Episode 441: Three Milestones, Starfish, A Requested Rant And Portfolio Reviews As Of July 25, 2025
Jul 27, 2025
Celebrate milestones like a 10-year anniversary and a million downloads! Dive into the thought-provoking Parable of the Starfish Thrower, emphasizing small actions that make a big difference. Engage in a passionate discussion about the realities of wealth and the disconnect in personal finance conversations. Listen to heartfelt listener stories, including charity initiatives that make a positive impact. Finally, explore portfolio performance and investment strategies, revealing opportunities and risks in today’s market.
51:43
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Portfolio Charts Transform DIY Investing
Portfolio Charts revolutionized DIY investing by enabling robust analysis of diverse assets beyond stocks and bonds.
This tool helped Frank Vasquez develop better portfolio evaluation methods since 2015.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mary's CASA Advocacy Success
Mary Vasquez's three years of CASA advocacy helped four foster children get adopted into a loving home.
Her dedicated advocacy involved navigating bureaucracies and relentless support for the children’s well-being.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Amy’s Gratitude and Donation
Amy donated to the Father McKenna Center after being inspired by Risk Parity Radio and ChooseFI.
She credits the podcast for making her a better investor and preparing for early retirement.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
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.
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?
Risk Parity Radio 
