

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

Apr 16, 2025 • 28min
Episode 415: A Smorgasbord Of Annuities, TIP Ladders, Currency Speculations And Other Gambling Problems
Dive into a financial Q&A tackling the pros and cons of annuities, especially for elderly parents. Learn why TIPS ladders might not be the best long-term choice for everyone. Explore the balance of small-cap value funds and REITs, plus the risky world of currency speculation. Discover the intriguing GDE fund that merges gold with equities for high-risk portfolios. Finally, find out smart strategies for aggressive investing while managing the challenges of diversification and risk in today’s market.

Apr 13, 2025 • 29min
Episode 414: Another RPR Variation, More Cowbell, Accounting For Social Security And Portfolio Reviews As Of April 11, 2025
Listeners dive into aggressive risk-parity strategies, exploring the implications of unique portfolio compositions. The conversation also tackles the pitfalls of recency bias, emphasizing the need for long-term investment perspectives over immediate data. Social Security's role in retirement planning takes center stage, with contrasting views on its impact on portfolios. As the speakers navigate market uncertainties, they highlight the importance of adaptability and personal strategy in achieving financial goals. Get ready for insightful analysis and listener-driven discussions!

Apr 10, 2025 • 34min
Episode 413: Overcoming Financial Setbacks, Finance Board Follies, Inflation And Large Cap Growth Funds In Merriman Portfolios
This episode dives into the recovery journey from financial setbacks, offering practical advice for rebuilding wealth. The hosts bring humor into serious discussions, analyzing social media behaviors in finance and the Dunning-Kruger effect. They share insights on inflation, stressing diversification and the value of gold as a hedge. The conversation concludes with strategic ETF investment tips, favoring small cap and value stocks while promoting a balanced portfolio approach to navigate market volatility.

Apr 6, 2025 • 44min
Episode 412: Market Turmoil, Guardrails Withdrawals, Useful UK Sites, Bonds, Small Caps And Portfolio Reviews As Of April 4, 2025
Market turmoil takes center stage as discussions reveal the value of diversification in turbulent times. Personal withdrawal strategies are highlighted, especially the innovative guardrails method. The show dives into the importance of bond allocation and assesses the pros and cons of small cap growth versus value stocks. A riveting story of recovery from homelessness ties back to community support and financial planning. Listeners gain insights through portfolio reviews and performance trends, emphasizing the adaptability of investment strategies.

Apr 3, 2025 • 46min
Episode 411: Portfolios For Accumulators, Assorted Fund Considerations, And That Infernal Cederburg Thing That Won't Go Away
Dive into the complexities of investment strategies tailored for individuals at different life stages. Learn about a balanced approach to growing portfolios, with insights on managing real estate and securities. The hosts tackle listener concerns about long-term investment strategies and explore the nuances of diversification. They humorously discuss misconceptions while blending personal stories. Additionally, strategies for effective retirement accumulation using index funds and mindful fee management are highlighted, offering practical wisdom for investors.

Mar 30, 2025 • 33min
Episode 410: PHYS For Gold, AVGE For Stocks, Tail Risk Hedging And Portfolio Reviews As Of March 28, 2025
Listeners dive into the world of gold investments, comparing the Sprott Physical Gold Trust with traditional ETFs while debunking tax myths. The conversation shifts to portfolio management, highlighting the benefits of the AVGE fund and the delicate dance of risk and returns. Tail risk hedging also takes center stage, revealing its limitations and the importance of disciplined investing. Finally, an analysis of sample portfolios illustrates the power of diversification in navigating today's turbulent market.

Mar 27, 2025 • 34min
Episode 409: The PFFA Fund, TSP Allocation Considerations And Those New-Fangled Return Stacked Funds
Discover the ins and outs of preferred shares and the intriguing PFFA fund, which boasts high returns but comes with added risks. Learn the critical importance of assessing financial needs before diving into fund selection, especially when planning for retirement. The discussion also unpacks the fascinating world of return stacked ETFs, exploring their potential for diversification and long-term gains. With a pinch of humor and thoughtful insights, the conversation keeps financial literacy engaging and accessible.

