Podcast appearances and mentions of Paul Merriman

Winning the lotto sounds like a dream come true, but what happens next can be overwhelming. With millions suddenly in your account, how do you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of it?Joining Andrea to share the key steps you should take if you strike it lucky in the Euro Millions tonight is Paul Merriman from Ask Paul.

This episode explores the psychological and financial side of retirement planning through the lens of entropy. Don and Tom dive into an article from Kiplinger that cleverly compares retirement to the second law of thermodynamics: left unmanaged, both money and purpose tend toward chaos. Only 4% of retirees say they're "living the dream"—and the duo explores why that number is so shockingly low. From maintaining routine and finding meaning to avoiding common money traps like over- or under-spending, this episode is packed with practical insights and sardonic banter. Plus, listener questions on Roth conversions for low-income parents and generating sustainable income in retirement portfolios. 0:04 Why we're talking thermodynamics on a money show1:40 The "Second Law" of Retirement: Life drifts toward chaos2:15 Only 4% of retirees say they're "living the dream"3:06 Why retirement can be scary—even for us4:44 Do something in retirement... but get paid for it?6:09 Volunteering vs. purposeful work (and airplane nostalgia)7:03 Retirement spending traps: splurging or hoarding8:09 The danger of financially supporting adult children9:43 Composer John Williams and the myth of retirement11:24 Three keys to a better retirement: social, purpose, activity12:04 Paul Merriman, semi-retirement, and finding meaning13:23 It all still comes down to money—and the freedom it brings14:42 Steve Martin's quote on money and dumb stuff15:30 Listener question: Tax-efficient Roth conversions for elderly parents20:07 Listener question: Income generation with ETFs vs. income funds22:51 Junk bonds, Franklin Income Fund risk, and total return25:48 Strategy tip: Keeping a year of cash to smooth out volatility26:11 Upcoming events and Apollo's July 9th appearance27:37 Free portfolio review offer and purpose in helping others28:51 Tom's boat motor saga and 1-star review nightmares Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Paul Merriman reflects on six decades of financial evolution, sparked by his son's 60th birthday. He draws fascinating comparisons between life and investing in 1965 and today, offering invaluable insights for every investor.What You'll Learn:A Look Back at 1965: Paul revisits societal norms, income levels, and the investing landscape of 60 years ago, including startling facts about mutual fund loads and stock commissions.The Evolution of Investing: Understand the monumental shift from individual stock picking to the dominance of mutual funds and the revolutionary impact of index funds since their inception.Market Returns & Bear Markets: Gain perspective on historical S&P 500 returns, including adjustments for inflation, and a review of major bear markets over the past decades.The Power of Low Costs: Discover how investment costs, from loads to commissions, have drastically reduced, making it easier and more affordable for today's investors.Modern Investment Tools: Paul highlights the advent of crucial financial tools like IRAs, 401(k)s, and target-date funds that weren't available in 1965, empowering today's investors.Academic-Driven Investing: Explore the rise of academic influence in investing, with a focus on firms like Vanguard, DFA, and Avantis, and why their approach offers a trustworthy path to your financial future.The Role of AI in Your Financial Journey: Paul shares his perspective on how Artificial Intelligence can empower investors to make informed decisions and find reliable financial guidance.Top Financial Education Resources: Learn about the highly recommended (and free!) "Rebel Finance School" by Alan and Katie Donoghan for new investors, and explore how to access financial literacy programs like iGrad.The Importance of Financial Literacy: Paul emphasizes that financial literacy is often overlooked in traditional education and is essential for building a robust portfolio that will support you for a lifetime.DIY Investing Philosophy: Paul reaffirms his core mission as a teacher, empowering listeners to "do it yourself" and build their financial future with confidence.Truth Tellers: Paul asked our listeners for recommendations for Truth Tellers as well as providing the list of our Truth Tellers in the show notes.Our Truth TellersWilliam J. BernsteinBen Carlson, CFA Jonathan Clements, Financial Writer/AuthorLarry Swedroe, Author, Speaker, Chief Research Officer Dr. James Dahle, MD and the founder of The White Coat Investor Morningstar – Christine Benz and John Rekenthaler, Financial Writers Stan The Annuity Man, Annuity ExpertGeorge Sisti, Certified Financial Planner® Rob Berger, podcaster, writer and author Tim Ranzetta, ngpf.orgTwo CentsTom Cock and Don McDonald VestoryBen FelixDon't miss this insightful episode filled with historical context, practical advice, and forward-looking strategies for your wealth-building journey.

In this episode we answer emails from I Have No Name, Deep and Joel.  We discuss the extraordinary generosity of our listeners and how it uplifts the workers in the FMC trenches, rebalancing in accumulation, tax considerations for an intermediate term portfolio, saving for college, and what to do with new money just a few years from retirement.And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.To donate to the Top of the T-Shirt campaign and double your fun, please visit the Father McKenna Center donation page and note "Risk Parity Radio Match" when making your contribution.Additional Links:Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna CenterFMC Instagram Page:  The Father McKenna Center (@thefathermckennacenter) • Instagram photos and videosFMC Facebook Page:  The Father McKenna Center | Washington D.C. DC | FacebookBreathless Unedited AI-Bot Summary:Charitable giving and strategic investing merge powerfully in this week's episode as we celebrate remarkable fundraising success and tackle sophisticated portfolio questions. What began as a modest matching campaign for the Father McKenna Center has exploded into something extraordinary—over $22,000 raised in just two weeks, including a single $15,000 anonymous donation that left me nearly speechless. The genuine impact of this community's generosity on homeless and hungry individuals in DC cannot be overstated.Diving into listener questions, we explore the nuances of portfolio construction across different life stages. For physicians in their accumulation phase, we distinguish between large cap growth and large cap value when paired with small cap value, revealing how Shannon's Demon effect operates during dollar-cost averaging. The discussion expands into tax-efficient risk parity strategies for high-income earners, offering practical guidance on minimizing taxable events while maximizing returns.Parents of newborns will appreciate our deep dive into college savings strategies, including the optimal 50-50 large cap growth and small cap value approach that investment educator Paul Merriman and I both recommend. I share tactical insights on 529 plans versus brokerage accounts, suggesting that funding 529 plans earlier in a child's life maximizes tax advantages before transitioning to additional savings vehicles.For those approaching retirement, we address the critical transition from accumulation to decumulation portfolios, emphasizing that your financial independence number—not market predictions—should drive allocation decisions. The episode concludes with our weekly review of eight sample portfolios, highlighting performance across conservative, balanced, and experimental approaches.Follow the Father McKenna Center on social media to witness the direct impact of your donations, and consider contributing to our ongoing "Top of the T-shirt" campaign through July. Your support transforms lives while you transform your investment approach.Support the show

