The Long Term Investor

Dive into the concept of TACO investing, where political volatility creates market chaos. Learn why headlines often lead to overreactions and the vital difference between market movements and economic health. Discover strategies to maintain a long-term investment focus amid uncertainty. Explore how tariff announcements and policy shifts impact stock prices and why adapting to these changes is essential for recovery. Gain insights into the mindset required for thriving during turbulent times, including diversification and understanding economic indicators.

Brian Portnoy, a behavioral finance expert and author of 'The Geometry of Wealth', discusses a transformative approach to investing that prioritizes storytelling and emotional intelligence. He introduces a powerful five-step framework for financial advisors navigating market volatility. Portnoy highlights the evolution from classical behavioral finance to a more human-centered model, emphasizing the significance of empathy and better questioning. He also explores how AI can enhance client interactions while maintaining a personal touch in financial advice.

Navigating retirement during market turbulence can be challenging, but there are effective strategies to ease the anxiety. Discover the importance of having a solid financial plan and how a cash cushion can protect your investments. Bonds play a crucial role in maintaining portfolio stability, especially for those transitioning to retirement. The conversation also emphasizes the value of professional guidance to effectively manage withdrawals. Learn how to evolve your investment strategy to thrive, even when the market is unpredictable.

Mark Higgins, author of "Investing in U.S. Financial History", shares insights into how understanding historical market crashes can give investors an edge. He discusses the surprising parallels between past crises and today's economic climate. Higgins emphasizes the importance of investor psychology and warns against emotional decision-making. He explores how politics and inflation have shaped market behaviors historically. With pragmatic lessons drawn from financial history, he guides listeners on building resilient long-term portfolios.

Discover where your money really goes with a handy Cash Flow worksheet! Explore the debate between income-focused and total return investing. Learn why relying solely on dividends might increase your risks. Uncover how a total return strategy can offer more flexibility and sustainability for your retirement. The conversation dives into behavioral traps of the income-only mindset and offers practical strategies for retirees to optimize their portfolios while navigating market fluctuations. Embrace a more secure financial future!

Fran Kinniry, a Senior investment executive at Vanguard known for his expertise in private investments, joins the conversation to dissect the allure of private equity and credit. He discusses the trend of companies remaining private longer and the implications for public markets. Kinniry emphasizes the significance of understanding the illiquidity premium and the criticality of manager selection for successful private investing. He also explores how these assets might one day find a place in retirement plans, reshaping investment strategies for the future.

Where is your money really going? Most people are surprised when they track it. Use my Cash Flow worksheet to see exactly where your money is going—and how to make it work for you. Download it now. ----- When markets drop, many investors wonder if it’s time to take action—and “buying the dip” sounds like a smart move. But is it really? In this episode, I break down when buying the dip makes sense, who should consider it, and the math behind why downturns can offer some of the best opportunities for long-term investors. Listen now and learn: ► How often market declines actually occur—and why they’re totally normal ► A powerful equation that reframes expected returns based on recovery time  ► Specific strategies for buying the dip during both accumulation and retirement phases  ► The biggest mistakes investors make when trying to time the market Whether you’re saving for retirement or already living off your portfolio, this episode will help you understand how to take advantage of volatility—without abandoning your plan. Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this “post” (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.  

Get an inside look at what’s shaping my thinking. Bi-weekly, I share the top 5 investing and financial planning articles I’m reading—straight to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter. -----  Retirement planning isn’t just about numbers—it’s about lifestyle, relationships, and finding purpose. In this episode, I sit down with Christine Benz, Morningstar’s Director of Personal Finance and the author of How to Retire, to explore the often-overlooked aspects of retirement beyond just saving and investing. We discuss how retirees can prepare for the social and psychological shifts that come with leaving the workforce, why spending in retirement can be just as challenging as saving, and the biggest disagreements among experts when it comes to managing your money in later years. Listen now and learn: ► Why the transition from saving to spending is so psychologically difficult ► The importance of relationships and social networks in retirement ► The most debated strategies for generating retirement income ► How to prepare for the cognitive challenges that come with aging Tune in for an insightful conversation that will help you build a retirement plan that’s both financially sound and personally fulfilling. Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   (02:43) Introduction: Christine’s New Book & Why She Wrote It (04:57) Under-Discussed Factors in a Happy Retirement (08:19) Overcoming the Fear of Spending in Retirement (11:03) The Role of Relationships & Social Networks (13:47) Biggest Disagreements Among Retirement Experts (17:37) Should You Work Longer or Retire Early? (23:14) Christine’s Bucket Approach to Portfolio Withdrawals (28:56) What Was Missing from the Book? (32:16) The Future of Retirement Planning   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this “post” (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

If you want to see what you may be overlooking, I’ve created a simple tool to help. In just 15 questions, my Financial Assessment will highlight key opportunities and gaps in your plan. You can take it now at www.smartmoneyquiz.com.  -----  Want stock market returns without the risk? Options-based strategies promise just that—but do they deliver? In this episode, Peter breaks down how these products work, what the research says, and whether there’s a better way to reduce risk in your investment portfolio.   Listen now and learn: ► What most investors misunderstand about buffered and defined outcome funds ► Surprising data from real-world funds–and what it means for your portfolio ► Why paying for protection doesn’t always protect you ► A simpler (and often smarter) way to reduce equity risk.   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this “post” (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

Want to see what you may be overlooking in your finances? Discover your biggest opportunities in just 15 questions with my Financial Assessment.  -----  Markets are unpredictable in the short term, but history tells us that the long-term trend is clear.    Sam Ro, author of the TKer newsletter, joins me at the New York Stock Exchange to discuss the key principles that investors should keep in mind, regardless of daily market noise.    We explore the fundamental drivers of stock market returns, the importance of earnings, and the real risks that investors should focus on.   Listen now and learn: ► Why the long-term is undefeated in investing ► The reality of market volatility and short-term drawdowns ► How earnings drive stock prices over time ► Why the biggest risks are often the ones no one is talking about   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   (03:39) Understanding Market Noise and Long-Term Investing (09:36) Embracing Market Volatility as the Cost of Long-Term Returns (13:09) Why Investors Rarely Get ‘Average’ Returns (16:15) The Key Driver of Stock Prices: Earnings (21:24) Index Turnover: How the Market Evolves Over Time (24:53) Valuations Matter, But Timing Is Tough (27:25) U.S. vs. International Stocks: A Shifting Landscape (30:42) The Stock Market and the Economy Are Not the Same (33:12) The Real Risks Are the Ones No One Sees Coming Disclosures: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.   The commentary in this “post” (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.   References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here: https://peterlazaroff.com/disclosure-info