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Paul Merriman

325 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 443 ratings

Sound Investing for Every Stage of Life

Investing Business
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Episodes

Increase Your Spending Power

October 13, 2022 14:47 - 16 MB application/pdf

“Thank you for all that you’ve done throughout your career.  I appreciate your integrity and have made countless referrals. Best to you and the great team you’ve assembled.” – Pete S. In This Edition Double Your Lifetime Purchasing Power in 20 Minutes How To Prepare for Post-Work Life 10 Life Changing Lessons Getting Long-Term Bullish […] The post Increase Your Spending Power appeared first on Paul Merriman.

10 Life-Changing Lessons from The Merriman Financial Education Foundation

October 12, 2022 13:16 - 16 MB application/pdf

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.

The biggest challenge to successful investing

October 05, 2022 10:00

Inspired by a conversation with George Sisti, Paul’s good friend and trusted Truth Teller, Paul makes the case that successful investing is 99.9% defense. (See article referenced below). The good news is: almost every one of these defensive steps are easily applied to managing a portfolio. And once you set the process in motion, it should be […] The post The biggest challenge to successful investing appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Get smart with money

September 29, 2022 14:44

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

Is This The Worst Bear Market Ever?

September 28, 2022 13:08

In this interview with Ken Roberts, host of Ken’s Bulls and Bears Report, a weekly radio show in Reno, NV, Paul addresses questions and more: Should investors believe the “experts” predictions of catastrophic future returns for the stock market? What are the most important investment decisions that people have to make? What are the biggest […] The post Is This The Worst Bear Market Ever? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

The 7 Biggest Investment Decisions or Are You Leaving on the Table?

September 21, 2022 13:02

Paul is interviewed by Jordon Grumet, MD., aka “Doc G,” personal finance expert, hospice doctor and host of the “Earn and Invest” podcast. They discuss Paul’s “7 Biggest Investment Decisions” and more, as Paul addresses these questions: Do investment strategies change over time? Is there a place for stock picking? How important is dividend investing? […] The post The 7 Biggest Investment Decisions or Are You Leaving on the Table? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

What will help you be a better investor?

September 19, 2022 13:21 - 229 KB application/pdf

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

How do you manage investments during major declines?

September 14, 2022 12:45 - 229 KB application/pdf

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.

Can you have more than enough?

September 07, 2022 21:09

“Thank you for your incredible work, which has largely shaped my investing philosophy. You guys are the best.  I hope to continue our “association” for a long, long time!  Thanks for your never-ending efforts and the desire to educate others.  You are an inspiration.” — Russell S.  In This Edition More Than EnoughTruth Teller Rob […] The post Can you have more than enough? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Should you believe predictions of catastrophic future returns?

September 07, 2022 12:25 - 229 KB application/pdf

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.

The most important investment decisions

August 31, 2022 13:17

Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation between Rob Berger and Paul Merriman on Rob’s “Financial Freedom Show” (YouTube video channel) as they discuss these important investor topics: Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome to the Financial Freedom Show! 01:01 – Small Cap Value  20:44 – Other consistent funds 22:59 – Equity portfolio 27:00 – Deciding/4 fund strategy 30:13 – Links […] The post The most important investment decisions appeared first on Paul Merriman.

The Biggest Financial Mistakes Retirees Make

August 24, 2022 12:27 - 18.2 MB application/pdf

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.

What to invest in specific funds

August 21, 2022 16:03 - 2.39 MB application/pdf

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

This new tool helps you invest in specific funds

August 17, 2022 10:58

This video and podcast introduces the “Sound Investing Portfolio Fixed Allocation Configurator.” This new tool helps investors figure out how to implement the portfolios we analyze using different fund families. Chris Pedersen, Director of Research joins Paul Merriman to discuss Chris’ latest investor education project. The process is simple, involving four choices: portfolio strategy (e.g., […] The post This new tool helps you invest in specific funds appeared first on Paul Merriman.

The one asset class you must own

August 10, 2022 13:42 - 8.48 MB application/pdf

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.

Invest easily, simply and effectively

August 05, 2022 11:52

“I’m a huge fan of Paul and the gang and have gotten so much out of your podcasts and articles. It’s motivated me greatly to get some basic advisor credentials so I can volunteer at my local Navy Marine Corps Relief Society to help junior servicemembers budget and plan for their futures.” – Aaron W. In This […] The post Invest easily, simply and effectively appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Invest Successfully with Just Two Funds

August 03, 2022 12:14

Are you seeking a simple but effective lifetime investment strategy? In this podcast and video, Katie Gatti, host of “Money With Katie,” interviews Chris Pedersen, Director of Research for The Merriman Financial Education Foundation and author of Two Funds For Life – A quest for simple & effective investing strategies.   Chris explains: • The […] The post Invest Successfully with Just Two Funds appeared first on Paul Merriman.

