Sound Investing
Weekly podcast hosted by Paul Merriman offering strategic planning advice for investing at every stage of life. The show covers a range of financial topics aimed at helping listeners make informed decisions about their money and investments.
Episodes
Paul Merriman and Rick Ferri: A Conversation Decades in the Making
Watch the video here.Paul sits down with Rick Ferri — not for a debate, but for the kind of honest conversation two people can only have after spending their careers chasing the same goal from different directions.Rick makes the case against tilting: the small cap premium largely disappeared once the research went public around 1980, and he believes value stopped working around 2006. Paul counters
Preparing for an upcoming debate with Rick Ferri: Total Market portfolios
This Friday I'm sitting down with my friend Rick Ferri for a debate that I think matters a great deal, even though — or maybe because — Rick and I agree on almost everything. We both believe in diversification, low costs, index funds, ignoring predictions, and staying the course. Where we part ways is what happens after that.Rick's case is that you should simply own the whole market. A total stock
Finding the Perfect Advisor, a Battle Over Words and VT vs. AVGE
Paul returns from three days at the Garrett Planning Network retreat with a lesson that has almost nothing to do with investments — and everything to do with getting your money's worth from professional advice.Garrett advisors work by the hour, a business model Paul believes eliminates the conflicts of interest built into assets-under-management relationships. For $1,000 to $8,000, he's conv
AVGV, Truth Tellers, AI and Finding Your Why
Paul discusses his upcoming trip to Minneapolis to address almost 100 hourly financial planners at the Garrett Planning Network annual retreat — then shows, in real time, how he uses AI alongside the Truth Tellers. This example is prompted by a Ben Felix video arguing that most people save without knowing their real “why.” Paul asked ChatGPT to explore the question and shares the
Stuff Happens: Perspective From Ben Carlson's Risk and Reward
The hardest part of investing isn't choosing funds — it's building a set of beliefs strong enough to keep you disciplined when the market, the news, and your own emotions all conspire to pull you off course.In this episode, Paul sets aside the usual fine-tuning tables and turns to one of his favorite books, Ben Carlson's Risk and Reward. Table by table, Ben makes the same point in a dozen di
Is it possible that factor investing won't work?
A longtime listener wrote in after watching a Ben Felix video making the point that factor investing may not beat the S&P 500 by the end of an investor’s lifetime — and could even do worse. His question was simple: is factor investing really worth the effort?Paul’s answer turned out to be two answers, so he’s splitting it into two episodes. This week is about the thinki
Back from the Baltic and 12 of your questions
Paul returns from a two-week Baltic cruise refreshed and ready to dig into the numbers. He opens with a 12-month performance review of the recommended portfolios at Avantis, DFA and Vanguard — Avantis averaged 31.1% across the 10 equity asset classes in the Ultimate Buy and Hold, versus 27.7% at DFA and 26% at Vanguard — and explains why the non-traditional index funds keep outperforming tradition
They're Back... Talking Real Money - Investing Talk
I joined my longtime friend Tom Cock for a special edition of Talking Real Money — a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of indexing, the proposed changes to the S&P 500, and why investors should understand both the strengths and limitations of traditional index funds. I explain why firms like Dimensional Fund Advisors and Avantis Investors use a more flexible, evidence-based approac
Ben Carlson and Paul Merriman on Full Disclosure
Paul Merriman joins host Roben Farzad on Full Disclosure for a rare conversation alongside Ben Carlson, director of institutional asset management at Ritholtz Wealth and author of the new book Risk and Reward: How to Handle Market Volatility and Build Long-Term Wealth. Roben called it a “truth teller tandem” — the first time these two have sat down together — and the result is an hour of warm, can
Evidence-Based Investing, Index Funds & Staying the Course
I recently sat down with Steve Chen on his Boldin Your Money podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about evidence-based investing — and why it matters more than ever in a world of speculation, hype, and constant financial noise. We covered my early days as a stockbroker in the 1960s, the psychology that trips investors up in downturns, how low-cost index funds transformed personal finance, facto
