Podcast appearances and mentions of Paul Merriman

Tom welcomes legendary investor educator and longtime friend Paul Merriman for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of indexing, the proposed changes to the S&P 500, and why investors should understand both the strengths and limitations of traditional index funds. Paul explains why firms like Dimensional Fund Advisors and Avantis Investors use a more flexible, evidence-based approach than traditional indexing and discusses how academic research has reshaped portfolio construction over the past several decades.The discussion also explores lessons from market history, including the importance of understanding major bear markets, determining appropriate risk levels, and building portfolios that align with personal goals rather than chasing maximum returns. Paul shares insights from the latest Dimensional Matrix Book and explains why he believes studying 100 years of market data helps investors stay disciplined during inevitable downturns.Finally, Paul introduces a simple but powerful strategy for helping newborns and young children build substantial retirement wealth through small annual investments that can compound over many decades.Timestamps0:11 Special guest Paul Merriman joins Talking Real Money0:55 Long friendship and investing partnership between Tom and Paul1:20 S&P 500 rule changes and earlier inclusion of major IPOs like SpaceX2:07 Historical examples of S&P 500 additions and omissions2:35 Microsoft's delayed entry into the S&P 5002:56 NVIDIA replacing Enron in 20013:29 How index rule changes can affect future returns and volatility4:08 Why indexing remains the preferred strategy for most investors5:16 Traditional versus non-traditional index funds6:37 How Avantis and Dimensional incorporate factors beyond company size8:05 Why factor-based investing differs from traditional indexing9:02 Problems with rigid index reconstitution schedules10:16 Momentum, flexibility, and portfolio management advantages11:22 Introduction to Dimensional's annual Matrix Book11:53 Using market history rather than forecasts to guide investing decisions13:09 Lessons from past bubbles, crashes, and lost decades14:20 Why Paul trusts academic research more than Wall Street forecasts15:14 The case for small-cap value investing15:49 Clarifying Paul's allocation to small companies16:53 Investing for heirs, charities, and future generations18:10 Remembering investor panic during the 2008 financial crisis19:18 Determining an appropriate risk level for retirement portfolios20:43 Different investor goals: beating the market, maximizing returns, or minimizing risk21:28 Peace of mind versus maximum growth21:55 Helping young people build retirement wealth early22:54 The $365-per-year retirement funding concept24:09 Final thoughts and appreciation between Tom and PaulQuestions? Comments? Click!

Paul Merriman joins host Roben Farzad on Full Disclosure for a rare conversation alongside Ben Carlson, director of institutional asset management at Ritholtz Wealth and author of the new book Risk and Reward: How to Handle Market Volatility and Build Long-Term Wealth. Roben called it a “truth teller tandem” — the first time these two have sat down together — and the result is an hour of warm, candid, data-grounded talk about how individual investors can actually succeed.The conversation opens with a great question: does a century of S&P 500 history mean anything when index funds didn’t even exist for most of it? Paul explains why those long-run numbers still matter — not as a promise of the next ten years, but as a guide to the full range of what markets can do. From there, Paul and Ben trace just how far investing has come since Paul entered the business in 1966: the death of the 8.5% sales load, the arrival of IRAs and 401(k)s, fractional shares, and commission-free trading. As Ben puts it, the barriers to entry have been bulldozed, and today’s investor has a better shot at strong net returns than ever before.But more choices bring more temptation. Paul and Ben dig into diversification as a risk-management tool — why a tilt toward small-cap value and a meaningful allocation to international stocks can pay off over a lifetime, even when the S&P 500 is dominating the headlines. They revisit the lost decade of 2000–2009, the lessons of Japan’s 1989 peak, and the hard discipline of rebalancing into the pain when an asset class is out of favor.They also get practical about the things keeping investors up at night: inflation as one of the biggest risks most people underestimate, the real trade-offs in today’s bond market and long-duration Treasuries, and an honest look at the FIRE movement — including why meaning, longevity, and a 30- or 40-year retirement complicate the dream of retiring early. Throughout, Paul shares his own story, including why, at 82 and with more than he needs, he still holds half his portfolio in equities because of a caution he’s carried since his twenties.Ben closes with the thought that may stay with you longest: the most important thing an investor can understand is not the market — it’s themselves. Knowing which mistake you’d regret more, and what you can truly live with, is the foundation everything else is built on.

Tom welcomes back advisor Roxy Butner for a wide-ranging discussion that begins with practical financial advice for new graduates and quickly expands into questions from listeners about student loans, emergency funds, retirement savings, portfolio construction, mortgages in retirement, and the coming frenzy around a potential SpaceX IPO. Along the way, they explore the tradeoffs between debt repayment and investing, the role of small-cap value tilts in diversified portfolios, why taxes matter when funding a major purchase from an IRA, and how investors should think about highly publicized investment opportunities.0:05 – Roxy Butner returns to the show by popular demand as Tom welcomes her back for a summer discussion of listener questions and financial topics.0:57 – Graduation season prompts a conversation about money advice for new graduates and young adults starting their financial lives.1:23 – Tom references recommendations from financial journalist Jill Schlesinger, including the importance of tracking spending before creating any financial plan.2:05 – Why understanding cash flow is the foundation of every financial decision, from debt repayment to investing.2:31 – The surprising statistic that roughly 60% of college graduates leave school with student loan debt and why understanding loan terms matters.3:30 – Roxy explains how graduates should evaluate student loan repayment versus investing based on cash flow and interest rates.4:11 – Building an emergency fund and why high-yield savings accounts remain a preferred location for short-term reserves.4:23 – Retirement savings for young workers, including the importance of capturing employer matches and establishing savings habits early.5:39 – Why freezing your credit can be a simple and effective defense against identity theft and fraud.6:43 – Listener question from Del Rio, Texas: Is AVGE enough small-cap value exposure for investors who follow factor-based investing principles?7:38 – Comparing AVGE's built-in factor tilts with the heavier small-cap value allocations often recommended by Paul Merriman.8:32 – The long-term historical outperformance of U.S. small-cap value stocks and the tradeoff of accepting greater volatility.9:33 – Why Avantis intentionally chooses moderate factor tilts rather than aggressive small-cap allocations.10:25 – Roxy discusses risk-adjusted returns and the dangers of assuming that higher expected returns automatically justify larger allocations.11:37 – The appeal of simplicity and why a one-fund portfolio like AVGE can help investors avoid behavioral mistakes.12:31 – Listener question from Kansas City: Should retirees withdraw $1 million from an IRA to pay cash for a new home or take a mortgage?13:00 – A retired couple with a $4.2 million net worth faces a decision between a large IRA withdrawal and a mortgage at roughly 6.3%.14:14 – Why a massive IRA withdrawal could trigger substantial taxes and reduce portfolio flexibility.14:41 – Tom explains the difference between evaluating cash flow needs and preserving overall net worth.16:03 – The importance of maintaining liquidity in retirement and avoiding excessive concentration of wealth in a personal residence.16:41 – Roxy proposes a compromise strategy: take the mortgage now and gradually make larger payments using carefully managed annual IRA withdrawals.18:05 – A brief discussion about lake homes, neighboring properties, and the appeal of having family nearby.18:42 – Tom asks Roxy about investor excitement surrounding a possible SpaceX IPO and whether investors should participate.19:32 – Why investors may already gain exposure through index funds and retirement plans without purchasing shares directly.20:38 – IPO investing as speculation, the role of familiarity bias, and why investors should be cautious about concentrated bets.21:57 – How major IPOs eventually enter market indexes and become part of broadly diversified portfolios.22:02 – Summer plans, weddings, Seattle sunshine, and a lighter closing conversation.23:19 – How listeners can submit questions or schedule a free portfolio review through TalkingRealMoney.com.Questions? Comments? Click!

