InvestED: The Rule #1 Investing Podcast

In the high-stakes world of investing, mindfulness helps value investors stay focused, patient, and rational. It strengthens resistance to fear and greed, promotes long-term thinking, and sharpens decision-making. By staying present, investors can tune out market noise and stick to their principles. In this Vault interview, Phil and Danielle revisit a conversation with mindfulness expert Dawa Tarchin Phillips. His insights on leadership and mindfulness equip investors with the patience, clarity, and resilience needed for volatile markets. By integrating mindfulness into investing, he provides tools to stay focused and make rational, long-term decisions—essential skills for any serious investor. For more inspiration from some of the investing world's most brilliant minds, click here for Phil's free guide to The Best Investors in the World: https://bit.ly/4haMBQ6 Topics Discussed: Empowerment Holdings IMTA Mindful Leadership Tribe Transformational Leadership Council Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Engaging in any form of investment involves some level of uncertainty. While it's natural to feel proud of our achievements, it's equally important to analyze our process when things go wrong. As with anything in life, if we practice value investing for long enough, we'll inevitably make some missteps. By reflecting on failures, we uncover insights and lessons that not only strengthen our decision-making but also help us grow as more informed and resilient investors. On this Vault episode we look back on the troubled story of Horsehead Holdings, and Phil dives into his connection to the company and what he took away from his experience watching a business defy expectations. If you're looking for help with how to plan, save, and invest—at any age—make sure to get our free guide, Map Out Your Investing Journey: https://bit.ly/3DTy4qN Topics Discussed: Horsehead Holding Corporation 13F filings 10-K reports Zinc industry EBITDA P/E ratio Resources Discussed: GuruFocus DATAROMA Seeking Alpha Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Free cash flow is a key metric in value investing. It provides a more reliable view of a company's financial health than its earnings, which can be influenced by creative accounting. By focusing on free cash flow, investors can identify financially solid companies with long-term potential and reduce reliance on speculation. As we close out 2024 and as InvestED nears its 500th episode, this week we're looking back on an episode from very early in the show's run. This Vault pull serves as an excellent primer to anyone who's new to the show and gives a great overview of Rule #1/Buffett-style investing. For some great year-ending insights into the mind of the Oracle of Omaha, click here for a free copy of Phil's Warren Buffett Book of Quotes: https://bit.ly/3OEPXjL Topics Discussed: Humanizing companies Crowdfunding and regulation Cash flow vs. earnings Certainty in investing Resources Discussed: Payback Time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season's greetings, value investors! Phil and Danielle check in to reflect on the holiday season and express gratitude for the support of all InvestED listeners throughout the year. As our hosts prepare for some vacation time to close out 2024, we want to share a warm reminder to cherish the season (while staying mindful of long-term financial goals). Whether you're new to InvestED or just looking to revisit some classics, click here for curated playlists featuring some of the best episodes from over the years: https://bit.ly/3MUOiFn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So a business you own is undergoing an event that's made the future less certain—so what's your next move as a value investor?  Finding the right time to sell can be difficult when the M.O. is to buy and hold, but knowing when to break with an investment can be just as important as knowing what to buy in the first place. Investing success hinges on finding antifragile companies—those that thrive in adversity and compound growth over time. Focusing on a few resilient businesses, rather than over-diversifying, leads to better long-term returns, especially during downturns. Rather than timing the market, investors should prioritize companies with strong fundamentals and compounding potential. Patience and discipline are vital to benefit from their growth through adversity. On this week's show, Phil and Danielle discuss how to approach your investments having events and what the Rule #1 philosophy can tell us about these situations. For help in planning out your investment journey in the year ahead, don't miss your free copy of Phil's 12-Month Financial Success planner:  https://bit.ly/45AP6Xh Topics Discussed: Chipotle's E. coli outbreak San Diego real estate problems Intrinsic value Antifragile businesses Emotion in investing Sprouts FOMO Tulipmania Resources Discussed: All In Rule #1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your circle of competence is the cornerstone of smart investing. Expanding your knowledge as you grow keeps your skills sharp and your strategy strong. When you focus on what you know best, you gain a clearer view of potential investments. This clarity can help you navigate market shifts with greater confidence and resilience than when you're taking on an investment with more unknowns. In this episode, Phil and Danielle discuss how your perspectives can change over the years, and how expanding and refining your circle of confidence can use that change to your advantage. If you've found your circle of competence and you're ready to invest, click here for your free copy of How To Pick Stocks: The 5-Step Checklist for help with identifying which businesses are right for you: https://bit.ly/3ros8mU Topics Discussed: Figuring out “wonderful” Qualitative vs quantitative analysis Continuous education Circle of competence Finding your “one thing” Rule #1 of investing Resources Discussed: Groundhog Day City Slickers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To novices and outsiders, the practice of investing can appear intimidating and overwhelming.  However, despite the seemingly high barriers to entry and understanding market dynamics, an investor's IQ matters less than their ability to be disciplined, patient, and emotionally detached from their investments. In fact, this applies even more to newcomers than it does to seasoned investors, as working with more capital can make it difficult to find impactful investments compared to a modest portfolio.  As you grow in your investing practice, those added complications can be countered by an expanded circle of competence and deeper market knowledge. This week, Phil and Danielle discuss how an investor's mental state and learned habits can aid their investing journey more than their sheer brain power.  