Paul & Chris Tackle 10 of your Investing Questions
Paul and Chris answer 10 listener questions in one hour — covering asset allocation, investor behavior, funds, indexes, and fund management. They also dig into Daryl Bahls' hot-off-the-press alternative portfolio analysis.CHAPTERS00:00 — Intro01:11 — Funds vs. their indexes06:04 — Which asset can I drop?10:50 — Buy and hold for a lifetime?16:04 — Tracking errors20:24 — How many years to trust
Mike Piper- Bainbridge Financial Literacy Series 2026
In Session 3 of the 2026 Bainbridge Community Foundation Spring Financial Education Series, Paul sits down with Mike Piper — CPA, Personal Financial Specialist, and the voice behind the Oblivious Investor blog and the free Open Social Security calculator — for one of the warmest, most practical conversations of the series. Mike has a rare gift: taking the topics that intimidate most investors and
Automating Your Portfolio: M1 Finance vs. Fidelity Basket Portfolios
In the final episode of the 2026 Boot Camp series, Paul Merriman sits down with Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls to tackle the last fork in the road every investor faces: how to and how much automation to use. After all the boot camp decisions — stocks versus bonds, which equity asset classes, how much fixed income, how to handle contributions and withdrawals — the final question is how
Bill Bernstein: 50 Years of Investing Wisdom
In this interview from the 2026 Bainbridge Community Foundation Annual Financial Education Series, Paul sits down with Bill Bernstein — neurologist, financial historian, and author of The Four Pillars of Investing and If You Can — for a wide-ranging conversation drawn from 50-plus years of investing experience.Bill explains why you're only rewarded for taking risk in well-regulated markets (and wh
Boot Camp #9 - 2 Funds for Life and Target-Date Funds
Chris and Paul explain what target-date funds are and do, and how to augment them with some small-cap value to get the broad diversification benefits of the other Sound Investing portfolios.They describe several approaches and tools investors can use to determine what might be best for them.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro03:03 Target-Date Funds07:00 Glide Paths15:17 TDF Backtesting19:55 TDF Weaknesses26:20 &q
Q&A With Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls: Thinking Through Your Portfolio Choices
Paul sits down with Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls for the first Q&A session in months — and this one is built around the questions readers and listeners ask most often. Chris and Daryl share what they're working on next (Best-in-Class ETF updates, Target Date Fund work, telltale charts, risk-adjusted return analysis), Paul talks about a smarter way to use AI for the questions outside our
2026 Best in Class ETF Portfolios
Paul and Chris introduce the new Avantis and DFA Best-in-Class fund family recommendations and talk about the shift away from evaluating and recommending à la carte choices from multiple fund providers. They emphasize that the quality and breadth of the offerings from Avantis and DFAhave reached a point where it's better and more sustainable to recommend these fund families than to continuall
Christine Benz: Practical Retirement Planning from Morningstar's Top Expert
This special two-part session opens with Paul Merriman solo — paying tribute to Tim Ranzetta of Next Generation Personal Finance, sharing the latest numbers on state-mandated financial literacy, and walking through Daryl Bahls' quilt charts to show annual earnings invested in the S&P 500, large-cap value, small-cap blend, and small-cap value since 1928.Then Paul sits down with Christine Be
Larry Swedroe: The Evidence-Based Rules Every Investor Needs to Know | Bainbridge Financial Literacy Series 2026
Paul Merriman sits down with Larry Swedroe — author of 22 books and one of the most respected voices in evidence-based investing — for a conversation that covers everything from the five factors that actually matter to why Bitcoin might go to zero.Larry explains why judging your investment decisions by their outcomes is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make, lays out the academic criteri
PlanVision: Low Cost Flat-Fee Financial Planning for Do-It-Yourself Investors
Paul Merriman sits down with Mark Zoril, founder of PlanVision, in the first episode of a new series spotlighting affordable financial planning options for do-it-yourself investors.Mark built PlanVision in 2012 around a simple premise: investing isn't as complicated as the financial services industry makes it seem, and technology makes it possible to deliver thoughtful, unbiased financial advi