I recently sat down with Steve Chen on his Boldin Your Money podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about evidence-based investing — and why it matters more than ever in a world of speculation, hype, and constant financial noise. We covered my early days as a stockbroker in the 1960s, the psychology that trips investors up in downturns, how low-cost index funds transformed personal finance, factor investing and small-cap value, and why younger investors are being pulled toward gambling-like behavior through apps, crypto, and prediction markets. Whether you're just starting out or planning for retirement, I think you'll find it time well spent.KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED• The difference between investing and speculation• Why staying the course is emotionally difficult• Wall Street incentives and investor behavior• The origins of index fund investing• Factor investing and small-cap value explained• Why diversification matters long term• Rebalancing strategies and portfolio management• Financial literacy and generational investing habits• Why gambling behavior is becoming normalized• How AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are changing education• The psychology behind successful long-term investorsTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction02:55 Paul Merriman's start in investing05:20 Wall Street incentives and conflicts of interest08:35 Why investing is harder than it looks12:25 Investing vs speculation15:40 Why people panic during market crashes17:30 The psychology of staying the course19:10 Generational wealth and financial literacy23:40 The case for index funds28:45 Factor investing explained32:30 The four-fund portfolio strategy36:00 Rebalancing and long-term returns38:00 ChatGPT, Claude, and financial education42:15 Market valuations and investor behavior45:30 Building wealth intentionally49:00 Gambling culture and modern investing51:45 Teaching financial literacy to younger generations54:00 Final thoughts on long-term investingRESOURCES MENTIONEDPaul Merriman Foundation: https://www.paulmerriman.com/Try the Boldin Planner for free: https://go.boldin.com/podcasttep110Watch Video here- https://youtu.be/y_i5wrr_tfM

Don takes listeners on a journey through nearly four decades of investment advice, explaining how his thinking evolved from recommending active mutual funds in the 1980s to embracing index funds, factor investing, and eventually ETFs. Along the way, he and Tom discuss Vanguard's rise, Don's early relationship with Paul Merriman, the emergence of Dimensional Fund Advisors and Avantis, and why their recommendations have changed over time. They also address listener skepticism about fund recommendations, compare Avantis and Vanguard products, answer a tax-efficient portfolio rebalancing question from a retired couple, and debunk a marketing pitch for “layered income portfolios.”0:08 Don shares the story of his early days giving investment advice from Leadville, Colorado2:56 The active management era and why great fund managers were once considered essential3:52 Vanguard's early growth and the gradual acceptance of index investing5:38 Don discusses Vanguard sponsoring his radio show and maintaining disclosure transparency6:55 Paul Merriman introduces factor investing and Fama-French research9:10 Early Dimensional Fund Advisors portfolios and advisor-only access10:56 The rise of ETFs, Dimensional's hesitation, and Avantis' origins11:23 The 2010 ETF flash crash and why Tom and Don were initially cautious13:29 Why factor investing remains compelling despite uncertain future returns14:20 Addressing listener skepticism about Avantis recommendations16:07 Comparing AVUV and Vanguard VBR small-cap value funds17:44 Comparing AVGE and Vanguard VT global equity funds19:15 Clarifying compensation, conflicts of interest, and transparency21:27 Listener Anton asks about tax-efficient portfolio rebalancing in retirement26:03 Why holding bonds inside IRAs can improve tax efficiency27:23 Discussion of Roth conversion strategies and tax considerations30:20 Listener asks about “Layered Income Portfolios”31:05 Why income portfolio marketing pitches are often more sales than substanceQuestions? Comments? Click!

Don answers a diverse collection of listener questions covering Roth conversions, indexed annuities, emergency fund management, TSP contributions, inherited money, and portfolio construction. He delivers a forceful warning about indexed annuities and commission-driven insurance sales after one listener considers using an annuity bonus to offset Roth conversion taxes. Other questions explore whether short-term bond funds belong inside a Roth IRA, how much attention investors should pay to taxes, investing a potential $200,000 windfall, Roth versus traditional TSP contributions, and Paul Merriman's popular Two-Fund for Life strategy. Along the way, Don shares his appreciation for readers of The Line Uncrossed and reminds listeners how to submit questions through the new Talking Real Money website.0:05 Summer question slowdown, Friday Q&A format, and submitting questions through the new website1:41 Listener asks about using an indexed annuity bonus to help fund a Roth conversion3:14 Why indexed annuities are often misleading and how insurance commissions create conflicts5:01 The risks of moving an entire retirement portfolio to cash at retirement6:30 Why a comprehensive fiduciary financial plan may be essential for this listener8:16 Question about holding VFSTX as part of an emergency fund strategy10:36 Why taxes are often a minor concern compared with investment allocation11:03 Why a short-term bond fund may not belong inside a 42-year-old's Roth IRA12:17 Balancing growth, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs13:22 TSP lifecycle funds, Roth contributions, and planning for a possible $200,000 windfall15:03 Separating travel money from long-term investment assets16:09 Paul Merriman's Two-Fund for Life strategy17:38 The role of small-cap value funds alongside target-date funds18:13 Fama-French factor investing and the tradeoff between simplicity and optimization19:15 Closing thoughts on listener questions and participation20:26 What makes a fiduciary advisor different from a commissioned salesperson21:13 Update on The Line Uncrossed and request for listener reviewsQuestions? Comments? Click!

Investors Ben Carlson and Paul Merriman, a tandem of truth tellers -- together for the first time. Think of it as a raucous WrestleMania...but for sedate students of the market.

Paul Merriman — nationally recognized authority on index investing and one of the most trusted voices in evidence-based investing — joins Steve Chen to share what nearly six decades in financial services taught him about how the industry really works. Paul opens up about why he walked away from Wall Street in his 20s, how he accidentally built a $1.6 billion advisory firm, and why he gave it all up to focus on financial education. He breaks down the simple investing framework he's spent his career refining, makes the case for going beyond the S&P 500, and explains why the most powerful portfolio move most investors never make might also be the simplest.

In the final episode of the 2026 Boot Camp series, Paul Merriman sits down with Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls to tackle the last fork in the road every investor faces: how to and how much automation to use. After all the boot camp decisions — stocks versus bonds, which equity asset classes, how much fixed income, how to handle contributions and withdrawals — the final question is how much of the day-to-day management you should hand off to a tool, and which tool is right for you.Chris walks through how M1 Finance “pies” let buy-and-hold investors put their portfolios on autopilot: automated contributions, on-the-fly rebalancing as new money comes in, fractional shares, and one-button rebalancing. He explains the pre-configured Merriman portfolios — the Ultimate Buy and Hold, Worldwide and US Four-Fund, All Value, All Small Cap Value, and the Aggressive Target Date glide path in five-year increments — and an important limitation: once you grab a pie, there’s no live link back to the source, so website updates won’t change your account.Paul then makes the case for Fidelity’s Basket Portfolios as an alternative, especially for anyone uneasy about moving large sums to a younger company. He covers the flat $4.99-per-month fee regardless of account size, eligible account types, the TFLO short-term Treasury workaround for holding cash, and why Fidelity may fit investors already in the Fidelity ecosystem. The team compares trading windows, account minimums and how each firm counts the $10,000 threshold, and Daryl shares that M1 has grown from about $1 billion in 2020 to roughly $12.5 billion in assets under management.The conversation closes with practical guidance on mixing and matching Sound Investing portfolios, the question everyone’s asking — “how long do I have to wait for small cap value?” — a reminder not to flail or chase recent performance, why the 10-fund Ultimate Buy and Hold strategy still stands, and a clear explanation of the move from AVUS to AVLC and where AVSC fits.CHAPTERS00:00 - Intro03:10 - M1 Finance13:45 - Fidelity Baskets24:27 - Portfolio Combos29:55 - When to Change Allocations42:44 - AVLC vs. AVUS45:15 - OutroLINKS:Sound Investing Portfolio PiesM1 Finance Pie Tutorial (Mobile App)M1 Finance Pie Tutorial (Web Interface)

Long-time personal-finance commentator Paul Merriman, founder of the Merriman Financial Education Foundation says that investors haven't taken inflation into consideration the way they have investment returns, and that has the potential to leave them "at risk of being disappointed." Merriman says that investors should "Take 2 percent off of the return for the purposes of thinking about the future, and add 2 percent to what you are thinking in terms of inflation and that would be a more realistic view of the future." Deana Healy, vice president of financial planning and advice at Ameriprise Financial discusses the firm's recent survey report, "Flying Solo: Navigating Financial Autonomy," which found that 85 percent of financially solo adults feel confident managing their money, but the same number worry about aging alone and navigating the long-term financial decisions that come with it. Plus Chuck answers two questions from listeners, one about whether people are hiding their spending and their financial health in order to fit in with friends and neighbors — possibly explaining the disconnect between sentiment numbers and spending statistics — and the other from an investors whose portfolio has remain unchanged for decades, and whether staying put with it continues to make sense.

Are you determined to finally get on top of your finances once and for all?For many, looking at your bank account is something you dread, but how should we best manage what's coming in and what's coming out?For this edition of Finance Matters, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Paul Merriman of Ask Paul to discuss how to protect what you have now…

Are you determined to finally get on top of your finances once and for all?For many, looking at your bank account is something you dread, but how should we best manage what's coming in and what's coming out?For this edition of Finance Matters, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Paul Merriman of Ask Paul to discuss overdrafts and savings, as well as answer any of your questions!

Are you determined to finally get on top of your finances once and for all?For many, looking at your bank account is something you dread, but how should we best manage what's coming in and what's coming out?For this first edition of Finance Matters, Andrea is joined by Paul Merriman of Ask Paul to discuss tackling your finances, and answer any of your questions!