150 Portfolios Better Than Yours

July 27, 2022 12:52 application/x-httpd-ea-php54

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.

Are money and happiness related?

July 22, 2022 14:27

“Absolutely love your research, writings and content. I can say it has completely changed my investing philosophy and I am the grown son of a Financial Advisor! Thanks for your sharing your passion.” — Lance F. In This EditionSummertime ThoughtsTruth Teller Stan The Annuity ManIt’s Not Lattes That Can Blow Your Financial FutureChris discusses DFA and […] The post Are money and happiness related? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

7 Things You Should Be Doing With Your Retirement Portfolio

July 19, 2022 13:00

In this engaging interview, Paul talks with Stan The Annuity Man on his “Fun with Annuities” podcast. (https://www.stantheannuityman.com/). They discuss: The seven big things you need to know about investment Putting children on a glide path Avoiding market-timing Investing is simple Key Takeaways: Figure out a way to identify what equity asset classes you should […] The post 7 Things You Should Be Doing With Your Retirement Portfolio appeared first on Paul Merriman.

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)

July 13, 2022 10:29 - 2.39 MB application/pdf

 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.

The Worst Bear Market Ever?

July 06, 2022 09:00 - 833 KB application/pdf

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.

Should I include cryptocurrency in my portfolio? And other questions.

June 29, 2022 13:15 application/x-httpd-ea-php54

 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.

What does the future hold for investors?

June 27, 2022 13:33 - 229 KB application/pdf

“I absolutely love and follow all of your podcasts, books and articles. As a military nurse, I view your service as very noble with generational positive effects.” — Ben B. Dear Friends, This newsletter is a deviation from our usual blend of topics because I want to focus on just one thing, and that is your peace […] The post What does the future hold for investors? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

What path are your investments on?

June 22, 2022 10:30 - 229 KB application/pdf

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.

What should you do next?

June 15, 2022 13:36 - 690 KB application/pdf

  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.

Graduates: Start Planning Your Future!

June 14, 2022 15:48 - 6.06 MB application/pdf

“I absolutely love and follow all of your podcasts, books and articles. As a military nurse, I view your service as very noble with generational positive effects.” — Ben B. In This Edition Graduates: Now’s the Time To Start Planning Your Future!Truth Tellers at MorningstarUpcoming EventHow To Be A DIY InvestorQuestions, Answers & Comments Dear Friends, Every […] The post Graduates: Start Planning Your Future! appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Strategies for Financial Success—The Roadmap After Graduation

June 08, 2022 13:46

What are the challenges facing university graduates, and all young people, entering the work force? Paul addresses students at Western Washington University with clear information on how to become well-informed and successful investors over a lifetime. He warns about the role of emotions and importance of creating an informed investment plan to have more than […] The post Strategies for Financial Success—The Roadmap After Graduation appeared first on Paul Merriman.

The Future of Investing: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

June 01, 2022 13:15

In this new presentation, Paul addresses seven of the biggest investment decisions, provides a brief history of investing and makes predictions for the future. Through the evolution of Wall Street, he shows what savvy investors believe today in terms of saving on fees, diversification and asset class investments, and he elaborates on recommended portfolios and […] The post The Future of Investing: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Save like mad for 5 years – Become a multi-millionaire

May 26, 2022 15:09 - 139 KB application/pdf

“Thank you for your work educating my wife and me and so many others. Specifically, thank you for your website, podcast, contributions through the Bainbridge Community Foundation and collaborations with other trusted resources like Tom Cock and Don McDonald.” — G.R. In This Edition 5 Years Can Make You a Multi-Millionaire Truth Teller: Dr. James Dahle […] The post Save like mad for 5 years – Become a multi-millionaire appeared first on Paul Merriman.

5 years of investing and you can become a multi-millionaire

May 24, 2022 12:00 - 139 KB application/pdf

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.

The only 2 stock funds you will ever need

May 20, 2022 17:09 - 190 KB application/pdf

Dear Friends,  After 26 months of exercising extreme caution in protecting my wife and myself from contracting Covid-19, we felt confident to take a group trip to New York. We ended up spending five days in a hotel room having tested positive and feeling “under the weather.” Fortunately, it was not serious and we recovered, […] The post The only 2 stock funds you will ever need appeared first on Paul Merriman.

What’s New for Social Security 2022

May 18, 2022 15:17

This is MUST Listen presentation for everyone yet to claim Social Security and/or survivor benefits, and otherwise learn how to maximize your benefits. MaryBeth Franklin, author of  Maximizing Social Security Retirement Benefits, shares her expertise in this interview with Paul Merriman and answers a number of viewer questions. This presentation is part of Financial Literacy […] The post What’s New for Social Security 2022 appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Do-it-yourself investor: be the best!

May 11, 2022 15:10 - 190 KB application/pdf

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.

