The Rational Reminder Podcast

David C. Brown, Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Arizona, dives deep into the world of target date funds (TDFs). He reveals the surprising underperformance and high fees that plague these common retirement investments. Discussion highlights include the challenges of benchmarking TDFs, variations in glide paths, and how active versus passive management affects returns. Brown also introduces innovative ideas like 'indexing the indexers' to improve outcomes. Plus, he shares a fun side project involving Excel competitions that puts a twist on finance education!

Louai Bibi, a financial planner at PWL Capital, and Ben Wilson, the head of M&A architecture at PWL, share valuable insights on asset allocation. They delve into how personal life stories shape financial decisions, emphasizing the delicate balance between stocks and bonds. The discussion covers Monte Carlo simulations, the psychology behind risk tolerance, and why diverse portfolios matter. They also highlight intriguing stock return outliers and discuss the impact of advisor alignment on successful wealth management.

Elie Hassenfeld, Co-Founder and CEO of GiveWell, discusses the intersection of data, ethics, and philanthropy. He explains how GiveWell uses rigorous evaluations to maximize the impact of charitable giving, advocating for transparency and moral considerations in donor decisions. Elie shares insights into the challenges of directing nearly $400 million annually toward effective health initiatives, the often-overlooked global health interventions, and the philosophical dilemmas faced in prioritizing interventions that save lives versus improving incomes.

Connor and Taylor Hewson, co-owners of TCM Financial Studio, bring their expertise in client-focused financial planning to the forefront. They discuss the recent study revealing that Canadian banks prioritize product sales over genuine advice. The Hewsons emphasize the importance of relationship-building, ethics, and higher educational standards in financial advising. They also reflect on their journey towards providing evidence-based advice and the impact of community initiatives, like the Blossom Investor Tour, aimed at empowering DIY investors.

Dave Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber and former star of Dragon's Den, shares his timeless financial wisdom shaped by years of simplifying personal finance for Canadians. He discusses the importance of understanding human behavior in financial decisions rather than just focusing on investments. Chilton dives into the hidden costs of homeownership, the debate between debt repayment and investing, and the significance of emotional responses in investing. Expect humor and relatable advice as he reflects on his journey and the evolution of financial literacy.

Celebrate the 7th anniversary with a dive into timeless investing wisdom. Discover impactful quotes that encapsulate key financial insights, such as the importance of saving early and the dangers of behavioral biases. The hosts discuss how psychological resilience and personal planning trump market predictions. Learn strategies to tackle investment fears and the benefits of passive investing. They emphasize the balance between confidence and humility, urging a focus on controllable investment factors. Tune in for a masterclass on applying these principles to your financial journey!

Join Jim Rowley, Vanguard's Global Head of Investment Implementation Research, and Andy Maack, Head of US Equity Portfolio Management, as they dissect the complexities of index funds. They reveal that these funds aren't as passive as they seem, discussing real-time trading decisions and active strategies that enhance returns. The duo explores risk management during secondary offerings, challenges the traditional active versus passive labels, and shares insights on how thoughtful execution adds real investor value. Get ready to rethink what you know about indexing!

Louai Bibi, a financial planner at PWL Capital, shares his wisdom on RRSP decumulation strategies and personalized insurance planning. He challenges the notion that early RRSP withdrawals are always tax-smart, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches based on client goals. Louai also delves into the intricacies of life, disability, and critical illness insurance, explaining why the right coverage isn't one-size-fits-all and how even the smallest policies can make a significant impact.

Scammers are hijacking trusted identities to exploit investors. The hosts reveal the tricks behind sophisticated scams, from fake WhatsApp groups to AI-generated voice clones. They share personal experiences infiltrating fraudulent trading schemes and discuss the psychology that allows these scams to thrive. Listeners learn essential red flags to watch for, emphasizing the importance of skepticism against enticing offers. The conversation highlights current regulatory innovations aimed at protecting vulnerable investors from financial fraud.

Rob Carrick, a seasoned personal finance journalist from The Globe and Mail, shares his hard-earned insights from 27 years in the industry. He discusses the evolution of financial advice, emphasizing the shift from mutual funds to ETFs and a DIY mentality. Rob highlights the unique challenges faced by young Canadians today and questions how inflation is reshaping economic realities. He candidly critiques the financial sector's support for seniors and reflects on the emotional pressures of investing in today’s world. His timeless advice offers valuable lessons for all generations.