ETFs + Q&A

In this listener-driven episode, Don, Tom, and advisor Roxy Butner tackle a wide range of investing questions, starting with the explosive growth of ETFs and why many new funds—especially active, leveraged, and thematic products—may be risky for long-term investors. They discuss whether and how to exit expensive inherited mutual funds, how to use low-income years for tax planning, and why capital gains can still trigger taxes even in sabbatical years. The team reviews a complex multi-fund portfolio, explains the pros and cons of adding growth tilts, and dives into behavioral finance—offering practical ways to resist over-tinkering. They close with guidance for investing inherited money later in life, emphasizing purpose, risk tolerance, and family planning, and preview the upcoming RetireMeet event.

0:04 Intro, listener questions, and why “ETF” is not “EFT”

0:27 ETF growth in 2025 and the rise of active and leveraged funds

1:31 Why most new ETFs worry Tom (active, leverage, speculation)

2:04 Choosing the right ETF: costs, indexing, and long-term focus

3:16 Roxy joins and the listener Q&A begins

3:54 Inherited AIVSX: taxes, donating shares, and switching to ETFs

7:04 Why traditional mutual funds are tax-inefficient

8:14 Sabbatical year strategy and capital gains misconceptions

10:39 When to involve a tax professional

11:31 Portfolio mix: VOO, Avantis, international, and value tilts

12:17 Why adding VUG may increase risk

14:57 Asset location challenges and rebalancing problems

15:22 Behavioral finance: resisting the urge to tinker

19:21 How often to check your portfolio

20:10 Discipline, rules, and systematic investing

21:11 Inherited $300K at age 79: purpose and next-generation planning

23:40 Building a taxable portfolio for heirs

24:40 RetireMeet preview and featured speakers