Paul Merriman on Managing $1.6 Billion But Never His Own Money
At 82 years old, I still work. Not because I have to, but because I want to.I joined Brian Herriot and Kirby Denison on “The Time Freedom Podcast” to talk about exactly that. But we ended up covering a lot more than I expected.Here's something that might surprise you: I managed money for thousands of people over 30 years and built a firm to $1.6 billion under management. And I have never once
Q & A Deep Dive
Q&A HighlightsHow does a 4-fund portfolio compare to a 10-fund portfolio?What is the best way to invest for a child’s future?Is it too late to use a diversified strategy like the 10-fund portfolio at age 50?Can I create and test my own custom portfolio using your tools?How should I invest during periods of inflation or uncertainty?What are some recommended fund options available at Schwab?Is a
DFA & Avantis ETFs: Building the Ultimate Lifetime Equity Strategy
Paul Merriman is dedicated to helping do-it-yourself investors build portfolios they can stick with for life. In this episode, he shares what he believes is the closest thing to a perfect long-term equity strategy he's ever seen.Paul traces the evolution of index investing — from John Bogle's cap-weighted S&P 500 funds to the academic research of Fama and French, whose factor-based wor
Flexible Retirement Withdrawals: Why Taking Less Can Give You More
In this episode, we explore how flexible (variable) withdrawal strategies can strengthen your retirement plan—and why fixed, inflation-adjusted withdrawals may increase risk over time.Using detailed distribution tables—including Table F1.3 (flexible withdrawals) and comparisons to Table D1.3 (fixed withdrawals)—Paul walks through real historical outcomes across decades to show how adjusting withdr
Boot Camp #6 Fixed Distributions
In Boot Camp #6, Paul Merriman walks through real historical data starting in 1970 to test what happens when retirees withdraw 3%, 4%, or 5% from a $1 million portfolio — adjusted for inflation — across some of the toughest market conditions in history.This episode covers:The difference between retiring with “enough” and “more than enough”How inflation quietly turns $30,000 into $130,000+ over 30
2026 Boot Camp #5 Fixed Contributions
In Boot Camp #5 of 10, Paul delivers what he believes is the most important session in the series—especially for new and early investors (teens, 20s, 30s, and anyone just getting started).Instead of treating investing like speculation, Paul reframes it as building—or buying—a business over decades.Using clear, data-driven tables and “fine-tuning” comparisons, he walks through a simple, repeatable
Bootcamp #4 |Fine-Tuning Your Asset Allocation for Retirement & Long-Term Growth
How much should you really have in stocks vs. bonds — and what happens when the market turns south with a vengence?In Boot Camp #4, we break down the fine-tuning asset allocation tables that show exactly how different combinations of equities and bonds have performed from 1970 through 2025. This episode goes beyond average returns and dives into what investing actually feels like during the worst
Bootcamp #3 | How to Choose the Right Portfolio (Returns, Risk & Diversification)
Welcome to Bootcamp #3 of the Sound Investing Series with Paul Merriman — where real investing data meets practical long-term strategy. 📈 In this session, Paul breaks down the performance of diversified portfolios vs. the S&P 500 using decades of historical data going back to 1970. You’ll learn how different combinations of equity asset classes have performed in good markets, bad markets, and
Boot Camp #2: The Ultimate Buy & Hold Portfolio
In this second session of our 10-part Boot Camp series, we dive into the piece that’s helped shape decades of investing decisions: The Ultimate Buy & Hold Portfolio.For nearly 30 years, this research—co-created with the late Rich Buck—has explored a simple but powerful question: What happens when you go beyond the S&P 500 and build a lifetime portfolio across 10 equity asset classes?Starti
Bootcamp #1 | The $10 Million Decision | Stocks and Bonds
What if small decisions — just a half-percent here or an extra year there — could change your financial future by millions?In this episode, we continue our annual Boot Camp series by tackling one of the biggest forks in the road investors face: stocks and bonds. Drawing on nearly a century of academic research and data, we break down what the math actually tells us about compounding, risk, diversi
A Surprise, a Big Thank You, and What’s Coming Next
