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- 🇺🇸US · Investing#1705K to 30K
- 🇮🇸IS · Investing#4710K to 30K
- 🇦🇷AR · Investing#513K to 10K
- 🇵🇹PT · Investing#693K to 10K
- 🇵🇱PL · Investing#1003K to 10K
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Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
7.7K to 30K🎙 Daily cadence·542 episodes·Last published today - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
26K to 99K🇺🇸30%🇮🇸30%🇦🇷10%+5 more - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
10K to 40K
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On the show
From 17 epsHosts
Recent guests
Recent episodes
Ben Carlson and Paul Merriman on Full Disclosure
Jun 24, 2026
Unknown duration
Evidence-Based Investing, Index Funds & Staying the Course
Jun 17, 2026
Unknown duration
Paul & Chris Tackle 10 of your Investing Questions
Jun 10, 2026
57m 11s
Mike Piper- Bainbridge Financial Literacy Series 2026
Jun 3, 2026
1h 34m 24s
Automating Your Portfolio: M1 Finance vs. Fidelity Basket Portfolios
May 27, 2026
45m 34s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/24/26 |  Ben Carlson and Paul Merriman on Full Disclosure | Paul Merriman joins host Roben Farzad on Full Disclosure for a rare conversation alongside Ben Carlson, director of institutional asset management at Ritholtz Wealth and author of the new book Risk and Reward: How to Handle Market Volatility and Build Long-Term Wealth. Roben called it a “truth teller tandem” — the first time these two have sat down together — and the result is an hour of warm, candid, data-grounded talk about how individual investors can actually succeed.The conversation opens with a great question: does a century of S&P 500 history mean anything when index funds didn’t even exist for most of it? Paul explains why those long-run numbers still matter — not as a promise of the next ten years, but as a guide to the full range of what markets can do. From there, Paul and Ben trace just how far investing has come since Paul entered the business in 1966: the death of the 8.5% sales load, the arrival of IRAs and 401(k)s, fractional shares, and commission-free trading. As Ben puts it, the barriers to entry have been bulldozed, and today’s investor has a better shot at strong net returns than ever before.But more choices bring more temptation. Paul and Ben dig into diversification as a risk-management tool — why a tilt toward small-cap value and a meaningful allocation to international stocks can pay off over a lifetime, even when the S&P 500 is dominating the headlines. They revisit the lost decade of 2000–2009, the lessons of Japan’s 1989 peak, and the hard discipline of rebalancing into the pain when an asset class is out of favor.They also get practical about the things keeping investors up at night: inflation as one of the biggest risks most people underestimate, the real trade-offs in today’s bond market and long-duration Treasuries, and an honest look at the FIRE movement — including why meaning, longevity, and a 30- or 40-year retirement complicate the dream of retiring early. Throughout, Paul shares his own story, including why, at 82 and with more than he needs, he still holds half his portfolio in equities because of a caution he’s carried since his twenties.Ben closes with the thought that may stay with you longest: the most important thing an investor can understand is not the market — it’s themselves. Knowing which mistake you’d regret more, and what you can truly live with, is the foundation everything else is built on. | — | ||||||
| 6/17/26 |  Evidence-Based Investing, Index Funds & Staying the Course | I recently sat down with Steve Chen on his Boldin Your Money podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about evidence-based investing — and why it matters more than ever in a world of speculation, hype, and constant financial noise. We covered my early days as a stockbroker in the 1960s, the psychology that trips investors up in downturns, how low-cost index funds transformed personal finance, factor investing and small-cap value, and why younger investors are being pulled toward gambling-like behavior through apps, crypto, and prediction markets. Whether you're just starting out or planning for retirement, I think you'll find it time well spent.KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED• The difference between investing and speculation• Why staying the course is emotionally difficult• Wall Street incentives and investor behavior• The origins of index fund investing• Factor investing and small-cap value explained• Why diversification matters long term• Rebalancing strategies and portfolio management• Financial literacy and generational investing habits• Why gambling behavior is becoming normalized• How AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are changing education• The psychology behind successful long-term investorsTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction02:55 Paul Merriman's start in investing05:20 Wall Street incentives and