Strategic Investing: S&P 500 vs Total Market

This chapter explores the strategic differences between investing in the S&P 500 and a total market index, emphasizing the nuanced benefits of a balanced approach. It highlights the potential advantages of including small-cap value stocks and international equities in a portfolio while discussing the implications for various investor demographics. Additionally, it covers the significance of asset allocation and tax-efficient investment vehicles, particularly for non-U.S. investors.

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#550: Paul Merriman, a former wealth manager turned financial educator, joins us to share investing wisdom that could reshape how you think about your money.

We kick things off talking about portfolio diversification. Paul suggests a simple four-fund strategy that includes large cap, small cap, and value stocks. He says this mix has historically beaten the S&P 500 with lower risk.

We then dive into international investing. Paul explains that while adding international stocks doesn't necessarily boost returns, it can help smooth out the ride. He keeps half his equity portfolio in international stocks, even at age 81.

Got kids? Paul's got some advice for you too. He tells us about putting money aside for his new granddaughter, aiming to fund her Roth IRA as soon as she can earn income. He breaks down how investing just a dollar a day from birth to age 21 could turn into millions by retirement age. It's a powerful lesson in starting early and the magic of compound interest.

We also chat about some common investing mistakes. Paul stresses that young investors often underestimate the power of stocks over bonds for long-term growth. He shares some eye-opening numbers: $100 invested in bonds since 1928 would have grown to about $12,000, while the same amount in small cap value stocks would be worth nearly $15 million.

Paul wants you to think of investing as a partnership with businesses. When you buy a mutual fund, you're becoming a senior partner in thousands of companies. At first, your contributions drive most of the growth. But over time, market returns take over, and you become the junior partner to a much larger fortune.

We wrap up with Paul sharing his excitement about a 40-hour financial education program he helped create at Western Washington University. It's designed to teach students essential money skills throughout their college years, from budgeting as freshmen to understanding 401(k)s as seniors.

Throughout our chat, Paul's message is clear: start early, stay diversified, and think long-term. He believes that with the right education and mindset, anyone can build a solid financial future.

4 Fund Combo Guide

https://www.paulmerriman.com/4-fund-combo#gsc.tab=0

Table Numbers

https://soundinvesting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Table-Numbers.pdf

Quilt Charts

https://soundinvesting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2020-Year-End-Podcast-Charts.pdf

Historical Risk and Return Tables

https://www.paulmerriman.com/historical-risk-and-return-tables#gsc.tab=0

Portfolio Configurator

https://lookerstudio.google.com/u/0/reporting/a941a5d4-0929-45ea-b22e-3bb82dc334ff/page/99wxc?s=hqmha3-AK5k

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