Most investors spend their energy asking the wrong question. It's not which fund is best -- it's which combination of funds gets you to your actual goal at a cost and complexity level you'll actually maintain. Joe and OG break down the full index investing playbook: where to start, when to add complexity, what Wall Street calls indexing that really isn't, and the one number that should change how you think about your entire portfolio. What You'll Walk Away With Why the real argument for index investing isn't that nobody beats the market -- it's that you can't predict who will do it next The crockpot principle of index investing -- and why the self-cleaning oven analogy might be even better Why the S&P 500 and the total stock market index are closer than most people think -- and which one Joe is increasingly favoring for the long run The $100,000 turning point: what changes about your investment strategy when the portfolio gets big enough to get scientific The first two additions most Stackers should consider beyond their core index -- and why OG would actually add more than two Why mixing index funds from different companies can quietly undermine your diversification without you ever knowing it How to replace the word "index" with "list" to instantly identify whether a product is actually doing what you think it is The buffered ETFs, factor ETFs, and active ETFs that call themselves indexes -- and why most Stackers should walk right past them Why you're not racing against the index -- you're on a road trip -- and what that shift in framing changes about every investing decision The season one recap from OG and Anna's financial planning basics series -- plus the free workbook that ties all seven episodes together Why This Matters Now In your 40s, the portfolio is finally big enough to matter -- and that's exactly when the temptation to complicate things gets strongest. New products, new strategies, and new buzzwords show up constantly, each promising a smarter approach. The investors who come out ahead aren't the ones who found the best fund. They're the ones who built something simple enough to maintain, scientific enough to optimize, and sturdy enough to hold through the moments when everything feels like it's falling apart. From the Basement Joe and OG dig into the full index investing playbook -- from the first fund a beginner should buy to the asset class combinations that actually improve long-term outcomes once the portfolio gets big enough to warrant it. OG and Anna close out their seven-week financial planning basics series with a full recap and the surprise release of a free downloadable workbook at stackingbenjamins.com/basicsguide. Doug arrives with Nolan Ryan trivia that connects strikeout records to index investing in a way that only the basement could pull off. Whether the analogy fully lands is a question best answered with your earbuds in. Resources Mentioned The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins -- referenced as the foundational text for beginner index investors; stackingbenjamins.com links to prior interview Paul Merriman's annual asset class research -- referenced for data on adding small cap value and international to a core S&P portfolio; paulmerriman.com iShares -- referenced as an example of a consistent index fund family worth staying within JP Morgan Guide to the Markets -- referenced in prior episode; available at jpmorgan.com Stacking Benjamins Basics Guide -- free seven-episode workbook at stackingbenjamins.com/basicsguide Stacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- weekly investing hot takes from Kevin Bailey at stackingbenjamins.com/201 Stacking Benjamins Vault -- stackingbenjamins.com/vault Stacking Benjamins Meetups -- stackingbenjamins.com/bad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This special two-part session opens with Paul Merriman solo — paying tribute to Tim Ranzetta of Next Generation Personal Finance, sharing the latest numbers on state-mandated financial literacy, and walking through Daryl Bahls' quilt charts to show annual earnings invested in the S&P 500, large-cap value, small-cap blend, and small-cap value since 1928.Then Paul sits down with Christine Benz — Morningstar's Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning, and author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement — for a wide-ranging conversation on how to actually make a retirement portfolio last.Christine lays out her five-step plan for anyone retiring in 2030 or 2035: turbocharge savings, rethink household spending, build seven to ten years of "safer assets" for portfolio withdrawals, diversify globally, and use TIPS to protect purchasing power. She and Paul dig into how to structure fixed income (short, intermediate, TIPS), why she's cooler on REITs than she used to be, when a simple income annuity makes sense, and why alternatives rarely earn their keep.They also cover performance-chasing the S&P 500, balanced funds vs. building your own portfolio (including Paul's Wellesley/Wellington pairing for hands-off investors), how AI is starting to change the financial advice landscape, and the honest answer to "have you planned out to the day you die?" — even from a Morningstar executive.The audience Q&A covers bonds vs. T-bills, down-payment savings, the four-fund portfolio, Vanguard asset allocation for retirees, tax-efficient withdrawal sequencing, TIAA annuities, managed futures, and gold.Part of the Spring Financial Education Series hosted by the Bainbridge Community Foundation in partnership with the Merriman Financial Education Foundation.Coming up in this series: Mike Piper (April 21) and Bill Bernstein (April 28).

A wide-ranging Q&A episode tackles the real-world tradeoffs investors actually face: whether Paul Merriman's aggressive small/value “ultimate” portfolio is worth the complexity and risk, how much stock to put in scary online bank reviews versus FDIC reality, and how to find advice when you don't want someone managing your money. Don also explains why FAFSA tricks with traditional IRA contributions don't work, how to control capital gains taxes using specific share identification, and—somehow—confirms he was the voice behind a powerful Auschwitz exhibit. Practical, skeptical, and very Don.0:05 Friday Q&A intro and how to submit questions1:49 Merriman 10-fund portfolio vs “owning the market”5:21 Don confirms Auschwitz exhibit voiceover work6:54 Bread Savings reviews, withdrawal limits, and FDIC reality9:38 Finding tax-only retirement advice (CPA vs hourly planner vs EA)12:05 FAFSA myth: traditional IRA won't lower aid eligibility13:55 Selling ETFs: minimizing taxes with specific lot selection17:01 Podcast hosting quirks and MP3 download workaroundQuestions? Comments? Click!

Paul Merriman sits down with Larry Swedroe — author of 22 books and one of the most respected voices in evidence-based investing — for a conversation that covers everything from the five factors that actually matter to why Bitcoin might go to zero.Larry explains why judging your investment decisions by their outcomes is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make, lays out the academic criteria he uses to separate real factor premiums from data mining, and reveals that he's made only three tactical moves in 30 years of investing. He and Paul use three eye-opening slides to show why chasing recent winners almost guarantees you'll underperform.They also dig into why growth stocks don't deliver the returns most people expect (hint: the growth rate is already in the price), why traditional index funds are "dumb traders" bleeding money to hedge funds, and how AI will make markets harder to beat — not easier.The audience Q&A covers emerging markets, the updated "Larry Portfolio," crypto, private equity, and which fund families Larry actually trusts with his own money.Part of the Spring Financial Education Series hosted by the Bainbridge Community Foundation in partnership with the Merriman Financial Education Foundation.LINKS & RESOURCES:  "Enrich Your Future" — Larry Swedroe  "Your Complete Guide to Factor-Based Investing" — Larry Swedroe & Andrew Berkin  "Your Complete Guide to a Successful and Secure Retirement" — Larry Swedroe  Larry Swedroe on Substack: https://larryswedroe.substack.com  The Hidden Flaw in Style Index FundsThe Hidden Costs of Index Replication: What Every Investor Needs to Know AboutAdverse Effects of Index ReplicationWatch the video here.Coming up in this series: Christine Benz (Morningstar), Mike Piper, and Bill Bernstein.

Paul Merriman sits down with Mark Zoril, founder of PlanVision, in the first episode of a new series spotlighting affordable financial planning options for do-it-yourself investors.Mark built PlanVision in 2012 around a simple premise: investing isn't as complicated as the financial services industry makes it seem, and technology makes it possible to deliver thoughtful, unbiased financial advice at a price almost anyone can afford.In this episode you'll learn:What you get for $489 in the first year — including access to the eMoney financial planning platform and one-on-one advisor sessionsHow the $8/month ongoing subscription works, and when it makes sense to stay on vs. cancelWhy PlanVision has no commissions, no affiliate links, no insurance sales, and no conflicts of interestHow the firm handles complex situations: Roth conversions, Social Security timing, 529s, pension vs. lump sum, and tax planning (with a CPA on staff)What PlanVision will and won't do — no estate planning, no market timing, no gold hedging strategiesHow they serve expats in over 180 countriesWhat happens when a client passes away and a surviving spouse needs guidanceMark's own investing philosophy — and why he puts his own money in a Vanguard target date fundHow PlanVision works with clients who follow Paul Merriman's, Rick Ferri's, Larry Swedroe's, or any other multi-equity asset class  indexing philosophyLinks mentioned:PlanVision websitePlanVision testimonialsRob Berger interview with Mark Zoril (expat investing, 60+ min)Stan the Annuity ManBogleheads PlanVision commentsWatch the full video on YouTube

At 82 years old, I still work. Not because I have to, but because I want to.I joined Brian Herriot and Kirby Denison on “The Time Freedom Podcast” to talk about exactly that. But we ended up covering a lot more than I expected.Here's something that might surprise you: I managed money for thousands of people over 30 years and built a firm to $1.6 billion under management. And I have never once managed my own money.Why? Because I know myself too well. When the market drops, I would second-guess everything. I'd probably hesitate to put more money in, even though that's exactly what I teach people to do. So I let someone else handle it. I don't even check how I did last year.We also got into my disagreement with John Bogle. I had the privilege of sitting with him for about 90 minutes earlier in my career. Bogle preached Enough and it's even the title of one of his books.I respectfully disagree. I believe the goal should be more than enough. Because life gets in the way. Bad things happen. And they often happen during retirement, when you have the least ability to recover. If you stop working the moment you have just enough, you're one bad year away from trouble.

