Sound Investing

What’s holding investors back from building real wealth?   T alking 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 millio...

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...

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...

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 m...

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...

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 informat...

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...

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 ofte...

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...

Today I’ve got a lot to share: my recent trip to Western, new educational tables from Daryl Bahls, a must-read article by Ben Carlson, a fantastic free resource called Rebel Finance, and some takeaways from the latest Bogleheads meeting. Last week, I spent two full days at Western, meeting with students, faculty, and staff. I gave presentations to graduating seniors, a personal finance class, and...

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: Fr...

Prior to discussing his topic of the day, Paul shares his thoughts on a recent podcast featuring Truth Tellers Tom Cock and Don McDonald, joined by Weston Wellington from Dimensional Fund Advisors. Weston weighs in on some of the most critical issues facing investors right now. Here are the topics on the podcast with Tom Cock and Don McDonald- 0:53 Weston Wellington on volatility and market uncert...

Being a do-it-yourself investor can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, we explore the essential mindset and strategies needed to succeed in the long term. Drawing from academic research, historical data, and decades of experience, this episode covers: Why short-term returns are often just noise and how to focus on the bigger picture. The importance of a 20-30 year horizon for smal...

"Buy and hold investors don’t just win on average returns— they win by avoiding the behavioral landmines that sabotage long-term success.” Paul Merriman In this podcast Paul addresses one of the most important investment decisions a do it yourself investor will make. Paul opens the discussion with comments from a Forbes article from 2008 that discusses Warren Buffett’s market timing decision...

Watch 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 favor...

Watch video here This updated discussion of the Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio highlights the advantages of equity asset allocation and worldwide diversification. The presentation was presented to members of the Washington State Society of CPAs. At the end of the presentation Paul adds his list of 15 million dollar decisions that all investors will make in their lifetime.

Watch the video here Join 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 / CHAPTERS 00:00 ⛓️ Understanding Bonds and Young Investors 02:31 🌟 Introduction to Financial Literacy Titans 03:12 🎓 Paul Merriman's Financial Education Foundation 04:18 🧠 Rick Ferri and the Bog...

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 throu...

If a retired investor has the ability to use a flexible distribution strategy it will likely produce one of the best financial outcomes in retirement. Before discussing flexible distributions Paul lists the reasons he believes that 99% of successful long term depends on defensive steps. After listing 18 defensive decisions he explains why flexible distributions are better than fixed distributions...

The move from the accumulation to distribution period of an investors lifetime includes some very important decisions. What asset allocation between equities and fixed income? What combination of equity asset classes in the equity portion, as well as fixed income asset classes? What amount of distribution will be made annually? Will the payments be monthly, quarterly or annually? Will payments be...

Watch video here Young and first time investors have to address a number of monumental decisions.   How much money to save for the future How much they should invest in equities and bonds  How much of the equities should be in large, small, value, growth, U.S. and international asset classes How much to increase the investment each year This podcast/video helps the investor address those decisions...

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. Bonds The 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...

Watch Video here Chris Pedersen updates his recommendations and describes his selection process in an interactive presentation with Paul and Daryl along for the ride. This "Best In Class ETFs Recommendations" presentation is the 9th in the Boot Camp Series.  (We have not completed some of the earlier presentations due to the high interest in Chris' Best In Class Recommendations). The focus of each...

The 2024 numbers are finally in and we have produced the #1 investment decision in the  Bootcamp series. There is no question that the biggest lifetime decision an investor makes is the choice between the safety of bonds and the potential long term growth of stocks.  Here is a ⁠ link⁠ to the pdf of the set of slides Paul uses in the presentation.  The presentation includes the ⁠updated 1, 15 and 4...

The purpose of this podcast/video is to help investors understand the likely risk and return parameters of small cap value, S&P 500, 2 Fund Portfolio (50% each SCV/S&P) and 4 Fund Portfolio (25% each SCV/S&P/SCB/LCV).  In each case the best, worst, and average 1, 2, 3,  5, 10. 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 year returns are listed. The following tables are discussed: S&P 500 Historical Ris...