In this episode, Paul Merriman details his upcoming presentations at Western Washington University, where he will be connecting with students, professors, and staff about the critical importance of personal finance education. Paul also gives practical investing advice, including a hands-on guide to using Morningstar's chart and comparison tools to analyze mutual funds and ETFs.Special Feature: Free Online Financial Literacy CoursePaul spotlights a fantastic, free multi-week financial literacy course led by Alan and Katie Donoghan—nationally recognized educators from the UK. This course is perfect for first-time investors of any age, as well as anyone looking to build a solid foundation in personal finance.Course Dates:The next session starts 2 June 2025 at 8pm UK time. Sessions run weekly throughout the summer.What's included: Engaging lessons on investing basics, budgeting, mortgages, and money management—delivered in a fun, approachable style.Format: Live online sessions (with replays on YouTube), each followed by an expert Q&A.Who's it for: Anyone—from college students to adults in their 40s or 50s—looking to take control of their financial future.Previous students give rave reviews: Over 15,000 people have enrolled, with glowing testimonials from participants who now feel confident and empowered about their finances.How to join: Register here for free and find the intro video and full schedule. All sessions are accessible worldwide.Morningstar Tools & Tables Referenced:Paul walks listeners through using Morningstar's chart and comparison features, specifically referencing the following funds and time periods:VFINX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund):Time period: From August 31, 1976 to May 23, 2025Used to illustrate long-term S&P 500 performanceTESIX (Franklin Mutual Shares Fund):Time period: From August 31, 1976 to May 23, 2025Compared side-by-side with VFINX to show how a value fund performed versus the S&P 500 over nearly 50 yearsDFLVX (DFA US Large Cap Value Fund):Time period: From 1993 to 2025Compared with TESIX and VVIAX for large cap value performanceVVIAX (Vanguard Value Index Fund):Time period: From 1993 to 2025Used for comparison with DFLVX and TESIXDFSVX (DFA US Small Cap Value Fund):Time period: From 2000 to 2025Compared with TESIX for small cap vs large cap value performanceAVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF):Time period: From 2021 to presentCompared with DFLVX and VVIAX for recent small cap value performanceHow Paul Uses Morningstar:On Morningstar, Paul suggests:Navigating to the “Chart” tab for each fundSelecting “Max” to see the longest available performance historyEntering ticker symbols (like VFINX, TESIX, DFLVX, VVIAX, DFSVX, AVUV) in the “Compare” box to view multiple funds together- make sure any funds being compared to the primary fund have a track record from a date at least as long as the primary fundUsing Morningstar's Chart and Compare tools:Compare VFINX vs TESIX (1976–2025)Compare DFLVX, VVIAX, and TESIX (1993–2025)Compare DFSVX vs TESIX (2000–2025)Compare AVUV vs DFLVX and VVIAX (2021–present)PDF showing the above comparisons

Customers are now being offered a buy now pay later option when buying low-cost items such as clothes brands like Very or take away through Deliveroo.But could this lead to people ending up in unnecessary debt?Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul Merriman, CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul.

New figures from the Central Bank show that a record €2.5 billion was taken out in personal loans by Irish households. A large amount of loans for car and house loans. We discuss these figure with Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland aka Ask Paul.

As the cost-of-living rises, I'm desperately clinging to the ‘frivolous' spending that gives me joy, so says Saoirse Hanley, writing in the Independent.Saoirse joins Andrea, along with Newstalk's Ciara Tracey and Financial Adviser behind askpaul.ie, Paul Merriman, to discuss.

Watch Video hereApril is Financial Literacy Month, and to help us celebrate we brought in a returning guest, Paul Merriman. Paul has been on the show before to discuss investment portfolios, but today he talks with us about some extraordinary strides he's making as a financial literacy advocate through his nonprofit, The Merriman Financial Education Foundation. We also share some of our favorite financial literacy resources.RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

Watch the video hereJoin me on Catching Up to Fi l with Rick Ferri to discuss key investing topics like asset allocation and the pros and cons of small-cap value vs. total market funds. TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS00:00 ⛓️ Understanding Bonds and Young Investors02:31

Joining us on this episode is not just one, but TWO titans in the investing and financial literacy space, Rick Ferri and Paul Merriman. These two great minds go head-to-head on topics like asset allocation, and the risks/rewards of small cap value funds vs. total stock market funds. Through this high energy debate, they also provide expert insights into the various stages of your investing journey. Rick and Paul both share how they empower investors through their platforms and continue their relentless mission of spreading financial education.  

