Shows / Sound Investing
Sound Investing
Weekly podcasts with Paul Merriman. Strategic planning for investing at every stage of life.
Episodes
Sound InvestingPaul Merriman on Money Life with Chuck Jaffe at FinCon
At FinCon, Chuck Gaffe- moneylifeshow.com sat down with Paul for a wide-ranging conversation about investing and financial independence. Paul shared insights…
Sound InvestingTwo Radical Investments – U.S. 4-Fund Portfolio vs. S&P 500
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…
Sound InvestingSaving for Retirement: 100% S&P 500 vs. 60/40 — A Lifetime Portfolio Comparison
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…
Sound InvestingThe Last Step To Successful Investing
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…
Sound InvestingThe Biggest Mistake Investors Make
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…
Sound Investing100% stocks, Crypto, customizing 4 fund portfolio and Bogleheads & more
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…
Sound Investing4 Portfolio Levels for Wealth Building
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…
Sound Investing10 Myths, Lies & Mistakes That Cost Investors Millions (with Don McDonald & Tom Cock)
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…
Sound InvestingFuture of Financial Literacy and Smart Investing
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…
Sound InvestingSmall cap value still the best , bonds and 2 funds for life Q&A
In this episode, Paul Merriman shares insights into upcoming events, including his presentation at the Garrett Planning Network Retreat, as well as his…
Sound Investing12 Million Dollar Decisions
In November 2020 The Merriman Financial Education Foundation released “We’re Talking Millions! 12 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Retirement.” The purpose of…
Sound Investing11 Q&A-Bonds, Rebalancing, All Value, Vanguard vs. Avantis & DFA
Many of you have been submitting thoughtful questions through our AI chat, particularly on fund selection, asset allocation, and broader investment strategy…
Sound InvestingAvantis Vs. DFA and the Winner Is?
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…
Sound InvestingThe SPIVA Report- Proof You Can Buy!
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…
Sound InvestingJune Q&A with Paul, Chris an Daryl
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…
Sound InvestingA Very Special Birthday and an investment choice forever
In this special episode, Paul Merriman reflects on six decades of financial evolution, sparked by his son's 60th birthday. He draws fascinating comparisons…
Sound Investing$100 a month to $37 million, Bear markets, Bogleheads and a free education
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…
Sound InvestingVanguard vs. Mutual Shares, Who is the Long Term Champ
In this episode, Paul Merriman details his upcoming presentations at Western Washington University, where he will be connecting with students, professors, and…
Sound InvestingWhich 60/40 Portfolio is Best?
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…
Sound InvestingMastering Patience: Insights for Long-Term Success in DIY Investing
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…
Sound InvestingMarket Timing vs. Buy & Hold: Why market timing fails the test for most investors
"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…
Sound InvestingFinancial Literacy and Mastering the Million Dollar Decisions
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…
Sound InvestingWSCPA- The ultimate buy and hold portfolio
Watch video here This updated discussion of the Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio highlights the advantages of equity asset allocation and worldwide…
Sound InvestingHow to Bake a Cake: An Asset Allocation Mashup | Rick Ferri & Paul Merriman
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…
Sound InvestingSmall Cap Value Showdown Between Financial Legends — (This Could Add Millions To Your Retirement!)
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…
Sound InvestingBootcamp #7 Flexible Distributions
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…
Sound InvestingBoot Camp #6 Fixed Distributions 2025 Update
The move from the accumulation to distribution period of an investors lifetime includes some very important decisions. What asset allocation between equities…
Sound InvestingBootcamp #5 Fixed Contributions Update 2025
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…
Sound InvestingBootcamp #4- Fine Tuning Your Asset Allocation 2025 Update
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…
Sound InvestingBootcamp #9 - Best-in-Class ETF Recommendations
Watch Video here Chris Pedersen updates his recommendations and describes his selection process in an interactive presentation with Paul and Daryl along for…
Sound InvestingBootcamp #1 - The Biggest Decision of All: Stocks vs. Bonds
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…
Sound InvestingThe Good, Bad, Ugly and Average Risk and Returns of Small Cap Value, S&P 500 and 2 and 4 Fund Portfolios
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…
Sound InvestingBootcamp #2 The Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio: Update 2025
This is the second presentation in the Boot Camp Series.Click for video. The first presentation (Stocks Vs. Bonds) will be available in the next two weeks…
Sound InvestingBootcamp #3 Sound Investing Portfolios
In this Podcast, Paul, Chris, and Daryl describe the Sound Investing Portfolios and their background, rationale, construction, and performance. 00:00 - Intro…
Sound InvestingThe Index Edge: Paul Merriman’s Investment Insights
In this insightful conversation, renowned financial expert Paul Merriman shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in investing. He discusses his journey…
Sound InvestingIntroduction to Boot Camp
The podcast starts with a brief history of the growth of the Merriman Financial Literacy Foundation. From it’s small beginning in December 2012, it has…
Sound InvestingWhy should small cap value make higher returns?
