Paul's Best
Investment Advice
The tools, calculators, and recommendations Paul Merriman trusts most — handpicked resources to help you build wealth, plan for retirement, and make smarter investment decisions at every stage of life.
PROVEN STRATEGIES, PRACTICAL TOOLS
Paul Merriman has spent over four decades studying what actually works in investing — and what doesn't. The resources below represent his most recommended tools for building, managing, and drawing down a portfolio. From specific ETF picks to interactive calculators, every resource is free, evidence-based, and backed by historical research going back to 1928.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED
Chris Pedersen's annual deep-dive into the top ETFs across every asset class. Paul Merriman's recommended picks for building the Ultimate Buy and Hold portfolio — updated each year with fresh fund analysis and current expense ratios.
View Recommendations → CalculatorAn interactive tool that helps you build a personalized asset allocation based on your target retirement date, risk tolerance, and the proven Merriman portfolio framework. See exactly how much to put in each asset class — at every age.
Open Calculator → CalculatorChris Pedersen's celebrated "2 Funds for Life" strategy in calculator form. See how a simple two-fund approach combining a target date fund with a small-cap value fund can dramatically improve long-term returns.
Open Calculator → CalculatorThe Merriman Foundation's flagship calculator. Model an entire investing lifetime — from your first contribution to your last retirement withdrawal — and see how different portfolios, contribution rates, and distribution strategies play out over decades.
Run the Numbers → Affiliate PartnerAn innovative, commission-free, automated online brokerage designed to help you build wealth by investing in a target allocation. Paul's recommended platform for do-it-yourself investors who want to put the Ultimate Buy and Hold strategy on autopilot.
Learn About M1 → Interactive ToolBuild and compare custom portfolios using historical data going back decades. Adjust asset class weightings, run side-by-side comparisons, and see exactly how different allocations would have performed across bull and bear markets.
Build Your Portfolio →THE MERRIMAN APPROACH
Every recommendation is backed by historical data and academic research — not hot tips, market timing, or guesswork.
No paywalls, no premium tiers, no upsells. The Merriman Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to financial education for all.
Whether you're just starting or already drawing down your portfolio, these tools give you the data and confidence to manage your own money.
READY TO PUT IT INTO PRACTICE?
Pair these tools with the Financial Education Boot Camp — a free, eight-module series that walks you step-by-step through building, managing, and drawing down a portfolio that lasts a lifetime.