Simple & Effective Balanced Lifetime Portfolios, 2022 Update

May 04, 2022 14:55

Looking to achieve massive diversification across industries, geographies, stocks, bonds, and various equity premium factors?  Chris Pedersen, Director of Research at The Merriman Financial Education Foundation and author of 2 Funds for Life: A quest for simple & effective investing strategies, shows several simple portfolios that do that. He also discusses 2 Funds for Life […] The post Simple & Effective Balanced Lifetime Portfolios, 2022 Update appeared first on Paul Merriman.

The Inside Story About ESG investing

April 27, 2022 12:16

Paul Merriman talks with Larry Swedroe and Sam Adams about their new book, Your Essential Guide to Sustainable Investing: How to live your values and achieve your financial goals with ESG, SRI, and Impact Investing https://amzn.to/3KiV1Vh, and they address a broad range of audience questions. Larry is a prolific and respected academic-based writer committed to […] The post The Inside Story About ESG investing appeared first on Paul Merriman.

What is ESG investing and is it for you?

April 25, 2022 20:27 - 422 KB application/pdf

Dear friends, I hope the advent of spring is as invigorating for you as I am finding it. But before I tell you about my recent past and future activities, I want to encourage you to join me Today, April 14 at 4:30 p.m. PT (that’s 7:30 p.m. ET) as I interview Larry Swedroe and Sam Adams on […] The post What is ESG investing and is it for you? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

How to have more than enough in retirement

April 20, 2022 12:45

In this insightful interview by Morris Taletovic of Moki Finance, Paul shares, for the first time, stories and lessons from his journey in the financial arena as a former advisor, and as an educator and founder of The Merriman Financial Education Foundation. They discuss Paul’s free books, his mentors, cultivating a long-term-investment mindset, and his advice about […] The post How to have more than enough in retirement appeared first on Paul Merriman.

How to build a great long-term portfolio

April 13, 2022 13:32

 How can you best combine equity asset classes to build portfolios for the long term? This is one of the seven most important topics we focus on at The Merriman Financial Education Foundation.  Paul Merriman is joined by Daryl Bahls, Director of Analytics and Chris Pedersen, Director of Research to discuss their personal favorite […] The post How to build a great long-term portfolio appeared first on Paul Merriman.

How long can the unexpected continue?

April 06, 2022 12:44 - 120 KB application/pdf

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.

How to strategically invest for your financially secure retirement

March 30, 2022 13:16

What are the best practices for building retirement savings and ensuring those savings last throughout retirement?  Christine Benz, director of personal finance at Morningstar, Roger Young, CFP with T. Rowe Price, and Paul Merriman, president of The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, introduce you to the latest research and strategies to increase your odds of enjoying […] The post How to strategically invest for your financially secure retirement appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Flexible distributions: a great luxury in retirement

March 23, 2022 13:20 - 353 KB application/pdf

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.

Ways to consider distributions in retirement

March 22, 2022 13:59 - 2.48 MB application/pdf

Dear Friends, We continue our annual updates of “Best Advice” with our latest offering, Fixed Distributions 2022, which examines a major financial decision: How much should you take out of your portfolio in retirement? In this week’s podcast, I discuss the use of the Fixed Distribution Tables, updated for 2021 data, using Fine Tuning Tables B1 (S&P 500) and  B9 (U.S. 4 Fund Portfolio) […] The post Ways to consider distributions in retirement appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Fixed Distributions 2022 Update

March 16, 2022 12:16 - 2.48 MB application/pdf

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.

How can I test results if I want to make changes to my portfolios? And other great questions

March 09, 2022 13:23 - 156 KB application/pdf

  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.

Should you change course now?

March 04, 2022 14:50 - 631 KB application/pdf

Dear Friends, We often talk about how the past is knowable while the future is not. Until last week, I could not imagine that we would be witnessing a war in Europe, and on the heels of a global pandemic. Growing up and living in post-WWII US, Canada and Western Europe, most of us have […] The post Should you change course now? appeared first on Paul Merriman.

You can retire with millions more (and it takes less than $100 a month)

March 02, 2022 11:00 - 676 KB application/pdf

  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.

Comparing the risk and return of 20 different (mostly) popular portfolios for do it yourself investors

February 23, 2022 12:36 - 631 KB application/pdf

  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.

Get better returns with less risk

February 17, 2022 15:22 - 485 KB application/pdf

Dear Friends, In the first two months of every year, our team buckles down to update our core data, our most essential and important work. (You can find this on our website under “Best Advice”). We begin with The Ultimate Buy and Hold Strategies: 2022, based on combinations of 10 equity asset classes. I’ve been writing […] The post Get better returns with less risk appeared first on Paul Merriman.

Fine Tuning Your Asset Allocation: 2022 Update

February 16, 2022 13:54 - 472 KB application/pdf

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.

Twitter Mentions

@savvyinvestorpm 56 Episodes
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