In this episode we answer emails from Mikel, Garrison and Matt. We discuss our charity and some foundational episodes, the use of leveraged fund UPRO in the OPTRA sample portfolio, and the four phases of learning and knowledge in personal finance, which are (1) Baby Steps; (2) Shiny Object Syndrome; (3) Applying Formulas That Represent Sound Investing Principles; and (4) Understanding Sound Investing Principles And Applying Them Directly. And Mt. Rushmore and The Dog With The Longest Name.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional links:

Risk Parity Radio RSS Feed With All Podcasts On One Searchable Webpage: Risk Parity Radio RSS Feed (buzzsprout.com)

Father McKenna Center Main Donation Page: Donate - Father McKenna Center

Father McKenna Center Walk4McKenna Page: Walk4McKenna - Father McKenna Center

Amusing Unedited AI-Bot Summary:

How can long-term treasury bonds cushion your portfolio against turbulent market conditions? This week on Risk Parity Radio, we provide a detailed review of our sample portfolios, showing how treasuries have played a crucial role in mitigating recent stock market losses. We also share an inspiring email from Michael, a new listener who discusses his generous donation to the Father McKenna Center and highlights the upcoming Walk for McKenna fundraiser. Tune in to learn how you can support this meaningful cause while enhancing your understanding of risk parity investing.

Embark on a journey to financial independence with us as we dissect the critical stages and pitfalls along the way. We'll guide you through the initial "baby steps," cautioning against the allure of "shiny object syndrome," and emphasize the importance of transitioning to practical, DIY investment strategies. Discover the core principles of successful investing, such as diversification and macro allocation, that will empower you to achieve true financial independence and navigate your personal finance journey with confidence.

In a week marked by significant market declines, we analyze the performance of various portfolio strategies, highlighting the resilience of long-term treasury bonds and the impressive gains in diversified portfolios like the All Seasons and Golden Butterfly. Get an inside look at the new Optra portfolio, its composition, and its performance amidst economic fluctuations. We wrap up with an engaging tale about an extraordinarily talented dog, blending financial wisdom with light-hearted storytelling to keep you both informed and entertained.

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In this episode we answer emails from Brian, JD and Andrew. We discuss using leverage in portfolios (again!), gold ETFs and early retirement considerations and withdrawal strategies.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional links:

Yours Truly on the Forget About Money Podcast: 🎲 Risk Parity: The Secret to a 5% Safe Withdrawal Rate! | Frank Vasquez 🏆 (youtube.com)

Ben Felix Video On Leverage: Investing With Leverage (Borrowing to Invest, Leveraged ETFs) (youtube.com)

Optimized Portfolios Website: Optimized Portfolio - Investing and Personal Finance

ETF Database -- Gold ETFs: Gold ETF List (etfdb.com)

PHYS Fund Article: Tax Information - Physical Gold Trust (sprott.com)

Portfolio Charts Withdrawal Rates Calculator: Withdrawal Rates – Portfolio Charts

Portfolio Charts Retirement Spending Calculator: Retirement Spending – Portfolio Charts

Morningstar Report re Variable Withdrawal Strategies: Six Retirement Withdrawal Strategies that Stretch Savings | Morningstar


Amusing Unedited AI-bot Summary:

Ready to rethink your investment strategy? Uncover the secrets of leveraging your portfolio from insights gleaned from industry titans like Ray Dalio and practical advice for everyday investors. We promise you'll walk away with a new perspective on the benefits and risks of using leverage, tips on incorporating leveraged ETFs into your own portfolio, and a treasure trove of resources including the Optimize Portfolios site and an enlightening video by Ben Felix. This episode is packed with knowledge that can transform how you approach your investments.

But that's not all—we're spicing up this financial discussion with a revisit to one of the most memorable moments in film history. Relive the iconic scene between James Bond and Goldfinger, dissecting the thrilling exchange and the unforgettable line, "No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die." We'll break down Bond’s daring attitude against Goldfinger’s ruthless intent, highlighting why this scene is etched in cinematic lore. A blend of financial wisdom and pop culture nostalgia, this episode promises to both inform and entertain. Tune in and join the conversation!

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In this episode we answer emails from Phil, MyContactInfo, and Eric. We discuss implementing factor investing and making portfolio adjustments in a risk-parity style portfolio, HECOMs and other considerations about reverse mortgages and buffered products, the fundamental problems with IUL that need to be accounted for before using it, and just how rich you probably need to be to be using insurance products as investments. Hint: You are not that rich.

Links:

Swedroe Factor Investing Book: Your Complete Guide to Factor-Based Investing: The Way Smart Money Invests Today by Andrew L. Berkin | Goodreads

Long View Podcast About HECOMs: Don Graves and Wade Pfau: How - The Long View - Apple Podcasts

Andy Panko Cautionary Video About IUL: Beware of misleading Indexed Universal Life insurance ("IUL") illustrations (youtube.com)

Andy Panko IUL Critique On Big Picture Retirement Podcast: Unmasking the IUL Sales Pitch with Andy Panko (bigpictureretirement.com)

Private Placement Life Insurance: How Does Private Placement Life Insurance Work? - ValuePenguin

Amusing Unedited AI-Bot Summary:

Is your portfolio prepared for the next economic downturn? Join us on this episode of Risk Parity Radio as we tackle an intriguing email from Phil, a listener from Portugal contemplating a major portfolio overhaul. We dig deep into the nuances of factor investing, particularly momentum and profitability factors, and offer critical advice on the potential risks of reducing bond allocations in favor of equities. We emphasize the importance of leveraging financial analysis tools like Portfolio Charts and Portfolio Visualizer to make informed decisions, and stress the need for a balanced approach throughout both the accumulation and decumulation phases of investing.

We also navigate the labyrinth of investment strategies and financial products, evaluating the pros and cons of dollar-cost averaging amidst market volatility, and scrutinize costly options like Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance products. Highlighting the potential pitfalls of these profit-driven offerings, we advocate for well-diversified portfolios as the cornerstone of robust financial planning. Tune in to discover practical tips on managing taxable accounts, avoiding misleading insurance products, and achieving optimal portfolio performance, all while staying grounded in sound financial principles.

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