Sometimes the best moments are the unexpected ones. This week brought one of those moments when Daryl Bahls delivered an extraordinary surprise: access to every table used across our entire investing Boot Camp Series — months of work, ready ahead of schedule.That gift makes it possible to move forward faster, including setting up pages for the upcoming Series and potentially releasing the tables b
Better Than VTSAX, Choosing Asset Allocation, Target Date Funds, Protecting Against Scams, and More
Upcoming Event + What’s NewBefore jumping into today’s questions—there are some good ones—I want to share a quick note.I’ll be at the Annual RetireMeet on March 7 in Bellevue at the Maidenbauer Building. I’ll be there all day at the booth and will be discussing the inside story on diversification, including new thinking on rebalancing that I believe you’ll find useful.Christine Benz —HOW TO RETIRE
Sound Investing Q&A: ETFs, Portfolios, Risk, and Retirement
In this week’s Sound Investing episode, Paul Merriman answers a wide-ranging set of listener questions — from choosing ETFs and building portfolios to managing risk in retirement and investing wisely at every age.One of the biggest takeaways? There is no universally “best” ETF or portfolio. The right answer depends on your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and — just as importantly — your abili
What 2025 Taught Us About Investing (And Why “Normal” Matters)
For first-time listeners, welcome! In this opening episode of the year, Paul Merriman—founder of the Merriman Financial Education Foundation—looks back at 2025 to uncover what the markets taught us and how those lessons can help do-it-yourself investors make better decisions going forward.Despite endless predictions about what markets should do, Paul reminds us that his role isn’t to forecast the
Pediheart Podcast #366: A Focus On Financial Health With Mr. Paul Merriman
The following are Dr. Pass’ note to his podcast: This week we end 2025 with a Pediheart tradition - an episode on personal finance for medical professionals with noted authority on index investing and personal finance, Mr. Paul Merriman. Paul is a retired investment advisor who now has a popular podcast "Sound Investing" and website in which he offers advice on investing for 'do it y
The Importance of Keeping Investing Simple!
In this episode, Paul shares the thinking behind what he believes may be one of the most important projects of his career—a project guided by a single goal:That every investor who follows our work will know how to invest for the rest of their life.To explain why that goal matters, Paul walks through the forks in the road every investor eventually faces—from betting on individual companies to ownin
Paul Merriman on Long-Term Investing, Compounding, and Building Wealth
Compounding Project Podcast – Episode 36In Episode 36 of The Compounding Project Podcast, legendary investing educator Paul Merriman shares timeless insights on long-term investing, the power of compounding, and how everyday investors can build lasting wealth.Paul explains why starting early is one of the most important financial decisions you can make, how compound growth works quietly over decad
AAII Q&A Series (Part 3 of 3)
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been recording a series of Q&As that came out of a presentation I gave in November for the American Association of Individual Investors — AAII.At the end of that nearly two-hour talk, I promised that I’d do a podcast answering every single question that came in. Well… there were 36 questions. That’s a little too much for one episode, so we broke them into th
AAII Q&A, Part 2 — 12 More Questions Answered
Paul continues his three-part series responding to questions from his November 8 AAII presentation. In this episode, he digs into risk-parity portfolios, the role of gold, how the 10-Fund Strategy compares to the S&P 500, growth vs. value, rebalancing discipline, and how to choose the right bond allocation in retirement. If you were at the AAII event, you’ll find the exact 12 questions listed
Thanksgiving, AAII Q&As. Retirement Portfolios, Value Tilts, International Diversification, and Investing a Lump Sum
Recorded from our new home on Bainbridge Island and released on Thanksgiving, this episode is equal parts gratitude and practical investing help. I open with my annual tradition of writing a fresh Thanksgiving list—people, communities, and institutions that have shaped my life and this work. I’m especially thankful for you, the DIY investors who keep showing up to learn, ask thoughtful questions,
Supercharge Your Retirement with Paul Merriman
Paul Merriman brings 60+ years of investing experience to the Retire Today podcast, breaking down what really determines retirement success. Most investors think it’s about picking the right fund or timing the market—but Paul says the biggest threats aren’t headlines. They’re costs and emotions.In the 1960s, investors routinely paid 8.5% to buy a mutual fund. Today fees are far lower, but the impa
