

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

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.

13 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 39min
Episode 467: A Smorgasbord Of Retirement Account Management And Spending Tips And Portfolio Reviews As Of November 21, 2025
Discover how 72(t) withdrawals and asset swaps can grant early access to your IRA without penalties. Learn smart tax strategies for managing futures and treasuries, plus the best ETFs for parking excess cash. Dive into practical advice on adjusting your spending based on mandatory versus discretionary expenses. The hosts analyze listener portfolios, sharing insights on sustainable withdrawal rates, and whether to consolidate accounts with Vanguard or Fidelity. Wrap up with performance highlights from various portfolio strategies!

Nov 20, 2025 • 35min
Episode 466: TDFs, Managed Futures, Complex Trading Strategies, STRIPS And TIPS
This discussion dives into moving away from underperforming target date funds towards low-cost index options. It emphasizes splitting equity into growth and value segments to better mitigate drawdowns. Managed futures are explored as a strategic exposure tool, while options collars are assessed against simpler equity reductions. The complexities of momentum models are highlighted, alongside the inefficacy of TIPS in hedging inflation, identifying better alternatives like value stocks and managed futures for inflation protection.

Nov 12, 2025 • 46min
Episode 465: Working Through The Middle Muddle, Cool Animated Videos, And Analyzing Other Retirement Portfolios
The hosts tackle real investing dilemmas, from rebalancing intermediate portfolios to the timing of adding bonds before retirement. They explore whether a 100% stock portfolio can withstand withdrawals and discuss midlife work-family challenges. Favorite listener episodes get a shoutout, along with unique animated video recaps. Randy Thurman's All-Weather Retirement Portfolio is scrutinized, revealing potential shortcomings, while practical advice on improving retirement strategies takes center stage. Tools for DIY portfolio analysis offer added guidance.

14 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 47min
Episode 464: More Fun With Leverage, Bad Advisor Incentives, Working With A Substandard 401k And Portfolio Reviews As Of November 7, 2025
This discussion dives into the perils of using leveraged ETFs like UPRO, revealing how they can mask true risks during calm markets. It uncovers the biases built into financial advisory that often lead clients to underspend, highlighting the challenges of 401(k) options. The conversation contrasts a finance-first approach with the psychology-heavy tactics common in retail advice. Finally, performance reviews of multiple unique portfolio strategies illustrate how various allocations fare in current markets, shedding light on withdrawal strategies that impact resilience.

22 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 36min
Episode 463: Pros And Cons of Leverage, Tax Buckets, Small Cap Value And Retirement Spending Frameworks
Explore the pros and cons of leverage in retirement portfolios, including how it amplifies risks during withdrawals. Discover the intricacies of tax optimization through account buckets and learn whether to prioritize Roth or traditional contributions. Dive into the debate between small cap value index funds versus Avantis and DFA options. Finally, examine a hybrid annuity-and-withdrawal plan, focusing on balancing mandatory and discretionary spending to enhance retirement financial strategies.

15 snips
Nov 2, 2025 • 45min
Episode 462: Creating Your Own Sample Portfolio, Asset Swaps With Cash, Low-Bar-Setting Financial Advisors, And Portfolio Reviews As Of October 31, 2025
Explore the art of DIY investing with hands-on sample portfolios and innovative asset swaps for tax efficiency. Dive into critiques of the low withdrawal rates suggested by financial advisors and why a diversified, risk-parity approach can yield better results. Get insights on current market performance and the crucial role of holding underappreciated assets. Plus, enjoy detailed portfolio reviews, including the All-Seasons and Golden Ratio portfolios, showcasing performances and monthly withdrawals.

8 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 44min
Episode 461: Transitioning To Forever Plans, SCHD And Bitcoin, Our Purpose For Value, And When To Make Adjustments (Probably Never)
Explore the nuances of transitioning your portfolio into retirement, focusing on the critical shift to a retirement allocation before withdrawals. Delve into why Bitcoin isn’t a suitable replacement for gold in diversification. Discover SCHD's validity as a value fund choice, emphasizing lower volatility for stability. Learn about the misconception that retirement plans should only endure for 30 years and how they can truly last a lifetime. Finally, hear contrasting philosophies on portfolio strategies between different financial experts.

11 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 48min
Episode 460: Pulling The SWR Levers In A Retirement Scenario, Test Portfolios, HSAs, And Portfolio Reviews As Of October 24, 2025
Explore the art of retirement planning as experts dissect the three key levers of safe withdrawal rates. A listener's transition from a VTI-heavy portfolio to a modified golden ratio offers practical insights for resilience and tax efficiency. Delve into the strategic placement of treasuries and managed futures within tax-conscious accounts. The discussion also highlights the strategic use of Health Savings Accounts, including their benefits and limitations in retirement. Weekly portfolio reviews add context to the evolving markets.

10 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 46min
Episode 459: Kicks And Giggles With A Bogleheads Forum Thread And Practical Issues About Evolving From Accumulation To Decumulation
Explore the four investor levels, examining how identity can complicate investment decisions. Discover the principles behind portfolio construction, focusing on uncorrelated assets and macro-allocation. Learn about the Golden Ratio concept, not as a mystical formula but as a practical guide. Dive into trade-offs between VTI and VUG for smart retirement strategies. Unpack tax-efficient asset placement and the role of alternatives like managed futures and gold. Finally, understand how to apply risk parity for medium-term saving goals.


