ETF Madness

Don and Tom dive into the wild world of “speculative” ETFs inspired by Jason Zweig’s WSJ piece, mocking the absurdity of funds like the Icelandic stock market ETF (35 stocks, really?) and those tracking things like crude oil shipping futures. They debunk the myth that “ETF” means safe and highlight the rise of investing as entertainment. Later, they discuss disclaiming inherited assets, why tax planning and estate titling matter, and why deferred compensation plans should be part of a bigger strategy—not just a reaction. Listener calls from Maryland, Sammamish, Yelm, and Illinois round out the episode with smart, practical retirement planning questions.

0:17 ETFs as sport? Jason Zweig’s takedown of gimmicky, risky ETFs

1:29 Iceland ETF, HVAC stocks, and crude oil transport—this isn’t investing

3:35 GLCR: The Iceland ETF with a 1% fee and a chilly 35-stock portfolio

5:09 Diversification vs. “D-versification” and the illusion of ETF safety

5:40 Why investing shouldn’t feel exciting—and what that says about us

6:50 Zweig’s gambling metaphor and why “just 5%” is still real money

8:56 Listener Eugene on inheriting IRAs and disclaiming taxable accounts

12:25 Legal disclaimers: IRS Rule 2518, timing, and why PODs are cleaner

15:23 Estate attorney reminders and state law disclaiming quirks

17:24 Sammamish listener Jason on VXUS vs. VEA for international exposure

18:56 Tesla talk: Waiting for $400, fears, and the balance sheet debate

22:03 Listener Chris from Yelm: Deferred comp vs. dividend stocks

26:34 Chris needs a real plan, not just portfolio improvisation

29:40 Strategy: Spend from taxable, defer the deferred

33:03 Listener Joni from Illinois: Maxing contributions and Roth eligibility

35:58 Congress’ oddly specific 60–63 catch-up rules and K Street lobbying