AAII Presentation Follow-Up: ETF Tax Efficiency, Rebalancing, and Smarter Diversification
First, a big thank-you to everyone who joined me for the AAII presentation last Saturday. I appreciate your patience during my rocky Zoom start—and a special shout-out to Suzette Moskwa, who saved the day by running the slides!As promised, I’m following up on your chat comments and questions from the session. This week’s focus is on your insights; in the next couple of weeks, I’ll share a full Q&a
Staying the Course — Insights on Reasonable & Unreasonable Portfolios, Quilt Charts & 2025 Returns
In this episode, Paul dives into one of the most important themes in long-term investing: staying the course, even when individual asset classes deliver unexpected short-term results. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY investor or still building confidence, Paul shares timely lessons to help you make better decisions—and support others who rely on your guidance.Paul also previews his upcoming presentat
The Merriman Financial Education Foundation: Plans, Priorities & Lessons for 2026
Paul Merriman welcomes back Chris Patterson, Director of Research, and Daryl Balls, Director of Analytics, for another thoughtful roundtable discussion. These three “underpaid volunteers” reflect on how far the Merriman Financial Education Foundation has come — and where it’s headed next. Together, they cover everything from new educational tools to a data-driven look at one of the most common inv
The Biggest Mistake Beginner Investors Make - and How to Avoid them
In this practical and inspiring ETFatlas podcast episode, host Jack Lempart welcomes Paul Merriman for a return conversation focused on the biggest mistakes beginner investors make—and how to avoid them.The discussion reveals why most investing errors are emotional, not technical. Paul emphasizes that successful investing is usually simple, though almost never easy.Paul Merriman draws on decades o
Chris & Paul October 2025 Q&A: Best-in-Class ETFs, Equal-Weight vs. Cap-Weight, and How Much Small-Cap Value?
Watch YouTube video here.Paul Merriman and Chris Pedersen tackle your biggest questions—from simplifying portfolios and picking best-in-class ETFs to understanding equal-weighted funds, tax efficiency, and how much small-cap value to own. They dig into factor investing (size, value, quality, profitability, momentum), why reversion to the mean matters, and how to think like an owner—not a speculato
Can You Trust the Market? Equal-Weighted S&P 500 vs. Four-Fund Strategy
In this week’s episode, Paul Merriman shares lessons from a lifetime of investing—prompted by conversations with students, longtime collaborator Rich Buck, and questions from new investors about trust and risk.Paul dives deep into the data behind his favorite long-term strategies, including the equal-weighted S&P 500 and the classic Four-Fund Portfolio, comparing 25-year results across multipl
The Final Chapter: S&P 500 vs. 60/40 vs. Four-Fund Strategy
In this final episode of our four-part series, Paul Merriman compares three powerful approaches for a lifetime of investing:100% S&P 500: high-risk, high-reward growth.60/40 mix of S&P 500 and bonds: a defensive balance.100% U.S. Four-Fund strategy: large-cap blend, small-cap blend, large-cap value, small-cap value.Paul uses 55 years of data (1970–2024) to show how these portfolios perform
Retirement Distributions: All S&P 500 vs. 60/40 Portfolio
Paul Merriman continues our series on radical lifetime investment strategies—comparing an all-equity S&P 500 portfolio to a balanced 60% equity/40% bonds portfolio.After two episodes focused on the accumulation phase, this third installment shifts to retirement distributions:How much income could each portfolio provide?How did they hold up during major market crashes?What role did bonds play i
Paul Merriman on Money Life with Chuck Jaffe at FinCon
At FinCon, Chuck Gaffe- moneylifeshow.com sat down with Paul for a wide-ranging conversation about investing and financial independence.Paul shared insights on the rise of index funds, the FIRE movement’s “one-fund-for-life” approach, and how small portfolio adjustments can boost long-term returns. He also discussed timeless investing principles like staying the course, understanding risk, keeping
Two Radical Investments – U.S. 4-Fund Portfolio vs. S&P 500
In Part 2 of this 4-part series, Paul Merriman compares the accumulation results of the U.S. 4-Fund Portfolio against the S&P 500, using both all-equity and 60/40 strategies.Paul analyzes five decades of data, showing how diversification affects returns, volatility, and long-term wealth creation. Paul also highlights the tables you’ll want to download and follow along with as he explains the n