Don and Tom dive into how to properly build a diversified portfolio, using a listener question about Paul Merriman's “Four Fund Portfolio” as a launch point. They explore the essentials of asset allocation, including U.S. vs. international exposure, large vs. small cap, and value vs. growth, while comparing Merriman's approach to models from DFA and Avantis. Along the way, they bust myths around Social Security, early retirement, and the tax implications of tweaking existing portfolios. As always, a few detours into Mayberry and Chick-fil-A make the ride more entertaining. 0:04 Listener questions fuel today's deep dive into proper portfolio design 0:50 The basic building blocks: stocks and bonds, plus deeper diversification 1:57 Financial literacy fail: is a stock or a mutual fund safer? 2:43 Listener question: what about Paul Merriman's “Four Fund Portfolio”? 4:01 U.S. large vs. small, value vs. blend—and why emerging markets matter 6:50 Paul's long-term results: 12.1% annualized since 1970 with higher volatility 8:07 Comparing allocations: DFAW, AVGE, and how Apella does it 9:13 Which funds to use for large cap value, small cap value, and more 11:38 Rebalancing: the hard part most investors ignore 13:10 Summary: yes, Merriman's model works—and it's easier than you think 14:13 Retired at 34 with $30M—why early retirees still face emotional challenges 16:15 Social Security and early retirement: COLAs vs. your top 35 earning years 18:10 Listener with $500K in STAR fund: worth selling and buying AVGE? 19:36 Actively managed STAR fund isn't horrible, but there are better options 21:04 Can I use my Roth IRA for future family needs? (Short answer: probably not) 23:26 Mayberry trivia, candy, and the correct answer to Angela's Roth question 24:21 Final thoughts, calls for spoken questions, and the exhaustion post-RetireMeet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we answer emails from Harry, Sally, Jack and Javon.  We discuss recovering from financial set-backs, my life on the Choose FI board, assets that do well in inflationary environments and large cap growth funds like MGK in Merriman-type portfolios.Links:Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna CenterMindset by Carol Dweck:  Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck | GoodreadsBloomberg Presentation On Investments In Inflationary Environments:  MH201-SteveHou-Bloomberg.pdfShannon's Demon Article from Portfolio Charts:  Unexpected Returns: Shannon's Demon & the Rebalancing Bonus – Portfolio ChartsTestfolio Analysis of MGK and other funds:  testfol.io/analysis?s=lbssElueG9DAmusing Unedited AI-Bot Summary:When financial disaster strikes, where do you turn? In this deeply empathetic episode, Frank Vasquez responds to a listener who's lost nearly everything through leveraged investments caught in market turmoil. His compassionate yet practical response offers a roadmap back from financial devastation, emphasizing that starting from net worth zero with income potential creates a foundation many successful investors have built upon.The conversation shifts to examining the psychology behind financial social media, where Frank taxonomizes poster behaviors into revealing categories. From genuine question-askers to Dunning-Kruger sufferers repeating harmful advice from financial media marketing materials disguised as guidance, this analysis helps listeners navigate confusing information landscapes. His take on affirmation-seekers posting humble brags or seeking validation for poor decisions provides particular insight into why certain destructive financial ideas persist online.With inflation concerns mounting due to potential tariffs and immigration restrictions, Frank offers practical portfolio protection strategies beyond traditional TIPS, which merely help investors tread water rather than outperform during inflationary periods. His breakdown of managed futures, commodities, value-tilted stocks in hard assets, and property/casualty insurance companies provides actionable alternatives. The discussion culminates in comparing investment theorist Paul Merriman's value-tilted ETF recommendations with Frank's diversification approach using Shannon's Demon principles, demonstrating how different philosophical frameworks can lead to successful long-term investing.What distinguishes this episode is Frank's ability to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence, offering not just investment strategies but wisdom about resilience and perspective during financial hardship. Whether you're recovering from losses or preparing for economic uncertainty, this episode delivers both tactical guidance and reassuring wisdom from someone who's weathered financial storms himself.Have questions? Connect at frank@riskparityradar.com or through the website contact form. Please like, subscribe, and share with fellow investors seeking thoughtful financial guidance.Support the show

In the left corner, we have Paul Merriman, the seasoned finance veteran weighing in at 183 pounds. In the right corner, Dr. Karsten Jeske, the scrappy newcomer at 208 pounds. The bell rings, and the small cap value debate begins.This episode features a financial boxing match between two investment heavyweights with dramatically different perspectives. Paul Merriman champions diversification through the efficient frontier, which means adding small cap value to your portfolio. Dr. Karsten Jeska has “thrown cold water” on this approach, favoring simpler strategies like “VTSAX and chill.”The stakes are high — we're talking potentially millions of dollars in your retirement account over decades.Merriman argues that history shows clear evidence for small cap value's premium. From 2000 to 2009, small cap value outperformed the S&P 500 in all but one year, compounding at 10 percent while the S&P 500 returned negative 1 percent. He believes this pattern will continue, creating a powerful diversification effect when combined with broader market indexes.Jeske counters that small cap value's outperformance is mostly “front-loaded” in history, happening before anyone knew about it. Since 2006, small cap value has underperformed. He argues that once an advantage becomes widely known, it disappears in an efficient market. Adding small cap value might even be “di-worsification” — increasing complexity without improving returns.The debate expands beyond small cap value to touch on:Active vs. passive investing strategiesMarket timing vs. buy-and-hold approachesSimplicity vs. complexity in portfolio constructionThe role of faith vs. evidence in investment decisionsWhile both experts disagree about small cap value's future, they agree on fundamentals: invest early, stay invested for the long term, and understand that no one can predict markets with certainty.What starts as a technical debate evolves into a philosophical discussion about evidence, probability, and the limits of our knowledge — all with millions of retirement dollars hanging in the balance.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) Debate intro: small cap value vs index funds(4:01) Merriman: small cap value offers premium returns(9:40) Jeske: small cap value underperformed since 2006(18:20) Historical performance data significance(25:15) Stakes: difference of millions over time(33:08) Diversification vs added volatility debate(41:45) Risk-adjusted returns comparison(49:08) Questioning true diversification benefits(57:40) Value traps and actively managed funds(1:05:08) Technology stocks vs value investments(1:13:45) Data selection bias in studies(1:19:40) Faith vs science in investment decisions(1:29:20) Personal risk tolerance considerations(1:36:08) Closing arguments on investment strategies(1:42:08) Paula declares the debate a drawWatch video here

April is Financial Literacy Month, and to help us celebrate we brought in a returning guest, Paul Merriman. Paul has been on the show before to discuss investment portfolios, but today he talks with us about some extraordinary strides he's making as a financial literacy advocate through his nonprofit, The Merriman Financial Education Foundation. We also share some of our favorite financial literacy resources.  

