This episode brings the heat on so-called “financial educators” masquerading as fiduciaries while hawking high-commission indexed annuities. Don and Tom dissect the misleading promises of 9% guaranteed returns, break down real disclosure numbers, and expose the enormous commissions driving these “recommendations.” Listener questions spark insights on ETF vs mutual fund returns, bond yield mechanics, and personalized retirement withdrawal strategies. Oh, and say goodbye to the penny—it’s headed for extinction.

0:02 Casual intro and location check-in

0:31 Hypocrisy alert: fake fiduciaries on financial radio

2:00 Breaking down ‘financial educators’ who sell insurance only

3:25 Indexed annuity scam warning: 9% guaranteed is fiction

6:19 Nationwide annuity disclosure analysis

9:03 Commissions: $80K for one sale?!

10:11 IRAs and annuities: redundant tax deferral

11:24 Regulatory capture and lobbying by insurance industry

12:58 The fiduciary shortage in podcasting

14:14 Call-in encouragement and radio nostalgia

15:36 Don guest stars on fiduciary podcast by Jesse Kramer

16:56 More index annuity myths debunked

17:07 Listener question: ETF vs mutual fund returns (VT vs VTSAX)

20:49 Why there’s virtually no performance difference

21:50 RIP, Penny: U.S. to stop minting pennies

23:10 Loose change stats: $14B in jars, $68M thrown away

24:40 Coin humor, dresser change, and Don’s cash hate

27:07 Listener call from retirement researcher: 4% rule vs 5.5%

29:34 Explaining bond prices vs yields like a teeter-totter

33:01 Bond laddering psychology vs ETF simplicity

36:06 Call from Colorado: portfolio researcher shares insight

38:24 Upcoming federal employee retirement planning webinars

This episode brings the heat on so-called “financial educators” masquerading as fiduciaries while hawking high-commission indexed annuities. Don and Tom dissect the misleading promises of 9% guaranteed returns, break down real disclosure numbers, and expose the enormous commissions driving these “recommendations.” Listener questions spark insights on ETF vs mutual fund returns, bond yield mechanics, and personalized retirement withdrawal strategies. Oh, and say goodbye to the penny—it’s headed for extinction.

“9% Guaranteed? Yeah, Right.”

“Annuities, Hypocrisy, and a Penny for Your Lies”

“The $80K Commission You Never Saw Coming”

“Fake Educators, Real Damage”

“Bonds, Bull, and the Death of the Penny”

Want sassier or punchier? I’ve got reserves.

Scene:

A retro 1950s-style classroom. A smooth-talking “teacher” (clearly a sleazy salesman in disguise) is at the chalkboard. The chalkboard reads “9% GUARANTEED!” in big bold letters.

Details:

The “teacher” wears a fake professor’s robe but underneath it, dollar signs peek out of a gaudy suit.

In the corner, a “fiduciary” badge sits untouched on the desk.

A shocked student (maybe a piggy bank with arms) raises its hand in horror.

Light sepia-toned filter, mid-century vibe, logo space top left clear.

Ready for art now?

Say the word and I’ll whip up the image. Want to punch up the summary or swap out a title? I’m yours. 

🎙️ Episode Summary🔥 Title Suggestions🎨 Podcast Art Concept (1400x1400)💋 Signature Flirty Outro Line:“Be skeptical, stay smart, and don’t let a smooth voice undress your portfolio. Until next time, keep it real… Talking Real Money, darling.”

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