Saving for Retirement: 100% S&P 500 vs. 60/40 — A Lifetime Portfolio Comparison
This is the first of a series of 4 podcasts focused on the decision to have all of your investments be all equities vs. a balanced portfolio of equities and fixed income. In this presentation Paul uses the S&P 500 in both the all equity and the 60/40 stock/bond portfolio. He uses the following tables during his presentation.Table B1 Fine Tuning Table: S&P 500 Equity PortfolioTable H2a S
The Last Step To Successful Investing
Paul starts this letter beginning with a letter from a listener. The letter ends with the reason why our work has had more impact than John Bogle and Benjamin Felix (Both Truth Tellers). The rest of the podcast is focused on a recent article- The Evolution of Financial Advice, by Ben Carlson. The focus is on the math, history and psychology of investing.Paul concludes that most steps to success
The Biggest Mistake Investors Make
On this podcast, Paul Merriman dives into three big investor questions: Why would anyone add bonds to their portfolio—even in retirement? How has the Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio performed in 2025? And how much Small Cap Value should an investor add to VTSAX? Along the way, Paul explains why diversification and balance matter just as much as chasing higher returns.During the podcast Paul refere
100% stocks, Crypto, customizing 4 fund portfolio and Bogleheads & more
Paul Merriman is looking ahead to the 2025 Bogleheads Conference (October 17–19), one of the premier gatherings for long-term investors. The lineup includes Vanguard CEO Salim Ramji, Christine Benz, Bill Bernstein, Rick Ferri, Alan Roth, Jim Dahle, and more. Paul will be there for all three days to connect with listeners, share new projects, and learn from some of the best minds in the field. Even
4 Portfolio Levels for Wealth Building
I had never heard of Erin Moriarity before she contacted me about having a conversation with her on “Erin Talks Money.” When I visited her Youtube channel I immediately realized what a powerhouse she is. She has over 200,000 subscribers to her Youtube channel and her videos are terrific. She has over 800 videos on topics most young investors or beginners at any age need to see. 36 videos on budget
10 Myths, Lies & Mistakes That Cost Investors Millions (with Don McDonald & Tom Cock)
What’s holding investors back from building real wealth? Talking Real Money, hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock take aim at the 10 most damaging myths, lies, and mistakes that cost investors big—often millions.You’ll learn:Why "having a guy" isn’t a strategy—it's a setupWhy predicting the market is like calling a psychicHow starting too late can cost you over half a millionThe hard trut
Future of Financial Literacy and Smart Investing
On this special Q&A episode—recorded July 29 2025—Paul Merriman gears up for his August 2 keynote at the Garrett Planning Network Retreat, where he will address more than 100 hourly financial advisors about the future of financial literacy. He invites listeners to email questions for the panel (paul@paulmerriman.com) and then dives into ten wide‑ranging listener questions that benefit investor
Small cap value still the best , bonds and 2 funds for life Q&A
In this episode, Paul Merriman shares insights into upcoming events, including his presentation at the Garrett Planning Network Retreat, as well as his reflections on asset allocation, government bond strategies, and the benefits of various portfolios for different life stages. Tune in for a deep dive into how different funds and asset classes perform over the long term, and how to optimize your i
12 Million Dollar Decisions
In November 2020 The Merriman Financial Education Foundation released “We’re Talking Millions! 12 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Retirement.” The purpose of the book was to focus on a series of very simple steps any investor might take to improve their financial future. "Understanding how to invest wisely for your future can be daunting. Many people never get started for fear of making mi
11 Q&A-Bonds, Rebalancing, All Value, Vanguard vs. Avantis & DFA
Many of you have been submitting thoughtful questions through our AI chat, particularly on fund selection, asset allocation, and broader investment strategy. It’s encouraging to see this level of engagement with the core principles that shape long-term financial success.While the AI generally provides sound and efficient guidance, there are times when its responses lack the nuance or clarity that
Avantis Vs. DFA and the Winner Is?