You have heard of fixed, variable and tracker mortgage rates, but have you heard about the ‘Flex' mortgage? Well, it's popular in Europe, and it's coming to Ireland.Joining Kieran to explain is CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul, Paul Merriman.

#590: In the left corner, we have Paul Merriman, the seasoned finance veteran weighing in at 183 pounds. In the right corner, Dr. Karsten Jeske, the scrappy newcomer at 208 pounds. The bell rings, and the small cap value debate begins. This episode features a financial boxing match between two investment heavyweights with dramatically different perspectives. Paul Merriman champions diversification through the efficient frontier, which means adding small cap value to your portfolio. Dr. Karsten Jeska has "thrown cold water" on this approach, favoring simpler strategies like "VTSAX and chill." The stakes are high — we're talking potentially millions of dollars in your retirement account over decades. Merriman argues that history shows clear evidence for small cap value's premium. From 2000 to 2009, small cap value outperformed the S&P 500 in all but one year, compounding at 10 percent while the S&P 500 returned negative 1 percent. He believes this pattern will continue, creating a powerful diversification effect when combined with broader market indexes. Jeska counters that small cap value's outperformance is mostly "front-loaded" in history, happening before anyone knew about it. Since 2006, small cap value has underperformed. He argues that once an advantage becomes widely known, it disappears in an efficient market. Adding small cap value might even be "di-worsification" — increasing complexity without improving returns. The debate expands beyond small cap value to touch on: Active vs. passive investing strategies Market timing vs. buy-and-hold approaches Simplicity vs. complexity in portfolio construction The role of faith vs. evidence in investment decisions While both experts disagree about small cap value's future, they agree on fundamentals: invest early, stay invested for the long term, and understand that no one can predict markets with certainty. What starts as a technical debate evolves into a philosophical discussion about evidence, probability, and the limits of our knowledge — all with millions of retirement dollars hanging in the balance. 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) Debate intro: small cap value vs index funds (4:01) Merriman: small cap value offers premium returns (9:40) Jeske: small cap value underperformed since 2006 (18:20) Historical performance data significance (25:15) Stakes: difference of millions over time (33:08) Diversification vs added volatility debate (41:45) Risk-adjusted returns comparison (49:08) Questioning true diversification benefits (57:40) Value traps and actively managed funds (1:05:08) Technology stocks vs value investments (1:13:45) Data selection bias in studies (1:19:40) Faith vs science in investment decisions (1:29:20) Personal risk tolerance considerations (1:36:08) Closing arguments on investment strategies (1:42:08) Paula declares the debate a draw For more information, visit the show notes at https://affordanything.com/podcast/binge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here is the video link-This is the 4th in a series of 9 Boot Camp videos/podcasts.  The previous three segments covered :Stocks vs. BondsThe Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio Sound Investing Portfolios.In this presentation Paul focuses on the differences between the risks and returns of different percentages stocks and bonds.  He also discusses one table that mixes different percentages of the S&P 500 and small cap value.Here are a couple of videos that focus on small cap value.$13.83 Million? Yes Please! Paul Merriman's Small Cap Value StrategyThe one asset class you must own

In this episode, we examine the key principles of constructing an investment portfolio, focusing on asset selection tailored to individual needs. We address listener questions about foundational components like stocks and bonds, featuring Paul Merriman's four-fund model for balanced diversification. The conversation includes the value of international investments and real-life scenarios illustrating successful strategies. We also discuss the implications of tax-efficient fund choices and my perspective on using traditional investments over Roth accounts for children. 0:34 Portfolio Population Basics 2:24 Diversification Discussion 6:09 International Investments 13:12 Social Security Insights 18:13 Early Retirement Experiences 23:10 Roth Accounts for Kids Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social media influencers in Ireland issued with more than 450 letters by Revenue over gifts. This is the latest attempt in response to growth of earnings on social media. But how many industries are avoiding paying their income tax?To discuss further with Pat was CEO of Fairstone Ireland and AskPaul.ie Paul Merriman.

Finance expert Paul Merriman is our expert today and he answered listeners questions on divorce finance.All with thanks to Hidden Hearing.

A recent survey has revealed that 70% of 25 year olds in Ireland are living at home. But, how much rent can you charge them to live at home, and could you make a profit?Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul Merriman, CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul.

In this insightful conversation, renowned financial expert Paul Merriman shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in investing. He discusses his journey from stockbroker to founding his own investment advisory firm, and eventually establishing the Merriman Financial Education Foundation. Paul delves into various topics, including: ✅ The importance of data-driven investing and understanding the math behind it✅ His meeting with John Bogle and their differing philosophies on investing✅ The case for small cap value investing and its historical performance✅ The challenges of market timing and the benefits of portfolio diversification✅ The emergence of ETFs and trend following strategies PaulMerriman.com Tables, Graphs and ChartsBoot CampS&P 500 vs Small Cap ValueQuilt Charts Equity Index Returns Free Copy- We're Talking MillionsFree Copy- 2 Funds for LifeBest in Class ETF Update 2024 ETFAtlas.com – A new portal offering a comprehensive catalog of ETFs from the United States, Canada, and Europe.