They also dig into the ongoing antitrust trial over Google's practices and what the outcome could mean for the tech world. For more insights on the fundamentals practiced by Buffett and other investing greats, make sure to get your free copy of these 6 Market Crusing Investing Principles :  https://bit.ly/45szJ2v Topics Discussed: Jim Simons/Renaissance Technologies Amazon founding Buffett's change of heart re: Apple Reliance on China IQ vs hard work Circle of competence Google antitrust cas Lina Khan Differentiating between short- and long-term problems Fiat/Ferrari Resources Discussed: Mohnish Pabrai on Ferrari Gemini (Google AI) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As value investors, we aim to identify and monitor exceptional, well-managed companies that dominate their industries, effectively operating as unique monopolies. A good starting point is using Google to gather basic insights—stock charts and financial summaries provide a broad overview. From there, explore their reports to assess transparency: are they forthcoming with information, or does it seem like they're withholding details? Finally, conduct a deep analysis to determine whether the company aligns with your values and investment philosophy. In this follow-up to the previous episode's discussion, Phil and Danielle return to Terumo to talk through a recent application of their research process. For help to find the right business to start your own deep dive, don't miss your free copy of the “3 Circles” Exercise Guide:  https://bit.ly/3LOexg2 Topics Discussed: Buffett selling stock Treasury bonds and P/E ratios Boeing woes Rule of 72 Terumo OTC companies Resources Discussed: All In podcast Rule #1 by Phil Town Invested by Danielle and Phil Town Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Modern tools and technology have transformed company analysis and given the general public easier access to a wealth of information to inform their investments. Determining the true metrics of a business is indispensable in value investing, which relies on balancing long-term trends with short-term market spikes. Discover why thorough research and decisive action are key to uncovering value in today's fast-paced markets, offering timeless insights for smarter investing. Join Phil and Danielle as they analyze Terumo, a leading medical technology company, and explore its fundamentals via key investment principles and the impact of consistency in financial data. To learn more about the philosophy behind Rule #1, click here for sample audiobook chapters from our NYT best sellers: https://bit.ly/3N21M18 Topics Discussed: Thanksgiving Terumo Increased access to information Rule of 72 Windage Resources Discussed: InvestED on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know the ever-popular key to financial success in the 21st century: just get your coffee/avocado toast at home and quit wasting all of your money! While there's something to be said for limiting unnecessary impulse buys, the benefit of small wins in our daily lives isn't something that we should overlook.  While the #1 rule of investing is “don't lose money,” it's important for each investor to decide what “losing” money means to them. Join Danielle as she checks in for the beginning of this holiday season and talks through her idea of what it means to set yourself up for success no matter what. For a better understanding of your own investing profile, click here to take the Rule #1 Investing Personalities Quiz:  https://bit.ly/468F8eW Topics Discussed: Gift giving “Either way” account Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back! After several weeks away from the podcast studio, our hosts are back together to cover their tumultuous October. From incapacitating sickness in Europe to lively nuptials in Belo Horizonte, all set against the backdrop of one of the wildest election seasons in recent US history, it's been an eventful autumn. Phil and Danielle also speculate on the potential economic forecast under the next administration, and what deficit spending from either party could mean for future markets. Following years of high inflation, what results could more government spending bring in the years ahead? Valuation is a critical part of the investment process. For help with calculating a company's market capitalization so that you can make smarter investing choices, click here for your free copy of Understanding Market Capitalization: https://bit.ly/44p1xE9 Topics Discussed: The Algarve COVID-19 Brazilian weddings Chuckwalla Valley Raceway Porsche Owners Club The 47th presidential administration Government spending Inflation hedges Nixon and the gold standard Carter and interest rates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If there's one thing that can be said for certain in the closing months of 2024, it's got to be that we're seeing the fulfillment of an apocryphal Chinese curse: “may you live in interesting times.” Although global events like wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have shaken the stock market, Phil argues that uncertainty in the investment climate presents the best opportunities for investing. Tune in to this episode of InvestED where Phil and Danielle discuss when and if you should invest in an uncertain investing environment, how to take advantage of lower prices, and how to find antifragile companies. Learn where to find antifragile companies with Phil Town's Ultimate Stock Market Crash Survival Guide. Get your free copy of the guide now: https://bit.ly/3xNXFlf Topics Discussed: Investing with uncertainty Finding antifragile companies Markets responding to the war in Ukraine Depressions and recessions Inflation and buying power Resources Discussed: Ray Dalio signaling 100 year depression Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we rapidly approach November, one topic seems to suck up all of the oxygen in terms of current events—and it's not Thanksgiving. No one knows what will happen after the election, but given the razor-thin margins and the heated political climate in America, turbulence is likely. To succeed in investing long-term, focus on buying solid companies that meet Rule #1 criteria and are “on sale.” Many people struggle with this due to stress, market fluctuations, or other distractions. Managing your emotions is key to making rational investment decisions, which depends on how well you take care of yourself. Stress and fear lead to poor choices, so practice staying mindful, whether through meditation, exercise, or reading, to keep a clear head and avoid emotional decisions. On this Vault episode pulled from the last presidential election cycle in the US, Phil and Danielle discuss the negative effects of stress on one's investing practice and how mitigating that stress can improve your well-being in addition to your portfolio. For more help with avoiding costly investing mistakes, click here to get a free copy of 10 Do's and Don'ts of Successful Investing: https://bit.ly/3XyEDbD Topics Discussed: COVID-19 Li Liu Self-improvement and self-discovery Ralph Lauren Tesla Circle of competence Dealing with stress Transcendental meditation  Resources Discussed: The Seven Storey Mountain For Love of the Game Turtles All the Way Down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a tricky practice for value investors to navigate through the sea of potential investments. While large, successful businesses can be tempting at the right price, the steps taken to achieve or maintain that success might come with negative environmental and/or societal costs. Given the global dominance of some of the big tech companies in 2024, it might seem like the Amazons and Googles of the world are here to stay. However, issues like misplaced investments, anti-competitive behavior, and a myopic view of the future have seen industry giants topple in the past. This week, Phil and Danielle grapple with the growth dilemma faced by successful companies, and what that can mean for your portfolio as a value investor. To see more sustained growth in your own investments, click here for your free copy of the Rule of 72 Cheat Sheet: https://bit.ly/47awVb6 Topics Discussed: The American Dream Investing in “big” companies City life vs small town life Competition and ethics Sprouts TikTok Resources Discussed: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For any publicly traded company, the bottom line is going to be the driving factor in every major decision that gets made at the corporate level.  