Paul Merriman

The Huge Need For Financial Literacy

Paul Merriman — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:00:04 +0000

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 listeners will get all 5 right, less than 10% of adults in the survey did.

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Passive Beats Active Big Time

Paul Merriman — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:00:11 +0000

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.

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Does It Pay To Be Top Dog?

Paul Merriman — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:00:26 +0000

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 in Top Dogs a path to superior returns, history proves otherwise.

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Does It Matter How Much You Care About Your Money?

Paul Merriman — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:00:22 +0000

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 not had professional advice. Paul makes the case that the biggest problem for do-it-yourselfers is they care too much about their investments. He believes good professional advice is a life changer for most people.

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Vanguard Value Index vs. Dimensional Large Cap Value Fund

Paul Merriman — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:00:06 +0000

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 fund earns over !% more per year, they qualify as savvy investors, unlikely to be sucked into the hype of Wall Street.

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Fighting for the Last Half Percent

Paul Merriman — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:00:36 +0000

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 funds, and why Vanguard continues to offer funds that are not likely to beat the indexs. This podcast is followed by a comparison of the Vanguard Value Index Fund and the Dimensional Large Cap Value Fund.

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Some Advisors Are So Deceptive

Paul Merriman — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 10:00:06 +0000

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 another misleading level. It's a vivid lesson in the high cost of not educating yourself about your own money.

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It’s OK To Use A Broker… But Know This!

Paul Merriman — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

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 retirement!

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How Much Higher Can The Market Go?

Paul Merriman — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:00:32 +0000

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.

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Market Hits New High – Time To Buy or Sell?

Paul Merriman — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:00:40 +0000

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!

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