

Risk Parity Radio
Frank Vasquez
Risk Parity Radio is a podcast about investing located at www.riskparityradio.com. RPR explores risk-parity style portfolios comprised of uncorrelated or negatively correlated asset classes -- stocks, selected bonds, gold, managed futures, and other easily accessible fund options for the DIY investor. The goal is to construct portfolios that are robust and can be drawn down on in perpetuity, and to maximize projected Safe Withdrawal Rates regardless of projected overall returns.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 40min
Episode 455: Transitions, Calculators And Golden Bucketeering!
They dive into transitioning from a high-equity portfolio to a risk parity approach, especially with limited 401(k) options. A critical look at retirement calculators reveals their shortcomings and risks with parameterized returns. The playful discussion on bucket strategies questions their actual financial impact, highlighting their role as psychological tools rather than performance enhancers. Listeners gain valuable insights into navigating retirement planning complexities along the way.

Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 8min
Episode 454: A Master Plan For Mr. Bill And Portfolio Reviews As Of September 12, 2025
Join a deep dive into retirement planning where a data-driven approach meets real-life application with Mr. Bill. Explore the vital difference between risk and uncertainty in forecasting, crucial for financial success. Discover innovative strategies for portfolio management, including an emphasis on risk parity and thoughtful asset allocation. The discussion also highlights maximizing spending while maintaining flexibility in withdrawals. Plus, get insights on investment portfolios that are thriving in a bullish market.

5 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 56min
Episode 453: Managed Futures, Bengen's New Book, And Vanguard Personal Advisor Follies
Dive into the world of managed futures, a powerful yet misunderstood tool for diversifying investment portfolios. The hosts explore Bill Bengen's latest insights on retirement strategies, emphasizing the importance of incorporating uncorrelated asset classes. They also critically assess the pros and cons of Vanguard's personal advisory services, highlighting the complexities and pitfalls of relying on a single institution for financial advice. Listener engagement adds a personal touch, as discussions revolve around achieving financial independence and optimizing portfolio strategies.

Sep 7, 2025 • 36min
Episode 452: Thanks Again For Your Generosity, Avoiding Calculator Jockeys, Calculation Shortcuts And Portfolio Reviews As Of September 5, 2025
Listeners will be delighted as a generous fundraising effort for the Father McKenna Center brings in over $66,000. The hosts humorously dissect the pitfalls of financial advisors, exposing their calculator dependency and lack of curiosity. Technology is highlighted as an ally, with AI tools like Copilot elevating risk parity strategies. Engaging stories, including a whimsical ferry tale, underscore the community spirit. Portfolio performance reviews reveal the crucial role of gold, encouraging smart investment strategies for DIY enthusiasts.

Sep 3, 2025 • 40min
Episode 451: Market Musings And Entertaining A Ted Baxter Clone
Listeners dive into a lively discussion about small cap value investment and the unpredictable nature of financial markets. The hosts critique radio personalities' misleading advice while exploring the complexities of portfolio management. Insights on adapting investment strategies highlight the debate between traditional 60/40 portfolios and modern alternatives. Personal stories and listener interactions add charm, including advice on planning financial futures for special needs children. Humor and candid dialogue keep the conversation engaging and enlightening.

5 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 30min
Episode 450: International Funds, Nomads, New Vanguard ETFs and Portfolio Reviews As Of August 29, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of international investments as the hosts dissect the true drivers of stock performance, especially the impact of currency fluctuations. They provide fresh insights into new Vanguard ETFs and answer listener questions about optimizing international portfolios. A Canadian nomad seeks advice, while portfolio reviews showcase diverse strategies and highlight market performance for August 2025. Humor and engaging discussions keep the exploration lively, making complex financial concepts accessible and entertaining.

Aug 27, 2025 • 37min
Episode 449: A Transition, Personal Finance Is Still Finance, And Fun With Mary And Coaching Stuff
Listeners dive into the nuances of transitioning investment strategies as they approach financial independence. A critique of popular financial media reveals the need for deeper understanding over convenience. Joy in creative pursuits is celebrated, highlighting the importance of personal fulfillment beyond money. A guest from a nonprofit sheds light on the complexities of homelessness, advocating for compassion and community support. Engaging listener emails add a personal touch to the discussion, making for an entertaining and informative experience.

Aug 24, 2025 • 43min
Episode 448: The Problem With Simulated Crystal Balls, Cleveland Rocks, And Portfolio Reviews As Of August 22, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of investments as the hosts unravel the importance of historical data over simulated predictions. They tackle questions about managing inherited IRAs and 529 plans, highlighting key tax implications. Get ready for a nod to Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the joy of iconic music moments. They also review various portfolios, revealing promising trends in the current market. Expect engaging insights sprinkled with humor and a glimpse of exciting changes ahead!

Aug 20, 2025 • 29min
Episode 447: The OG Cowbell, Some Dueling Blog Posts, Spending And Enjoying More With Bill Bengen, And Musings About Gold 'N Bitcoin
Dive into the joy of 'more cowbell' and its cultural impact, sparked by a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Explore Bill Bengen's innovative ideas for retirement spending that challenge traditional portfolio strategies. Discover the intriguing dynamics between Bitcoin and gold as potential diversifying assets, along with critiques of conventional investment wisdom. Laugh along as lively listener interactions add humor to serious financial topics, blending fun and finance in a unique way.

Aug 17, 2025 • 37min
Episode 446: Managed Futures, International Bond Funds, Risk Parity Chronicles(!) And Portfolio Reviews As Of August 15, 2025
Explore the intriguing world of managed futures and their trend-following strategies that help navigate market turmoil. Dive into the revitalized Risk Parity Chronicles, where community feedback shapes valuable investment discussions. Review eight diverse portfolios, analyzing performance and strategies, with highlights on gold and market comparisons. Plus, enjoy a whimsical dream about economic scenarios while learning about a charity that supports the vulnerable in D.C. Embrace an engaging atmosphere mixing finance insights with community spirit!