With US tax rates fluctuating between administrations and shake-ups in the Eurozone, it can be like a game of cat and mouse between governments seeking to collect taxes and the companies doing everything they can to avoid those taxes. As stakeholders in a business, investors don't just own a stock—we own a portion of the actions that are taken by that company.  With the rise of the internet and easier access to up-to-date information around the world, the social component of investing has become a major factor for many in the market. In this continuation of last week's topic, Phil and Danielle discuss the headquarter dilemma that some corporations are wrestling with and weigh the costs and benefits of activism in the corporate sphere. If you'd like to gauge your own investing knowledge and learn how to improve your investing practice, click here to take the Rule #1 Investing IQ Quiz:  https://bit.ly/3XL7URR Topics Discussed: Corporate tax rates Companies moving out of the US Apple's Ireland woes Business ethics in investing DEI initiatives/reversals Bud Light controversy ESG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cryptocurrency, as a volatile and emerging technology, is used by millions around the world. Some of those users are trying to find security amidst unstable financial situations, while others seeking to avoid government oversight or conduct more nefarious activities. Its decentralized nature offers both opportunities and risks. The ultra-wealthy, facing heavy taxation, often protect their assets through investments, relocating funds, or even engaging in deception. Meanwhile, multinational corporations hold immense power, frequently manipulating markets and governments, creating widespread challenges for economies and individuals. Staying abreast of developments in this nascent field is beneficial to investors, as the volatility in crypto markets can distort valuations and complicate the search for long-term investments. In this week's episode, Phil and Danielle delve into the crypto scene and discuss how the tech sector seems to always be a step ahead of regulators. For further resources in identifying a company's long-term trajectory, click here for your free copy of The 5 Moats Investment Guide: https://bit.ly/3Kmb33J Topics Discussed: Daily dives into trade publications Tether Goldcoin Apple's Ireland tax troubles Coach/Michael Kors merger Resources Discussed: WSJ NYT Barron's All-In Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debt plays a significant role in determining the value of a company. But how can you accurately assess the worth of a business you're interested in when it's burdened with debt? In last week's Vault episode, Phil and Danielle explored this issue through the lens of Liberty Media Corporation's acquisition of Formula One Racing. Building on that discussion, they take a deeper dive into using the 10 cap formula to uncover a company's true value—debt included—and help investors make smarter decisions. They also touch on the inherent unpredictability of investing, using Tesla's past and future as a prime example of the uncertainty you should always anticipate. For some Rule #1 tips on dealing with debt in your own financial life, don't miss your free copy of our Get Out of Debt Checklist: https://bit.ly/3TjolSK Topics Discussed: Value Investing Factoring debt into investment opportunities The 3 Fs of shorting Unpredictability in investing Resources Discussed: InvestED by Danielle and Phil Town Investing Lessons from Formula 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you invest in a business, do you really know who's pulling the strings? Are you aware of the leadership team and how their choices could significantly influence the outcome of your investment? Take Formula 1, for example. Owned by Liberty Media Corporation, it stands out as a rare opportunity for sports fans to invest in the sporting world. But is it a wise addition to your portfolio? Phil and Danielle explore the increasing popularity of Formula One and discuss the factors that could make stocks like this a good fit for your investment strategy. They break down the first step of their investment approach, using Formula One's background as a case study to demonstrate why it's essential to fully understand the business behind any stock before making a purchase. If you want a greater degree of certainty with your next investment, download The Four Ms for Successful Investing for help finding the right business at the right price: https://bit.ly/3LhVUAR Topics Discussed: Warren Buffett's investing strategies Value investing Real-life investing Investing in Trusted Management Formula 1 Stock Resources Discussed: The Innovation Stack Bill Ackman's 8 Principles Phil's Go-To Investing Checklist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an era of fast fashion and planned obsolescence, companies that stand behind their products in the long run seem to few and far between. A company's warranty policy can be enlightening as both a consumer and an investor, and can also inform us about the customer base in that industry. With some businesses updating their former “lifetime” warranties to cover shorter periods of time, how can we know whether those changes are due to declining quality or potential abuse from customers trying to take advantage? Join Danielle as she takes a look at a new policy from one of her favorite companies, as well as some other examples from well-known companies, and what that means for the value investor. If you're in the early stages of your investing journey, click here for a free copy of The Complete Guide to Investing for Beginners: https://bit.ly/3MBzewf Topics Discussed: lululemon warranty policy change Aldi Dr. Martens Patagonia return/repair policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investing in a great business can sometimes feel like a personal relationship, and much in the same way as breakups can be incredibly difficult, making the decision to exit a position can cause the same doubt and heartbreak as splitting with a romantic partner. Likewise, the same issues that can arise in interpersonal relationships–keeping secrets, communication breakdowns, divergent goals–can lead to deterioration of trust and change the dynamics of what would otherwise be a long-term investment. It is critical for successful value investors to have the ability to reevaluate positions when new information comes to light, regardless of their prior feelings