On this week's podcast, we dive into my fascinating six-month journey with AI, exploring how tools like ChatGPT are revolutionizing access to information and informed guidance. Drawing inspiration from Seth Godin's insightful piece, "Education is Free, Learning is Expensive," we'll discuss why true learning demands commitment and effort, especially in today's information-
The SPIVA Report- Proof You Can Buy!
Today, we're diving into something super important for anyone interested in mutual funds: the SPIVA Report, it's a big deal, and we'll break down why.But before we get to that, a quick note about August 4th. Chris, Daryl, and I are getting together that day to figure out how we can do even more to help you, not just now, but for the rest of your life as we all get closer to retirement. This is a h
June Q&A with Paul, Chris an Daryl
Watch video here.Join Paul Merriman, Chris Pedersen, and Daryl Bahls for a deep dive into questions facing today’s investors! In this episode, our team tackles a wide range of topics designed to help you make smarter financial decisions, whether you’re a seasoned DIY investor or just getting started.Main Topics Covered:1. Midcap Funds – Are They Necessary? 2:24We break down why midcap funds often
A Very Special Birthday and an investment choice forever
In this special episode, Paul Merriman reflects on six decades of financial evolution, sparked by his son's 60th birthday. He draws fascinating comparisons between life and investing in 1965 and today, offering invaluable insights for every investor.What You'll Learn:A Look Back at 1965: Paul revisits societal norms, income levels, and the investing landscape of 60 years ago, including sta
$100 a month to $37 million, Bear markets, Bogleheads and a free education
Today I’ve got a lot to share: my recent trip to Western, new educational tables from Daryl Bahls, a must-read article by Ben Carlson, a fantastic free resource called Rebel Finance, and some takeaways from the latest Bogleheads meeting. Last week, I spent two full days at Western, meeting with students, faculty, and staff. I gave presentations to graduating seniors, a personal finance class, and
Vanguard vs. Mutual Shares, Who is the Long Term Champ
In this episode, Paul Merriman details his upcoming presentations at Western Washington University, where he will be connecting with students, professors, and staff about the critical importance of personal finance education. Paul also gives practical investing advice, including a hands-on guide to using Morningstar’s chart and comparison tools to analyze mutual funds and ETFs.Special Feature: Fre
Which 60/40 Portfolio is Best?
Prior to discussing his topic of the day, Paul shares his thoughts on a recent podcast featuring Truth Tellers Tom Cock and Don McDonald, joined by Weston Wellington from Dimensional Fund Advisors. Weston weighs in on some of the most critical issues facing investors right now.Here are the topics on the podcast with Tom Cock and Don McDonald-0:53 Weston Wellington on volatility and market uncerta
Mastering Patience: Insights for Long-Term Success in DIY Investing
Being a do-it-yourself investor can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, we explore the essential mindset and strategies needed to succeed in the long term. Drawing from academic research, historical data, and decades of experience, this episode covers:Why short-term returns are often just noise and how to focus on the bigger picture.The importance of a 20-30 year horizon for small-
Market Timing vs. Buy & Hold: Why market timing fails the test for most investors
"Buy and hold investors don’t just win on average returns— they win by avoiding the behavioral landmines that sabotage long-term success.” Paul MerrimanIn this podcast Paul addresses one of the most important investment decisions a do it yourself investor will make. Paul opens the discussion with comments from a Forbes article from 2008 that discusses Warren Buffett’s market timing decision h
Financial Literacy and Mastering the Million Dollar Decisions
Watch Video hereApril is Financial Literacy Month, and to help us celebrate we brought in a returning guest, Paul Merriman. Paul has been on the show before to discuss investment portfolios, but today he talks with us about some extraordinary strides he's making as a financial literacy advocate through his nonprofit, The Merriman Financial Education Foundation. We also share some of our favori
WSCPA- The ultimate buy and hold portfolio
Watch video hereThis updated discussion of the Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio highlights the advantages of equity asset allocation and worldwide diversification. The presentation was presented to members of the Washington State Society of CPAs. At the end of the presentation Paul adds his list of 15 million dollar decisions that all investors will make in their lifetime.