conflicts of interest08:35 Why investing is harder than it looks12:25 Investing vs speculation15:40 Why people panic during market crashes17:30 The psychology of staying the course19:10 Generational wealth and financial literacy23:40 The case for index funds28:45 Factor investing explained32:30 The four-fund portfolio strategy36:00 Rebalancing and long-term returns38:00 ChatGPT, Claude, and financial education42:15 Market valuations and investor behavior45:30 Building wealth intentionally49:00 Gambling culture and modern investing51:45 Teaching financial literacy to younger generations54:00 Final thoughts on long-term investingRESOURCES MENTIONEDPaul Merriman Foundation: https://www.paulmerriman.com/Try the Boldin Planner for free: https://go.boldin.com/podcasttep110Watch Video here- https://youtu.be/y_i5wrr_tfM | — | ||||||
| 6/10/26 |  Paul & Chris Tackle 10 of your Investing Questions✨ | investing questionsasset allocation+5 | Chris | AvantisDFA | — | asset allocationinvestor behavior+5 | — | 57m 11s | |
| 6/3/26 |  Mike Piper- Bainbridge Financial Literacy Series 2026✨ | financial literacyretirement planning+4 | Mike Piper | Bainbridge Community FoundationOblivious Investor+1 | — | financial educationretirement+5 | — | 1h 34m 24s | |
| 5/27/26 |  Automating Your Portfolio: M1 Finance vs. Fidelity Basket Portfolios✨ | portfolio automationinvestment tools+4 | Chris PedersenDaryl Bahls | M1 FinanceFidelity+6 | — | portfolio managementautomation+5 | — | 45m 34s | |
| 5/20/26 |  Bill Bernstein: 50 Years of Investing Wisdom✨ | investing wisdomrisk and reward+3 | Bill Bernstein | Bainbridge Community FoundationThe Four Pillars of Investing+1 | Bainbridge | investingrisk+5 | — | 1h 10m 43s | |
| 5/13/26 |  Boot Camp #9 - 2 Funds for Life and Target-Date Funds✨ | target-date fundsinvestment strategies+3 | Chris | WhartonMorningstar+2 | — | target-date fundssmall-cap value+3 | — | 1h 07m 54s | |
| 5/6/26 |  Q&A With Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls: Thinking Through Your Portfolio Choices✨ | portfolio designETF updates+3 | Chris PedersenDaryl Bahls | Worldwide Four FundU.S. Four Fund+13 | — | portfolio choicesETF updates+3 | — | 1h 00m 01s | |
| 4/29/26 |  2026 Best in Class ETF Portfolios✨ | ETF portfoliosinvestment strategies+4 | Chris | AvantisDFA+1 | — | ETFinvestment+5 | — | 59m 16s | |
| 4/22/26 |  Christine Benz: Practical Retirement Planning from Morningstar's Top Expert✨ | retirement planningfinancial literacy+3 | Christine Benz | S&P 500TIPS+8 | — | financial adviceTIPS+3 | — | 1h 53m 49s | |
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| 4/15/26 |  Larry Swedroe: The Evidence-Based Rules Every Investor Needs to Know | Bainbridge Financial Literacy Series 2026✨ | evidence-based investinginvestment strategies+3 | Larry Swedroe | Enrich Your Futurethe Bainbridge Community Foundation+7 | — | Bitcoingrowth stocks+2 | — | 1h 49m 58s | |
| 4/8/26 |  PlanVision: Low Cost Flat-Fee Financial Planning for Do-It-Yourself Investors✨ | financial planningdo-it-yourself investing+1 | Mark Zoril | PlanVisioneMoney financial planning platform+4 | — | eMoneyRoth conversions+3 | — | 1h 09m 32s | |
| 4/1/26 |  Paul Merriman on Managing $1.6 Billion But Never His Own Money✨ | money managementinvesting philosophy+1 | Brian HerriotKirby Denison | Time Freedomtimefreedombook.com+1 | — | John BogleEnough+1 | — | 53m 29s | |
| 3/25/26 |  Q & A Deep Dive✨ | portfolio comparisoninvesting for children+8 | — | Schwab fundscustom portfolio tools+1 | — | asset allocationdiscipline+2 | — | 36m 48s | |
| 3/25/26 |  DFA & Avantis ETFs: Building the Ultimate Lifetime Equity Strategy✨ | Factor-based vs. traditional index fundsAccessing DFA and Avantis ETFs+2 | — | Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA)Avantis ETFs+7 | — | — | — | 53m 43s | |
| 3/18/26 |  Flexible Retirement Withdrawals: Why Taking Less Can Give You More✨ | retirement planningwithdrawal strategies+1 | — | — | — | flexible withdrawalsfixed withdrawals+2 | — | 38m 10s | |
| 3/11/26 |  Boot Camp #6 Fixed Distributions✨ | retirement planningwithdrawal strategies+5 | — | S&P 500four-fund equity strategy | — | 3% withdrawal4% withdrawal+4 | — | 40m 25s | |
| 3/4/26 |  2026 Boot Camp #5 Fixed Contributions✨ | fixed contributionslong-term investing+4 | — | Roth IRARoth 401(k) | U.S. | boot campinvesting strategy+2 | — | 1h 05m 03s | |
| 2/25/26 |  Bootcamp #4 |Fine-Tuning Your Asset Allocation for Retirement & Long-Term Growth✨ | asset allocationretirement investing+3 | — | Four-Fund portfolioBoot Camp # | — | equitiesS&P 500+6 | — | 43m 33s | |