The final live radio episode of Talking Real Money blends nostalgia, listener appreciation, and core investing philosophy. Don and Tom reflect on nearly four decades of broadcasting while reinforcing their timeless message: consistent investing beats prediction. Using a simple S&P 500 example, they illustrate how discipline—not brilliance—builds wealth. They address current market declines with calm realism, urging listeners to ignore noise and stick to a plan. Calls cover everything from podcast transition logistics and annuity sales traps to credit freezes, tax surprises from brokerage accounts, and when to fire an advisor—ending the radio era exactly as it ran: practical, skeptical, and relentlessly investor-first. 0:04 Emotional opening and end of the radio era 0:46 Show history back to 1988 and investing perspective 1:55 $500/month S&P 500 example → ~$3.1M outcome 2:43 Market fears vs long-term investing reality 5:16 Podcast growth to #43 in U.S. investing category 6:40 Market drop discussion and “what should you do?” 7:29 Core advice: plan, ignore predictions, stay disciplined 8:57 Podcast call-in format going forward (Car Talk style) 11:01 How to challenge annuity salespeople effectively 13:22 Call from Paul Merriman reflecting on legacy 16:55 Listener success story: Roth IRA to $500K 20:32 Credit score drop and how to check/freezes 26:35 Why freezing credit is a smart default move 27:47 Tax shock from brokerage gains and hidden trading issues 32:11 Warning signs of poor advisor behavior (Wells Fargo case) 34:08 When to fire an advisor (fees, complexity, value gap) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions? Comments?The final live radio episode of Talking Real Money blends nostalgia, listener appreciation, and core investing philosophy. Don and Tom reflect on nearly four decades of broadcasting while reinforcing their timeless message: consistent investing beats prediction. Using a simple S&P 500 example, they illustrate how discipline—not brilliance—builds wealth. They address current market declines with calm realism, urging listeners to ignore noise and stick to a plan. Calls cover everything from podcast transition logistics and annuity sales traps to credit freezes, tax surprises from brokerage accounts, and when to fire an advisor—ending the radio era exactly as it ran: practical, skeptical, and relentlessly investor-first.0:04 Emotional opening and end of the radio era0:46 Show history back to 1988 and investing perspective1:55 $500/month S&P 500 example → ~$3.1M outcome2:43 Market fears vs long-term investing reality5:16 Podcast growth to #43 in U.S. investing category6:40 Market drop discussion and “what should you do?”7:29 Core advice: plan, ignore predictions, stay disciplined8:57 Podcast call-in format going forward (Car Talk style)11:01 How to challenge annuity salespeople effectively13:22 Call from Paul Merriman reflecting on legacy16:55 Listener success story: Roth IRA to $500K20:32 Credit score drop and how to check/freezes26:35 Why freezing credit is a smart default move27:47 Tax shock from brokerage gains and hidden trading issues32:11 Warning signs of poor advisor behavior (Wells Fargo case)34:08 When to fire an advisor (fees, complexity, value gap)Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many of us, pay day has just happened, and hopefully you've a few bob in your account, but how can you best manage it?Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone and Founder of Ask Paul joins Andrea with advice!

Paul Merriman is dedicated to helping do-it-yourself investors build portfolios they can stick with for life. In this episode, he shares what he believes is the closest thing to a perfect long-term equity strategy he's ever seen.Paul traces the evolution of index investing — from John Bogle's cap-weighted S&P 500 funds to the academic research of Fama and French, whose factor-based work showed that small cap value, large cap value, and other equity asset classes have historically outperformed the broad market over time.For years, the best factor-based funds from Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) were only available through select advisors. That changed when Avantis launched its ETF lineup in 2019, followed by DFA's own ETFs — putting institutional-quality, factor-based investing within reach of every self-directed investor.Paul introduces a recommended ETF list spanning 10 equity asset classes across both fund families, explains the key differences between DFA and Avantis, and makes the case for owning both. He also covers where to buy them and why Fidelity's fractional shares make it easy to start with any dollar amount.Key topics: Factor-based vs. traditional index funds · Accessing DFA and Avantis ETFs · The case for owning both · Simplifying rebalancing with M1 FinanceThe Q&A Paul references was recorded separately.