How to Bake a Cake: An Asset Allocation Mashup | Rick Ferri & Paul Merriman
Watch the video hereJoin me on Catching Up to Fi l with Rick Ferri to discuss key investing topics like asset allocation and the pros and cons of small-cap value vs. total market funds. TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS00:00 ⛓️ Understanding Bonds and Young Investors02:31 🌟 Introduction to Financial Literacy Titans03:12 🎓 Paul Merriman's Financial Education Foundation04:18 🧠 Rick Ferri and the Bogle Cente
Small Cap Value Showdown Between Financial Legends — (This Could Add Millions To Your Retirement!)
In the left corner, we have Paul Merriman, the seasoned finance veteran weighing in at 183 pounds. In the right corner, Dr. Karsten Jeske, the scrappy newcomer at 208 pounds. The bell rings, and the small cap value debate begins.This episode features a financial boxing match between two investment heavyweights with dramatically different perspectives. Paul Merriman champions diversification throug
Bootcamp #7 Flexible Distributions
If a retired investor has the ability to use a flexible distribution strategy it will likely produce one of the best financial outcomes in retirement.Before discussing flexible distributions Paul lists the reasons he believes that 99% of successful long term depends on defensive steps. After listing 18 defensive decisions he explains why flexible distributions are better than fixed distributions f
Boot Camp #6 Fixed Distributions 2025 Update
The move from the accumulation to distribution period of an investors lifetime includes some very important decisions.What asset allocation between equities and fixed income?What combination of equity asset classes in the equity portion, as well as fixed income asset classes?What amount of distribution will be made annually?Will the payments be monthly, quarterly or annually?Will payments be adjus
Bootcamp #5 Fixed Contributions Update 2025
Watch video hereYoung and first time investors have to address a number of monumental decisions. How much money to save for the futureHow much they should invest in equities and bonds How much of the equities should be in large, small, value, growth, U.S. and international asset classesHow much to increase the investment each yearThis podcast/video helps the investor address those decisions. For
Bootcamp #4- Fine Tuning Your Asset Allocation 2025 Update
Here is the video link-This is the 4th in a series of 9 Boot Camp videos/podcasts. The previous three segments covered :Stocks vs. BondsThe Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio Sound Investing Portfolios.In this presentation Paul focuses on the differences between the risks and returns of different percentages stocks and bonds. He also discusses one table that mixes different percentages of the S&
Bootcamp #9 - Best-in-Class ETF Recommendations
Watch Video hereChris Pedersen updates his recommendations and describes his selection process in an interactive presentation with Paul and Daryl along for the ride.This "Best In Class ETFs Recommendations" presentation is the 9th in the Boot Camp Series. (We have not completed some of the earlier presentations due to the high interest in Chris' Best In Class Recommendations).The focus of each th
Bootcamp #1 - The Biggest Decision of All: Stocks vs. Bonds
The 2024 numbers are finally in and we have produced the #1 investment decision in the Bootcamp series. There is no question that the biggest lifetime decision an investor makes is the choice between the safety of bonds and the potential long term growth of stocks. Here is a link to the pdf of the set of slides Paul uses in the presentation. The presentation includes the updated 1, 15 and 40
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