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Paul opens with information on the Oct. 11 AAII presentation. Here is the link to sign up. There was a time when Paul was very critical about target date funds. But important circumstances made him more accepting of the important value of target date funds. He discusses why he changed his mind but explains why he […] The post Pros and cons of target date funds and Ken Fisher's advice first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Pros and cons of target date funds and Ken Fisher’s advice appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Watch the video here. Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls join Paul to answer questions from investors of all ages. 1: I hold a REIT fund in my tax deferred account but have found other funds include REITS. Am I overweighted in REITS and what should I do about it? 2: Are all total market index […] The post Expected future returns, difference in total market returns, lessons from 1928 to 2023 risk and return and more first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Expected future returns, difference in total market returns, lessons from 1928 to 2023 risk and return and more appeared first on Paul Merriman.
The podcast opens with a heads up on an exciting AAII presentation on October 11 at 6:30 EST. Paul will make a one hour presentation on “The Case for Small Cap Value: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” This presentation will include some interesting new tables that give a new perspective to this productive equity asset […] The post SPIVA REPORT: One of the most important studies on fund returns first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post SPIVA REPORT: One of the most important studies on fund returns appeared first on Paul Merriman.
The podcast opens with Paul reading and discussing Ben Carlson's recent article on the collapse of bonds, “Everything & Everyone Underperforms Eventually.” Paul references a table of returns that compares Short, Intermediate and Long Term Treasures. Paul also references a table of Fixed Income Returns during years with S&P 500 […] The post Everything & Everyone Underperforms Eventually first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Everything & Everyone Underperforms Eventually appeared first on Paul Merriman.
On July 22, 2023 Chris Pedersen addressed the Orange County Chapter of the American Association of Individual Investors. At the end of his 2 hour presentation there were many unanswered questions. Our last podcast and video addressed 16 of those questions. In this podcast Paul responds to 20 more of the AAII questions. 1. How do you feel about […] The post Better than Wellesley and Wellington? and 19 other questions first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Better than Wellesley and Wellington? and 19 other questions appeared first on Paul Merriman.
On July 22, 2023 Chris Pedersen gave a 2 hour online presentation to the Orange County Chapter of the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII). The title was “Best In Class Fund Selection and Behavior.” Over 650 people attended the presentation, a record turnout for our presentations. The video will be available in the coming […] The post AAII Orange County Chapter Q&A first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post AAII Orange County Chapter Q&A appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Some of the worst investment advice I know happens to millions of investors each year. Between paying commissions, paying higher expenses, paying more taxes, being less diversified, and sitting on too much cash, so-called experts encourage investors to hold investments that are built to make as much as 2 to 4 percent less PER YEAR.Paul uses […] The post The Worst Investment Advice I Know first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post The Worst Investment Advice I Know appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul announces Chris Pedersen's upcoming AAII presentation on Saturday, July 22. The 2 hour Zoom presentation will begin at 8:45 a.m. Chris will discuss how portfolio asset allocation, fund selection and investor behavior impact the returns we get for the risk we take. He'll also show some practical approaches to help us all come closer […] The post New Avantis ETF, free curriculum, good news or bad first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post New Avantis ETF, free curriculum, good news or bad appeared first on Paul Merriman.
On this week’s podcast Paul addressed a couple of very important questions: 1. Is there really such a thing as a buy and hold investor? 2. What can an investor do to improve their chances of staying the course through all market cycles? 3. Many of your portfolios don't include international equities. Should investors […] The post Does anyone really buy & hold and more Q&A first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Does anyone really buy & hold and more Q&A appeared first on Paul Merriman.
While the industry generally agrees the most important investment decision is your choice of asset allocation, Paul makes the case that the choice between being a do it yourself investor vs. hiring a professional advisor is much more impactful over a lifetime. Paul discusses the many challenges of both decisions and finishes by showing DIY […] The post The most important investment decision you will ever make first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post The most important investment decision you will ever make appeared first on Paul Merriman.
While the industry generally agrees the most important investment decision is your choice of asset allocation, Paul makes the case that the choice between being a do it yourself investor vs. hiring a professional advisor is much more impactful over a lifetime. Paul discusses the many challenges of both decisions and finishes by showing […] The post The most important investment decision you will ever make first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post The most important investment decision you will ever make appeared first on Paul Merriman.