Your financial plan is only as good as what happens to it under pressure. A market drop. A job loss. An inflation spike that turns "fine" into "wait, what?" Most portfolios are quietly optimized for the good times, and that's exactly why they crack when things get uncomfortable. This week, Joe, Paula, Jesse, and special guest Paul Merriman aren't chasing the highest returns. They're building for something harder: a system that doesn't force bad decisions when everything around it is going sideways. Because the real test of your plan was never the bull market. It's right now. Paula Pant — Afford Anything host and career-flexibility advocate. Jesse Cramer — Host of Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors and someone who clearly plays the long game in more ways than one. Paul Merriman — Longtime investor, educator, and the person in the room who's seen enough market cycles to stop being impressed by any single one of them. On building a portfolio that doesn't quit: Why the "sports car" portfolio feels exciting and quietly raises the odds you'll blow up your plan at the exact wrong moment The real definition of all-weather investing: built for resilience, not bragging rights How diversification feels like it's failing right before it does exactly what it's supposed to do Why index funds have a built-in self-cleaning mechanism most investors never think about The behavioral trap of performance-chasing and how it causes permanent damage, not just temporary losses On the parts of your plan that aren't your portfolio: Why your investment strategy alone isn't a financial plan and how cash reserves, insurance, and income stability complete the system The often-skipped roles of disability and umbrella insurance in protecting everything you've built How to think about job-loss risk in a world reshaped by AI and shifting careers Why negotiation skills and career flexibility might matter more to your long-term security than picking the "right" fund On measuring success differently: A better scorecard for your financial plan: not just returns, but whether it survives the next storm without forcing a bad call If you're in your 40s, the math has changed. You've built real momentum, which means a major mistake costs more than it used to, and there's less runway to recover. Markets are unpredictable, job security looks different than it did a decade ago, and the financial media is a constant nudge toward reacting to something. An all-weather approach doesn't try to predict what's coming. It prepares for it. The goal shifts from winning every season to still being in the game when the weather turns, and that shift makes all the difference when things actually get hard. OG's chair is empty this week, but Paul Merriman is a more than worthy substitute, joining Joe, Paula, and Jesse to trade ideas on portfolios built to take a punch. Doug holds down the trivia desk, and let's just say the leaderboard gets an interesting update. Somewhere between market wisdom and basement bragging rights, the point lands: you don't need to win every season. You just need a plan that doesn't fall apart when the weather does. New to the basement? Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and leave a review if this one helped you stop optimizing for the wrong thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your financial plan is only as good as what happens to it under pressure. A market drop. A job loss. An inflation spike that turns "fine" into "wait, what?" Most portfolios are quietly optimized for the good times, and that's exactly why they crack when things get uncomfortable. This week, Joe, Paula, Jesse, and special guest Paul Merriman aren't chasing the highest returns. They're building for something harder: a system that doesn't force bad decisions when everything around it is going sideways. Because the real test of your plan was never the bull market. It's right now. Paula Pant — Afford Anything host and career-flexibility advocate. Jesse Cramer — Host of Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors and someone who clearly plays the long game in more ways than one. Paul Merriman — Longtime investor, educator, and the person in the room who's seen enough market cycles to stop being impressed by any single one of them. On building a portfolio that doesn't quit: Why the "sports car" portfolio feels exciting and quietly raises the odds you'll blow up your plan at the exact wrong moment The real definition of all-weather investing: built for resilience, not bragging rights How diversification feels like it's failing right before it does exactly what it's supposed to do Why index funds have a built-in self-cleaning mechanism most investors never think about The behavioral trap of performance-chasing and how it causes permanent damage, not just temporary losses On the parts of your plan that aren't your portfolio: Why your investment strategy alone isn't a financial plan and how cash reserves, insurance, and income stability complete the system The often-skipped roles of disability and umbrella insurance in protecting everything you've built How to think about job-loss risk in a world reshaped by AI and shifting careers Why negotiation skills and career flexibility might matter more to your long-term security than picking the "right" fund On measuring success differently: A better scorecard for your financial plan: not just returns, but whether it survives the next storm without forcing a bad call If you're in your 40s, the math has changed. You've built real momentum, which means a major mistake costs more than it used to, and there's less runway to recover. Markets are unpredictable, job security looks different than it did a decade ago, and the financial media is a constant nudge toward reacting to something. An all-weather approach doesn't try to predict what's coming. It prepares for it. The goal shifts from winning every season to still being in the game when the weather turns, and that shift makes all the difference when things actually get hard. OG's chair is empty this week, but Paul Merriman is a more than worthy substitute, joining Joe, Paula, and Jesse to trade ideas on portfolios built to take a punch. Doug holds down the trivia desk, and let's just say the leaderboard gets an interesting update. Somewhere between market wisdom and basement bragging rights, the point lands: you don't need to win every season. You just need a plan that doesn't fall apart when the weather does. New to the basement? Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and leave a review if this one helped you stop optimizing for the wrong thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Broadcast from RetireMeet 2026 in Bellevue, Don and Tom reflect on the evolution of retirement planning—from a narrow focus on investments to a broader conversation about purpose, relationships, and life after work. They interview Paul Merriman, who discusses portfolio construction, the role of small-cap value stocks, risk tolerance, and long-term investing discipline. The conversation also explores withdrawal strategies, market history, and how investor behavior during downturns often determines success more than asset allocation itself. The episode closes with a major announcement: the Talking Real Money radio show will end in April and transition fully to a podcast format with five weekly episodes. 0:27 Reflections on the event and praise for speakers like Christine Benz and Paul Merriman. 1:54 Growing focus on purpose and lifestyle in retirement, not just money. 3:11 Audience turnout and attendees traveling from across the country for RetireMeet. 3:51 The importance of a holistic approach to retirement planning including relationships and lifestyle. 5:25 Estate planning conversation and the uncomfortable reality of thinking about life after we're gone. 6:01 How to listen to the podcast and transition from radio listening to podcast apps. 6:41 Introduction of Paul Merriman and discussion of portfolio construction and asset classes. 8:15 Understanding risk tolerance and balancing portfolios for different ages. 9:41 Investor behavior during crises like 2008 and the tech crash of 2000–2002. 10:32 Cap-weighted vs equal-weighted S&P 500 and tax implications. 11:48 Why investors should document how they feel during market highs and lows. 12:06 Using nearly 100 years of market data to understand future volatility. 14:42 The evolution of financial planning from investment management to comprehensive planning. 16:19 Financial education gaps and rising bankruptcy rates among retirees. 18:00 Debate over whether 401(k)s replaced pensions successfully. 20:52 Merriman explains small-cap value investing and why unpopular stocks can outperform. 23:12 Why most investors don't hold small-cap value despite historical advantages. 26:11 Long-term investing and the importance of patience through underperformance cycles. 28:24 Withdrawal strategy research showing dramatic compounding over long periods. 30:05 Whether future market returns can resemble historical returns. 31:41 The danger of reacting to news headlines and wars when investing. 33:52 Talking Real Money radio show ends in April and shifts to a podcast-only format with five episodes weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions? Comments?Broadcast from RetireMeet 2026 in Bellevue, Don and Tom reflect on the evolution of retirement planning—from a narrow focus on investments to a broader conversation about purpose, relationships, and life after work. They interview Paul Merriman, who discusses portfolio construction, the role of small-cap value stocks, risk tolerance, and long-term investing discipline. The conversation also explores withdrawal strategies, market history, and how investor behavior during downturns often determines success more than asset allocation itself. The episode closes with a major announcement: the Talking Real Money radio show will end in April and transition fully to a podcast format with five weekly episodes.0:27 Reflections on the event and praise for speakers like Christine Benz and Paul Merriman.1:54 Growing focus on purpose and lifestyle in retirement, not just money.3:11 Audience turnout and attendees traveling from across the country for RetireMeet.3:51 The importance of a holistic approach to retirement planning including relationships and lifestyle.5:25 Estate planning conversation and the uncomfortable reality of thinking about life after we're gone.6:01 How to listen to the podcast and transition from radio listening to podcast apps.6:41 Introduction of Paul Merriman and discussion of portfolio construction and asset classes.8:15 Understanding risk tolerance and balancing portfolios for different ages.9:41 Investor behavior during crises like 2008 and the tech crash of 2000–2002.10:32 Cap-weighted vs equal-weighted S&P 500 and tax implications.11:48 Why investors should document how they feel during market highs and lows.12:06 Using nearly 100 years of market data to understand future volatility.14:42 The evolution of financial planning from investment management to comprehensive planning.16:19 Financial education gaps and rising bankruptcy rates among retirees.18:00 Debate over whether 401(k)s replaced pensions successfully.20:52 Merriman explains small-cap value investing and why unpopular stocks can outperform.23:12 Why most investors don't hold small-cap value despite historical advantages.26:11 Long-term investing and the importance of patience through underperformance cycles.28:24 Withdrawal strategy research showing dramatic compounding over long periods.30:05 Whether future market returns can resemble historical returns.31:41 The danger of reacting to news headlines and wars when investing.33:52 Talking Real Money radio show ends in April and shifts to a podcast-only format with five episodes weekly.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Boot Camp #6, Paul Merriman walks through real historical data starting in 1970 to test what happens when retirees withdraw 3%, 4%, or 5% from a $1 million portfolio — adjusted for inflation — across some of the toughest market conditions in history.This episode covers:The difference between retiring with “enough” and “more than enough”How inflation quietly turns $30,000 into $130,000+ over 30 yearsWhat happens if you retire into a bear marketWhy 1% more in withdrawals can cost millionsS&P 500 vs. a globally diversified four-fund strategyHow diversification impacts lifetime income and legacy outcomesThe real risk of sequence of returns in retirementWhy some portfolios ran out of money — and others didn'tYou'll hear side-by-side comparisons of:100% S&P 500 portfolios40/60, 50/50, and 60/40 stock-bond mixesA worldwide four-fund equity strategyFixed inflation-adjusted withdrawals over 30 yearsThe results may surprise you — especially when comparing 3%, 4%, and 5% withdrawal rates.If you're approaching retirement, already retired, or helping someone make distribution decisions, this episode breaks down the numbers in plain English and shows how small choices can create million-dollar differences.Next week: the strategy Paul considers the very best distribution method — for investors who retire with more than enough.Watch Video HereCatch up on the previous Boot Camp 2026 here

Welcome to Bootcamp #3 of the Sound Investing Series with Paul Merriman — where real investing data meets practical long-term strategy.

In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench are joined by Paul Merriman. Paul shares decades of investing wisdom and explains why simple index investing often outperforms complex strategies. We explore the power of diversification beyond the S&P 500, the importance of bonds in a portfolio, and how glide paths reduce risk over time. Paul also breaks down the psychological traps that sabotage investors—and how to avoid them. If you want to: Build wealth with index funds Create a smarter asset allocation Reduce risk while maximizing long-term returns This episode is your blueprint. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources Subscribe on YouTube for even more content Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners Connect with Paul Merriman: Website: https://www.paulmerriman.com/ Paul's New Book ‘We're Talking Millions!': https://irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/Were-Talking-Millions.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A survey in the UK edition of The Times suggests that one in four workers would run out of money in a month if they lost their job Essentially suggesting our rainy-day savings are dangerously low, putting many at risk if they suddenly became unemployed. To discuss all things savings, Shane was joined by Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone and Founder of Askpaul.