| 2/11/26 |  Boot Camp #2: The Ultimate Buy & Hold Portfolio | In this second session of our 10-part Boot Camp series, we dive into the piece that’s helped shape decades of investing decisions: The Ultimate Buy & Hold Portfolio.For nearly 30 years, this research—co-created with the late Rich Buck—has explored a simple but powerful question: What happens when you go beyond the S&P 500 and build a lifetime portfolio across 10 equity asset classes?Starting with data back to 1970, we walk through the math of compounding, diversification, and disciplined rebalancing. You’ll see how adding small amounts of large value, small cap, REITs, international equities, and emerging markets historically increased returns—without meaningfully increasing risk. The result? A dramatic difference over time, powered by patience and structure.Whether you’re new to these concepts or have followed this work for years, this episode breaks down the numbers, the lessons, and the real-world implications for long-term investors.This recording is also a tribute to Rich Buck—an extraordinary collaborator whose work on this topic has reached millions of investors.Download the tables and watch the video, follow along, and join us as we revisit one of the most impactful investing frameworks we’ve ever created—and set the stage for next week’s deep dive into the Sound Investing portfolios. | — | ||||||
| 1/7/26 |  What 2025 Taught Us About Investing (And Why “Normal” Matters) | For first-time listeners, welcome! In this opening episode of the year, Paul Merriman—founder of the Merriman Financial Education Foundation—looks back at 2025 to uncover what the markets taught us and how those lessons can help do-it-yourself investors make better decisions going forward.Despite endless predictions about what markets should do, Paul reminds us that his role isn’t to forecast the future—but to help investors understand risk, return, and how to build portfolios they can truly stick with.In this episode, Paul explores:A surprising result from the “Magnificent Seven” stocksWhy diversification mattered more than ever in 2025How different equity asset classes really performedWhat 56 years of data (1970–2026) tells us about staying the courseWhy portfolio structure matters far more than chasing winnersTwo very different—but valid—approaches to fixed income investingIf you want perspective instead of predictions—and data instead of hype—this episode is a powerful way to start the year. | — | ||||||
| 12/31/25 |  Pediheart Podcast #366: A Focus On Financial Health With Mr. Paul Merriman | The following are Dr. Pass’ note to his podcast: This week we end 2025 with a Pediheart tradition - an episode on personal finance for medical professionals with noted authority on index investing and personal finance, Mr. Paul Merriman. Paul is a retired investment advisor who now has a popular podcast "Sound Investing" and website in which he offers advice on investing for 'do it yourself' investors. In this week's episode, the 5th of his visits to Pediheart, Mr. Merriman discusses 'factor investing' via index-like ETF's and funds. He also reviews who he believes might benefit from a financial advisor, what sort of advisor most should seek out and why he believes that many do not need one if they can 'stay the course'. Resources mentioned in today's podcast are below. Wishing all a happy and healthy new year in 2026. Paul's website:https://www.paulmerriman.com/#gsc.tab=0'Best In Class' ETF's:https://www.paulmerriman.com/Best-in-Class-ETF-Recommendations2025#gsc.tab=0Sound Investing 'Quilt Charts':https://irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/(K)_Quilt_Charts_(1928-2024)_-_2024_Returns_(1).pdfDFA 'Turn Out The Noise':https://www.dimensional.com/filmAs a reminder, all of the information provided in this week's episode should be considered entertainment and all financial decisions should be vetted with professionals or knowledgeable and trusted friends/family. | — | ||||||
| 12/24/25 |  The Importance of Keeping Investing Simple! | In this episode, Paul shares the thinking behind what he believes may be one of the most important projects of his career—a project guided by a single goal:That every investor who follows our work will know how to invest for the rest of their life.To explain why that goal matters, Paul walks through the forks in the road every investor eventually faces—from betting on individual companies to owning entire markets, from chasing excitement to embracing simplicity.Drawing on real experiences, including private investments that went to zero and one that unexpectedly turned into millions, Paul explains why diversification beats prediction, how a simple portfolio decision may quietly add about 1% a year over time, and why many academics draw a clear line between investing and speculation.This episode isn’t about chasing returns.It’s about building a plan you can live with—through good markets and bad—for the rest of your life.If you’re looking for clarity, discipline, and a framework that helps you stay the course, this conversation is a powerful place to start.Next week, I’ll be reviewing what we learned in 2025—and what those lessons may mean for 2026 and beyond.Thank you, and happy holidays to you and your family. | — | ||||||