about a given company. This episode of InvestED finds Phil and Danielle offering a candid analysis of recent developments in Phil's own investments, and what lessons can be learned when you're buying into a business with the objective of holding it through the ups and downs that come over the years. Whether you're seeking a new company to buy or deciding whether an existing investment is staying true to your initial assessment, get your free copy of the Must Have Investing Checklist to avoid unnecessary risk in your portfolio: https://bit.ly/49bSWZ7 Topics Discussed: Paris Olympics Athletic sponsorships Bank OZK concerns Difficulty in reevaluating positions VIX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the end of the 1970s and the early 1980s, a decade of financial instability and high inflation rates led Warren Buffett to ponder the correct path forward for Berkshire Hathaway in his letters to shareholders. His solutions in those years could hold some valuable information for investors as we find ourselves once again in turbulent times. While the financial, societal, and cultural contexts have drastically changed over the course of three and a half decades, the underlying business principles and inherent behavioral characteristics can offer insights into how wise investors can find success during times of uncertainty in the modern world. This Vault episode offers us a glimpse into both the recent and not-so-recent past as Danielle considers how a post-pandemic world can benefit from Buffett's wisdom following one of the most volatile decades of the 20th century.  For help with protecting your investments in unstable markets, get your free copy of the Rule #1 Inflation-Ready Checklist: https://bit.ly/3yyrDdS Topics Discussed: Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letters Inflation in the 70s/80s Indexing investments to inflation Investing into companies with little debt Prioritizing gains in purchasing power over earnings Post-housing bubble concerns related to 30 years prior Anti-fragility Resources Discussed: DanielleTown.com Buffett's 1979 letter Buffett's 1980 letter Buffett's 1981 letter Buffett's 1983 letter Buffett's 2010 letter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investing in companies that interest you can be more engaging and rewarding on a personal level, but it may not always align with long-term financial success. A core aspect of value investing lies in identifying companies that are undervalued but have strong potential for future growth, even if their business is less fascinating. Additionally, aligning investments with personal values and the way you see the world ensures that your portfolio reflects your beliefs and principles. With a limited lifetime portfolio, it's crucial to balance passion-driven investments with those that have a solid track record of stability and growth. It makes sense that many people are drawn to flashy consumer-facing businesses, but those aren't necessarily the best move for every investor. In this continuation of the utility of expert networks, Phil and Danielle discuss how and why value investors might place restrictions on their research process in order to find the best companies to buy, even if it doesn't fully match their personal passions. If you're searching for the next business to add to your portfolio, click here for an assortment of Rule #1 investment calculators that can help you identify key metrics in your research process: https://bit.ly/3A57OeC Topics Discussed: Expert help “Buying companies” vs buying stocks Buffett's punch card 10-K reports Resources Discussed: SBA SCORE network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're trying to learn about an unfamiliar industry as part of your investing process, expert networks can be an incredibly helpful tool for getting started. These networks offer the opportunity to connect with people who have deep knowledge and experience in the industry, providing valuable insights into market trends and key players. However, you're not guaranteed to get completely reliable or unbiased information, so it's important to stay prudent and do your own research to make well-informed investment decisions. The knowledge and advice coming from the person you speak to can depend on the caliber of vetting taking place or the hourly rate you'll be asked to pay, so the value of these networks will change depending on the specifics of your own investing goals. Listen in as Phil and Danielle discuss the merits and drawbacks of these networks, who they might be best suited to help, and where they'll be taking this conversation in the weeks to come. To get some expert help directly from Rule #1, make sure to grab your free copy of How to Pick Stocks: The 5-Step Checklist: https://bit.ly/3ros8mU Topics Discussed: Micro-cap companies Expert networks Manipulating financial statements Resources Discussed: SBA SCORE network TEGUS Knowledge Ridge Damodaran on Valuation Understanding Financial Statements Financial Intelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever find yourself in the process of research and realize that you're only looking for information that supports your hunches? That's confirmation bias, and it's a trap that value investors must learn to dodge as they investigate the next business to buy into. With billions of dollars on the line at times, there's no limit to what some people will do to see their companies achieve success, regardless of the ethics involved. Therefore, one of the best tools we can have in our toolbox is knowing how to spot red flags and steer clear of the deception and fraud that can fool even the savviest investor. In this week's episode, Phil and Danielle tell us how “being a reporter for your own newspaper” is not only among the more interesting aspects of investing, but why it can safeguard your portfolio and avoid costly missteps. To know exactly where to start when researching companies to invest in, don't miss out on your free copy of Phil's Value Investing Cheat Sheet: https://bit.ly/3QeCCje Topics Discussed: Oliver White Confirmation bias Terrence Howard's questionable math Peer review Scuttlebutt investing Theranos Resources Discussed: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To be a well-informed investor, it's crucial to read widely across various topics. This broad knowledge base enhances your ability to make strategic investment decisions by understanding industry dynamics, economic trends, and global events. Investing involves betting on the future of the country where you place your money, making a comprehensive worldview essential for success. While some may dismiss those without formal education in a specific field, unconventional thinking can offer unique and valuable insights in the investment world. On this week's episode, Phil and Danielle take a look at the frontier economics of Daniel Boone, and how going outside the bounds of investing and finance can be a huge advantage for value investors. To learn how to better plan, save, and invest at any age, click here for a free copy of Rule #1's guide Map Out Your Investing Journey: https://bit.ly/3DTy4qN Topics Discussed: July 4th The importance of reading broadly Daniel Boone/Westward expansion Buffett on betting against America Confirmation bias