Mar 19, 2025 • 20min
Episode 408: Rebalancing Frequency, Share Lending, Style Boxes, Strips, And The Golden Ratio Portfolio
In this episode we answer emails from Randy, Richard and Jamie. We discuss rebalancing frequency, share-lending at Fidelity, moves in Morningstar's style boxes and strips treasury funds vs. long term treasury bond funds.And we announce the new listing of the Golden Ratio portfolio at Portfolio Charts and thank Tyler and Van for that.Links:Father McKenna Center Donation Page: Donate - Father McKenna CenterGolden Ratio Portfolio at Portfolio Charts: Golden Ratio Portfolio – Portfolio ChartsGolden Ratio Portfolio Write-Up: Beautiful Constants and the Golden Ratio Portfolio – Portfolio ChartsKitces Article re Rebalancing: Optimal Rebalancing – Time Horizons Vs Tolerance BandsDiscussion of Changes to Morningstar's Style Boxes: Morningstar redefines growth/value style box criteria - Bogleheads.orgRisk Parity Radio All Episodes Feed Page: Risk Parity Radio RSS FeedAmusing Unedited AI-Bot Summary:Exciting news opens this episode as Frank announces the Golden Ratio Portfolio has been officially added to Portfolio Charts, complete with its own dedicated page and insightful write-up. This recognition represents a significant milestone for a portfolio strategy that has been a cornerstone topic throughout Risk Parity Radio's 400+ episodes.The heart of the episode focuses on answering thoughtful listener questions about portfolio management techniques. Randy inquires about rebalancing frequency and whether to participate in Fidelity's securities lending program for gold ETFs. Frank explains that while rebalancing more frequently than once a year generally doesn't improve performance, coordinating semi-annual rebalancing with tax planning can be advantageous. As for securities lending, Frank shares his personal experience that these programs work smoothly but typically generate minimal income—setting realistic expectations for listeners considering this option.A particularly detailed discussion explores the nuances between traditional long-term treasury funds and STRIPS funds (GOVZ, ZROZ, EDV). Frank clarifies that STRIPS-based ETFs typically move at approximately 1.5 times the rate of standard long-term treasury funds when interest rates change, effectively functioning as a form of leverage. This characteristic makes them valuable tools for tax-loss harvesting or creating more efficient allocations by achieving similar interest rate sensitivity with smaller position sizes. Rather than focusing on market timing for transitions between these instruments, Frank emphasizes coordinating such moves with broader tax management strategies—practical advice that demonstrates how risk parity investors can implement sophisticated portfolio techniques while maintaining tax efficiency.Want to connect with other Risk Parity Radio listeners? Frank announces a meetup at the Economy Conference at the Solari Hotel. Email frank@riskparityradio.com for details and to join the community of thoughtful DIY investors exploring alternatives to traditional asset allocation.Support the show

Mar 16, 2025 • 41min
Episode 407: Multi-Asset Funds Like GDE, "Life Cycle" Econ-Models, Historical Interest Rate Musings And Portfolio Reviews As Of March 14, 2025
Discover the pros and cons of the GDE ETF, a unique mix of gold and large-cap stocks. Explore the pitfalls of the life cycle model in personal finance, challenging its unrealistic assumptions. Learn how historical high interest rates might reshape investment strategies by providing significant returns on bonds. Delve into innovative hybrid funds that merge gold and Bitcoin for balanced risk management. Lastly, enjoy entertaining insights on portfolio reviews and engaging listener interactions.

12 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 28min
Episode 406: REITs, Vacant Land, Bitcoin Today And Eh, Steve!
This engaging discussion dives into the complexities of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and their essential role in diversified portfolios. It warns against investing in vacant land, highlighting the risks of illiquid assets. The conversation shifts to Bitcoin, exploring its new volatility and the implications for investors amidst corporate hype. Anecdotes and listener contributions add humor and depth, while strategies for managing portfolios, particularly in retirement, provide valuable insights. It's a mix of cautionary advice and insightful market trends!