In this episode of Talking Real Money, Don and Tom dive into the latest crypto chaos, pushing back against Ric Edelman’s bold prediction that ETFs will vanish within five years due to tokenization. They explain why that claim is both misleading and premature. Callers ask about tax shelters disguised as life insurance, sketchy “Tax Act 2020” gimmicks, trust issues with advisors, and the realities of Roth conversions and the pro-rata rule. They also revisit the case for holding Bitcoin—and why it’s still mostly a speculative play, not a currency. As always, the tone is skeptical, the advice is candid, and the laughs are real.

0:04 The investing world is full of nonsense, and it’s our job to help you navigate it.

1:11 Vacation shaming and industry cynicism: Who’s out to mess with your head for money?

2:06 Ric Edelman’s latest: ETFs will vanish in 5 years due to tokenization. Really?

3:15 Explaining blockchain and why it’s not replacing ETFs anytime soon.

5:14 Tokenization = new gimmicks, more “opportunities” to come for your money.

6:47 Appella ad: FFR—Financial Flinch Reflex. Side effects may include peace of mind.

7:48 Why tokenized securities are still a regulatory mess waiting to happen.

9:04 Caller Karthik: Insurance guy pitching Code 7702 “tax-free income” plan. Nope.

10:29 Explaining how life insurance gimmicks really work (and why they’re awful).

11:39 Karthik’s “Tax Act 2020” pitch = tax shelter scam with distressed bonds.

13:00 Don’t fall for tax-first pitches. Build a plan, not a loophole.

14:31 Most financial pros aren’t fiduciaries—skepticism is essential.

16:01 “Don’t trust until you verify.” Reagan said it. So did we.

16:49 How to ask questions: phone, email, voice recordings.

17:48 Caller David: If Bitcoin is hoarded, how can it be useful?

18:59 Answer: Greater Fool Theory. Crypto is speculation, not utility.

20:38 Bitcoin has finite supply… but still doesn’t work like a true currency.

22:08 Bitcoin’s two real uses: speculation and shadowy transactions.

23:15 For Bitcoin to be a true currency, it must be widely accepted. It’s not.

24:48 Caller Ellen: Trust issues with her advisor—she feels ignored.

25:30 She pays 1%, holds Schwab ETFs, and gets canned responses.

27:27 Communication is key. Cost may be fair, but service is falling short.

28:42 Good advice starts with you, not a pitch. Her guy sounds like an AUM chaser.

31:39 Advisors matter in retirement too—good ones prevent dumb mistakes.

32:55 Ellen asks: do fees still make sense once I start withdrawing money?

34:44 Caller Bill: Confused about the pro-rata rule for Roth conversions.

36:24 Quick pro-rata explainer: if your IRA is mixed, you pay taxes proportionally.

37:10 If you’re willing to pay tax on the full amount, IRS is fine with that.

38:36 “Just 86 the whole thing” – don’t sweat a few grand in basis from 1987.

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The End of ETFs?

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