
Two Quants and a Financial Planner
Two Quants and a Financial Planner bridges the worlds of investing and financial planning to help investors achieve their long-term goals. Join Matt Zeigler, Jack Forehand and Justin Carbonneau as they cover a wide range of investing and financial planning topics that impact all of us and discuss how we can apply them in the real world to achieve the best outcomes in our financial lives.
Latest episodes

Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 3min
10 Common Misconceptions About Factor Investing
In this episode, we explore common misconceptions about factor investing. We discuss why factors aren't less risky than the market, the challenges of diversification, and why adding more factors isn't always beneficial. We emphasize the importance of long-term perspectives when evaluating factor performance and the need for strategies to evolve with changing markets. We also touch on the emotional aspects of factor investing, the differences between academic studies and real-world implementation, and emerging ideas about factor design.
We hope you enjoy the discussion.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
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4 snips
Aug 13, 2024 • 60min
Inside the Recent Market Volatility | What You Need to Know to Navigate It
In this episode, we dive into recent market volatility and its implications for investors. We examine several intriguing charts highlighting unusual market behavior, including significant VIX spikes and their historical context. We discuss the importance of understanding market mechanics while maintaining a long-term perspective. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize key lessons for navigating turbulent markets: the value of education over ignorance, the danger of making impulsive changes, and the importance of aligning investment strategies with personal convictions. We explore how fundamentals continue to drive long-term market performance and why maintaining conviction in your investment approach is crucial during volatile periods. Finally, we stress the importance of understanding the potential downsides of your investment strategy and how they relate to your current life stage, reminding listeners that while market behavior may seem chaotic in the short term, a well-thought-out, long-term approach remains the best path to financial success.
We hope you enjoy the discussion.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/

Aug 5, 2024 • 1h 7min
Lessons from Jack Schwager | 10 Things Long-Term Investors Can Learn from History's Best Traders
Jack Schwager, author of the influential Market Wizards series, shares invaluable insights on trading and investing. He emphasizes that trading isn't for everyone and highlights the importance of learning from failure. The conversation dives into risk management, the psychological aspects of investing, and the necessity of reevaluating strategies as market conditions shift. Schwager's experiences underscore resilience and adaptability, offering practical tips for long-term investors to enhance their approach.

Jul 29, 2024 • 54min
What You Need to Know About Momentum Investing | Six Experts Help Us Understand the Basics
In this episode, we dive deep into momentum investing, bringing you insights from some of the smartest investors we know. We explore the fundamentals of momentum, breaking down its types and examining the academic research that supports its effectiveness. We discuss why momentum works, looking at behavioral explanations and comparing it to other investment factors. We also share ways to enhance momentum strategies, such as focusing on consistency and combining it with other factors like value and low volatility. Throughout the episode, we play clips from our interviews with experts like Sheridan Titman, Jack Vogel, Harin de Silva, Andy Berkin, Pim van Vliet and Wes Gray, providing you with insights on this powerful but often misunderstood investment strategy. We also address the potential downsides of momentum investing and the challenges of factor timing.
We hope you enjoy the discussion.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/

Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 2min
Practical Alternatives to the 60-40 Portfolio
In this episode, we dive deep into practical alternatives to the traditional 60/40 portfolio. We explore various approaches like the Permanent Portfolio, risk parity and return stacking and take a detailed look at how we build alternative portfolios for our clients. We also examine Nomadic Samuel's innovative work on building diversified portfolios using new ETF products. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of having a systematic process, understanding the risks and potential behavioral challenges, and considering factors like taxes and market regimes. While acknowledging that the 60/40 portfolio isn't "dead," we highlight how these alternative approaches can potentially improve risk-adjusted returns and provide better protection in different economic environments.
We hope you enjoy the discussion.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 8min
Eight Things We Learned from Our Interview with Mike Green | Practical Takeaways for Investors
In this episode, we dive into the key takeaways from our recent interview with Mike Green of Simplify. We explore several important lessons, including the need to be open-minded about new ideas in investing, the potential unintended consequences of passive investing, and the importance of looking beyond market aggregates. We discuss how these concepts apply to the average investor and what they mean in practical terms for portfolio management. We also touch on the double-edged nature of innovative investment products and caution against making hasty investment decisions based on election outcomes. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of understanding the "why" behind market movements and considering the practical implications of complex market dynamics for individual investors.
We hope you enjoy the discussion.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/

Jul 8, 2024 • 1h 4min
Our Biggest Takeaways from the First Half of 2024 | Inflation, Growth, Market Concentration
The podcast discusses surprising trends in the economy and markets of the first half of 2024, including sticky inflation and wage growth outpacing inflation. They delve into the extreme concentration of returns in the stock market driven by large tech companies, housing developments, bonds, and factor investing performance.

Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 5min
Lessons From Our Interview with Rick Ferri | The Benefits of Simplicity
In this episode, we dive into the key lessons from our recent conversation with Rick Ferri on the Excess Returns podcast. We explore Rick's approach to simple, low-cost investing and discuss how his insights apply to various investment strategies, including factor investing. We cover topics such as favoring simplicity, the enduring relevance of the 60/40 portfolio, the importance of fees, and looking to history for guidance. Throughout the discussion, we relate Rick's ideas to our own experiences in quantitative investing and financial planning, offering our perspectives on how these principles can be applied in practice. We also have some fun connecting each lesson to a KISS song. Our goal is to break down Rick's wisdom and show how it can benefit investors across different approaches and philosophies.
We hope you enjoy the discussion.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/

Jun 24, 2024 • 60min
A Practical Guide to the 4% Rule
In this episode, we explore the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals, discussing its origins, applications, and limitations. We delve into the importance of considering individual circumstances, market conditions, and the ability to adjust withdrawal rates over time. We also discuss the challenges of unsustainable withdrawal rates and the balance between sustaining one's lifestyle and leaving money to heirs. Throughout the conversation, we stress the importance of financial planning that goes beyond simple calculations, taking into account real-world factors and personal goals. We conclude by highlighting the need for flexibility and ongoing adjustment in retirement planning, using both quantitative analysis and practical considerations to guide decision-making.
We hope you enjoy the discussion.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/

Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 1min
What You Need to Know About Analyzing Backtests
In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the world of backtesting investment strategies. We discuss the importance of approaching backtests with a healthy dose of skepticism, as it's easy to create a backtest that looks impressive but may not hold up in the real world. We explore various questions to ask when evaluating a backtest, such as whether it accounts for human emotions, has a sound economic reasoning behind it, covers a sufficiently long time period, and includes periods of struggle. We also touch on the potential pitfalls of data mining and the challenges of creating a truly "pure" bet without unintended exposures. Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the need to understand the limitations of backtesting and to use it as a tool for learning rather than a definitive guide to future performance.
We hope you enjoy the discussion.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/