Sound Investing

In this week’s episode, Paul Merriman shares lessons from a lifetime of investing—prompted by conversations with students, longtime collaborator Rich Buck, and questions from new investors about trust and risk.

Paul dives deep into the data behind his favorite long-term strategies, including the equal-weighted S&P 500 and the classic Four-Fund Portfolio, comparing 25-year results across multiple time periods.

He explains why no o...

In this final episode of our four-part series, Paul Merriman compares three powerful approaches for a lifetime of investing:

• 100% S&P 500: high-risk, high-reward growth.

• 60/40 mix of S&P 500 and bonds: a defensive balance.

• 100% U.S. Four-Fund strategy: large-cap blend, small-cap blend, large-cap value, small-cap value.

Paul uses 55 years of data (1970–2024) to show how these portfolios performed during both accumulatio...

Paul Merriman continues our series on radical lifetime investment strategies—comparing an all-equity S&P 500 portfolio to a balanced 60% equity/40% bonds portfolio.

After two episodes focused on the accumulation phase, this third installment shifts to retirement distributions:

• How much income could each portfolio provide?

• How did they hold up during major market crashes?

• What role did bonds play in protecting withdrawals during...

At FinCon, Chuck Gaffe- moneylifeshow.com sat down with Paul for a wide-ranging conversation about investing and financial independence.

Paul shared insights on the rise of index funds, the FIRE movement’s “one-fund-for-life” approach, and how small portfolio adjustments can boost long-term returns. He also discussed timeless investing principles like staying the course, understanding risk, keeping costs low, and diversifying wisely...

In Part 2 of this 4-part series, Paul Merriman compares the accumulation results of the U.S. 4-Fund Portfolio against the S&P 500, using both all-equity and 60/40 strategies.

Paul analyzes five decades of data, showing how diversification affects returns, volatility, and long-term wealth creation.

Paul also highlights the tables you’ll want to download and follow along with as he explains the numbers:

• Table B1: Fine-Tuning Ta...

This is the first of a series of 4 podcasts focused on the decision to have all of your investments be all equities vs. a balanced portfolio of equities and fixed income.  In this presentation Paul uses the S&P 500 in  both the all equity and the 60/40 stock/bond portfolio.  He uses the following tables during his presentation.

Table B1 Fine Tuning Table: S&P 500 Equity Portfolio

Table H2a Sound Investing Portfolios (...

Paul starts this letter beginning with a letter from a listener. The letter ends with the reason why our work has had more impact than John Bogle and Benjamin Felix (Both Truth Tellers).

 The rest of the podcast is focused on a recent article- ⁠The Evolution of Financial Advice, by Ben Carlson.  The focus is on the math, history and psychology of investing.

Paul concludes that most steps to successful investoring are well documented...

On this podcast, Paul Merriman dives into three big investor questions: Why would anyone add bonds to their portfolio—even in retirement? How has the Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio performed in 2025? And how much Small Cap Value should an investor add to VTSAX? Along the way, Paul explains why diversification and balance matter just as much as chasing higher returns.

During the podcast Paul references ⁠Table G-1b, Fine Tuning Table...

Paul Merriman is looking ahead to the 2025 Bogleheads Conference (October 17–19), one of the premier gatherings for long-term investors. The lineup includes Vanguard CEO Salim Ramji, Christine Benz, Bill Bernstein, Rick Ferri, Alan Roth, Jim Dahle, and more. Paul will be there for all three days to connect with listeners, share new projects, and learn from some of the best minds in the field. Even if you can’t make it, all sessions...

I had never heard of Erin Moriarity before she contacted me about having a conversation with her on “Erin Talks Money.” When I visited her Youtube channel I immediately realized what a powerhouse she is. She has over 200,000 subscribers to her Youtube channel and her videos are terrific. She has over 800 videos on topics most young investors or beginners at any age need to see. 36 videos on budgeting, 133 on retirement, and much mo...

What’s holding investors back from building real wealth? 

Talking Real Money, hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock take aim at the 10 most damaging myths, lies, and mistakes that cost investors big—often millions.

You’ll learn:

• Why "having a guy" isn’t a strategy—it's a setup

• Why predicting the market is like calling a psychic

• How starting too late can cost you over half a million

• The hard truth about individual stocks, expe...

On this special Q&A episode—recorded July 29 2025—Paul Merriman gears up for his August 2 keynote at the Garrett Planning Network Retreat, where he will address more than 100 hourly financial advisors about the future of financial literacy. He invites listeners to email questions for the panel (paul@paulmerriman.com) and then dives into ten wide‑ranging listener questions that benefit investors of every age and stage.

What you’l...

In this episode, Paul Merriman shares insights into upcoming events, including his presentation at the Garrett Planning Network Retreat, as well as his reflections on asset allocation, government bond strategies, and the benefits of various portfolios for different life stages. 

Tune in for a deep dive into how different funds and asset classes perform over the long term, and how to optimize your investment strategy, regardless of a...

In November 2020 The Merriman Financial Education Foundation released “We’re Talking Millions!  12 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Retirement.”  The purpose of the book was to focus on a series of very simple steps any investor might take to improve their financial future.  

"Understanding how to invest wisely for your future can be daunting. Many people never get started for fear of making mistakes. Others make choices based o...

Many of you have been submitting thoughtful questions through our AI chat, particularly on fund selection, asset allocation, and broader investment strategy. It’s encouraging to see this level of engagement with the core principles that shape long-term financial success.

While the AI generally provides sound and efficient guidance, there are times when its responses lack the nuance or clarity that experience can bring. To provide de...

On this week's podcast, we dive into my fascinating six-month journey with AI, exploring how tools like ChatGPT are revolutionizing access to information and informed guidance. Drawing inspiration from Seth Godin's insightful piece, "Education is Free, Learning is Expensive," we'll discuss why true learning demands commitment and effort, especially in today's information-rich world.

I've discovered AI&#...

Today, we're diving into something super important for anyone interested in mutual funds: the SPIVA Report, it's a big deal, and we'll break down why.

But before we get to that, a quick note about August 4th. Chris, Daryl, and I are getting together that day to figure out how we can do even more to help you, not just now, but for the rest of your life as we all get closer to retirement. This is a huge goal, and we'd love your input!...

Watch video here.

Join Paul Merriman, Chris Pedersen, and Daryl Bahls for a deep dive into questions facing today’s investors! In this episode, our team tackles a wide range of topics designed to help you make smarter financial decisions, whether you’re a seasoned DIY investor or just getting started.Main Topics Covered:1. Midcap Funds – Are They Necessary? 2:24We break down why midcap funds often get left out of recommended por...

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 load...