A lively Friday Q&A episode tackling listener questions about FSAs vs. 401(k) contributions, BND vs. BKAG bond funds, intermediate-term bonds vs. CD ladders, Avantis fund-of-funds fees and structure, and the financial implications of New York City’s newly elected socialist mayor. The show blends practical investing guidance with jokes about annuity-salesperson Halloween costumes and a detour into political fears vs. economic realities.

0:04 Opening, Friday Q&A setup, thanks to Tom’s grandkids

0:44 Listener FSA dilemma and choosing between FSA funding or 401k

3:01 Why FSAs are painful and why a 401k wins when choosing one or the other

5:57 Comparing BND and BKAG bond funds, holdings, universe, credit quality

9:01 Listener joke: “scariest Halloween costume is an annuity salesperson”

9:55 Moving CD-ladder money to VGIT or BIV; differences and trade-offs

12:22 Thoughts on iShares LifePath target-date ETF (ITDC)

12:33 Why Avantis fund-of-funds exist and whether you pay double fees

15:36 Underlying fund costs inside AVGE and how the total expense ratio works

16:21 Question about NYC’s new socialist mayor and financial impact fears

17:54 Walking through political fears vs. practical economic reality

21:55 Why one politician can’t radically reshape a city’s economic fate

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