Q&A Follow-up: "Which Is The Best 1-,2-, 3- and 4 Fund Strategy?” Part 3

Paul is joined by Chris Pedersen, Director of Research and Daryl Bahls, Director of Analytics for The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, to answer questions from viewers of the AAII Webinar, "Which Is The Best 1-,2-, 3- and 4 Fund Strategy?” that Paul presented Sept. 23, 2020. While the presentation explored returns of 11 portfolios, from 1 to 4 funds, the focus was on the Merriman 4-Fund Combo. See all URL links below.

It is not necessary to watch or listen to the original presentation to appreciate this Q&A session, but it will likely be helpful. This is presented as both a podcast and a YouTube video. If you enjoy this, please like and share. Your engagement helps support our work…thank you!

Download a free PDF of all slides in the original presentation:
https://paulmerriman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/QA-Podcast-1-Charts.pdf

As the presentation included results for all 11 of what we call “No-Nonsense Portfolios,” several viewers wanted to know how the 10-fund Merriman Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio performed for the 1990-2019 period. In this Q&A we addressed that topic.

The following questions are from the live event’s audience:

1. Will you be developing small portfolios that include international equity funds?
2. Will you discuss your use of market timing, including how DFA uses market timing in their portfolio management?
3. With only 10 years left until retirement, how appropriate will the 2 Funds for Life portfolio be? • What is a safe withdrawal rate in retirement?
4. What do you recommend for a 50- to 60-year-old who wants to retire now compared to one who is 60 to 70? (The viewer adds he has a $3 million portfolio.)
5. How can you recommend bond funds when they pay such little income?
6. Do you like the Life Cycle Funds within the U.S. Government Thrift Savings Plan? Would you recommend the Small Cap Fund in the TSP for your 2 Funds for Life Portfolio?
7. Do you use equal weighted index funds in any of your 4-Fund Combo?
8. Do you always recommend rebalancing your 4-Fund Combo?
9. Where can I get a copy of your upcoming book, We’re Talking Millions! 12 ways to Supercharge Your Retirement?
10. What do you think is the best formula for the percentage you have in stocks and bonds? [See our Fine Tuning Tables and Distribution Tables]
11. What is the biggest mistakes young investors make?
12. I have fully funded my 401k and have more money to invest… should I put in taxable account or my wife’s 401(k)?
13. What books do you recommend?

Winning the Loser's Game by Charles Ellis

A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton G. Malkiel

Your Complete Guide to a Successful and Secure Retirement by Larry Swedroe

Your Money and Your Brain by Jason Zweig

Spending Your Way to Wealth by Paul Heys