Resources Discussed: Last of the Mohicans Irrational Exuberance JRE with Terrence Howard and Eric Weinstein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite all the mystique around investing, it essentially boils down to understanding the business you're investing in and viewing it as owning a part of a real company, not just buying a stock. This tends to hold true no matter the company, the industry, or the state of the market as a whole. Few investors have understood this as well as Warren Buffett and his team at Berkshire Hathaway. With Munger having recently passed and Buffett offering insights into his twilight years as the world's premier value investing superstar, what does the future hold for BH with the potential for a huge shakeup in leadership? This week finds our hosts back in the “studio” to discuss the question of succession planning at Berkshire Hathaway, and what that means for the value investor and the market at large. For more knowledge from some of the most successful minds in value investing, click here for your free copy of The Best Investors in the World: https://bit.ly/3DhbmIS Topics Discussed: Instagram Dataroma/Gurufocus Li Lu and Timberland Institutional imperative at Berkshire Resources Discussed: The Intelligent Investor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is here, and the season of barbecues, block parties, and swimming pools may actually have more to offer for your investing practice than just a nice break from sitting in front of the computer. In this week's truncated “tidbit episode,” Danielle reminds us that every conversation can be an opportunity to dig a bit deeper into an unfamiliar subject, and that a good value investor keeps their eyes, ears, and mind open to the wealth of knowledge and perspective that comes from the people in their life. To get a handle on your own investing practice for all 4 seasons, don't miss out on your free copy of Phil Town's 12-Month Financial Success Planner: https://bit.ly/45AP6Xh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The market is a thrilling arena for investors in the internet age. Due to the previously unimaginable connectivity afforded to the public by the internet and social media, we've seen coordinated efforts by online investors who've used message boards to engineer short squeezes against hedge funds, like with the highly-publicized story surrounding GameStop. A short squeeze occurs when investors betting on a stock's decline are forced to buy shares to cover their positions, driving the price up further. This phenomenon was vividly demonstrated with GameStop, causing substantial losses for hedge funds and prompting a regulatory response. In this week's throwback episode, we check back on the early days of the ongoing GameStop/Reddit saga to see where it all began. To discover your investing weaknesses and learn how to manage your money smarter, click here to take the Rule #1 Investing Personalities Quiz:  https://bit.ly/468F8eW Topics Discussed: Reddit GameStop Robinhood Shorting stocks SEC regulation Resources Discussed: Chamath Palihapitiya interview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world's best investing minds have made fortunes that most people can barely dream of in their lifetimes, but having a successful portfolio doesn't require the highest IQ, an office full of analysts, or access to top secret information. Understanding your own strengths and being able to identify the fields that are of interest to you are crucial components of a fruitful investing practice, and maintaining a limited scope in your research and analysis can help you maintain focus and avoid wasting energy on superfluous data. This week, Phil and Danielle take a look (and listen) to the latest Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting and discuss some key takeaways from one of value investing's most important financial summits. If you'd like to evaluate your investing knowledge, discover areas for improvement, and enhance your investment strategies, click here for the Rule #1 Investing IQ Quiz: https://bit.ly/3Faf7ks Topics Discussed: 2024 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting Market indices The importance of mentorship Investing in your interests Circle of competence Resources Discussed: The Intelligent Investor Moody's Transportation Manual Value Line Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

InvestED Episode #467: More Ulta Issues As investors the world over grapple with the rapidly changing financial landscape, where ETFs, meme stocks, and cryptocurrencies are all carving out their own space in a well-established ecosystem, how do value investors gauge the future of a business? While some might see these changes as a massive disruption to the market at large, there are others who, from a Buffett perspective, see the same cycle of boom/bust/reset playing out as it's done so many times in the past. This week, Phil and Danielle continue from their jumping off point of the cosmetics industry to tell us why the difference between growth and value stocks isn't nearly as significant as establishing the value of the business in order to plan for the future. For some great tips on what to do (and what not to do) when building your value investing portfolio, click here for your free copy of 10 Do's and Don'ts of Successful Investing:  https://bit.ly/3XyEDbD Topics Discussed: P/E ratio Wall Street vs value investing future outlook Growth stocks Intrinsic value ETFs Resources Discussed: The Weather Matrix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The digital age, with all of its monopolies and consolidation across various markets, has also seen a rise in innovation and small companies seeing success by having unprecedented access to consumers through new channels of commerce and communication. With market stability and consumer confidence taking hits in recent years, small luxuries like makeup continue to do well despite the struggles of luxury brands in general.  With the success of some niche brands in this highly competitive and specialized sector of cosmetics, what does the weather look like for some of the more established players in the makeup industry? This week, Phil and Danielle wrap up their discussion about the beauty industry and the way that boutique brands might affect the bottom line for the big names in cosmetic products. If you want a huge clue as to whether or not you're looking into a business that will deliver predictably strong returns, don't miss out on your free copy of The Big 5 Numbers Guide:  https://bit.ly/3psMESQ Topics Discussed: ETFs Augustinus Bader Victoria Beckham Beauty Ulta Sephora Kering LVMH D2C vs retail Cosmetic science Resources Discussed: Lisa Eldridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How important is investing to the economy at large?  While companies don't see a direct increase on their bottom line from the secondary market, it can be very important in helping to determine the value of a business and the drive interest in the primary market. For value investors, having a strong understanding of a business's weather, i.e. their moat, competitive advantage, and other factors that determine their long-term success, is paramount to generating returns on a multi-year timeline.  