Paul discusses his latest financial education program at Western Washington University and the results of a national financial literacy survey that indicates a huge need, even for people who are confident of their knowledge of financial topics. Paul gives his listeners the five easy questions that the survey listed. While he believes his [...]
The update on active vs. passive mutual fund management shows another surge toward index funds. The big news is that the second-largest pension fund in the country is considering putting all of its investments (now 50% indexing) into index funds.
A recent study concludes that future returns of the "Top Dog" in each industry are not as special as they likely looks to most investors. This study reflects some of the same outcomes of comparing future returns of popular growth stocks vs. out-of-favor value companies. While it is common to find investors who consider investments [...]
The large majority of people do not consult with a professional advisor about their retirement needs. Of course, retirement planning is not just about investing, but investing intelligently is what will make a secure retirement possible. About twice as many people who work with advisors feel secure about their financial future, compared to those who have [...]
This is the second of the two-part series on comparing the Vanguard Value Index Fund to actively- and passively-managed funds. Paul compares the Vanguard Value Index to the Dimensional Large Cap Value Fund. The reasons why the Dimensional fund performed so well had nothing to do with luck. Once investors understands why the Dimensional [...]
This podcast could be titled "fighting for the last half percent" or "Vanguard active vs. Vanguard passive." It compares three Vanguard Value funds, including the very famous Windsor Fund. Paul shows how and why, over the long term, the index funds wear down the competition. He discusses the seldom mentioned after-tax returns of [...]
Just because an advisor is non-commission – hourly or fee-only – does not mean they are operating in your best interest. Paul shares a story of how a trusting investor can be misguided, manipulated, and given horrible advice, and when her advisor thought she might be found out, she turn up the sales pitch to [...]
Paul sheds light on how different types of brokers are paid. Understand this, and you are likely to make the best choices for your financial future and work with a broker who truly operates in your best interest… not in the interest of himself and his firm. This can make a huge difference to your [...]
Paul discusses the history of the S&P 500, bull and bear markets, and evidence to help you consider your investment portfolio, personal situation and emotional responses to today's market. Don't forget to download your FREE COPY of the eBook, "101 Investment Decisions Guaranteed To Change Your Financial Future" at www.PaulMerriman.com.
With the market hitting new market highs, what should investors be doing? Emotional times in the market can help investors do very smart – or very costly – things for the long term. This podcast intends to help investors do the smart thing!
Continued from last week's podcast (Part I), Paul expands on his MarketWatch articles, giving you insights into the essentials of investing. He discusses such topics as: When do you have enough to retire? Not taking risk beyond what is necessary. The worst performance of any strategy is in the future. How to plan for the worst-case scenarios. [...]
Paul's MarketWatch articles, by the same name, are expanded upon in this podcast. Listen to the first five of 10 essential points every investor should consider. Paul's insights include: Why it is important to remember there is no risk in the past? Why is diversification the only free lunch? Why should Investors never take a [...]
Due to earlier concerns about the risk of loss, many of you are facing the challenge of not having your money fully invested. How do you get back in? All at once? That is dangerous, as you might buy-in right at the top, before a huge decline. Or a little bit at a time? That's [...]
Paul discusses the returns of his all-equity and balanced Vanguard Portfolios for the 10 years ending December 31, 2012.These returns were at least 1% better (annually) than all Vanguard competitors. Paul wants to make sure that investors understand where those extra returns came from, and the probabilities they will be repeated in the future. While [...]
This podcast gives greater insight into Paul's MarketWatch.com article, A Simple Secret to Retirement Investing. Paul believes that almost all successful investing is based on being defensive, not offensive. He discusses 10 simple defensive steps that almost guarantee long-term investment success.
Recent headlines at morningstar.com herald their "Fund Managers of the Year for 2012". As is often the case, these managers are those richly rewarded for their past performance. We all know we can't buy the past, but it doesn't stop investors from hoping the past is prologue. Paul discusses the performance of the hottest of the funds, [...]
Paul discusses the frighting forces that investors struggled with throughout 2012. While the "wall of worry" kept most investors on the sidelines, those willing to accept the risk were royally rewarded. After considering how the market did in 2012, Paul reviews the predictions he made over 10 years ago. Almost every one of his predictions [...]
Having recently created the Merriman Financial Education Foundation, Paul explains his plans for continuing to help you get the most out of your investments, with less risk and more peace of mind. In addition to his books, weekly column at Marketwatch.com, and many resources at www.PaulMerriman.com, the Foundation is funding development of a curriculum for non-business majors at [...]
Do active fund managers really make more money for their clients? Paul provides historical examples and suggests Indexes and asset classes that can provide you higher, safer returns.
Do you know your three main investment goals, and how to ensure you achieve them? Extrapolating on his recent Marketwatch article, "Beating The Market Is Easy", Paul discusses these goals along with the challenges of beating the market; and why most people who want to beat the market likely have different goals. Is your goal to beat the [...]
Want to get the best return at the lowest risk? In this podcast, Paul Merriman recommends the books every investor should read. Each book addresses one of the critical areas leading to better returns, taking less risk or, the best of all worlds, higher returns at less risk. With a total cost of less than [...]
Paul discusses his conversation with a 33-year-old man who was "freaking out" about his financial future, wanting to learn more and create a plan. Paul helps him determine how much he should have at 65, and the simple steps he can take now, as well in the future, to quell his panic and ensure a secure retirement. Listen and see [...]
"Market timing doesn't work"… or does it? Paul discusses the pros and cons of timing (mostly cons) and why few investors use timing successfully. He also discusses the differences between advice from Wall Street, Main Street and University Street and, for those who need to get higher returns, Paul offers one easy way to beat the [...]
In a new weekly column at MarketWatch.com, Paul suggested that one way to double your retirement income is to work an additional five years. The responses from readers ranged from outrage to bewilderment. In this podcast, Paul addresses these comments and elaborates on making life changing decisions to help ensure that you retire with "more than [...]
Paul's latest book in the "How To Invest" series educates investors as to how to select and get the most from your financial advisor. In this podcast Paul discusses the importance of your insights into the brokerage and advisor industries, and raises dozens of points you should consider to maximize your retirement savings… many of [...]
Paul discusses a recent study by Mark Hulbert of The Hulbert Financial Digest, which tracks the results of hundreds of financial newsletters. The study looks at the returns of cheap versus expensive newsletters. Which are better? Listen and learn the answer. By the way, if you like to root for the underdog or have a serious [...]
How do we know when historical trends have changed? Should the recent out-performance of the S&P 500 be enough evidence to put all of your money in this fund? Paul discusses the importance of understanding risk, historical probabilities, expected returns and the psychological implications of constantly second guessing a strategy. Paul also shares the story of "investor Hell" that [...]
Paul discusses the value of small cap stocks. He makes a strong historical case for ownership of this asset class for all equity investors. Join Paul and find out what long term returns should be in the best and worst market periods.
When putting together a financial plan, you will make assumptions about future returns. Most investors select one return to reach their long term goal. However, that's not realistic since investors, as they get closer to retirement, change their balance of fixed income and equity. Paul offers his approach, with the assumptions you can use to determine the [...]
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