There is no question AI is a hot topic. I have watched “end of the world” interviews with people who know a lot more than I do about AI. In a recent poll, noted in The New Yorker, half of A.I. scientists agreed that there was at least a ten-per-cent chance that the human race would […] The post ChatGPT offers shocking investment information! first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post ChatGPT offers shocking investment information! appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul starts the podcast encouraging listeners to check out the latest video where Chris, Daryl and Paul answer questions from readers, listeners and viewers regarding the article, podcast and video about the Sound Investing Portfolios 2023 Update. The following are the links that were used in the video: Asset Class Index CAGR Comparison (1927-2023) Table […] The post Dave Ramsey, small cap value and a “new” 4 fund portfolio first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Dave Ramsey, small cap value and a “new” 4 fund portfolio appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul starts the podcast with a brief discussion about the new “financial Literacy for All Students” project at Western Washington University (WWU). The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, WWU, and Paul personally, are working together to make this project a reality in the next two to three years. The main topic of the podcast […] The post What rate of return can I count on in the future? first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post What rate of return can I count on in the future? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
March 1 through March 4, I attended the White Coat Investor Conference (WCICON 2023). On the 2nd, I made a 2 hour presentation focused on “How to Create and Execute a Lifetime Investment Strategy”. I was thrilled with the turnout and positive feedback. I also received many questions in the following days. The following […] The post Q&A for White Coat Investors Conference first appeared on Paul Merriman. The post Q&A for White Coat Investors Conference appeared first on Paul Merriman.
The following questions were sent to Paul during the 90 minute video presented to Western Washington University alumni on February 10, 2023. 2:38 1. How much more do you get with AVUV which has higher fees than FSVIX, which is super low cost? Check out: BOGLEHEADS.ORG/REBALANCING Check out: whitecoatinvestor.com/portfolio-rebalancing-spreadsheet/ 11:20 2. What are your thoughts on robo advisors and investing? Check out: whitecoatinvestor.com/top-robo-advisors/// […] The post Rebalancing, parental advice, AVUV vs. FSVIC and 10 more Q&A appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul leads off with the news that Chris Pedersen’s book 2 Funds for Life is now available as a free PDF to people who sign up for our free newsletter at https://paulmerriman.com/signup/. Watch the video here. Chris Pedersen joins Paul to discuss the 2023 update to his Best-in-Class ETF recommendations. Chris explains the selection […] The post Best-in-Class ETF Recommendations Update appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Join Paul Merriman, Chris Pedersen and Darryl Bahls as they respond to these questions from investors: What can a Do-It-Yourself investor do to prepare his/her spouse/partner for managing retirement investments should the DIY investor die first? Learn how Paul, Chris and Daryl are each personally preparing for their generally disinterested spouses to take over […] The post How can you trust the market? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
This podcast reviews the 2022 returns of the Best-In-Class and Vanguard ETF portfolios as compared to the average shareholder in the recommended equity asset classes. The discussion focuses on what worked, what didn't work, and what was the impact of the broader diversification of owning only the S&P 500. Paul also considers short, intermediate and long-term government bonds, the Quilt […] The post How'd we do in 2022? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
The purpose of our podcasts is to help investors make some of the biggest investment decisions of their life. This podcast focuses on the many reasons small-cap value should be in every investor's portfolio, even if it is a very small part. Paul addresses these questions: 1. What is the lifetime impact of adding 10% […] The post 10 reasons small-cap value can make you richer appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Do you want to create a financial legacy for a young person, especially a newborn? This podcast and video explains Paul's plan for his new granddaughter, which is adaptable by any investor. [Podcast listeners are encouraged to watch the video and/or view the Slides and Tables below]. Paul is joined by Daryl Bahls, Director of […] The post How to create a financial legacy for a child appeared first on Paul Merriman.
The first part of this broadcast describes the investment strategy Paul and his wife are giving to their latest grandchild. After Paul describes the strategy, Daryl Bahls, Director of Analytics for The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, shares tables that represent the 95-year potential financial implications of this investment. Then, Chris Pedersen, our Director of Research, […] The post The best investment we will ever make! and Q&A appeared first on Paul Merriman.
The focus of most of the work we do at The Merriman Financial Education Foundation is to help investors put together portfolios that we believe will produce higher rates of return per unit of risk. In this podcast we look at the math of making more money, as well as specific decisions that are likely to lead […] The post 30 Ways to make another million—Really appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul Merriman, Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls each share his studies and comments about rebalancing a portfolio—how often, how much change before rebalancing, and when does it make sense not to rebalance? They also answer listener/viewer questions and Paul makes a special offer for a free chapter from Larry Swedroe's book, Your Complete Guide to a Successful & […] The post How To Rebalance Your Portfolio appeared first on Paul Merriman.
In this presentation to the Boston Bogleheads® Chapter (Sept. 12, 2022), Paul presents the “10 most important new lessons learned by The Merriman Financial Education Foundation.” The foundation is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of helping the DIY investor make sound investment decisions for a lifetime and become the best advisor to the most important investor […] The post 10 Life-Changing Lessons from The Merriman Financial Education Foundation appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Tune in Sept. 17 at noon (eastern time) for a Zoom presentation and Q&A on “The 10 most important new lessons of the past 10 years,” as Paul Merriman addresses the Boston Bogleheads Chapter. See info below. In this broadcast, Paul, founder of The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, Chris Pedersen, Director of Research, and Daryl Bahls, Director of Analytics, answer […] The post How do you manage investments during major declines? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
In this podcast Paul invites listeners to an upcoming free event and addresses the following topics: • Jeremy Grantham and Harry Dent have made bold predictions about catastrophic future returns. Should we take them seriously? • How have the Vanguard and Best In Class ETF recommendations performed this year? • Would investing in VTI give the same returns as […] The post Should you believe predictions of catastrophic future returns? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul talks to retirees about the handful of decisions you can make that can either benefit you and your heirs or cost you millions. He covers: · Ways to make or lose .5% · The best combination of equity asset classes · Fixed and flexible distribution strategies · How to best analyze recommended strategies · […] The post The Biggest Financial Mistakes Retirees Make appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul presents, “The #1 Reason I Want Small Cap Value in Your Portfolio” with compelling evidence as to why SCV should be the one asset class you must own. This is further illuminated by the tables and charts shown in the video presentation and available in the slide show and handout. (links below). This presentation […] The post The one asset class you must own appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul addressed the AAII Los Angeles Chapter with “The Inside Story on the ‘150 Portfolios Better Than Yours',” on June 18, 2022. In 2014, Dr. James Dahle, of White Coat Investor, wrote a column titled, “150 Portfolios Better Than Yours.” The article included a link to a list of almost every popular model portfolio, including […] The post 150 Portfolios Better Than Yours appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul Merriman and Chris Pedersen, Director of Research for The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, address a number of topics and questions: Is the combination of the S&P 500 and Small Cap Value really more risky than the S&P by itself? Why the exceptional performance of Chris' Best In Class (BIC) during the first 6 […] The post How can the combo of S&P 500 and Small Cap Value be less risky than the S&P 500 by itself? (and other topics) appeared first on Paul Merriman.
While the headlines have focused on the first 6 months of 2022 as “The Worst First 6 Months of the Last 50 Years!”, the reality is that well-diversified investors have suffered modest losses. In this podcast, Paul reviews the major losses of growth stocks, cryptocurrencies, and barely bear market losses in the major indices, as […] The post The Worst Bear Market Ever? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul begins this Q&A session with the true story of helping a young relative open an investment account. The good news is a young investor got started but, with the misguided “help” of a Fidelity rep, he made a $250,000 mistake. Learn what happened. Questions: Where can I find an advisor who will work […] The post Should I include cryptocurrency in my portfolio? And other questions. appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Many investors are worried about their future and what's happening in the markets. In this podcast, Paul focuses on a series of new tables. He believes these tables represent one of the best pieces of historical information for understanding the likely path that your investments will take in the future. They were created by Daryl Bahls, Director […] The post What path are your investments on? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
To help answer the many recent emails asking, “What should I do next?” Paul offers his “sound investing” ideas. He begins with a reference to a a recording by JL Collins in 2019, titled “A Guided Meditation for When the Stock Market Is Dropping,” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOGU94eL07E), and then walks you through the importance of examining and understanding the historical […] The post What should you do next? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Young investors can build a retirement worth up to $50 million from an investment of just $6,000 per year for the first 5 years of contributions to a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k). Paul Merriman, Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls show you how — with or without the help of parents or grandparents. Paul discusses […] The post 5 years of investing and you can become a multi-millionaire appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Times are changing and many investors are asking, “What changes should I make in my portfolio?” To answer, Paul discusses how to be a successful do-it yourself-investor. He also mentions free upcoming presentations, along with recommended recent articles and an interview on defining characteristics of a successful do-it-yourself investor. Join Paul online with the AAII New […] The post Do-it-yourself investor: be the best! appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul begins this podcast by reviewing long-term returns of the 4 major equity asset classes for the 94 years ending 2021, before moving on to the focus of the podcast: our quilt charts. The most useful single table, of all the tables created by Daryl Bahls, Director of Analytics for The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, is […] The post How long can the unexpected continue? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Flexible Distributions in retirement — which Paul considers one of the greatest financial luxuries for a retiree — are discussed in this podcast updated for 2022. He helps investors see the relationship between how much is taken out for distributions, the balance of equity and fixed income asset classes, and whether distributions are adjusted for […] The post Flexible distributions: a great luxury in retirement appeared first on Paul Merriman.
