Paul shares his journey from active money management to becoming one of the strongest advocates for passive, buy-and-hold strategies. He explains why relying solely on the S&P 500 may not be enough—and how global diversification, small-cap exposure, and disciplined rebalancing can dramatically improve long-term results.
We also dive into: ~ Why investing doesn’t have to be complicated ~ The importance of diversification beyond U.S. large caps ~ The role of bonds in stabilizing your portfolio ~ What a glide path is—and why it matters as you age ~ International investing and risk reduction ~ How behavioral biases hurt investor returns ~ Why starting early is your greatest financial advantage
If you're new to investing or looking to simplify your strategy, this conversation will give you a practical roadmap to building long-term wealth with confidence.
📌 Whether you’re investing for retirement, financial independence, or generational wealth—this episode will change how you think about money.
00:00 The Simplicity of Index Investing 02:55 Paul Merriman's Journey to Passive Investing 05:51 The Evolution of Buy and Hold Strategies 09:05 Diversification Beyond the S&P 500 11:59 Building a Strong Portfolio 14:52 The Role of ETFs in Modern Investing 18:14 Understanding Small Cap Value Investments 26:48 Risk Management in Investing 30:08 The Importance of Long-Term Planning 33:01 Navigating Market Volatility 35:49 Preparing for Retirement 44:54 The Value of International Investments 53:22 Bonds and Their Role in a Portfolio 54:48 Decumulation Strategies for Retirement 01:10:44 Connect with Paul!