In this episode we answer emails from Bones, Paul and Justin.  We discuss small cap value funds and their underlying indexes, an odd book from an unreliable source and an alternative ETF called CAOS.And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.Additional Links:Bankruptcy Case Involving David R. Webb:  In re Verus Investment Management, LLC, 344 B.R. 536 | Casetext Search + CitatorCAOS Main Page:  CAOS ETF - Alpha Architect ETFsCAOS Fact Sheet:  Factsheet_CAOS.pdfAmusing Unedited AI-Bot Summary:What if your investments could outpace market trends with a simple shift in strategy? On Risk Parity Radio, we promise to unravel the complexities of asset allocation, specifically tailored for the DIY investor. We kick off with a deep dive into the world of small-cap value funds, dissecting the evolution of Vanguard's funds alongside iShares' stalwart, IJS. The competition heats up with new entrants like Avantis and Dimensional, particularly the rising star AVUV. With insights from Paul Merriman's research, we explore why diversifying into small-cap value can be a game-changer for your portfolio, no matter which fund you choose.Ever wondered if an investment product could thrive in both stable and volatile markets? Enter Wes Gray's Alpha Architect product, Chaos, which challenges traditional investing with tools like protective puts and box spreads. We bring you a thorough examination of this intriguing product and a candid discussion about its potential and risks. Our analysis extends to sample portfolios, showcasing the power of diversification with assets ranging from the S&P 500 to commodities. We wrap up by contrasting popular portfolios like the All Seasons and Golden Butterfly with the experimental Accelerated Permanent Portfolio, making sure you are equipped with cutting-edge strategies to optimize your investments.Support the show

Financial advisor Paul Merriman talks to Brendan about how to get a handle on finances in January, how to curb wasteful spending, the dangers of tapping and advice for long term money planning.

Evil Genius Chronicles Podcast for January 17 2025 - Whatever This Is, I Am Not A Part Of It Download audio On this show, I play some audio from Man or Astroman? ; I have been deleting dead people from contacts but Andre Pope was difficult; Paul Merriman discussed the odd view of reality in a...

Karsten Jeske (Big Ern) and Paul Merriman engage in a lively debate about Small Cap Value Investing versus Broad Market Strategies.Should you tilt your portfolio toward small-cap value to capture a potential risk premium, or is sticking with broad-based funds like VTSAX the more reliable approach? With decades of financial expertise, Karsten and Paul offer opposing yet insightful perspectives to help you refine your long-term investment strategy.Watch and Subscribe on YouTubeIn This Episode, We Discuss: 1️⃣ Small Cap Value Premium:

The following are Dr. Pass' note to his podcast:  "This week to conclude 2024 we speak with noted investment expert Mr. Paul Merriman to discuss a few topics related to personal finance and investing. First we tackle the notion of having 'enough' to retire. Is there a magic value and how would one think about this? Why is an S&P 500 Index or Total US Stock Market Index a fine 'core' investment and how might one possibly improve upon its performance? What are some of the psychological hurdles we have as investors and potential retirees? Mr. Merriman reviews these and other topics on our end of year episode.” Paul Merriman's Website Paul's "Quilt" Chart  Paul's "Bootcamp" page Last Year's episode of Pediheart was replayed on Mr. Merriman's site Paul's book "We're Talking Millions"

What's the secret to turning small, consistent actions into million-dollar results? Legendary financial educator Paul Merriman joins the basement crew to share his powerful principles for building wealth, including the critical role of diversification and the magic of target date funds. Whether you're just starting or refining your portfolio, Paul's advice is packed with actionable strategies to help you reach your financial goals. This episode doesn't stop there. We tackle the pros and cons of non-traded REITs, decode the SEC's new push for investor transparency, and dive into an intriguing audience question: is rebalancing your portfolio really necessary? Of course, we sprinkle in some trademark basement banter to keep things lively. Here's what we cover: Paul Merriman's top wealth-building principles The pros and cons of non-traded REITs How the SEC's new initiative aims to help investors Why diversification is the only free lunch in investing The power of target date funds for long-term success Stocks vs. bonds: finding the right mix for your portfolio Is rebalancing your portfolio necessary? The importance of starting early and staying consistent Whether you're here for the financial wisdom or the banter from Mom's basement, this episode will leave you better equipped to make smarter money moves. Let's get stacking! FULL SHOW NOTES: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/5-million-dollar-ideas-paul-merriman-greatest-hits-1623/ Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week to conclude 2024 we speak with noted investment expert Mr. Paul Merriman to discuss a few topics related to personal finance and investing. First we tackle the notion of having 'enough' to retire. Is there a magic value and how would one think about this? Why is an S&P 500 Index or Total US Stock Market Index a fine 'core' investment and how might one possibly improve upon its performance? What are some of the psychological hurdles we have as investors and potential retirees? Mr. Merriman reviews these and other topics on our end of year episode. Wishing all a happy and healthy new year to you and your families and loved ones. Paul Merriman's Website: https://www.paulmerriman.comPaul's "Quilt" Chart: https://www.paulmerriman.com/12-hidden-lessons-from-investment-history#gsc.tab=0Paul's "Bootcamp" page: https://www.paulmerriman.com/bootcampLast Year's episode of Pediheart was replayed on Mr. Merriman's site: https://www.paulmerriman.com/pediheart-podcast-279-asset-allocation-in-your-retirement-accounts#gsc.tab=0Paul's book "We're Talking Millions": https://www.paulmerriman.com/free-books#gsc.tab=0