Most retirees aren't spending anywhere near what they safely could — often barely 2% of their savings — and that hesitation may be costing them the very retirement they worked for. Don and Tom make the case for permission to spend, walking through why flexible withdrawal strategies beat rigid rules, how the “go-go / slow-go / no-go” years actually play out, and why fear of future healthcare costs often leads to unnecessary deprivation today. Listener questions cover tilted portfolios inspired by Paul Merriman, early-retirement home financing decisions, inheritance timing versus helping kids now, and whether ACATS fraud fears are overblown. The through-line: have a real plan, update it annually, and then — finally — live it. 0:04 You did everything right — now spend some of the darn money 1:06 Retirees spending only ~2% of savings (why this happens) 2:03 Permission to spend is harder than permission to save 3:16 Go-go, slow-go, no-go years (and why front-loading joy matters) 4:34 Healthcare fear vs. actual retirement guardrails 6:19 Helping kids before inheritance (when it matters most) 6:35 Why “winging it” works for some — and fails for most 7:58 Flexible percentage withdrawals vs. fixed rules 8:59 Vacations, Hawaii, and spending after strong market years 10:55 Great Wolf Lodge economics (and parental survival strategies) 13:00 Listener Q: Portfolio tilts (US, SCV, international, EM) 15:49 Listener Q: Downsizing early, mortgages vs. IRA withdrawals 18:34 Liquidity matters more than interest rates pre-59½ 21:15 Retirement planning as a map, not a spreadsheet 21:46 Listener Q: ACATS fraud fears and account security 24:40 Why total safety often makes life worse, not better Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions? Comments?Most retirees aren't spending anywhere near what they safely could — often barely 2% of their savings — and that hesitation may be costing them the very retirement they worked for. Don and Tom make the case for permission to spend, walking through why flexible withdrawal strategies beat rigid rules, how the “go-go / slow-go / no-go” years actually play out, and why fear of future healthcare costs often leads to unnecessary deprivation today. Listener questions cover tilted portfolios inspired by Paul Merriman, early-retirement home financing decisions, inheritance timing versus helping kids now, and whether ACATS fraud fears are overblown. The through-line: have a real plan, update it annually, and then — finally — live it.0:04 You did everything right — now spend some of the darn money1:06 Retirees spending only ~2% of savings (why this happens)2:03 Permission to spend is harder than permission to save3:16 Go-go, slow-go, no-go years (and why front-loading joy matters)4:34 Healthcare fear vs. actual retirement guardrails6:19 Helping kids before inheritance (when it matters most)6:35 Why “winging it” works for some — and fails for most7:58 Flexible percentage withdrawals vs. fixed rules8:59 Vacations, Hawaii, and spending after strong market years10:55 Great Wolf Lodge economics (and parental survival strategies)13:00 Listener Q: Portfolio tilts (US, SCV, international, EM)15:49 Listener Q: Downsizing early, mortgages vs. IRA withdrawals18:34 Liquidity matters more than interest rates pre-59½21:15 Retirement planning as a map, not a spreadsheet21:46 Listener Q: ACATS fraud fears and account security24:40 Why total safety often makes life worse, not betterLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's Sound Investing episode, Paul Merriman answers a wide-ranging set of listener questions — from choosing ETFs and building portfolios to managing risk in retirement and investing wisely at every age.One of the biggest takeaways? There is no universally “best” ETF or portfolio. The right answer depends on your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and — just as importantly — your ability to stick with a strategy during difficult markets.Here are some of the highlights from the episode:What's the “best ETF”?Paul explains that for simple exposure (like the S&P 500), the lowest-cost option often wins. But once you move into areas like small-cap value or factor investing, fund construction and index methodology matter far more than expense ratios alone.Single-fund vs. DIY portfoliosPaul compares all-in-one solutions like AVGV (Avantis All-World Value ETF) with building the same asset classes yourself. While a DIY approach can sometimes produce higher returns, it also requires discipline and comfort with tracking and rebalancing multiple funds.Portfolios for different stages of lifeYounger investors (30s): Paul favors all-equity portfolios for long time horizons, assuming the investor can tolerate volatility.Pre-retirees and retirees: The focus shifts to managing downside risk, withdrawal rates, and behavioral comfort — not maximizing returns at all costs.Retirement withdrawals and sequence riskUsing historical examples starting in 1970, Paul shows how withdrawal rates (4%, 5%, 6%) and portfolio composition can mean the difference between ending with millions — or running out of money entirely.Mutual funds vs. ETFsETFs have become more tax-efficient, more flexible, and easier to trade — making them ideal for the smaller, diversified portfolios Sound Investing now recommends.How to self-manage a portfolioPaul walks through how to:Choose equity asset classesUse best-in-class ETF recommendationsRebalance intelligentlyInvest weekly without overcomplicating the processResources mentioned in the episode:Sound Investing Boot Camphttps://paulmerriman.com/bootcamp/Ultimate Buy & Hold Portfoliohttps://paulmerriman.com/ultimate-buy-and-hold-portfolio/2025 Sound Investing Portfolioshttps://paulmerriman.com/sound-investing-portfolios/Avantis Investors & AVGVhttps://www.avantisinvestors.com/Morningstar Fund Comparison Toolshttps://www.morningstar.com/Ben Felix (Canadian investing insights)https://www.pwlcapital.com/profile/benjamin-felix/REIT background and tax considerationshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate_investment_trustPaul closes the episode with a reminder that diversification means always owning some underperformers — and that's not a flaw, it's the price of long-term success.Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next week.

For first-time listeners, welcome! In this opening episode of the year, Paul Merriman—founder of the Merriman Financial Education Foundation—looks back at 2025 to uncover what the markets taught us and how those lessons can help do-it-yourself investors make better decisions going forward.Despite endless predictions about what markets should do, Paul reminds us that his role isn't to forecast the future—but to help investors understand risk, return, and how to build portfolios they can truly stick with.In this episode, Paul explores:A surprising result from the “Magnificent Seven” stocksWhy diversification mattered more than ever in 2025How different equity asset classes really performedWhat 56 years of data (1970–2026) tells us about staying the courseWhy portfolio structure matters far more than chasing winnersTwo very different—but valid—approaches to fixed income investingIf you want perspective instead of predictions—and data instead of hype—this episode is a powerful way to start the year.

Joining Dearbhail to talk through some top tips for taking control of your money in 2026 is Financial Advisor and CEO of Fairstone Ireland, Paul Merriman.

The following are Dr. Pass' note to his podcast: This week we end 2025 with a Pediheart tradition - an episode on personal finance for medical professionals with noted authority on index investing and personal finance, Mr. Paul Merriman. Paul is a retired investment advisor who now has a popular podcast "Sound Investing" and website in which he offers advice on investing for 'do it yourself' investors. In this week's episode, the 5th of his visits to Pediheart, Mr. Merriman discusses 'factor investing' via index-like ETF's and funds. He also reviews who he believes might benefit from a financial advisor, what sort of advisor most should seek out and why he believes that many do not need one if they can 'stay the course'. Resources mentioned in today's podcast are below. Wishing all a happy and healthy new year in 2026. Paul's website:https://www.paulmerriman.com/#gsc.tab=0'Best In Class' ETF's:https://www.paulmerriman.com/Best-in-Class-ETF-Recommendations2025#gsc.tab=0Sound Investing 'Quilt Charts':https://irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/(K)_Quilt_Charts_(1928-2024)_-_2024_Returns_(1).pdfDFA 'Turn Out The Noise':https://www.dimensional.com/filmAs a reminder, all of the information provided in this week's episode should be considered entertainment and all financial decisions should be vetted with professionals or knowledgeable and trusted friends/family. 

This week we end 2025 with a Pediheart tradition - an episode on personal finance for medical professionals with noted authority on index investing and personal finance, Mr. Paul Merriman. Paul is a retired investment advisor who now has a popular podcast "Sound Investing" and website in which he offers advice on investing for 'do it yourself' investors. In this week's episode, the 5th of his visits to Pediheart, Mr. Merriman discusses 'factor investing' via index-like ETF's and funds. He also reviews who he believes might benefit from a financial advisor, what sort of advisor most should seek out and why he believes that many do not need one if they can 'stay the course'. Resources mentioned in today's podcast are below. Wishing all a happy and healthy new year in 2026. Paul's website:https://www.paulmerriman.com/#gsc.tab=0'Best In Class' ETF's:https://www.paulmerriman.com/Best-in-Class-ETF-Recommendations2025#gsc.tab=0Sound Investing 'Quilt Charts':https://irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/(K)_Quilt_Charts_(1928-2024)_-_2024_Returns_(1).pdfDFA 'Turn Out The Noise':https://www.dimensional.com/filmAs a reminder, all of the information provided in this week's episode should be considered entertainment and all financial decisions should be vetted with professionals or knowledgeable and trusted friends/family. 

Compounding Project Podcast – Episode 36In Episode 36 of The Compounding Project Podcast, legendary investing educator Paul Merriman shares timeless insights on long-term investing, the power of compounding, and how everyday investors can build lasting wealth.Paul explains why starting early is one of the most important financial decisions you can make, how compound growth works quietly over decades, and why low-cost index funds remain the foundation of successful investing strategies.This episode dives deep into portfolio diversification, the hidden impact of investment fees, and the role of small-cap value investing in improving long-term returns. Paul also offers practical, evidence-based guidance for young investors, parents, late starters, and anyone seeking financial independence through disciplined investing.Whether you're new to investing or refining an existing portfolio, this conversation delivers actionable lessons on building wealth the smart way.Starting early and staying consistent matters more than market timing or stock picking.Low-cost index funds and diversification are the most reliable tools for long-term wealth building.Small-cap value investing and minimizing fees can significantly increase lifetime investment returns.Your Money and Your BrainThe Psychology of MoneyThinking, Fast & SlowSpending Your Way to WealthWatch the full episode for expert insights on investing, compounding, and financial freedom.Follow Paul Merriman On Social Media: ⤵︎

Questions? Comments?This episode opens with a warning to younger investors who take TikTok advice over historical perspective, especially around claiming Social Security early. Don and Tom walk through the guaranteed 8%+inflation benefit increase from delaying, why “take it at 62 and invest it” collapses under market reality, and how fear is driving a surge in early claims. They pivot to Bitcoin's sharp drop and why crypto speculation is driven by greed, not protection, before teasing Don's upcoming crypto short story. Listener questions cover bad long-term-care/annuity hybrids, overcomplicated “bucket” strategies, responsible portfolio risk, and finally a breakdown of two expensive high-volatility mutual funds—both easily beaten by low-cost index alternatives.0:04 Message to younger investors about lacking market perspective1:19 Why TikTok advice on claiming Social Security early is flawed2:17 The real 8%+inflation annual increase from delaying benefits2:27 The “take it at 62 and invest it” myth3:47 Tom recounts Paul Merriman calling his allocation aggressive4:49 Rising panic-driven Social Security filings5:21 Don's 69 vs. 70 claiming decision6:11 Survivor benefit logic many forget7:42 Imagining a sudden 30% crash—except it's Bitcoin8:29 Bitcoin's drop from 124K to mid-80s, plus MicroStrategy leverage9:58 Crypto culture, crypto research, and Don's upcoming story10:58 Crypto as a greed play, not protection12:37 Emotions sabotage investing; the plan removes them13:51 Why risk needs to match the plan, not ego15:24 Crypto story teaser + Short Storyverses email plug16:31 Listener question: NY Life Asset Flex LTC pitch17:49 Why hybrid LTC/annuity products are weak and commission-heavy19:47 “Bucket” confusion and the need for purpose21:30 Caller Eugene: $250K “play money”23:43 Reality check: could you watch $250K drop to $125K?24:06 Why timing dips doesn't work25:20 Better uses for excess cash in your 70s27:08 Tom: time for full planning review at age 7728:38 Fund analysis: Morgan Stanley Growth A29:25 Fund analysis: Invesco Equity & Income A30:30 Why moving to low-cost Vanguard indexes is the logical moveLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode opens with a warning to younger investors who take TikTok advice over historical perspective, especially around claiming Social Security early. Don and Tom walk through the guaranteed 8%+inflation benefit increase from delaying, why “take it at 62 and invest it” collapses under market reality, and how fear is driving a surge in early claims. They pivot to Bitcoin's sharp drop and why crypto speculation is driven by greed, not protection, before teasing Don's upcoming crypto short story. Listener questions cover bad long-term-care/annuity hybrids, overcomplicated “bucket” strategies, responsible portfolio risk, and finally a breakdown of two expensive high-volatility mutual funds—both easily beaten by low-cost index alternatives. 0:04 Message to younger investors about lacking market perspective 1:19 Why TikTok advice on claiming Social Security early is flawed 2:17 The real 8%+inflation annual increase from delaying benefits 2:27 The “take it at 62 and invest it” myth 3:47 Tom recounts Paul Merriman calling his allocation aggressive 4:49 Rising panic-driven Social Security filings 5:21 Don's 69 vs. 70 claiming decision 6:11 Survivor benefit logic many forget 7:42 Imagining a sudden 30% crash—except it's Bitcoin 8:29 Bitcoin's drop from 124K to mid-80s, plus MicroStrategy leverage 9:58 Crypto culture, crypto research, and Don's upcoming story 10:58 Crypto as a greed play, not protection 12:37 Emotions sabotage investing; the plan removes them 13:51 Why risk needs to match the plan, not ego 15:24 Crypto story teaser + Short Storyverses email plug 16:31 Listener question: NY Life Asset Flex LTC pitch 17:49 Why hybrid LTC/annuity products are weak and commission-heavy 19:47 “Bucket” confusion and the need for purpose 21:30 Caller Eugene: $250K “play money” 23:43 Reality check: could you watch $250K drop to $125K? 24:06 Why timing dips doesn't work 25:20 Better uses for excess cash in your 70s 27:08 Tom: time for full planning review at age 77 28:38 Fund analysis: Morgan Stanley Growth A 29:25 Fund analysis: Invesco Equity & Income A 30:30 Why moving to low-cost Vanguard indexes is the logical move Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Merriman brings 60+ years of investing experience to the Retire Today podcast, breaking down what really determines retirement success. Most investors think it's about picking the right fund or timing the market—but Paul says the biggest threats aren't headlines. They're costs and emotions.In the 1960s, investors routinely paid 8.5% to buy a mutual fund. Today fees are far lower, but the impact is still huge. Paul notes that even a 1% difference in expenses “can cost you about $3.5 million over a lifetime” because compounding works both for you and against you.Behavior can cost even more. “When the market goes down, people panic,” Paul explains. Selling in a downturn—the “I just can't take it anymore” moment—means locking in losses and missing the recovery. His advice: don't time the market. Build a plan you can actually stick to.When asked what separates retirees who thrive from those who struggle, Paul's answer is simple: education. What you learn and who you learn it from shapes your decisions—and helps you stay calm when markets get rough. That's why his nonprofit work focuses on teaching diversified, simple, low-cost strategies through guides like Sound Investing Portfolios and We're Talking Millions!Paul once promoted a 10-fund “Ultimate Buy-and-Hold” portfolio, but even John Bogle told him it was too complex. After testing simpler versions, Paul found that two-, four-, and six-fund portfolios often matched or beat the original. You can explore these models at PaulMerriman.com/portfolios. The takeaway: simplicity makes discipline easier.We also discussed retirement withdrawals. Paul recommends a flexible approach: take a bit less after down years and a bit more when markets are strong. This can reduce stress and help your portfolio last. “If you know how long you're likely to live and how much you have,” he says, “that knowledge gives you freedom—not fear.”If you're approaching retirement, here's Paul's short list:Diversify with low-cost index funds. Focus on the right mix, not the perfect pick.Match risk to reality. Choose a stock/bond split you can live with in bad markets.Use flexible withdrawals. Adjust spending based on market conditions.Keep behavior boring. Automate rebalancing and ignore predictions.Invest in education. Knowledge keeps emotions from running the show.You've worked hard to build your savings. Now build a plan that works just as hard—quietly, efficiently, and with confidence. Watch the full conversation on YouTube for more on fees, behavior, portfolio design, and practical withdrawal strategies.

Paul Merriman shares what his 60+ years of investment experience says about fees, behavior, and building a plan you can actually stick to.

In this episode we answer emails from Tyson, Patrick, and Shuchi.  We discuss the basics of transitioning, SCHD as a value fund choice, bitcoin vs. gold, why "only works for 30 years" is a fake problem, the difference between our use of value funds vs. Paul Merriman's, and when would me make adjustments to our plans in retirement.Links:Bigger Pockets Money Podcast #1:  The Secret to a 5% Safe Withdrawal Rate | Frank VasquezBigger Pockets Money Podcast #2:  We Built a 5% SWR Retirement Portfolio Using Fidelity in 48 Minutes (Golden Ratio Portfolio)Morningstar Analysis of SCHD:  SCHD Stock - Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF | MorningstarGolden Ratio Portfolio on Portfolio Charts:  Golden Ratio Portfolio – Portfolio ChartsRetirement Spending Calculator:  Retirement Spending – Portfolio ChartsDrawdowns Calculator:  Drawdowns – Portfolio ChartsMichael Batnick Critique of CAPE Ratio "Predictions":  Stocks Are More Expensive Than They Used to BeBreathless AI-Bot Summary:A plan that survives contact with the market looks different from the one you sketch on a napkin. We break down the 80 percent FI pivot—why shifting from an aggressive accumulation mix to a retirement-ready allocation a few years early can defuse sequence risk without surrendering growth—and show how to decide when to pull that lever without second-guessing every blip.We also tackle one of the most popular questions right now: can Bitcoin replace gold? Short answer: not for core diversification. Gold's role as a Basel III Tier 1 reserve asset and its central bank demand make it a unique stabilizer in a way that risk-on assets can't duplicate. Bitcoin behaves more like a levered tech proxy, which is interesting for satellite bets but insufficient as an anchor. On equities, we explain why splitting the stock sleeve between growth and value—think a broad growth-leaning fund paired with a true value fund like SCHD—creates the performance dispersion that fuels rebalancing gains during stress, raising durability without betting on factor outperformance.If the 30-year rule worries you, breathe. Withdrawal rates flatten as horizons extend, and real-world retiree inflation typically runs 1 to 2 percent below CPI, offsetting the longer timeline. Add simple guardrails—pausing raises, trimming discretionary spend in bad years—and you can boost sustainability by about a percentage point. The key is to know your portfolio's historical drawdown depth and length, set bright lines for action, and avoid valuation-based fortune-telling. Diversification and disciplined rebalancing beat crystal balls.If you found this helpful, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend planning their FI transition. Your support helps more DIY investors build portfolios designed to last for life.Support the show

In this practical and inspiring ETFatlas podcast episode, host Jack Lempart welcomes Paul Merriman for a return conversation focused on the biggest mistakes beginner investors make—and how to avoid them.The discussion reveals why most investing errors are emotional, not technical. Paul emphasizes that successful investing is usually simple, though almost never easy.Paul Merriman draws on decades of experience as an educator, advisor, and founder of the Merriman Financial Education Foundation to spotlight key pitfalls:Trusting the wrong adviceStarting too late with investingLetting emotions drive decisionsChasing recent performancePaul's conversation goes further, sharing actionable tips:How defensive investing and diversification protect you from major mistakesPractical ways to automate good habits and avoid behavioral biasesInsights from both US and European market examplesYou'll also hear why academic research has shaped today's best investment practices. Paul strongly advocates:Automating decisions wherever possibleBroad diversificationMaintaining discipline during market turbulenceListeners receive clear advice on keeping investing simple, avoiding high fees, and building portfolios designed to withstand uncertainty.The episode closes with tips for further reading—including free educational resources and helpful links—to support every investor's learning journey.AgendaPaul Merriman's journey from stockbroker to financial educator and foundation founder​Introduction to the most costly mistakes for beginners and how they can affect lifetime wealth​Why trusting the wrong advice is potentially the biggest error investors make​The importance of choosing academically sound, evidence-based sources over industry “experts” or neighbors​Analysis of how starting too late in investing can dramatically reduce future wealth​The emotional traps beginners face and the impact of behavioral biases on decision-making​The problem of performance chasing and recency bias in investment choices​Automating investments and the value of regular, disciplined contributions​Why diversification is considered “the only free lunch” in investing by experts​Advantages of keeping portfolios simple with solutions like target-date funds and low-cost ETFs​Examples illustrating the massive impact of investment fees over decades​The difference between defensive and offensive strategies in long-term market success​Real-world lessons from market history, including US, Europe, and Japan​How to avoid paralysis from choice overwhelm in a landscape of thousands of ETFs​

Watch YouTube video here.Paul Merriman and Chris Pedersen tackle your biggest questions—from simplifying portfolios and picking best-in-class ETFs to understanding equal-weighted funds, tax efficiency, and how much small-cap value to own. They dig into factor investing (size, value, quality, profitability, momentum), why reversion to the mean matters, and how to think like an owner—not a speculator. Plus: mentors, work-life balance, and the real risk investors face.Chapters00:00 – Intro & Mentors05:07 – Portfolio Simplification10:13 – Work-Life Balance11:39 – Which ETFs will outperform?20:15 – Importance of Quality22:45 – Equal-Weighted Funds26:14 – History: how long is enough?29:58 – Cost of public indexing33:30 – Equal-weight fund tax vs. ETF35:21 – How much small-cap value?39:47 – Why three EM ETFs?42:28 – “All Avantis” risk?49:45 – Technology sector history & mean reversion53:00 – Be an owner, not a speculator55:27 – OutroKey Takeaways“Best” ETF ≠ next year's top performer—seek consistent factor exposure, low costs, broad holdings, and tax efficiency.Equal-weighting boosts small/value exposure but can increase turnover and tax drag; pairing large-cap blend with small-cap value can be more efficient.Decide small-cap value allocation by temperament (common range: 10–50% of equities when pairing with S&P 500/target date).Index approach vs. index label: DFA/Avantis are systematic and rules-based without telegraphing rebalances.Think like an owner: over decades, earnings—not sentiment—drive returns.Resources• Best-in-Class ETF Recommendations (2025): https://www.paulmerriman.com/best-in-class-etf-recommendations-2025#gsc.tab=0• Sound Investing Portfolios, Returns & Risks: https://www.paulmerriman.com/sound-investing-portfolios#gsc.tab=0• “Tune Out the Noise” (DFA Documentary): https://youtu.be/T98825bzcKw?si=kFMugnSSCn2E76sI

In this week's episode, Paul Merriman shares lessons from a lifetime of investing—prompted by conversations with students, longtime collaborator Rich Buck, and questions from new investors about trust and risk.Paul dives deep into the data behind his favorite long-term strategies, including the equal-weighted S&P 500 and the classic Four-Fund Portfolio, comparing 25-year results across multiple time periods.He explains why no one can predict short-term returns, but how history can still guide your long-term strategy. Using decades of data, Paul shows how diversification across size and value has rewarded disciplined investors—even when recent performance has lagged.Referenced Tables & Data:40-Year Returns (1928–2024): S&P 500 best 12.5% / worst 8.9%25-Year Periods (1950–1974, 1975–1999, 2000–2025)Equal-Weighted S&P 500 (VADDX/RSP) vs. Cap-Weighted (VTSAX, S&P 500) DFA Small Cap Value (DFSVX and DFFVX)vs. Russell 2000 Small Cap Value (IWN)Four-Fund Portfolio (S&P 500, Large Cap Value, Small Cap Blend, Small Cap Value)Two-Fund Portfolio (S&P 500 + Small Cap Value)From 2000–2025, the S&P 500 compounded at 8.3%, while the equal-weighted version earned 9.9%, and small-cap value reached 11.1%. Paul explains why this premium persists and why patience—backed by data—is an investor's greatest advantage.Full tables and charts available at PaulMerriman.com 

In this final episode of our four-part series, Paul Merriman compares three powerful approaches for a lifetime of investing:100% S&P 500: high-risk, high-reward growth.60/40 mix of S&P 500 and bonds: a defensive balance.100% U.S. Four-Fund strategy: large-cap blend, small-cap blend, large-cap value, small-cap value.Paul uses 55 years of data (1970–2024) to show how these portfolios performed during both accumulation and retirement distributions. Paul highlights the following critical tables from the Bootcamp series. Table B1 - Fine Tuning Table: S&P 500 Equity Portfolio Table B4 - Fine Tuning Table: US 4-Fund Equity PortfolioTable C4 - Fixed Contributions ($1,000/yr): US 4-Fund Equity PortfolioTable D4.4 - Fixed Distributions (Conservative-$40,000/yr): US 4-Fund Equity Portfolio  Table H2 – Sound Investing Portfolios (100% Equity)Table H2A – Sound Investing Portfolios (60/40)Table D1.4 – Fixed Distributions ($40k + inflation)Did diversification deliver higher returns without extra risk? Or was the classic S&P 500 enough?Get the numbers, the tables, and the takeaways to help you decide.

#645: Mike (02:50): After 15 years of intentional living, Mike is 80 percent of the way to financial independence. Now he's trying to help friends take control of their own financial future. But what happens when one spouse is eager to learn and invest, while the other isn't interested? Michael (27:07): For two years, Michael has tracked his net worth monthly. So far, growth has been driven almost entirely by how much he saved. But when will investment returns begin to take over and shift that steady line into an exponential curve? Alvaro (34:00): After 15 years of investing in U.S. and European real estate, Alvaro has a big decision to make. Should he leverage a commercial loan to build an ADU for short-term rental income, or take on more personal debt to expand their family home? Jonathan (58:50): After hearing Paula and Joe discuss the efficient frontier — and then listening to Big ERN, Paul Merriman, and JL Collins — Jonathan can't help but wonder: has Joe's perspective evolved? Is the simple path still enough, or is there merit in a more complex approach? Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these three questions in today's episode. Enjoy! P.S. Got a question? Leave it ⁠here⁠. Resources Mentioned: JL Collins Part 1 and Part 2 Karsten Jeske (Big Ern) Episode 643 Paul Merriman Episode 550 Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising segments. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#624: JL Collins doesn't know what the efficient frontier is. The author of "The Simple Path to Wealth" — the guy synonymous with VTSAX and chill — admits this right off the bat when we challenge him with advanced investing concepts. Collins joins us for Part 1 of a two-part series where we skip the basics and dive straight into the complex stuff. We grill him on whether his simple approach actually beats more sophisticated strategies, and his answer might surprise you. He concedes that Paul Merriman's four-fund portfolio probably outperforms his one-fund approach mathematically. But Collins argues that execution trumps optimization every time. Most people can't stick with complex strategies for 20 years, especially when those strategies require selling winners to buy losers – something that goes against human nature. Collins prioritizes what works in real life over what looks good on paper. He calls index funds "self-cleansing" because they automatically rotate out failing companies and sectors while rotating in the new winners. You don't need to predict which companies will dominate next – you'll own whatever rises to the top. The episode covers his thoughts on VTSAX versus VTI, international diversification, and why he'd rather put Tabasco than Cholula on his eggs — his quirky way of explaining personal preferences in nearly identical investment options. Resources Mentioned: Episode 31, Interview in 2016 with JL Collins Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (0:00) Intro (1:00) JL admits he doesn't know the efficient frontier (2:00) Simple vs optimal but complex paths (4:30) Paul Merriman's four-fund portfolio vs VTSAX (6:00) JL concedes Merriman's approach is mathematically superior (7:30) Risk parity investing discussion (8:30) Sequence of returns risk and retirement bonds (12:30) JL's birthday email from Jack Bogle (15:00) VTSAX vs VTI  (17:00) Total stock market funds across brokerages (23:30) Mag 7 concentration risk (27:00) Sears story and self-cleansing index funds (30:30) International diversification and US dominance (39:00) World funds versus separate international (45:00) When to shift to world fund (47:30) Bond allocation timing strategies (48:30) Target date funds  (50:30) One-fund vs two-fund approach (52:00) Historical diversification and Nifty 50 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices