In this episode we celebrate some milestones and answer emails from Amy and John. We discuss the 10-year anniversary of Portfolio Charts, our one millionth download and Mary's good news about her CASA work. Then we talk about the parable of the Starfish Thrower, go on requested rant about personal finance hoarding cultures and financially privileged people looking for pats on the head and their willing AUM facilitators, and talk about how real happiness and legacies are created.
And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.
Additional Links:
Father McKenna Center Donation Page: Donate - Father McKenna Center
Portfolio Charts 10-year Anniversary Post: Celebrating 10 Years of Portfolio Charts – Portfolio Charts
Narrative Psychology: How to tell stories that give you meaning | Jane Goodall, Terry Crews & Dan McAdams
Parable of the Starfish Thrower: Starfish Story (aka The Star Thrower)
ChooseFI Pod #508: 508 | 5% SWR, Revealed Preferences, and the 3 Stories | Frank Vasquez
Bringing Up The Baileys: Melissa Bailey (@bringingupthebaileys_) • Instagram photos and videos
Come And Get It: Comeandgetit | Facebook
Breathless AI-Bot Summary:
What does it mean to create a meaningful legacy? Is it the money you leave behind, or something far more valuable that transcends financial wealth?
As we celebrate our millionth podcast download and the 10th anniversary of Portfolio Charts—a revolutionary tool that transformed how DIY investors analyze diverse assets—we're reflecting on what truly matters in personal finance and beyond. The real highlight comes from Mary's work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, where after three years of dedicated advocacy for five children in foster care, four were adopted into the same loving home. This embodiment of the "Starfish Thrower" parable reminds us that while we can't save everyone, making a difference for even one person creates ripples of meaningful change.
We take a hard look at the wealth inequality permeating financial media, where those with millions often dominate conversations while seeking validation for their already-secure positions. This echo chamber creates distorted priorities and revealed preferences toward death-focused wealth accumulation rather than life-focused enjoyment. In contrast, we share the story of Melissa—a woman who overcome tremendous hardships including foster care and the loss of a child, yet leads a joy-filled life despite financial constraints. Her legacy isn't measured in money but in traditions passed between generations while everyone is still alive.
Our portfolio reviews show mostly positive performance across various investment strategies, but the numbers pale in comparison to the real message: wealth isn't just what you have, but what you do with it. Whether you're struggling financially or blessed with abundance, your impact on others will always be your most valuable asset.
Join us as we explore what it means to live richly—not just by accumulating wealth, but by creating meaning. How will you throw your starfish today?
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