This question heavy episode of Talking Real Money dives into six listener questions ranging from umbrella insurance and portfolio rebalancing to small-cap value allocation, AI’s role in financial planning, and advisory fees. Don critiques umbrella policies as overpriced peace-of-mind products, gives practical strategies for balancing across multiple accounts, stresses the value of both U.S. and international small-cap value, discusses the disruptive potential of AI in advice (with a cameo from “Kath”), and explains fiduciary fees, taxes, and client experience at a fee-only firm like Appella.

0:04 Big Q&A episode intro and listener reminder about submitting questions

1:14 Listener note on Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office documentary

2:49 Ivan asks about when to buy umbrella insurance

6:23 How to send in questions and live call-in info

6:41 Listener asks about rebalancing across 401k, Roth, taxable, and HSA

10:02 Jeff asks about U.S. vs. international small-cap value ETFs and missing T-shirts

12:34 Mike from Colorado describes using ChatGPT for Roth conversion and withdrawal planning; Don and Kath discuss AI’s impact on financial advice and SEC regulation

20:46 Ed from North Carolina asks about fiduciary fees, IRA penalties, and the new client experience at Appella

23:27 Advisor meeting cadence and availability explained

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