Listener Reviews

Mostly spot on content. Some of the AI songs are strange. They are pro-AUM.

Great guys. Great podcast. If you don't understand something then keep listening. They are consistent so you will gradually understand everything.

Mostly spot on content. Some of the AI songs are strange.

Tom and Don won’t lie to you, and they won’t inflate numbers. They tell you like it is. I’ve been listening to them since 2016 and their advice has kept me calm in the eye of the financial storms. This is a definite listen to podcast no matter if you’re a teenager, or already retired. Because of them, I’ve been able to retire early!

I’ve written in two questions so far, Tom has reached out, has had me on the podcast, and has provided valuable advice, thanks to both Tom and Don for all that you do, it’s much appreciated!

I have to admit that I like this podcast and the devotion of these two guys for the breath of material they cover on practically daily basis. Definitely a top 50 financial podcast like no other.

Keep being creative, it makes me smile when it starts!

Talking Real Money is a great trustworthy podcast. Finding honest financial advice in this world is difficult. I really appreciate the true fiduciary advice Tom and Don give. 5 stars. Now my only criticism is Don's use of AI for music bumpers. AI should not be used for that. I would rather have no music than listen to souless AI music. I don't mind most other uses for AI such as cleaning up bad audio from the calls. That is a good use for AI.

One of the best financial podcasts I’ve listened to. They are funny and informative. The humor is refreshing in an industry that seems to be competing with the funeral business in terms of seriousness.

I’ve been listening for many years now. We get it, you use AI but hearing about how you use it every episode to clean the audio or have conversations with it, is tiring. I personally do not want my voice ran through AI so I won’t be calling in that way.

Great podcast. I’ve been hearing since the pandemic. Have learned a lot. Implementing learnings for my retirement. Saludos desde 🇵🇷.

Long time listener and really appreciate your show. It’s helped navigate work to retirement through the years. Not sure about the AI jingles though. Probably because I’m not of fan of ‘oldies’.

The Talking Real Money Podcast has taught me so much about the financial services industry. After listening for the past 2½ years, I used what I learned to find a new fee-only, 100% fiduciary financial advisor this year. I also met with a Apella Wealth financial advisor out of the Connecticut office. He reviewed my investment portfolio, answered all of my questions about my financial situation, and explained the services available at Apella Wealth per my request —all at no cost. I highly recommend taking advantage of this free meeting if you're looking for financial guidance (there is no high pressure sales pitch) I've recommended this podcast to friends and family because it's educational, practical, honest, and genuinely helpful. Most importantly, it has given me the knowledge and confidence to make better financial decisions. And please keep the humor and banter coming—it makes learning about investing enjoyable!

Thank you Don McDonald, Tom C. Cock and Appella Wealth for this absolute superb investing podcast, I have been listening since late 2024 via Overcast honestly, but these guys are great at helping people understand the basics and even some of the details of Investing funds, in some of the best no/frills, no bologna/baloney ways! They let people know how best to diversify and what to avoid when it comes to individual stock and etf and crypto etc. gambling vs. actual diversified investing! go to talkingrealmoney.com for, full show details and learn for yourself how best these guys can actually help you financially!

I had to stop listening to the July 30th podcast. The banter turned into an ego driven mess. Don, let Tom finish a sentence before you stomp on him. This was a bad podcast. Stopped at the 7 minute mark.

This is a very good help me think about my future and investing and they have humor with it, which makes it very nice

Tom and Don are the best. We are being educated at the same time as we are being entertained about such an important subject.

Twenty year guaranteed immediate TIAA annuities have a return of 4%. The yearly payout is about 7.5%. I don't think the wealth managers like them because they loose AUM. Also, annuities through TIAA are probably as safe as you can get.

Love the continuous beating of the low-cost, diversified investment portfolio drum. Keep up on exposing the crypto scam.

A must listen to show. They are usually right on. Please keep up the pressure on crypto. Twenty year guaranteed immediate TIAA annuities have a return of 4%. The yearly payout is about 7.5%. I don't think the wealth managers like them because they loose AUM.

A must listen to show. They are usually right on. Please keep up the pressure on crypto.

Have worked with Tom quite a bit over the years and have called in several times. Can't recommend them highly enough for financial approch and guidelines. I have done their free portfolio review and there is no hard sell, nothing shady... completely professional. They are one of the few TRUE fiduciaries that are not only required to work in your best interest, they seek out the opportunities to do so and that is rare and refreshing. They have started doing a podcast almost every day, a huge benefit to the audience and what has to be taxing on already stretched resources, but that is just more testament to their quality, integrity and commitment to their audience. Would love to hear more collaboration with Paul M. and maybe see if your Stacking Benjamin or Clark, want to reciprocate and come be a guest now that they have stopped the live call in Saturday's. Keep up the great work... and maybe give the conservatives a break guys. Honestly it's gotten to where I just have to fast forward through Don's Trump bashing and barely veiled conservative jabs, but the content is worth the eye roll. Just be honest if you are going to be political and don't hide it behind sarcasm and rhetoric, it makes it tough to trust you with something big when you can't be trusted with something small and it comes off cowardly and pandering.

Been listening for about 3 years now. They have really great advice and are willing to help people that call or write in with questions.

30 year DIY investor through the Clark Howard School of Basic Investing. Decided to listen after hearing an ad and I’m glad I did. TRM has quickly become my 1 one podcast. I haven’t missed a show in 2-3 years. Sorry Clark! I’ve learned a lot, added more diversity to our investments and I’m feeling more comfortable on the process of generating an income from our investments when the time comes. Keep doing what you do. Love it!