Investment Expert: Starting Early is a $1 MILLION Decision | Paul Merriman

Get my Top 100 Books for FREE ↙️https://compoundingproject.kit.com/eba228c042Timestamps:00:00 Episode Trailer02:00 Intro to Wealth and Index Funds03:20 The Million Dollar Decision07:04 Investing Tips for Young Parents12:47 Saving When Money Feels Tight15:35 Stocks vs Bonds19:58 Rethinking Stock Market Risk24:36 Why Investing Is Easier Today27:06 How Fees Hurt Returns29:08 When Bonds Make Sense32:56 Investing Across Generations34:58 Portfolios by Age35:52 Starting Late in Investing41:05 Defensive Investing Basics42:10 Why Stocks Matter Most43:04 Beating the S&P 50048:09 Market Returns Explained51:22 Why Diversification Matters54:49 Fees and Long-Term Returns58:28 Small Cap Value vs Total Market01:03:25 Equal-Weight S&P 50001:08:36 Handling Market Volatility01:11:05 Picking Small Cap Value Funds01:12:50 Trust in Investing01:16:42 Hotseat Questions-------------In the 36th episode of the Compounding Project Podcast, legendary investing educator Paul Merriman breaks down what truly drives long-term wealth. Paul explains why starting early is often a million-dollar decision, how compounding does the heavy lifting over decades, and why low-cost index funds remain the foundation of smart investing.The conversation dives deep into diversification, the hidden drag of fees, and the role of small-cap value investing in building resilient portfolios. Paul also shares practical guidance for young parents, late starters, and anyone seeking financial freedom through disciplined, evidence-based investing. Whether you are just getting started or refining your strategy, this episode delivers timeless lessons you can apply immediately.-------------Key Takeaways:1. Starting early and staying consistent matters more than timing the market or picking individual stocks.2. Low-cost index funds and diversification are the most reliable path to long-term wealth.3. Small-cap value investing and minimizing fees can significantly boost lifetime returns.-------------Books Mentioned:- Your Money and Your Brain- The Psychology of Money- Thinking, Fast & Slow- Spending Your Way to Wealth-------------To watch such insightful conversations, subscribe to our channel now! Follow Paul Merriman On Social Media: ⤵︎📷 Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/paulamerriman2012📱 YouTube: / https://www.youtube.com/@PaulMerrimanSoundInvesting-----------To Know More,Follow Sathish Gajula On Social Media: ⤵︎ 📷 Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/compoundingproject📱 YouTube: / https://www.youtube.com/@compoundingproject• • •#podcast #compoundingproject #sathishgajula #mindset #habits #freedom #CompoundingProject #PaulMerriman #Investing #WealthBuilding #IndexFunds #FinancialFreedom #LongTermInvesting #Compounding #SmallCapValue #PersonalFinance #RetirementPlanning #FinancialEducation