How much should you take out of your portfolio in retirement? This is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. In this presentation, Paul discusses the use of the Fixed Distribution Tables, updated for 2021 data. He uses Fine Tuning Tables B1 (S&P 500) and B9 (U.S. 4 Fund Portfolio) as the return series […] The post Fixed Distributions 2022 Update appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul discusses the latest Equity and Fixed Income Tables (1928-2021). Also, see updates of The Ultimate Buy & Hold Fine Tuning Your Asset Allocation, Fixed Contributions and No-Nonsense Tables. Plus, he answers the following questions: How can I determine expected risk and return of a portfolio that combines investments from several of your portfolios? […] The post How can I test results if I want to make changes to my portfolios? And other great questions appeared first on Paul Merriman.
In this podcast, you'll learn about the long-term impact of using regular Fixed Contributions and our updated Tables for 2022. For young investors, this can mean adding millions to your retirement. Before listening to this podcast, Paul suggests you review the YouTube 2022 updates on The Ultimate Buy and Hold, Fine Tuning Your Asset Allocation, […] The post You can retire with millions more (and it takes less than $100 a month) appeared first on Paul Merriman.
In this podcast and video, Paul Merriman, Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls discuss the 2022 update of “No-Nonsense Portfolios” Tables along with new tables used in a recent presentation at the 2022 White Coat Investor Conference. That presentation was entitled “The Inside Story of 150 Portfolios Better Than Yours.” The two tables compare the […] The post Comparing the risk and return of 20 different (mostly) popular portfolios for do it yourself investors appeared first on Paul Merriman.
The idea began more than 25 years ago: Use tables to show the risk and reward of different equity asset classes — along with different combinations of equity and fixed income — so that investors gain a firm understanding of the relationship between long-term return and short-term risk, and make their investment decisions accordingly. At […] The post Fine Tuning Your Asset Allocation: 2022 Update appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Since 1995 Paul has been writing and teaching Do-It-Yourself investors about the Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio. In this 2022 update he uses the UBH table (70-30) and UBH tables (50-50) to make the case for 10 equity asset classes he thinks investors should consider owning in the equity portion of their long-term investments. The […] The post Ultimate Buy and Hold Strategies: Update 2022 appeared first on Paul Merriman.
What are the most important attitudes and habits of successful investors? In this podcast, Paul examines this question through the lens of “hard work,” or what is often called “grit.” He references a special 6-minute TED talk by Angela Lee Duckworth, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania. The video is about the importance of “grit” in […] The post How to Be The Perfect Investor appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Paul shares the dire predictions from several gurus and includes a list of reasons a sharp decline could happen. He includes history of corrections and bear markets since 1950. https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2021/02/a-short-history-of-u-s-stock-market-corrections-bear-markets/ Question: Is the 60/40 portolio “in danger?” Paul uses ‘Fine Tuning Table 3’ to show investors how to figure out the risk of Vanguard Wellington […] The post Is the market going to crash? appeared first on Paul Merriman.
This podcast (also a video) answers questions from our listeners, viewers and newsletter subscribers, and updates you on our upcoming projects. Paul Merriman, founder and president of The Merriman Financial Education, is joined by Chris Pedersen, Director of Research and author of 2 Funds for Life — A quest for simple & effective investing strategies, and Daryl Bahls, Director of Analytics. Topics: What's on the trio's to-do […] The post Your questions answered, our plans revealed appeared first on Paul Merriman.
In this review of 2021 investment results, Paul shares 10 lessons he thinks will be of interest to you following our advice. How many up and down days did the market produce and how that compares to longer-term profitable vs. losing periods? The market reached 70 new highs during the year. Is that good news […] The post 2021 investment results you should know appeared first on Paul Merriman.
Jacek Lempart, the Belguim-based host of System Trader “The craft of investing,” interviews Paul Merriman in this extraordinary in-depth conversation, unlike others you may have heard. It has been divided into two parts. You'll learn: Who's Paul, and what's the story of his careers? How have markets changed over the years? Why is Paul a big fan of academic/scientific […] The post Strategic Planning for Investing in Every Stage of Life –Part 1 appeared first on Paul Merriman.