In this first Q&A podcast of 2025, Paul, Daryl, and Chris discuss several listener questions and expand on Paul's rebuttal of Big ERN's recent criticisms of…
Sound InvestingThe True Story About Small Cap Value
There has been a lot of anti small cap value articles and podcasts over the last several years. I have been asked many times whether I think the small cap…
Sound InvestingCould this be the #1 Reason to Invest in Index Funds? Part 2
On December 26, 2019 Paul recorded a podcast entitled, “Could This Be the #1 Reason to Invest in Index Funds?” We were shocked to learn that over 1,000,000…
Sound InvestingRisk with Paul, Daryl and Chris
Paul, Daryl, and Chris discuss the risks of investing and life. Paul starts with an introduction and admission of his challenges managing risks related to diet…
Sound InvestingQuestions from Paula Pant
While I was at the Bogleheads conference in Minneapolis earlier this year, I had a lengthy interview with Paula Pant. I enjoyed the interview and found lots of…
Sound InvestingInvesting at market high, market timing, best distribution strategy
The podcast is dedicated to answering questions about: Target date funds: “Do you think someone that simply maxes out their retirement accounts with target…
Sound InvestingThe Magic of Goal Setting
As this podcast is being released on Thanksgiving Day Paul begins by thanking those people who choose to follow the Foundation’s work, those who forward our…
Sound InvestingInterview with Brian Barnes, Founder and CEO of M1 Finance
Paul and Chris interview M1 Finance's CEO, Brian Barnes, and ask several listener questions. This is the follow-up to their previous M1 Finance 2024 update…
Sound InvestingCan we count on AVUV high performance in the future?
Paul mentions his upcoming presentation to the L.A. Chapter of AAII on November 16, 2024 10:30 to noon. Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls join Paul to answer…
Sound InvestingSelecting the best small cap value, gold and the challenges of buy and hold
On November 16, 2024 Paul will speak to the L.A. Chapter of AAII via a Zoom presentation. Here is the link: 2 Funds to Own Forever, and How to Invest in Small…
Sound InvestingThe 4-Fund Strategy That Beats the S&P 500
Watch the video here. Paul Merriman, a former wealth manager turned financial educator, joins us to share investing wisdom that could reshape how you think…
Sound InvestingPaul Merriman: Millionaire Index Fund Investing Portfolios
The Marriage Kids and Money Podcast is dedicated to helping you do just that. Each week, Andy Hill interviews personal finance experts, millionaire parents and…
Sound InvestingMorningstar How-To with Paul and Chris
Investors need to get past marketing and sales pitches to know what they're getting when they invest. Morningstar is a great place to get that depth. Paul and…
Sound InvestingThe Magic of Indexing
Paul updates his list of reasons to use index funds plus comparing the handful of Vanguard Small Cap Value ETFs (VTWV, SLYV, VBR AND VIOV) with the newer…
Sound InvestingM1 Finance Updated 2024
Chris & Paul walk through the changes to The Merriman Financial Education Foundation’s relationship with M1 Finance, including affiliate commissions, a new…
Sound InvestingLessons for Bogleheads
In preparation for his presentation at the Bogleheads Conference Paul reread John Bogle’s “The Little Book of Common Sense Investing” He has been recommending…
Sound InvestingPaul Merriman’s 12 Million Dollar Ideas for Investing Success
I had an amazing conversation with David Baughier on the Forget About Money podcast! We discussed my 12 One-Million Dollar Ideas for building wealth, the power…
Sound InvestingNew Table, SCV Returns, Hourly Advisor Recommendation
Paul starts the podcast with a discussion of his special presentation to the graduating nurses from the College of Nursing at Texas A&M. This presentation…
Sound InvestingDCA vs. Lump Sum, Not Trusting SCV, Maximizing Roth, Moving From Ultimate B/H to Smaller Portfolio and More
Paul starts the podcast talking about the upcoming Boglehead Conference (Sept.27-29) in Minneapolis. The following link lists the speakers and topics…
Sound InvestingDave Ramsey, Crypto Currency, Trusting Past Performance and More
Paul starts with a general discussion of the decision to trust recent returns or make investment based on longer term returns. He uses AVUV and ARKK as two…
Sound InvestingLeveraging ETFs, Moving from Cash to Equities, A Track Record You Can't Trust and more Q&A
1. My husband and I are moving to Fidelity to set up your Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio. How do we make the change from our holdings to your portfolio? Do I…
Sound InvestingGold, REITs, CDs, Glide Paths, Quilt Charts and More
1. What is the best glide path (asset allocation) for a 58 year old pre-retiree and then in retirement? This is the link for Chris Pedersen’s 2 Funds for Life…
Sound InvestingPuget Sound Q and A with Paul and Chris
On July 25, 2024 Paul and Chris made a presentation to the Puget Sound AAII. Paul spoke to the latest research on small cap value and Chris spoke to the latest…
Sound InvestingTruth Tellers on History of Returns & P.E. Ratios
In this podcast Paul discusses an article by Truth Teller Ben Carlson (The Biggest Winners in the Stock Market), regarding a study by Dr. Hendrik Bessenbinder…