#568: Jason is confused by the recent discussions about the efficient frontier and Paul Merriman's four-sector strategy. It seems a lot like another form of stock-picking. What's the difference? Michelle straddles the Roth income threshold and is frustrated that she never knows if she'll qualify for a Roth contribution until tax season. Is her current savings plan too complicated? Evan has $100 to spend on personal finance books for his high school's library. What books would Paula and Joe put on this limited shelf space? 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. For more information, visit the show notes at https://affordanything.com/episode568 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jackie is sold on Paul Merriman's “Four Funds” approach, but she's overwhelmed by the logistics of diversifying her single fund portfolio.. What are the best practices to redistribute her investments, handle taxes, and manage rebalancing? Heidi's mother recently passed and she's struggling to decide between distribution options, their tax implications, and investment options for the annuity she inherited.  An anonymous caller and her husband want to buy a second home, pay for their children's college, buy a car in cash, travel well, and save $3 to $4 million for retirement. How do they prioritize and manage their competing goals? Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these three questions in today's episode. Enjoy! P.S. Got a question? Leave it at https://affordanything.com/voicemail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#561: Joanne is confident that her short and long-term financial plans are set, but she's not certain about the medium-term. What's the proper way to allocate money for different time horizons? Jessie is intrigued by Paul Merriman's simple portfolio recommendations but wonders about his lean away from growth stocks. Are value funds generally better for everyday investors? Nancy is worried she'll miscalculate her financial independence number because her net worth includes pre and post-tax money, plus liquid and illiquid investments. What's the right approach?  Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these three questions in today's episode. Enjoy! For more information, visit the show notes at https://affordanything.com/episode561 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. (00:00) Joe, did your clients severely miscalculate their own FIRE number? (03:14) Joanne (31:42) Jesse (47:00) Nancy P.S. Got a question? Leave it at https://affordanything.com/voicemail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Watch the video here.Paul Merriman, a former wealth manager turned financial educator, joins us to share investing wisdom that could reshape how you think about your money.We kick things off talking about portfolio diversification. Paul suggests a simple four-fund strategy that includes large cap, small cap, and value stocks. He says this mix has historically beaten the S&P 500 with lower risk.We then dive into international investing. Paul explains that while adding international stocks doesn't necessarily boost returns, it can help smooth out the ride. He keeps half his equity portfolio in international stocks, even at age 81.Got kids? Paul's got some advice for you too. He tells us about putting money aside for his new granddaughter, aiming to fund her Roth IRA as soon as she can earn income. He breaks down how investing just a dollar a day from birth to age 21 could turn into millions by retirement age. It's a powerful lesson in starting early and the magic of compound interest.We also chat about some common investing mistakes. Paul stresses that young investors often underestimate the power of stocks over bonds for long-term growth. He shares some eye-opening numbers: $100 invested in bonds since 1928 would have grown to about $12,000, while the same amount in small cap value stocks would be worth nearly $15 million.Paul wants you to think of investing as a partnership with businesses. When you buy a mutual fund, you're becoming a senior partner in thousands of companies. At first, your contributions drive most of the growth. But over time, market returns take over, and you become the junior partner to a much larger fortune.We wrap up with Paul sharing his excitement about a 40-hour financial education program he helped create at Western Washington University. It's designed to teach students essential money skills throughout their college years, from budgeting as freshmen to understanding 401(k)s as seniors.Throughout our chat, Paul's message is clear: start early, stay diversified, and think long-term. He believes that with the right education and mindset, anyone can build a solid financial future.4 Fund Combo GuideTable NumbersQuilt ChartsHistorical Risk and Return TablesPortfolio ConfiguratorTimestamps:Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times.0:00 Intro to Paul Merriman and podcast topic0:57 Two-fund portfolio strategy3:55 Four-fund portfolio strategy explained5:31 Large cap performance concerns7:06 S&P 500 vs Total Market Index10:59 AI impact on large companies14:43 Market trends and historical performance20:41 International equity in portfolios25:26 ETFs vs index funds29:41 Non-US investor asset allocation38:41 Setting up kids financially43:57 Early investing importance48:37 Common investor mistakes50:25 Investing as business partnership52:51 Evolving financial education landscapeFor more information visit the show notes- https://affordanything.com/550-paul-merriman-the-4-fund-strategy-that-beats-the-sp-500/

In this episode we answer emails from Frank and Dan.  We discuss investment considerations in the 32% marginal bracket, reallocating a cash holding to bonds and alternatives and common withdrawal mechanisms for taking monthly distributions.Link:Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna CenterAmusing Unedited AI-Bot Summary:Ever pondered how to perfectly balance your portfolio in a high tax bracket? We promise you'll gain actionable insights from Frank, a generous donor and semi-retired investor navigating his complex asset allocation strategy. At 60 years old, Frank seeks our advice on his bond investments, with options like EDV, VGLT, and VGIT on the table. His financial journey becomes a fascinating case study as we unravel the best strategies for optimizing his diverse portfolio of stocks, gold, municipal bonds, and cash. Plus, we emphasize the importance of giving back, spotlighting our cherished cause, the Father McKenna Center.The episode takes a deeper dive into tax strategies tailored for substantial assets, providing listeners with the tools to maximize their retirement portfolios. Learn how retirement accounts like IRAs and solo 401(k)s can be leveraged to defer taxes, especially for those enjoying a higher tax bracket. We discuss the benefits of municipal bonds for tax efficiency and highlight the necessity of professional financial advice. Our focus remains on maintaining a balanced mix of investments to ensure growth and stability as you transition into retirement.Finally, we explore effective strategies for managing portfolio drawdowns and monthly distributions. We introduce Harold Avinsky's bucket strategy and its psychological benefits, drawing inspiration from financial expert Paul Merriman. As we wrap up, we encourage you to reflect on aligning with your personal values and the universe's natural flow, all while enjoying light-hearted exchanges that underscore these financial principles. Join us for an enlightening conversation designed to empower your financial planning journey.Support the show

The Marriage Kids and Money Podcast is dedicated to helping you do just that. Each week, Andy Hill interviews personal finance experts, millionaire parents and financially independent couples to find out how they achieved their success. He then takes that information and breaks it down into digestible takeaways that will help you win with money. With over 400 episodes and counting, Marriage Kids and Money has been awarded “Best Family Finance Content” by Plutus two years in a row and "Content Creator of the Year". We review everything from how to achieve family financial independence to how to help your kids become future millionaires (who are generous). Paul Merriman shares how DIY investors could become millionaires through a 2 Fund Portfolio and/or 4 Fund Portfolio! GUEST BIO - Paul Merriman When I sold my investment advisory practice, I founded a financial education foundation designed to help do-it-yourself investors of all ages improve their investment returns, at less risk and with greater peace of mind. I am the author of 8 books including "We're Talking Millions! 12 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Retirement." ⁠Watch the video here.⁠

