Sound Investing

Paul Merriman, a financial literacy advocate and founder of The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, shares insights on the significance of financial education, especially for the youth. He discusses innovative initiatives, including a program at Western Washington University that introduces vital online resources for students. Paul emphasizes the importance of self-education to empower individuals in making informed investment decisions. He also showcases collaborative efforts among organizations to enhance financial literacy across different generations, advocating for a financially educated future.

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.

Join Rick Ferri, a leading expert in low-cost investing and host of the Bogleheads on Investing, along with Paul Merriman, founder of the Financial Education Foundation. They dive into essential topics like the pros and cons of small-cap value versus total market funds. Discover the significance of asset allocation, the challenges of target date funds, and the value of including international equities in a portfolio. They also share insights on maintaining a disciplined investment strategy amidst market volatility and the importance of informed decision-making for young investors.

In this riveting debate, economist Karsten Jeske, known for his straightforward investment strategies, faces off against veteran Paul Merriman. They hash out the merits of small cap value investing versus simpler index approaches like 'VTSAX and chill.' Merriman touts small cap value’s historical outperformance, while Jeske warns that its advantage may fade in today’s efficient market. The stakes are high—potentially millions for retirement as they unravel topics like diversification, investment complexity, and the importance of understanding risk in financial planning.

Discover the power of flexible distribution strategies for a successful retirement! Learn why defensive financial decisions are critical for long-term success. The discussion highlights the difference between fixed and flexible distributions, complete with comparison tables demonstrating potential returns and risks. Diversification through index funds is emphasized, alongside the pros and cons of various investment strategies like buy-and-hold versus market timing. Adaptable approaches can help you navigate market fluctuations and inflation more effectively.

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 adjusted for inflation and how often?Will the distributions be based on a fixed distribution with regular adjustments for inflation (the topic in this presentation) or on a flexible basis (the topic of the next segment)?In this podcast Paul uses 15 slides to address the questions above. It is recommended the viewer print out the ⁠PP presentation  to make it easier to follow the numbers.Many may find it is easier to follow the information on Paul’s video⁠ on the same topic.If you have questions about the presentation please leave comment or question in the comment section of the video  or email ⁠paul@paulmerriman.com⁠.  For those sending an email please let us know the topic of the Boot Camp presentation.

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 those listening to the podcast here is a link to the pdf of all of the tables referenced in the presentation.  He only focuses on a handful of tables but here is a link for those who want to review the entire set of tables.Paul discusses the accumulation process from the viewpoint of an investor as well as a small business owner.  If you have questions please send them to paul@paulmerriman.com or leave them in the comment section below.  

This session dives into the nuances of asset allocation, examining the crucial balance between stocks and bonds. Discover how risk and return vary with different investment percentages. A useful table showcases combinations of S&P 500 and small-cap value. Personalization takes center stage as the discussion emphasizes adapting investment strategies to match individual goals. Plus, get a sneak peek at an upcoming boot camp that will tackle fixed contributions and leverage community insights and AI tools for enhanced investment understanding.

Chris Pedersen, Director of Research who builds Best‑in‑Class ETF analysis using factor-based, transparent quantitative methods. He explains the factor-driven selection process, introduces a new relative factor expected return metric, and walks through recent ETF swaps and why Avantis and DFA choices may offer edge. Practical tips on accessibility, portfolio configurator tools, and why disciplined long-term commitment matters are also discussed.

A clear breakdown of the core choice between bonds and stocks and what each represents. Discussion of historical return tables and quilt charts reaching back to 1928. Examination of diversification, asset-class splits, and small‑cap/value premiums. Analysis of long‑term compounding, time horizons, and how different fund mixes smooth volatility.