

Ask The Compound
The Compound
Welcome to Ask The Compound, the weekly show where Ben Carlson, Duncan Hill, and a rotating cast of financial experts answer your questions about investing and personal finance. Ben is a leading financial writer and the Director of Institutional Asset Management at Ritholtz Wealth Management. Duncan is a podcast producer and the Director of Creative Media at Ritholtz Wealth Management.See our disclosures here - https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/
Episodes
Mentioned books

25 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 40min
Is This a Bubble?
Bill Sweet, a seasoned Chief Financial Officer, shares his savvy insights on navigating today's financial landscape. He discusses the potential bubble in the U.S. stock market and how historical PE ratios can guide investment strategies. Sweet dives into the quirks of Roth IRAs versus 401(k)s, revealing surprising trends in retirement participation. He also humorously explores the forgotten financial accounts of lottery winners, advocating for wiser investment choices over mere chance. Tune in for tips on balancing portfolios and uncovering the hidden costs of tariffs!

11 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 36min
How to Buy a Porsche on a Honda Budget
Barry Ritholtz, Chief Investment Strategist and car enthusiast, shares his savvy insights on purchasing used Porsches on a budget. He discusses how to find a great deal for around $20,000 and highlights specific models worth considering. The conversation dives into the thrill of driving iconic cars like the 911 versus mid-engine models like the Cayman. Ritholtz also touches on broader investment strategies, underscoring the importance of aligning with financial advisors to ensure wise investing and personal satisfaction.

21 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 38min
How to Triple Your Net Worth in 5 Years
Callie Cox, Chief Market Strategist, joins to unpack how to triple your net worth in five years. She shares expert insights on asset allocation and the potential impact of AI on economic stability. The conversation also tackles the complexities of navigating market volatility and the importance of personal financial preparedness. Listeners weigh the pros and cons of paying off debt versus investing, and the episode concludes with thoughts on lump sum investing versus dollar cost averaging.

Aug 13, 2025 • 30min
Millionaire Financial Goals
Dive into the world of emergency funds and learn why a six-month cash reserve is essential. Discover the balance between indulging in luxury and maintaining financial stability. Get excited about investing in electric vehicles and classic cars as both thrill-seeking ventures and smart investments. Explore how to navigate the emotional challenges of investing, especially with major stocks like Apple. This insightful discussion offers practical advice for setting and adapting your financial goals as life evolves.

Aug 6, 2025 • 39min
Markets Are Crazy. Is This the New Normal?
Bill Sweet, CFO at Ritholtz Wealth Management, shares his expertise on navigating tax-optimized investment strategies and withdrawal techniques. He dives into the cyclical nature of market fluctuations and the challenges of retirement planning. The conversation also highlights the dynamics of advisor-client relationships, discussing what makes clients difficult. Sweet tackles the age-old debate of buying versus renting a home, weighing the financial and emotional factors involved in both decisions.

21 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 30min
How To Be Rich
Nick Maggiulli, RWM COO and author of The Wealth Ladder, dives into personal finance insights with hosts Ben Carlson and Duncan Hill. They discuss the nuances of wealth perception, especially how geographic location impacts financial feelings. The trio explores strategic asset allocation for high-net-worth individuals and the importance of long-term planning. They also debate the fun concept of "forever pricing" to lock in costs on beloved items. It's a lively chat packed with valuable financial wisdom!

19 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 37min
What’s the Best Time to Invest?
Discover the best times to invest, especially during market downturns, and learn about dollar-cost averaging for better long-term returns. Explore the complexities of employee stock options and the risks associated with investing in private companies. Delve into the balance between auto loans and market trends while evaluating financial flexibility. Uncover how retail investing strategies and technology shape market behaviors, and consider Bitcoin's role in portfolios alongside health and wellness automation for ongoing success.

10 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 33min
What’s the Perfect Level of Wealth?
The discussion kicks off with the ideal wealth level that can alleviate financial stress. Listeners get insights into misjudged perceptions of wealth, identifying an optimal range of $7 to $10 million. Personal stories add humor when talking about the challenges of investing in real estate and pet ownership. The hosts share their own experiences of retaking the CFA exam, exploring the emotional hurdles involved. They also touch on the complexities of navigating real estate agents in competitive markets, all while balancing financial comfort with personal aspirations.

21 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 39min
How Does the Big Beautiful Bill Impact Your Taxes?
In this discussion, tax specialist Bill Sweet, CFO at RWM, shares insights on how the recent Big Beautiful Bill impacts personal taxes, emphasizing that many tax cuts have been made permanent. He and the hosts analyze various provisions affecting families and seniors. The conversation also explores the potential for new investment accounts for newborns, advocating for financial literacy and future savings. Additionally, they discuss the trade-offs between traditional savings like CDs and alternative investments, all while addressing listener queries on effective investment strategies.

10 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 31min
Should You Invest in Stocks at All-Time Highs?
The hosts tackle the dilemma of investing at stock market all-time highs, offering insights on market corrections that can benefit long-term investors. They humorously link dating expenses to financial decision-making, especially for younger generations grappling with student debt. The podcast also discusses a shift toward trades over traditional degrees, emphasizing tailored investment strategies. Plus, listeners get relatable anecdotes about the hidden costs of home renovations and the emotional aspects of investing.