From the Rule #1 perspective, that's the key difference between investing and simply gambling on the market. After a few weeks' break on the subject, Phil and Danielle return with part 1 of an extra long 2-part episode breaking down the weather of the makeup industry giant Ulta, and share some of their insights into their own weather analysis of their history with this business.  For help identifying the durable advantage of a company you're looking to invest in, click here for your free copy of The 5 Moats Investment Guide:  https://bit.ly/3Kmb33J Topics Discussed: Primary market vs Secondary market CFO CEOs Ulta Augustinus Bader Victoria Beckham Beauty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A crystal ball would be the ultimate tool for any investor, but given that we're not living in a fantasy world, how do top investors prepare for an uncertain future? With the inevitability of market downturns, finding a balance between generating returns and being ready to strike when the iron is hot can be a tricky position to navigate.  Discovering that equilibrium, along with the patience to hold on through the ups and downs once you've bought into a great company, can be what makes or breaks a portfolio in the long run. On this week's episode, the deep analysis of the 2023 Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter continues as Phil and Danielle wring every ounce of wisdom from Buffett's annual communiqué.. For help with future-proofing your portfolio, click here for a free copy of The Ultimate Stock Market Crash Survival Guide:  https://bit.ly/3xNXFlf Topics Discussed: Munger's influence on Buffett's philosophy Investing in the information age Mutual funds vs ETFs Modern market volatility Forgoing returns to prepare for downturns Resources Discussed: Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter Wilshire GDP ratio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's a scenario: you've identified a potential investment, you've gone through the checklist and done your research, and you decide that you've found a deal that other people seem to be overlooking.  You pull the trigger to buy into this company, and then the stock price begins to decline and you begin to wonder if you've made a mistake. Knowing the difference between having confidence in your investing process and being arrogant or blindly confident in a position can allow investors to act on proven strategy as opposed to being driven by fear and emotion.  Having a long-term outlook and a diligent methodology is the way for capable value investors to find the deals and realize the returns that many others in the market get wrong. This week, Phil and Danielle tackle another constant issue for investors as they dig into when, how, and why you should (or shouldn't) stick with a purchase that doesn't seem to be panning out the way you'd suspected. For help finding businesses that you feel confident investing in, click here for the “3 Circles” Exercise Guide:  https://bit.ly/3LOexg2 Topics Discussed: Patience and discipline in value investing The dangers of hubris and confirmation bias Informed assumptions vs speculation Resources Discussed: Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter (2013) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Free cash flow can be a golden ticket in the hands of a company with the right leadership. They can use it to supercharge innovation, expand their reach, or reward shareholders with dividends or buybacks, and for value investors, it's like spotting a diamond in the rough. After the growth and maintenance expenditures are accounted for, the way a company deploys its additional capital can signal the strength of management and the potential for future returns. As Buffett tells us in his recent letter, once you've got companies that check all of the boxes he's looking for, this is the icing on the cake. Join Phil and Danielle as they continue their analysis of this year's shareholder letter from Berkshire Hathaway, pulling out key takeaways that might've been overlooked by some readers. For help in crunching the numbers in your investment research process, click here to get your free Rule #1 Calculators for Investing Analysis: https://bit.ly/42dBHSn Topics Discussed: Individual values in investing Entrepreneurship See's Candy Operating cash flow Growth/maintenance capital expenditure Rare companies Resources Discussed: Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As detailed in the most recent edition of Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholder letter, finding success in value investing doesn't require fancy credentials, obsessive research, or exploitative scheming — it takes common sense and the willingness to keep yourself informed about your investments. In a world full of people rabidly vying for your attention in every imaginable arena, knowing how to focus that attention on what's important while weeding out the noise of the pundits and snake oil salesmen is what separates successful investors from the rest of the pack. In this week's show, Phil and Danielle get a bit more granular on the most recent Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter and discuss what separates Bertie Buffett from her competition. To get the inside scoop on more ways industry leaders mislead investors, click here for your free copy of The 3 Greatest Stock Market Myths Ever Told: https://bit.ly/45NycoE Topics Discussed: Flashy and half-baked or simple and flawless Simplifying the research process Snowboarding lessons for investing Typical CEO letters Punditry vs information Resources Discussed: Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Character reveals itself in adversity” is a saying that can not only apply to the human race and how our true nature shines through when faced with a challenge, but also one that can apply in the business world. Although brand loyalty can be a common trope in 21st century consumer culture, how does that sentiment hold up when the rubber meets the road? In these times of inflation, shrinkflation, and other types of -ations that we've yet to ascribe catchy names to, some brands are seeing once-loyal customers jump ship and look for better value as prices rise. While some brand relationships can't stand the test of time, perhaps we can look to the long-lasting friendship and business partnership of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger for inspiration. In this week's episode, Phil and Danielle are back to talking from different continents (and dealing with the inherent technological mishaps of that setupt) as they discuss what constitutes a brand moat, and how strong that supposed moat can be in moments of economic instability. Think you know Warren Buffett as well as the people who've spent decades building Berkshire Hathaway with him? Take our Buffett quiz and find out for yourself: https://bit.ly/43qtOLz Topics Discussed: Jackson Hole, WY Heliskiing/snowboarding Unilever dumps Ben & Jerry's Brand moats Buffett and Munger's friendship Resources Discussed: Cambridge Long COVID study Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a vault episode from the early days of the podcast, explore the world of value investing in this as Phil and Danielle delve into the power of dividends. Discover how making