The Rational Reminder Podcast

Associate Professor of Finance, Valentin Haddad, discusses passive investing, stock market bubbles, and the impact of COVID-19 on investment-grade corporate bonds. Topics include market elasticity, strategic interactions, the rise of passive investing, and the relationship between innovation and stock market bubbles.

This podcast discusses the benefits of hiring a financial advisor, including getting expert advice for complex decisions, overcoming investor inertia, improving wealth and wellbeing, and planning for retirement. They also touch on the importance of a Trusted Contact Person, financial literacy, and the value of delegation. The hosts share personal stories, talk about challenges financial advisors face, engage in casual conversations about social media and trip experiences, discuss Nvidia's addition to the S&P 500, and touch on collaborative research on infinite banking.

Leading forensic finance expert Prof. John M. Griffin exposes financial scams in crypto markets, pig butchering scams, and fraud in Paycheck Protection Program during COVID-19. Discussion highlights importance of rigorous academic research in uncovering financial fraud and calls for robust oversight and transparency in financial systems.

Exploring the risks of trading options for retail investors, the impact of Roaring Kitty's recent trades, the demographics of current market traders, the expensive nature of options trading for retail investors, and the dangers of following successful traders without considering timing.

Professor Antoinette Schoar from MIT Sloan discusses target date funds, financial literacy, crypto trading, and private equity in an insightful conversation. She highlights the impact of target date funds on retirement savings, biases in financial advisor recommendations, and challenges in private equity investments. The discussion also delves into individual beliefs affecting investment decisions, household risk perception in housing investments, and the importance of regulation in maintaining market stability.

Podcast discusses robo-advisors like Wealthsimple and Wealthfront, their passive investment strategies, performance variations, and comparison with active bank mutual funds. Explores evolution, fee transparency, competition, and impact on the financial industry. Also touches on personal experiences with car leasing, Excel modeling, and project dedication.

Dan Bortolotti, Associate Portfolio Manager at PWL Capital, discusses DIY investing simplicity, asset allocation, index funds, fees, taxes, and performance insights. He shares his surprising advisor journey, evolution of index investing in Canada, and benefits of using asset allocation ETFs. The conversation also covers financial blogging evolution, transitioning to a family advisor, and the dedication and talent required for success.

Delving into life insurance calculations and capital gains exemptions, the podcast covers maximizing tax savings and understanding optimal coverage. Topics include using safe withdrawal rates, free resources for insurance costs, principal residence exemptions, and a financial 'Would you rather' game. Listeners can also expect insights on real estate investments, wealth management strategies, navigating capital gains, private credit investments, and the car leasing maze.

Wei Dai, Head of Investment Research at Dimensional Fund Advisors, delves into portfolio design, expected returns, risk, and costs. They explore factors impacting equity strategies, security weighting schemes, customizing factor exposure, premium timing strategies, and the benefits of diversification. The conversation also covers stock reversals, momentum, and the importance of research collaboration for optimizing investment portfolios.

Exploring the rise of private credit, its appeal to investors and businesses, and the risks involved with high fee structures. Discussion on proposed capital gains tax changes, the death of value, and more in the after-show section.