Sound Investing

Paul Merriman interviews Larry Swedroe, renowned speaker and prolific writer on the science of investing, about his new, updated book, The Complete Guide to a Successful and Secure Retirement. But the discussion focuses on the validity of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, including the Dogecoin, the $36 billion dollar joke.  Larry wrote a blog about cryptocurrencies in 2017.  He stands by those statements.

The interview also covers the following topics:

• investor challenges with markets at very high prices and lower expected future returns
• Historically low bond yields and low expected future returns
• Steps investors should take to live in a period of lower expected returns

Additionally, Larry responds to questions from Paul and viewers about asset allocation, asset location for stocks and bonds, distribution limits, Roth conversions, considering Social Security as a bond, his own favorite asset allocation, future premiums for value and small cap asset classes, the importance of working with a fiduciary, the value of a family financial mission statement, how much to share with family members, reverse mortgages, the use of Monte Carlo studies, the role of annuities and many more important issues.

Read Larry’s article, “How to Treat Social Security and Your Home in Your Financial Plan,” which addresses how investors should consider Social Security in regards to their equity/bond asset allocation.

Paul strongly recommends the 2021 update of Larry’s book, The Complete Guide to a Successful and Secure Retirement, citing that investors will benefit from becoming aware of and avoiding at least 25 mistakes… every one of which is potentially  a life-changing move.  

This conversation was part of a free series Financial Literacy Month presentations, “Taking Control of Your Financial Future,” co-sponsored by The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, the Bainbridge Community Foundation and Library U, a program of the Bainbridge Public Library.