well-researched, long-term investments can potentially amplify returns and provide a steady income stream. They discuss the strategy of reducing risk by 'getting your money off the table' through dividend-producing companies. But remember, while dividends offer stability and returns, they're not without their tradeoffs. We'll uncover the complexities of managing dividend-paying companies and navigating potential risks. Tune in to learn how to strike the balance between steady returns and prudent risk management in your value investment journey. Keep in mind the Rule #1 that's the namesake of Phil's company: “don't lose money.” Click here for a deeper examination of that rule that's helped so many value investors over the years: https://bit.ly/43jTNEr Topics Discussed: Weather Matrix Ben Graham's Margin of Safety RULERS Compound return Free cash flow (FCF) Maintenance capex Resources Discussed: Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter Email us your questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Invert, always invert" — Charlie Munger To become a top-notch Rule #1 investor, having a well-defined investing strategy is essential. It starts with crafting a compelling narrative for the company you're eyeing and understanding why it's a stellar investment. But here's the twist: flip that narrative on its head and scrutinize the opposing viewpoint. Challenge yourself to construct a case against the investment. If you can't, it's a sign that you might lack comprehensive knowledge about the company. When applying inversions to business acquisitions, consider formulating a robust inversion for every reason supporting the purchase. Familiarize yourself with every argument against buying the company, surpassing even the short sellers' insights. Develop compelling rebuttals for each inversion, effectively nullifying them and proving the short sellers wrong! Join Phil & Danielle in this throwback episode as they delve into the significance of inversion and highlight four essential aspects to contemplate when integrating it into your investing strategy. Click here for your copy of The Four Ms for Successful Investing: https://bit.ly/3LhVUAR Topics Discussed: How to create a story Why you should always invert How to invert to own a business Four key points of inversions Relating to Chipotle and Gamestop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the practice of value investing, just like with so many other things in life, knowing when to wait patiently or when to jump ship is critical to the long-term success of your portfolio. Being able to stomach market fluctuations isn't something that everyone is capable of, but the mindset of buying into a business with long-term goals of generating cash flow means buying with the confidence that you'll be able to weather the storms that may, and often do, come your way. As the series on the Weather Matrix continues, Phil and Danielle discuss the importance of being in the “high understanding” quadrant of this tool as you consider potential investments and how that position makes it easier for you to decide what to buy and what to reject. For a leg up on practices for generating consistent returns, click here for your free copy of How to Pick Stocks: The 5-Step Checklist: https://bit.ly/3ros8mU Topics Discussed: The power of compounding Vanderbilts vs Rockefellers Owner earnings Investments vs speculation Inverting Durable competitive advantage Pitch decks Resources Discussed: David Einhorn's pitch decks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there a limit to how much an investor should know about a potential investment? While it can seem like there's an infinite amount of relevant considerations for any given business, the ability to discern the difference between important information and extraneous data is an indispensable tool in the investor's kit. If jumping into the deep end of the S&P 500 seems like a daunting proposition, keeping your investing practice focused on a smaller scale can make the process of understanding “the weather” a much more manageable task. Keeping the boundaries of your research close to the boundaries of your own circle of competence can go a long way in terms of keeping the process from being overwhelming. This week we join Phil and Danielle in a continuation of this series discussing their idea of business meteorology, a topic that has utility for everyone from investing novices to the most seasoned of financial forecasters. To get started on your own Weather Matrix, click here for your free copy of The 5 Moats Investment Guide: https://bit.ly/3Kmb33J Topics Discussed: Investing circle of confidence Intimidation in the research process Buffett on taking advantage of the moment Spotting warning signs Netflix vs. other streamers Resources Discussed: The Weather Matrix (value/understanding) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, the episode was centered around a tool for evaluating potential investments based on the myriad factors impacting their current performance and future trajectories, a topic that our hosts dubbed “the weather” of a business. While having a handle on a company's worth and a clear gauge on one's own understanding are both vital in making investment decisions, what other factors can—or should—influence the process? The fundamental feeling of excitement or intrigue can be a divining rod in terms of pursuing investment opportunities, and though it can be easy to get caught up in the hype of compelling new prospect, it's also important to remember that interest can be a powerful motivator when faced with a formidable research project. Join Phil and Danielle as they venture further into the grid of their Weather Matrix, and learn how to find your own sweet spot when it comes to investing your time into researching investments. For help in identifying opportunities and constructing your own Weather Matrix, click here for a free copy of 6 Market Crushing Investing Principles: https://bit.ly/45szJ2v Topics Discussed: Buffett's mistakes Buffett's mistakes cont. The value of intrigue in investing Speed reading Toxic positivity Stoicism Resources Discussed: The Weather Matrix (value/understanding) The Innovation Stack Seeking Alpha The Storyteller Man's Search For Meaning Invested Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 21st century has brought the world a number of revolutionary developments that have turned the world on its head, with one of the most important cultural shifts being the rise of the attention economy. With so many entities all vying for a piece of your time, how can you know when you're spending too much of that limited resource on your investing research? With decades of investing experience and a bit of basic mathematics, Phil explains a tool to classify companies into four groups based on their price/value ratio and the investor's understanding of the business. If you find yourself getting bogged down or stuck in the weeds on your investing journey, this method could be the thing you need to streamline your research. For more help calculating the ever-important metric of price vs value, get your free copy of Understanding Market Capitalizatin: https://bit.ly/44p1xE9 Topics Discussed: How much effort is too much effort? Accumulation of knowledge