Should you invest outside the United States—or keep everything in American companies? In this episode, Adam B. Cordover explores total international stock index funds: what they are, why they matter, and whether adding them to your portfolio makes sense.
You’ll hear insights from investing legends and financial independence voices like Jack Bogle, JL Collins, Rick Ferri, Jim Dahle, and Paul Merriman, as we unpack the great debate over global diversification. Adam also shares a powerful lesson from Japan’s “Lost Decades” and breaks down different allocation approaches—from 100% U.S. to blended or global portfolios.
Plus:
The pros and cons of Total World Funds (like Vanguard’s VT)
Tax considerations for international funds
How to build a simple, globally diversified portfolio using the Bogleheads Three-Fund Portfolio
Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting to build toward financial independence, this episode will help you make a more informed, disciplined decision about your global allocation.
Show Notes & Resources
Jack Bogle on investing internationally – Business Insider
JL Collins, The Simple Path to Wealth
Rick Ferri on diversification – ETF.com
Jim Dahle, The White Coat Investor
Paul Merriman – Four Fund Strategy
Japan’s market history – Reuters
Fund pages for Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab total international options
IRS Pub. 514 – Foreign Tax Credit
Bogleheads Wiki – The Three-Fund Portfolio
Listen & Subscribe
If you found this episode helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe—and share it with another lawyer or professional who wants to take control of their money.
More resources at https://www.lawyerfi.com/
This episode is brought to you by Florida-based Collaborative Family Law Attorney Adam B. Cordover. Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, serving professionals across Florida with dignity and privacy in divorce. Learn more at http://www.familydiplomacy.com/ or call 813-443-0615.
We accept clients in every county in Florida and have offices by appointment in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Contact us to schedule a confidential virtual planning meeting.
Popular Podcasts
Spooky Podcasts from iHeartRadio
Whether you’re a scaredy-cat or a brave bat, this collection of episodes from iHeartPodcasts will put you in the Halloween spirit. Binge stories, frights, and more that may keep you up at night!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.