Help?
How Much Should Advice Cost?
Hidden Fees and Market Myths
Listener Questions and Answers
Avantis Fund Correction
Passive Income Portfolio Strategy
Charitable Giving Choices
Social Security Question Deferred
Bernie Madoff Tribute
Closing Disclaimer
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37:57
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Show notes
Don and Tom unpack what financial advice should cost after a retired couple discovers they’re paying $31,000 a year. They compare fee-only, fee-based, and commission models, explain how hidden fund expenses compound the damage, and show why every advisor should disclose the full all-in cost. Listener questions cover the Avantis balanced fund, building retirement income from a total-return portfolio, and where bonds belong across taxable and retirement accounts. They also compare qualified c...