Price/value discrepancies Being prepared to “weather the storm” How to capitalize on market downturns Importance of repetition Resources Discussed: The Weather matrix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following up on last week's discussion about the “weather” of a business, or how the climate of various internal and external factors can influence the long-term success of your prospective investment. With so much data available at our fingertip, how can we know what information is useful for research and what can safely be left out of our analyses? Whether you're looking into a company's direct competitors or doing a bird's eye view of a whole market sector, knowing when to go deeper vs when to stop digging is an incredibly useful skill to have in the world of 21st century global finance. For the value investor, the ability to reliably ascertain the value of a business is crucial for finding the right moment for a good deal. Listen in this week as Phil and Danielle ponder the age old question of “what is enough?” When it comes to your investments, where is the magic line between being adequately informed and wasting your time? For a better understanding of a business's future success, click here to get your free copy of The 5 Moats Investment Guide: https://bit.ly/3Kmb33J Topics Discussed: Being paralyzed by the research process Netflix growth issues Evaluating a business's moat Instinct in the investing process Change vs stability Resources Discussed: Invested Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our first full episode of the new year, Phil and Danielle are reunited to talk about the various factors of a business's climate that can help better understand where their weather will take them in the future. From government overregulation to corporate mismanagement, there are risks inherent to investing that we can identify and include in our analysis for a more complete picture of the economic landscape. Staying current with the news doesn't just make for a good citizen, but a good investor as well. Join our hosts as they discuss Argentina, Medicare, CEO compensation, and why all of those should matter to the value investor of the 21st century. If you want to start the new year on the right foot, get your free copy of Map Out Your Investing Journey to mark your progress and plan for the future:  https://bit.ly/3DTy4qN Topics Discussed: Inherent risks of investing S&P 500 and other market indices SEC rules Argentina/USA in the 20th century and today Governmental influence in economics GM borrowing to pay dividends Clinton's executive pay reform When to stop researching (more next week) Resources Discussed: Invested Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we get all of our 2024 ducks in a row, Danielle checks in to share some positive vibes for the upcoming year and offer a quick toast to prosperity and successful investing in 2024. While it's a short break from our regular programming, it's a moment to celebrate the journey we've taken together and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. To start your new year by planning for the ones to come, click here to get a free copy of our “Rule of 72” Cheat Sheet and gain a better understanding of retirement planning: https://bit.ly/47awVb6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 2024 to all InvestED listeners! While our hosts enjoy the holidays, we're opening a year by going back to January of 2022 for a discussion about interest rates. With word of rate cuts on the horizon, how different are things now from when inflation was still climbing rapidly? Understanding the Federal Reserve's interest rate maneuvers and their correlation with inflation is vitally important for assessing investment opportunities. The intricate dance between interest rates and the economy can impact borrowing, spending, and investment behaviors, so it's crucial to keep up with the Fed's moves in order to plan ahead. To stay prepared for any changes in inflation or to the market as a whole, claim your FREE copy of the Rule #1 12-Month Planner: https://bit.ly/31ImPCl  Topics Discussed: Inflation The future of the economy & markets Supply & labor bottlenecks Wage increase Substitution Resources Discussed: Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) FRED M1 Chart Shadowstats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bittersweet episode of InvestED, Phil and Danielle come together after taking some time to reflect on the impact of Charlie Munger, both in the financial world as well as in their own personal lives and investing journeys. The loss of such a magnanimous figure will surely leave a void in the value investing community, but as Li Lu penned in his eulogy for Munger (link below), the man's contributions to the collective understanding of investing practice will be felt utilized and pored over for generations to come. Looking back on a life of great successes, philanthropy, and pithy wisdom that has inspired so many great investors to reach new heights, we have nothing to add. For help following Charlie's process of finding new companies to invest in, click here for Phil's Value Investing Cheat Sheet: https://bit.ly/3QeCCje Topics Discussed: Investing as enlightenment Munger's aphorisms EBITDA Modern Portfolio Theory Resources Discussed: Li Lu's eulogy for Charlie Munger Autobiography of a Yogi Munger's BBC interview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We dig deep into the vault this week, going all the way back to 2018 to revisit one of our Charlie Munger-centric episodes. Phil and Danielle delve into the lesser-known strategies of the late great “Abominable No-Man,” revealing the hidden gems that can transform an ordinary investment portfolio into a stellar one. Join us as we explore the wisdom of investment gurus, uncover the power of "cannibal companies," and unearth the untapped potential of valuable spin-offs. As we look back on the life and lessons of one of the investing world's heavyweights, we learn how these insights can elevate your returns to an entirely new level of success. For more ways to bolster your portfolio, click here for your free copy of the Rule #1 Must Have Investing Checklist: https://bit.ly/49bSWZ7 Topics Discussed: Net-net investing Cannibal companies Apprenticeship Resources Discussed: Security Analysis You Can Be a Stock Market Genius Avatar DanielleTown.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast is taking a break this week, but Danielle checks in briefly to share her thoughts on the loss of one of the investing world's titans as Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger passed away this week at the age of 99. Rule #1 owes a debt of gratitude to Charlie and the wisdom he's contributed to the investing community over the past several decades. The legacy he leaves behind—from his outsized impact on the business world to the Mungerisms he was so fond of sharing—will be irreplaceable to those who looked to his guidance in their practice of value investing. For a peek into some of the sharpest minds that the field of investing has to offer, click here for Rule #1's free guide to The Best Investors in the World: https://bit.ly/3DhbmIS Topics Discussed: Charlie Munger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices