Paul Merriman

Paul opens with information on the Oct. 11 AAII presentation.  Here is the link to ⁠sign up⁠. There was a time when Paul was very critical about target date funds.  But important circumstances made him more accepting of the important value of target date funds.  He discusses why he changed his mind but explains why he […] The post Pros and cons of target date funds and Ken Fisher's advice first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Pros and cons of target date funds and Ken Fisher’s advice appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Watch the video here. Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls join Paul to answer questions from investors of all ages. 1:  I hold a REIT fund in my tax deferred account but have found other funds include REITS.  Am I overweighted in REITS and what should I do about it? 2:  Are all total market index […] The post Expected future returns, difference in total market returns, lessons from 1928 to 2023 risk and return and more first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Expected future returns, difference in total market returns, lessons from 1928 to 2023 risk and return and more appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Dear Friends, If you are a young investor or if you trying to help a young investor, I think you will find the following calculator helpful. The calculator was created by Nick Maggiulli, C.E.O for Ritholtz Wealth Management.  He runs a wonderful website for data driven investors.  His Dollars and Data website is a perfect companion to […] The post Looking Back to Look Forward first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Looking Back to Look Forward appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 The podcast opens with a heads up on an exciting AAII presentation on October 11 at 6:30 EST.  Paul will make a one hour presentation on “The Case for Small Cap Value:  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” This presentation will include some interesting new tables that give a new perspective to this productive equity asset […] The post SPIVA REPORT: One of the most important studies on fund returns first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post SPIVA REPORT: One of the most important studies on fund returns appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 The podcast opens with Paul reading and discussing Ben Carlson's recent article on the collapse of bonds, “Everything  & Everyone Underperforms Eventually.”     Paul references a table of returns that compares Short, Intermediate and  Long Term Treasures.     Paul also references a table of Fixed Income Returns during years with S&P 500 […] The post Everything & Everyone Underperforms Eventually first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Everything & Everyone Underperforms Eventually appeared first on Paul Merriman.

On July 22, 2023 Chris Pedersen addressed the Orange County Chapter of the American Association of Individual Investors.  At the end of his 2 hour presentation there were many unanswered questions. Our last ⁠podcast⁠ and ⁠video ⁠addressed 16 of those questions.  In this podcast Paul responds to 20 more of the AAII questions.  1.  How do you feel about […] The post Better than Wellesley and Wellington? and 19 other questions first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Better than Wellesley and Wellington? and 19 other questions appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Dear Friends, On Saturday morning July 22, 2023 Chris Pedersen, our Director of Research, gave a free 2 hour online presentation to the Orange County Chapter of the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII).  Over 1400 people signed up and 650 showed up.  That is a record for signups as well as attendees for one […] The post Another Chris Pedersen Masterpiece first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Another Chris Pedersen Masterpiece appeared first on Paul Merriman.

On July 22, 2023 Chris Pedersen gave a 2 hour online presentation to the Orange County Chapter of the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII).  The title was “Best In Class Fund Selection and Behavior.”  Over 650 people attended the presentation, a record turnout for our presentations.  The video will be available in the coming […] The post AAII Orange County Chapter Q&A first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post AAII Orange County Chapter Q&A appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 Some of the worst investment advice I know happens to millions of investors each year. Between paying commissions, paying higher expenses,  paying more taxes, being less diversified, and sitting on too much cash, so-called experts encourage investors to hold investments that are built to make as much as 2 to 4 percent less PER YEAR.Paul uses […] The post The Worst Investment Advice I Know first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post The Worst Investment Advice I Know appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Paul announces Chris Pedersen's upcoming AAII presentation on Saturday, July 22.  The 2 hour Zoom presentation will begin at 8:45 a.m.  Chris will discuss how portfolio asset allocation, fund selection and investor behavior impact the returns we get for the risk we take.  He'll also show some practical approaches to help us all come closer […] The post New Avantis ETF, free curriculum, good news or bad first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post New Avantis ETF, free curriculum, good news or bad appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 On this week’s podcast Paul addressed a couple of very important questions: 1. Is there really such a thing as a buy and hold investor? 2. What can an investor do to improve their chances of staying the course through all market cycles? 3. Many of your portfolios don't include international equities.  Should investors […] The post Does anyone really buy & hold and more Q&A first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Does anyone really buy & hold and more Q&A appeared first on Paul Merriman.

While the industry generally agrees the most important investment decision is your choice of asset allocation, Paul makes the case that the choice between being a do it yourself investor vs. hiring a professional advisor is much more impactful over a lifetime. Paul discusses the many challenges of both decisions and finishes by showing DIY […] The post The most important investment decision you will ever make first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post The most important investment decision you will ever make appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 While the industry generally agrees the most important investment decision is your choice of asset allocation, Paul makes the case that the choice between being a do it yourself investor vs. hiring a professional advisor is much more impactful over a lifetime. Paul discusses the many challenges of both decisions and finishes by showing […] The post The most important investment decision you will ever make first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post The most important investment decision you will ever make appeared first on Paul Merriman.

There is no question AI is a hot topic.  I have watched “end of the world” interviews with people who know a lot more than I do about AI.  In a recent poll, noted in The New Yorker, half of A.I. scientists agreed that there was at least a ten-per-cent chance that the human race would […] The post ChatGPT offers shocking investment information! first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post ChatGPT offers shocking investment information! appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 Paul starts the podcast encouraging listeners to check out the ⁠latest video⁠ where Chris, Daryl and Paul answer questions from readers, listeners and viewers regarding the article, podcast and video about the Sound Investing Portfolios 2023 Update.  The following are the links that were used in the video: ⁠Asset Class Index CAGR Comparison (1927-2023)⁠ ⁠Table […] The post Dave Ramsey, small cap value and a “new” 4 fund portfolio first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Dave Ramsey, small cap value and a “new” 4 fund portfolio appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Dear Friends, A couple weeks ago, we sent out a podcast that we recorded several years ago.  It has been by far the most popular podcast over the last 10+ years. Over 980,000 listeners have opened, and hopefully listened to the podcast entitled, “Could This Be the #1 Reason to Use Index Funds?” While the podcast […] The post Finding a trustworthy source of financial advice first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Finding a trustworthy source of financial advice appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 Paul starts the podcast with a brief discussion about the new “financial Literacy for All Students” project at Western Washington University (WWU).   The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, WWU, and Paul personally, are working together to make this project a reality in the next two to three years. The main topic of the podcast […] The post What rate of return can I count on in the future? first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post What rate of return can I count on in the future? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 Paul discusses ways a parent or grandparent might explain 2 Funds for Life to a young adult.  In the discussion Paul suggests using the following tables to make a handful of important decisions. Tables 1-4 from his Follow the Math comments- ⁠Table 1⁠ ⁠Table 2⁠ ⁠Table 3⁠ ⁠Table 4⁠ ⁠Equity Index Returns (1928-2022)⁠ to compare the […] The post The Simple Story About 2 Funds for Life first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post The Simple Story About 2 Funds for Life appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 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.  In this presentation Paul compares the difference in returns and risk between the fixed and flexible distribution strategies. The discussion compares returns and total distributions for two of the 9 […] The post Flexible Distributions 2023 Update first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Flexible Distributions 2023 Update appeared first on Paul Merriman.

This podcast is Part 5 OF AN 8 PART series ON THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT DECISIONS. The discussion addresses the distribution tables that use a Fixed Distribution Strategy of 3, 4, 5 and 6 percent plus annual increases for inflation.  One set of distributions uses the S&P 500 as the equity position while the other uses the […] The post Fixed Distributions 2023 Update first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Fixed Distributions 2023 Update appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 This podcast is the 4th in a series of our series to help do it yourself investors build a lifetime investment strategy.  The  presentation uses the following tables: ⁠Table C1 – Fixed Contributions: S&P 500 Equity Portfolio⁠  ⁠Table C14 – Fixed Contributions: US 2-Fund Equity Portfolio⁠ ⁠ Table C11 – Fixed Contributions: US All Value […] The post Fixed Contributions 2023 Update first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Fixed Contributions 2023 Update appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 This podcast is the third in a series of seven podcasts that are designed to help do it yourself investors learn how to maximize their return, minimize their risk and increase their peace of mind.  It will be beneficial to listen to ⁠The Ultimate Buy and Hold⁠  and ⁠Sound Investing Portfolios: The History of Risk and Return⁠ (link)  podcasts before listening to this podcast. […] The post Fine Tuning Your Asset Allocations first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Fine Tuning Your Asset Allocations appeared first on Paul Merriman.

In this presentation Paul explores the risk and returns of 8 Sound Investing Portfolios and the S&P 500 for the period 1970 to 2022.   He references 2 sets of tables for portfolios built with all U.S. equity asset classes as well as worldwide portfolios that are 50% each U.S. and international  and 70% U.S. and […] The post Sound Investing Portfolios Risk and Return History first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Sound Investing Portfolios Risk and Return History appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 Each year Paul (with the many hours of dedicated work from Director of Analytics Daryl Bahls ) updates and  reviews the latest returns and important lessons from the Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio. In this review he references a series of tables including: ⁠ Table A1-Ultimate Buy & Hold Equity Portfolio (50% US/50% Int'l)⁠ ⁠ Table A2 […] The post The Ultimate Buy and Hold 2023 Update first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post The Ultimate Buy and Hold 2023 Update appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 March 1 through March 4, I attended the White Coat Investor Conference (WCICON 2023).  On the 2nd, I made a 2 hour presentation focused on “How to Create and Execute a Lifetime Investment Strategy”.  I was thrilled with the turnout and positive feedback.  I also received many questions in the following days.  The following […] The post Q&A for White Coat Investors Conference first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Q&A for White Coat Investors Conference appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 The following questions were sent to Paul during the 90 minute video presented to Western Washington University alumni on February 10, 2023. 2:38 1. How much more do you get with AVUV which has higher fees than FSVIX, which is super low cost? Check out:  BOGLEHEADS.ORG/REBALANCING Check out:  whitecoatinvestor.com/portfolio-rebalancing-spreadsheet/ 11:20 2. What are your thoughts on robo advisors and investing? Check out:  whitecoatinvestor.com/top-robo-advisors/// […] The post Rebalancing, parental advice, AVUV vs. FSVIC and 10 more Q&A appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 Paul leads off with the news that Chris Pedersen’s book 2 Funds for Life is now available as a free PDF to people who sign up for our free newsletter at https://paulmerriman.com/signup/. Watch the video here. Chris Pedersen joins Paul to discuss the 2023 update to his Best-in-Class ETF recommendations.  Chris explains the selection […] The post Best-in-Class ETF Recommendations Update appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 Join Paul Merriman, Chris Pedersen and Darryl Bahls as they respond to these questions from investors: What can a Do-It-Yourself investor do to prepare his/her spouse/partner for managing retirement investments should the DIY investor die first?  Learn how Paul, Chris and Daryl are each personally preparing for their generally disinterested spouses to take over […] The post How can you trust the market? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 This podcast reviews the 2022 returns of the Best-In-Class and Vanguard ETF portfolios as compared to the average shareholder in the recommended equity asset classes. The discussion focuses on what worked, what didn't work, and what was the impact of the broader diversification of owning only the S&P 500. Paul also considers short, intermediate and long-term government bonds, the Quilt […] The post How'd we do in 2022? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Dear Friends, As we end 2022, I join you in hopes for a brighter new year in the financial markets, accepting there is much we cannot control. Meanwhile, knowing that, we also know that history proves economies rise and fall and rise again, and personal peace of mind cannot be purchased at any price. This […] The post Make a big difference in your future appeared first on Paul Merriman.

The purpose of our podcasts is to help investors make some of the biggest investment decisions of their life.  This podcast focuses on the many reasons small-cap value should be in every investor's portfolio, even if it is a very small part. Paul addresses these questions: 1.  What is the lifetime impact of adding 10% […] The post 10 reasons small-cap value can make you richer appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Do you want to create a financial legacy for a young person, especially a newborn? This podcast and video explains Paul's plan for his new granddaughter, which is adaptable by any investor. [Podcast listeners are encouraged to watch the video and/or view the Slides and Tables below]. Paul is joined by Daryl Bahls, Director of […] The post How to create a financial legacy for a child appeared first on Paul Merriman.

“I want to thank you all the work you and your foundation do. I love how everything is data driven with statistics. As an engineer, it makes more sense to me when I see numbers and stats to back up your different styles of investing and allocating money.” – Mitul P. In This Edition Battling The Bear Truth Tellers Tom […] The post Your greatest Thanksgiving investments appeared first on Paul Merriman.

The first part of this broadcast describes the investment strategy Paul and his wife are giving to their latest grandchild. After Paul describes the strategy, Daryl Bahls, Director of Analytics for The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, shares tables that represent the 95-year potential financial implications of this investment. Then, Chris Pedersen, our Director of Research, […] The post The best investment we will ever make! and Q&A appeared first on Paul Merriman.

“I love the podcasts, the site, and all of the helpful research that you share.  Thank you for being a candid, trusted resource.” — Will C. In This Edition Good News to Share20 Minutes to Double Your Lifetime Spending PowerWays Investors Get CheatedChecklist: End of Life PlanningQ&A with Chris PedersenPersonal Stories Dear Friends, Life can be full […] The post How not to get cheated appeared first on Paul Merriman.

“I want to thank you all the work you and your foundation do. I love how everything is data driven with statistics. As an engineer, it makes more sense to me when I see numbers and stats to back up your different styles of investing and allocating money.” – Mitul P. In This Edition Battling The Bear Truth Tellers Tom […] The post Are you your best advisor? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

The focus of most of the work we do at The Merriman Financial Education Foundation is to help investors put together portfolios that we believe will produce higher rates of return per unit of risk. In this podcast we look at the math of making more money, as well as specific decisions that are likely to lead […] The post 30 Ways to make another million—Really appeared first on Paul Merriman.

