In this extended Friday Q&A episode, Don answers six listener-submitted questions covering a wide range of personal finance and investing topics. He kicks off with a fiery takedown of cryptocurrency as a viable asset class, arguing it’s based on hype and the greater fool theory. Other questions explore whether pensions should count as fixed income in asset allocation, the performance of Dimensional and Avantis funds versus traditional index funds, the pros and cons of Collective Investment Trusts in 401(k)s, and the strategic timing of Social Security. He ends by clarifying a common misconception about RMDs and Secure Act 2.0. Expect smart insights, a little snark, and the kind of blunt honesty that’s rare in financial media.
0:04 Listener Q&A returns with an extra dose—six questions this time
1:07 Confusing podcast scheduling clarified (sort of)
2:11 Crypto as an asset class? Don calls it “entirely invented” and dismantles the use case hype
4:32 If civilization collapses, your Bitcoin won’t save you
6:06 Crypto = greater fool theory; Don braces for hate mail
7:30 Dimensional/Avantis vs. index funds—do the extra fees pay off?
9:13 A 15-year comparison: Dimensional Global Equity vs. VT
11:43 Should a pension count as fixed income? Don says no—it’s a volatility game, not income
15:48 CITs (Collective Investment Trusts) in 401(k)s—cheaper, but less transparent
18:58 Index funds should be your benchmark; Don suspects this one’s active
20:02 Claiming Social Security early to preserve Roth? Don says the math rarely supports it
23:59 Secure 2.0 and RMD confusion—born in 1959? You still take RMDs at 73, not 75
26:15 Tech keeps improving—Don urges retirees to stay sharp, stay curious
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