| 12/17/25 |  Paul Merriman on Long-Term Investing, Compounding, and Building Wealth | Compounding Project Podcast – Episode 36In Episode 36 of The Compounding Project Podcast, legendary investing educator Paul Merriman shares timeless insights on long-term investing, the power of compounding, and how everyday investors can build lasting wealth.Paul explains why starting early is one of the most important financial decisions you can make, how compound growth works quietly over decades, and why low-cost index funds remain the foundation of successful investing strategies.This episode dives deep into portfolio diversification, the hidden impact of investment fees, and the role of small-cap value investing in improving long-term returns. Paul also offers practical, evidence-based guidance for young investors, parents, late starters, and anyone seeking financial independence through disciplined investing.Whether you’re new to investing or refining an existing portfolio, this conversation delivers actionable lessons on building wealth the smart way.Starting early and staying consistent matters more than market timing or stock picking.Low-cost index funds and diversification are the most reliable tools for long-term wealth building.Small-cap value investing and minimizing fees can significantly increase lifetime investment returns.Your Money and Your BrainThe Psychology of MoneyThinking, Fast & SlowSpending Your Way to WealthWatch the full episode for expert insights on investing, compounding, and financial freedom.Follow Paul Merriman On Social Media: ⤵︎📷 Instagram: / / paulamerriman2012 📱 YouTube: / / @paulmerrimansoundinvesting To Know More,Follow Sathish Gajula On Social Media: ⤵︎ 📷 Instagram: / / compoundingproject 📱 YouTube: / / @compoundingproject Timestamps:00:00 Episode Trailer02:00 Intro to Wealth and Index Funds03:20 The Million Dollar Decision07:04 Investing Tips for Young Parents12:47 Saving When Money Feels Tight15:35 Stocks vs Bonds19:58 Rethinking Stock Market Risk24:36 Why Investing Is Easier Today27:06 How Fees Hurt Returns29:08 When Bonds Make Sense32:56 Investing Across Generations34:58 Portfolios by Age35:52 Starting Late in Investing41:05 Defensive Investing Basics42:10 Why Stocks Matter Most43:04 Beating the S&P 50048:09 Market Returns Explained51:22 Why Diversification Matters54:49 Fees and Long-Term Returns58:28 Small Cap Value vs Total Market01:03:25 Equal-Weight S&P 50001:08:36 Handling Market Volatility01:11:05 Picking Small Cap Value Funds01:12:50 Trust in Investing01:16:42 Hotseat Questions | — | ||||||
| 12/10/25 |  AAII Q&A Series (Part 3 of 3) | Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been recording a series of Q&As that came out of a presentation I gave in November for the American Association of Individual Investors — AAII.At the end of that nearly two-hour talk, I promised that I’d do a podcast answering every single question that came in. Well… there were 36 questions. That’s a little too much for one episode, so we broke them into three parts.This is Part 3 — the final 12 questions. If you haven’t heard Parts 1 and 2 yet, we’ll link those in the show notes so you can catch up.Before we jump in, I just want to say: I’m a huge fan of AAII. I started teaching their local chapters way back in 1984, and over the years I think I’ve presented to just about every chapter in the country — sometimes in person, sometimes by Zoom — but always to people who are genuinely committed to learning how investing works.If you’ve never checked out AAII, I’ll include a link in the notes for a low-cost trial membership. Take a look around and see if it’s a resource that fits your investing journey.Alright — let’s get to the last 12.Will you develop strategies using the equal-weighted S&P 500? 01:44Can you recommend advisors who follow your strategy? 07:20Should I move mutual funds to ETFs in taxable accounts despite taxes? 11:26With markets at highs, should I keep dollar-cost averaging or rebalance? 16:17What portfolio fits 10 years to retire and 20–30 years of decumulation? 24:08Will the configurator shift to only Avantis/DFA funds in 2026? 30:37What does “inflation-adjusted fixed withdrawals” mean? 33:56How should I invest an inheritance for kids/grandkids ages 2–45? 38:21Ultimate Buy-and-Hold vs. two- or four-fund strategies — which is better? 49:03Should political conditions change retirement portfolio decisions? 59:12How do I find a fee-based/hourly advisor (Rhode Island question)? 1:05:56Should very conservative 91-year-olds move beyond bonds and cash? 1:13:28Part 1 of the AAII Q&A Series Part 2 of the AAII Q&A Series AAII trial membership offer (the ~$2 first month deal) Boot Camp series hub Fine-Tuning Your Asset Allocation table / lessonSound Investing / portfolio decade return tables — Fixed vs. Variable Withdrawal episode/article H-2A table referenced in Q9 Chris Pedersen Boot Camp presentation (Two-Fund for Life) Garrett Planning Network advisor directory HelloNectarine hourly advisor platform PlanVision / Mark Zoril reference | — | ||||||
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9 placements across 8 markets.
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9 placements across 8 markets.