“I have followed Paul since his Podcasts began. I’ve read his books and use all of the tools that you gentlemen have provided. All the advice and tools have made my life, and all those I help and share your work with, dramatically improve financially!  I thank you with all of my heart.” — Randy R. In […] The post Increase Your Spending Power appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Paul Merriman, Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls each share his studies and comments about rebalancing a portfolio—how often, how much change before rebalancing, and when does it make sense not to rebalance? They also answer listener/viewer questions and Paul makes a special offer for a free chapter from Larry Swedroe's book, Your Complete Guide to a Successful & […] The post How To Rebalance Your Portfolio appeared first on Paul Merriman.

In this presentation to the Boston Bogleheads® Chapter (Sept. 12, 2022), Paul presents the “10 most important new lessons learned by The Merriman Financial Education Foundation.” The foundation is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of helping the DIY investor make sound investment decisions for a lifetime and become the best advisor to the most important investor […] The post 10 Life-Changing Lessons from The Merriman Financial Education Foundation appeared first on Paul Merriman.

“I am retired now and living through turbulent markets without losing sleep at night. You've taught me the importance of having a plan and sticking to it through bad times. It helps that we can live off our savings rather than having to sell when markets are down. Patience is key!” — Jim M. In This […] The post What will help you be a better investor? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Tune in Sept. 17 at noon (eastern time) for a Zoom presentation and Q&A on “The 10 most important new lessons of the past 10 years,” as Paul Merriman addresses the Boston Bogleheads Chapter. See info below. In this broadcast, Paul, founder of The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, Chris Pedersen, Director of Research, and Daryl Bahls, Director of Analytics, answer […] The post How do you manage investments during major declines? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

In this podcast Paul invites listeners to an upcoming free event and addresses the following topics: •  Jeremy Grantham and Harry Dent have made bold predictions about catastrophic future returns. Should we take them seriously? •  How have the Vanguard and Best In Class ETF recommendations performed this year? •  Would investing in VTI give the same returns as […] The post Should you believe predictions of catastrophic future returns? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Paul talks to retirees about the handful of decisions you can make that can either benefit you and your heirs or cost you millions. He covers: · Ways to make or lose .5% · The best combination of equity asset classes · Fixed and flexible distribution strategies · How to best analyze recommended strategies · […] The post The Biggest Financial Mistakes Retirees Make appeared first on Paul Merriman.

““Thank you for all of your hard work and reassurance. Your teachings have helped me a great deal in my financial journey and I find the sound of your voice comforting.” —Ann S. In This Edition Introducing a New Investor ToolWhat Our Lifetime Calculator Can Do For YouSummer Musings About InvestingThe Problems with Reverse MortgagesWhat To Do […] The post What to invest in specific funds appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Paul presents, “The #1 Reason I Want Small Cap Value in Your Portfolio” with compelling evidence as to why SCV should be the one asset class you must own. This is further illuminated by the tables and charts shown in the video presentation and available in the slide show and handout. (links below). This presentation […] The post The one asset class you must own appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Paul addressed the AAII Los Angeles Chapter with “The Inside Story on the ‘150 Portfolios Better Than Yours',” on June 18, 2022.  In 2014, Dr. James Dahle, of White Coat Investor, wrote a column titled, “150 Portfolios Better Than Yours.” The article included a link to a list of almost every popular model portfolio, including […] The post 150 Portfolios Better Than Yours appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 Paul Merriman and Chris Pedersen, Director of Research for The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, address a number of topics and questions: Is the combination of the S&P 500 and Small Cap Value really more risky than the S&P by itself? Why the exceptional performance of Chris' Best In Class (BIC) during the first 6 […] The post How can the combo of S&P 500 and Small Cap Value be less risky than the S&P 500 by itself? (and other topics) appeared first on Paul Merriman.

“I absolutely love and follow all of your podcasts, books and articles. As a military nurse, I view your service as very noble with generational positive effects.” — Ben B. Dear Friends, While the headlines have focused on the first 6 months of 2022 as “The Worst First 6 Months of the Last 50 Years!”, the reality […] The post Is This The Worst Bear Market Ever? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

While the headlines have focused on the first 6 months of 2022 as “The Worst First 6 Months of the Last 50 Years!”,  the reality is that well-diversified investors have suffered modest losses.  In this podcast, Paul reviews the major losses of growth stocks, cryptocurrencies, and barely bear market losses in the major indices, as […] The post The Worst Bear Market Ever? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

 Paul begins this Q&A session with the true story of helping a young relative open an investment account. The good news is a young investor got started but, with the misguided “help” of a Fidelity rep, he made a $250,000 mistake. Learn what happened. Questions: Where can I find an advisor who will work […] The post Should I include cryptocurrency in my portfolio? And other questions. appeared first on Paul Merriman.