Paul Merriman

This is the first of a three-part series, laying the foundation for the upcoming “2 Fund for Life” strategy.  In this podcast, Paul discusses the mutual fund, index fund and target date fund, which have been responsible for some of the greatest wealth building for the average investor. In the case of the mutual fund and the …

As Paul is preparing to release a new investment strategy, in this podcast he discusses the nature of hypothetical returns. What numbers can we trust and what numbers might be unfairly biased? Also, he addresses 7 questions from his readers and listeners. 1. What are the steps to setting up the $3000 to …

Billionaire Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and one of the sharks on the popular CNBC show, “Shark Tank,” shares 10 things people need know to be more successful investors.  Some of them are spot on, while others will likely lead investors down a less productive path. In a couple of cases Paul totally disagrees. Here …

Ken Fisher is probably the best known independent investment advisor in America. At $70 billion under management, with 2,500 employees and a net worth of $3.8 billion, according to Forbes, he is likely also the most profitable advisor in the industry.  Fisher is considered the King of Marketing in the industry.  He advertises on national TV and in almost every …

From first-time investors to those on the verge of retiring with millions of dollars in savings, Paul's answers to questions from our listeners and readers contain something of interest for every investor. 1.  How different is the new secret strategy from what you are recommending now? 2.  Why would anyone want to take the risk of investing in the …

Paul speaks with Ed Fulbright, CPA and PFS – of "Meaningful Money” website and "Mastering Your Money” podcast – about how to invest in today’s market. Is the market ready to roll over and play dead after a very long period of record highs?  What should investors …

In this podcast Paul answers seven questions from his listeners/readers about bonds, Dimensional Funds, market collapse and correction, treasury funds, market timing and the Japanese market. 1.  Is a portfolio of 90% equities and 10% bonds too aggressive for a 38-year-old? 2.  Do you still recommend using Dimensional Funds even though one must pay an advisor to access them? …

In this interview with financial advisor Joshua J. Sheats, of Radical Personal Finance, Paul speaks of his early ventures on Wall Street and in manufacturing, what it was like to build an advisory firm in the 1980s, his life’s challenges, and the goals, affirmations and philosophies that continue to motivate his work …

Paul answers your questions about Vanguard balanced funds, including the pros and cons, how to select the best balanced funds, and how to match them to your investment goals and risk tolerance. He references the S&P 500 Equity Portfolio Fine-Tuning Table Vanguard funds: Balanced Index (VBINX) Life Strategy Income (VSCGX) Life Strategy …

This podcast was produced with an accompanying slideshow. Listen and watch here: Small Cap Value: What Could Go Wrong. Paul examines the historical and possible future risks and returns of small-cap value stocks as an asset class to help you determine its role in your portfolio – whether a young investor, in your working years, or a retiree. …

Paul is interviewed by George Grombacher, consultant, podcaster, writer and speaker, on his Money Savage Podcast. They discuss how bias can impact investing as well as every aspect of our lives, and how personal history impacts saving and investing behaviors. And Paul explains how the simplest answer is often …

Last week Vanguard announced they are adding 1,800 commission-free ETFs to their present line up. In this podcast Paul answers what this may mean for investors and three other questions from his listeners and readers: 1.  What impact t will the new ETFs have on the Vanguard portfolios? 2. What is the risk in a portfolio holding …

  In this interview with Pure Financial's "Today on Your Money, Your Wealth”, Paul discusses the truth on market timing vs. buy-and-hold – and explains why he still does both. Plus, he answers questions on collecting Social Security and a pension, rolling and converting IRA money, and whether there are financial perks to waiting until after …

  Paul answers questions from his readers and listeners. 1.  Can you recommend a portfolio of DFA funds? 2.  How does an investor choose between all value and worldwide equity portfolio? Paul references the following Tables:S&P 500 Equity Portfolio The Ultimate Buy-and-Hold Worldwide Equity Portfolio …

  Paul  discusses 15 investment myths that can cost investors a lot of money, with Ken Roberts, host of ‘Ken’s Bulls and Bears’,  The myths include:  Investing is just another form of gambling.  You don’t lose money if you don’t sell.  You should sell your losers and let your winners run.  Almost nobody beats the S&P 500. …