Sound Investing

A surprise gift unlocked months of boot camp tables ready for early release. They revisit the idea that many portfolios can work and explain why sticking with a sound plan matters. Historical comparisons show how diversification, value tilts, and bonds change long-term outcomes. They preview a 10-part boot camp covering stocks vs bonds, glide paths, ETF selection, savings and withdrawal strategies.

Explore the importance of diversification and avoiding scams while investing. Discover the nuances of asset allocation, including different strategies for various risk tolerances. Learn how target date funds work and how to manage them over time. Uncover common mistakes in retirement planning that can lead to dissatisfaction, along with expert tips on Social Security timing and Medicare coverage. Paul emphasizes the value of financial education and offers insights into building a successful retirement strategy.

Listeners will discover the art of choosing ETFs, where cost and methodology meet personal goals. The discussion dives into the pros and cons of single-fund solutions versus DIY portfolios, emphasizing discipline. Young investors might prefer all-equity strategies, while retirees should focus on risk management. Audience questions about withdrawal rates reveal how strategy impacts savings longevity. Plus, there's insight into Canadian investing tips and the evolving favor for ETFs over mutual funds for their tax efficiency.

Discover what 2025 revealed about investing, including the unexpected performance of the Magnificent Seven stocks. Learn why diversification was crucial and how different asset classes fared, with some surprising wins and losses. Delve into the importance of aligning portfolios to risk and return rather than chasing fads, and explore two valid approaches to fixed income investing. Paul shares insights from over 50 years of data to help investors stay the course during market volatility.

Paul Merriman, a retired investment advisor and founder of Merriman Wealth Management, shares his expertise on financial health for medical professionals. He delves into factor investing and the benefits of non-traditional index funds that can yield higher returns. Merriman emphasizes the importance of disciplined investing and when one might need a financial advisor. He also discusses low-cost financial planning options and the role of AI in investment strategies, while advocating for a fiduciary approach in choosing advisors.

Discover the art of lifelong investing as Paul emphasizes the importance of simplicity over complexity. He shares insights on the critical decisions every investor faces, such as investing in individual stocks versus bonds or diversifying across various markets. Real-life experiences reveal the risks of concentrating investments, while a simple portfolio can potentially add consistent returns. Join the conversation about balancing fun and discipline in investing while avoiding the pitfalls of speculation, especially with trends like crypto and AI.

Paul Merriman, a legendary investing educator and founder of the Merriman Financial Education Foundation, drops invaluable wisdom on wealth-building through long-term investing. He stresses the importance of starting early and utilizing low-cost index funds. Merriman discusses how compounding works quietly over time and emphasizes the benefits of small-cap value investing for long-term returns. He also shares practical advice for young investors, highlights the significance of saving consistently, and cautions against high investment fees.

In the final Q&A, insightful discussions include strategies using the equal-weighted S&P 500 and the pros and cons of switching mutual funds to ETFs. Listeners learn about dollar-cost averaging versus market timing, and how to build a retirement portfolio for different life stages. The conversation also touches on investing inheritances wisely, the balance between ultimate buy-and-hold and simplified strategies, and the importance of sticking to long-term plans over political influences. Advisors and resources for personalized investing are recommended.

In this installment, the discussion dives into risk-parity portfolios and the volatile nature of gold, with a preference for bonds. Paul explains the origins of the 10-Fund Strategy and its comparison to the 60/40 model. He shares insights on avoiding short-term trends, highlights a double-rung bond ladder for fixed-income diversity, and analyzes growth versus value performance. Strategies for systematic investing in uncertain times are covered, along with the importance of rebalancing and choosing the right bond allocation in retirement.

Join the host as they reflect on gratitude and provide practical investing insights. Discover the importance of transitioning wisely from accumulation to distribution in portfolios. Learn why a simple two-fund U.S. portfolio is favored and how international diversification can affect returns. Insights on investing a lump sum versus dollar-cost averaging are also shared, alongside a discussion on alternative investments. Plus, a preview of future topics ensures you'll stay informed and empowered in your investing journey!