

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

Jan 8, 2026 • 54min
Episode 477: Handling Midwest Mom, Some Book Recommendations, And Australians Trying To Beat The Market
Listeners get insights on helping cautious parents navigate high-fee advisors and the right investment strategies for retirees. Tactics for protecting elderly parents from scams are discussed, along with practical portfolio recommendations. The conversation shifts to advanced investing concepts, featuring book suggestions by renowned authors. They explore paths to market outperformance through concentration and leverage while critiquing traditional market-cap views. The episode emphasizes learning from past financial failures to build resilient portfolios.

Jan 4, 2026 • 51min
Episode 476: Come On Up To The House With Our Annual Portfolio Reviews For The Very Good Year Of 2025
This discussion dives into annual portfolio reviews, examining eight sample portfolios against commercial options. It reveals the surprising truth that many retirees struggle with underspending due to identity and fear. Notably, 2025 was a standout year for gold and bonds, with innovative strategies like the Golden Butterfly and Golden Ratio outpacing traditional methods. The conversation also highlights the risks of aggressive leverage, urging listeners to rethink their spending for a more secure retirement.

Dec 28, 2025 • 49min
Episode 475: Managing An Inherited Roth IRA, Roth vs. Traditional Tax Locations, Some Basics With Resources, And Portfolio Reviews As Of December 26, 2025
This discussion dives into the nuances of managing an inherited Roth IRA over a decade. It explores the challenges of asset location between Roth and traditional accounts, focusing on maximizing tax benefits. Insightful comparisons of international investment options like VXUS versus targeted tilts are shared. Listeners learn about effective drawdown strategies to preserve tax-free growth. Portfolio reviews round out the conversation, providing actionable insights into diverse allocation strategies and their market performances.

Dec 21, 2025 • 40min
Episode 474: Planning Around Taxes In Transition, Bitcoin FOMO, Living In A Trailer, And Portfolio Reviews As Of December 19, 2025
Listeners explore the myth of "never pay taxes" while transitioning to a Golden Butterfly portfolio. The discussion dives into managing taxable gains through strategic account placements and specific-lot sales. Bitcoin's volatility and speculative nature is examined, urging caution with allocations. Portfolio reviews highlight performance and strategies across various investment styles, including leveraged options. Additionally, engaging listener-created content adds a fun twist, enriching the financial discourse.

Dec 17, 2025 • 33min
Episode 473: Merry Christmas From Testfolio, More Cowbell, KBWP, And Fund Seeder Mania
Discover how tilting toward small-cap value can enhance safe withdrawal rates but also comes with risks. Explore the value of diversification between small-cap and large-cap stocks. Learn about the new Testfolio tools, allowing for deep historical analysis across 100 years. Uncover the benefits of property and casualty insurers for diversification, especially in turbulent markets. Plus, get insights on the trade-offs of direct indexing versus using ETFs and how to navigate tax implications for retirement accounts.

Dec 14, 2025 • 40min
Episode 472: A Field Day In New Jersey, Obviating Late Accumulation Risks, And Portfolio Reviews As Of December 12, 2025
Listeners get expert advice on maintaining liquidity over rushing to pay off mortgages in early retirement. The pitfalls of inadequate 403(b) options are tackled, with tips for improvement. A spotlight on efficient investment strategies reveals why ETFs may outperform traditional mutual funds. Tax-smart asset swaps and thoughtful withdrawal strategies are discussed to enhance portfolio management. Plus, a review of performance across various sample portfolios showcases effective wealth-building paths.

Dec 10, 2025 • 30min
Episode 471: Holy MiFID Quandaries, HGER, And The Desert Portfolio
Navigating retirement in the EU can be tricky for U.S. citizens due to MiFID regulations blocking U.S.-domiciled ETFs. The hosts offer practical workarounds using Interactive Brokers for a two-sleeve investment strategy. They also delve into the HGER commodity ETF, praising its rules-based approach and performance. The conversation contrasts commodity investments with managed futures and gold, arguing for better diversification. Finally, a critique of the Desert Portfolio provides insights into safe withdrawal rates, helping listeners refine their strategies.

15 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 49min
Episode 470: Short Term Bonds, A Growth Plan For A Late Starter, A Birthday Wish And Portfolio Reviews As Of December 5, 2025
This discussion dives into the impact of cash and short-term bonds on safe withdrawal rates. The hosts explore the flexibility of the Golden Butterfly allocation, emphasizing that it's a preference rather than a rigid rule. There's valuable advice for late starters on crafting a growth-focused financial plan. Humorous birthday wishes add a light-hearted touch, while insights into portfolio reviews reveal performance secrets and strategies for achieving reliable returns without risky stock picking.

17 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 39min
Episode 469: Risk Parity For Charity, Managing Indvidual REITs, And Reverse Glidepaths
Discover how risk parity portfolios can enhance withdrawal rates, making retirement smoother. Learn the art of managing individual REITs with tax-efficient strategies. The joys of giving shine through as planned generosity and donor-advised funds are explored. Unpack the reverse glidepath concept, offering a fresh take on asset allocation throughout retirement. Listen to engaging listener stories that demonstrate the value of diversification and meaningful contributions.

8 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 34min
Episode 468: Revisiting Listener Gambling Problems, Canadian Considerations, And A Visit To the Father McKenna Center
Listeners dive into the risky world of leveraged ETFs and Bitcoin wrappers, exploring the fine line between thrill and actual risk. Insights on owning gold in CAD versus USD entertain Canadian listeners, while preferred shares come under scrutiny as alternatives are suggested. Bouncing back to community impact, a heartfelt visit to the Father McKenna Center highlights how donations and volunteer work uplift those in need. The hosts emphasize the importance of genuine value in investments for lasting financial health.