#550: Paul Merriman, a former wealth manager turned financial educator, joins us to share investing wisdom that could reshape how you think about your money. We kick things off talking about portfolio diversification. Paul suggests a simple four-fund strategy that includes large cap, small cap, and value stocks. He says this mix has historically beaten the S&P 500 with lower risk. We then dive into international investing. Paul explains that while adding international stocks doesn't necessarily boost returns, it can help smooth out the ride. He keeps half his equity portfolio in international stocks, even at age 81. Got kids? Paul's got some advice for you too. He tells us about putting money aside for his new granddaughter, aiming to fund her Roth IRA as soon as she can earn income. He breaks down how investing just a dollar a day from birth to age 21 could turn into millions by retirement age. It's a powerful lesson in starting early and the magic of compound interest. We also chat about some common investing mistakes. Paul stresses that young investors often underestimate the power of stocks over bonds for long-term growth. He shares some eye-opening numbers: $100 invested in bonds since 1928 would have grown to about $12,000, while the same amount in small cap value stocks would be worth nearly $15 million. Paul wants you to think of investing as a partnership with businesses. When you buy a mutual fund, you're becoming a senior partner in thousands of companies. At first, your contributions drive most of the growth. But over time, market returns take over, and you become the junior partner to a much larger fortune. We wrap up with Paul sharing his excitement about a 40-hour financial education program he helped create at Western Washington University. It's designed to teach students essential money skills throughout their college years, from budgeting as freshmen to understanding 401(k)s as seniors. Throughout our chat, Paul's message is clear: start early, stay diversified, and think long-term. He believes that with the right education and mindset, anyone can build a solid financial future. 4 Fund Combo Guide https://www.paulmerriman.com/4-fund-combo#gsc.tab=0 Table Numbers https://soundinvesting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Table-Numbers.pdf Quilt Charts https://soundinvesting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2020-Year-End-Podcast-Charts.pdf Historical Risk and Return Tables https://www.paulmerriman.com/historical-risk-and-return-tables#gsc.tab=0 Portfolio Configurator https://lookerstudio.google.com/u/0/reporting/a941a5d4-0929-45ea-b22e-3bb82dc334ff/page/99wxc?s=hqmha3-AK5k Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. 0:00 Intro to Paul Merriman and podcast topic 0:57 Two-fund portfolio strategy 3:55 Four-fund portfolio strategy explained 5:31 Large cap performance concerns 7:06 S&P 500 vs Total Market Index 10:59 AI impact on large companies 14:43 Market trends and historical performance 20:41 International equity in portfolios 25:26 ETFs vs index funds 29:41 Non-US investor asset allocation 38:41 Setting up kids financially 43:57 Early investing importance 48:37 Common investor mistakes 50:25 Investing as business partnership 52:51 Evolving financial education landscape For more information, visit the show notes at https://affordanything.com/episode550 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From savings accounts to setting goals, Paul Merriman joins us to talk us through some of the best savings tips.

We all know investing in the stock market is a smart idea. When it comes to what to invest in, that's where the questions start to come up. Author and Financial Educator Paul Merriman shares how we can use index funds to become millionaires. He shares a variety of index fund portfolios including the 2-Fund Portfolio and 4-Fund Portfolio. RESOURCES: Sponsors + Partners + Deals Trust & Will (sponsor) GUEST BIO - Paul Merriman: Paul Merriman sold his investment advisory practice and founded a financial education foundation designed to help do-it-yourself investors of all ages improve their investment returns. He's the author of 8 books including "We're Talking Millions! 12 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Retirement". MKM RESOURCES: MKM Coaching: Want 1-on-1 support with your family finance journey? Book a time with me today. Make My Kid a Millionaire Course: Want to build generational wealth and happiness for your kid? Learn more about my course! YouTube: Subscribe for free to watch videos of these episodes and interviews. Instagram: Follow our IG channel SHOW INFORMATION:  Marriage Kids and Money is dedicated to helping young families build wealth and happiness. This award-winning platform helps couples and parents achieve financial independence and discover the true meaning of wealth.  To achieve these big goals, we answer questions and interview experts who uncover smart net worth building habits and tools that can help everyone find their own version of financial independence. Learn more at https://www.marriagekidsandmoney.com  HOST BIO:  Andy Hill, AFC® is the award-winning family finance coach behind Marriage Kids and Money - a platform dedicated to helping young families build wealth and happiness.  Andy's advice and personal finance experience have been featured in major media outlets like CNBC, Forbes, MarketWatch, Kiplinger's Personal Finance and NBC News. With millions of downloads and views, Andy's message of family financial empowerment has resonated with listeners, readers and viewers across the world.    When he's not "talking money", Andy enjoys being a soccer Dad, singing karaoke with his wife and relaxing in his hammock. HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS: Podcast Artwork: Liz Theresa Editor: Podcast Doctors Podcast Support: Nev Maraj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 in 10 workers don't understand the pension auto enrollment scheme. Paul Merriman, CEO Fairstone Ireland joined Pat to explain all.

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I had an amazing conversation with David Baughier on the Forget About Money podcast! We discussed my 12 One-Million Dollar Ideas for building wealth, the power of starting early, and why index funds are a game-changer for long-term investing. We also covered the importance of diversification, the benefits of small-cap value stocks, and why sticking with a buy-and-hold strategy beats trying to time the market. Whether you're new to investing or looking to refine your retirement plan, this episode has actionable tips to help you secure your financial future. Give it a listen—you won't want to miss it! Watch the video here. Download the transcript here

For this week's Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Paul Merriman, CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul to discuss how to properly manage your child's money - including an option from Revolut.

Kicking it back to basics for this episode, Sam and Derek do a complete review of the S&P 500. What is it, how did it began, how has it historically tracked, and how do you invest in it. The guys go over all these points and gameplan how they'll further invest in the index going further. Discussed:  ILAB 25: Paul Merriman on Investment Decisions That Will Change Your Financial Future S&P 500 Historical Returns Index Funds Mentioned: $VTI Vanguard Total Index $VOO Vanguard S&P 500 Index $SPY SPDR S&P 500 Chart $SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index $FNILX Fidelity Zero Large Cap Index Where we are: Johnny FD – Kyiv, Ukraine / IG @johnnyfdj Sam Marks - Barcelona, Spain / IG @sammarks12 Derek – Los Angeles, USA / IG @DerekRadio Sponsor: ILAB PatreonJoin the Invest Like a Boss Patreon now and get tons of bonus content, including additional episodes, full quarterly updates including account screenshots and more for as low as $5/month at Patreon.com/InvestLikeaBoss Time Stamp: 03:13 - What is the S&P 500? 14:20 - Largest Companies in the S&P 22:09 - S&P Sector Breakdown 45:30 - Dividends in the S&P 50:00 - Low Fee S&P Index Funds If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! If you haven't already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Read our disclaimer here.

Eleven months a year Dr. Robert  Pass produces a podcast dedicated to a review of the latest literature and thought leaders in pediatric cardiovascular care.  For the last 3 years Rob has finished his podcast series with a focus on personal finance.  It has been an honor to work with Rob on these special podcasts for the last 3 years. This is his podcast from December 2023.  To conclude 2023 we end with noted national authority on personal finance and investing, Mr. Paul Merriman. Mr. Merriman reviews some basic ideas about asset allocation within a retirement plan such as a 403b, 401k or IRA with the goal of achieving the highest degree of return for level of risk. He reviews the importance of diversification and also shares with us both a '2 fund' and '4 fund' approach to creating a low cost, efficient and diversified portfolio that has, historically, been associated with good long term returns.Mr. Merriman's work can be seen at: paulmerriman.comFor those interested learn more about his '2 Fund' solution: https://www.paulmerriman.com/2-funds-for-life-update-2023For those interested to learn more about his '4 Fund' solution: https://www.paulmerriman.com/4-fund-comboFor those interested in target date funds: https://www.paulmerriman.com/target-date-fundsFinally, for those who did not previously take advantage of Paul's free book, the following is a link to a free PDF of the book: https://irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/Were-Talking-Millions.pdfPlease note: This episode is not intended to provide specific personal finance advice and is for entertainment purposes only. Please consider speaking with a trusted advisor before making any significant changes to your retirement assets.

Financial literacy is empowering—yet good, practical education about financial management is too often out of reach for people, especially those with limited incomes. Former BCF Board member Paul Merriman—founder of The Merriman Financial Education Foundation—has dedicated his retirement to providing free education for all ages about how to secure a more stable financial future.   On behalf of BCF, every year Paul organizes ⁠free virtual events⁠ with speakers who are nationally renowned experts in their fields in order to help educate our community on how to better plan for our futures. These events target all ages and levels of financial literacy, including youth, first-time investors who are still in the workforce, and those who have just entered retirement. Watch video here

Financial literacy is empowering—yet good, practical education about financial management is too often out of reach for people, especially those with limited incomes. Former BCF Board member Paul Merriman—founder of The Merriman Financial Education Foundation—has dedicated his retirement to providing free education for all ages about how to secure a more stable financial future.   On behalf of BCF, every year Paul organizes free virtual events with speakers who are nationally renowned experts in their fields in order to help educate our community on how to better plan for our futures. These events target all ages and levels of financial literacy, including youth, first-time investors who are still in the workforce, and those who have just entered retirement. Watch video here

Today, we bring you an exclusive conversation between two investment gurus, JL Collins and Paul Merriman. They debate the secrets of building wealth, focusing on investment strategies, index funds, and the potential power of small-cap companies. If you're looking to sharpen your investment acumen, this episode is full of knowledge and insights! Join us as we navigate through the crucial aspects of long-term investing, risk management, and the dynamics of the S&P 500 and Total Stock Market Index Fund. Paul and JL dissect the importance of diversification, disciplined strategies, and the psychology behind successful investing. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies for a robust financial future. Watch the video here

The Fed – Is Powell throwing in the towel? AI – Profits spreading – lots of money to be made. Apple – dragged down by a new lawsuit. 90 years of evidence, this week's guest says this is the key asset class to own.. Paul Merriman is a nationally recognized authority on mutual funds, index investing, asset allocation and both buy-and-hold and active management strategies. Now retired from Merriman, the Seattle-based investment advisory firm he founded in 1983, he is dedicated to educating investors, young and old, through weekly articles at Marketwatch.com, and via free eBooks, podcasts, articles, recommendations for mutual funds, ETFs, 401(k) plans and more, at his website. In his retirement, Paul remains fervently committed to educating and empowering investors. In 2012, he wrote and published the “How To Invest” series, distilling his decades of expertise into concise investment books targeted to specific audiences “First-Time Investor: Grow and Protect Your Money,” “101 Investment Decisions Guaranteed to Change Your Financial Future,” and “Get Smart or Get Screwed: How To Select The Best and Get The Most From Your Financial Advisor.” Paul is also the author of four previous books on personal investing, including Financial Fitness Forever: 5 Steps To More Money, Less Risk and More Peace of Mind (McGraw Hill, Oct. 2011). The book was part of the “Financial Fitness Kit” offered on the TV show, “Financial Fitness After 50,” created exclusively to raise funds for local Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations. Check out the FREE Book - 12 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Retirement Check this out and find out more at: http://www.interactivebrokers.com/ Looking to invest in The Disciplined Investor Managed Growth Strategy? Click HERE for the virtual tour. Stocks Menti0ned in the Episode: (ORCL), (MSFT), (AAPL), (MU), (NVDA), (VBR) Follow @andrewhorowitz

Here is the second part of our annual Retiremeet episode featuring a short visit from Paul Merriman and a few of your questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices