Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Welcome back to the Bootcamp Series. In “Bootcamp #3: Sound Investing Portfolios,” Paul Merriman is joined by Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls to discuss key decisions every investor encounters—specifically, constructing a solid, diversified investment portfolio. Paul shares his experiences from learning at Dimensional Fund Advisors, developing his 10-fund strategy, and creating simplified portfolios with Chris and Daryl.
They examine the progression of portfolio design, simplifying concepts such as factor investing and asset class diversification for long-term growth. The discussion covers the transition from the 10-fund strategy to more straightforward two- and four-fund portfolios, including historical performance, volatility, and practical considerations of each method.
Designed for both experienced investors and those beginning their financial journey, this episode provides insights, performance comparisons, and practical advice to support informed investment decisions. The conversation includes a numerical analysis, the rationale behind each portfolio option, and guidance on selecting the most suitable strategy for your investing goals.
Chapters:
00:00 - "Boot Camp Investment Series"
06:11 - "Portfolio Construction and Market Factors"
07:24 - "Optimizing Portfolios with Fewer Funds"
10:59 - Teach Yourself Financial Independence
14:13 - Portfolio Comparison at a Glance
19:35 - "Diversified Investment Returns Overview"
20:55 - Diversification: Power and Drawbacks
26:35 - Market Cycles and Investment Strategy
29:36 - Investment Strategies & Portfolio Insights
34:22 - "Portfolio Allocation Insights"
36:44 - Evaluating New ETF Offerings
39:24 - "Preparing for Early Success"
Quotes:
"Understanding diversification helps you stay the course. It’s essential for a profitable and secure future, no matter the market."- Paul Merriman
"Embrace portfolio diversity to thrive through different market conditions and seize new opportunities."- Chris Pedersen
"Small shifts in your portfolio can make a big difference. Find the balance and strategy that brings you peace of mind."- Daryl Balls
Key Takeaways:
Bootcamp Season: Learning for a Lifetime
Simplicity Can Be Powerful
Factor Investing, Explained
Performance and Diversification
Personalization With Purpose
Tools, Transparency, and Updates
The Heart of the Message
Connect with Paul Merriman:
Website: paulmerriman.com
Email: paul@paulmerriman.com
During the Podcast the following tables were referenced:
✅ Table H1a - Sound Investing Portfolios: Asset Allocations (50% U.S. / 50% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H1A-Soundinvesting-10fcb10b.pdf
✅ Table H2a - Sound Investing Portfolios: Comparative Data (50% U.S. / 50% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H2a-soundinvesting-1119f9ad.pdf
✅ Table H3a - Sound Investing Portfolios: Annual Returns (50% U.S. / 50% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/h3a-soundinvesting-0a287542.pdf
✅ Table H4a - Sound Investing Portfolios: Quilt Chart (50% US / 50% Int'l)
irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H4a.pdf
✅ Table H1b - Sound Investing Portfolios: Asset Allocations (70% U.S. / 30% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H1b-c9f95018.pdf
✅ Table H2b - Sound Investing Portfolios: Comparative Data (70% U.S. / 30% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H2B-4cdb5a89.pdf
✅ Table H3b - Sound Investing Portfolios: Annual Returns (70% U.S. / 30% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H3b-1bf30cdf.pdf
✅ Table H4b - Sound Investing Portfolios: Quilt Chart (70% US / 30% Int'l)
irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H4b.pdf
Welcome back to the Bootcamp Series. In “Bootcamp #3: Sound Investing Portfolios,” Paul Merriman is joined by Chris Pedersen and Daryl Bahls to discuss key decisions every investor encounters—specifically, constructing a solid, diversified investment portfolio. Paul shares his experiences from learning at Dimensional Fund Advisors, developing his 10-fund strategy, and creating simplified portfolios with Chris and Daryl.
They examine the progression of portfolio design, simplifying concepts such as factor investing and asset class diversification for long-term growth. The discussion covers the transition from the 10-fund strategy to more straightforward two- and four-fund portfolios, including historical performance, volatility, and practical considerations of each method.
Designed for both experienced investors and those beginning their financial journey, this episode provides insights, performance comparisons, and practical advice to support informed investment decisions. The conversation includes a numerical analysis, the rationale behind each portfolio option, and guidance on selecting the most suitable strategy for your investing goals.
Chapters:
00:00 - "Boot Camp Investment Series"
06:11 - "Portfolio Construction and Market Factors"
07:24 - "Optimizing Portfolios with Fewer Funds"
10:59 - Teach Yourself Financial Independence
14:13 - Portfolio Comparison at a Glance
19:35 - "Diversified Investment Returns Overview"
20:55 - Diversification: Power and Drawbacks
26:35 - Market Cycles and Investment Strategy
29:36 - Investment Strategies & Portfolio Insights
34:22 - "Portfolio Allocation Insights"
36:44 - Evaluating New ETF Offerings
39:24 - "Preparing for Early Success"
Quotes:
"Understanding diversification helps you stay the course. It’s essential for a profitable and secure future, no matter the market."- Paul Merriman
"Embrace portfolio diversity to thrive through different market conditions and seize new opportunities."- Chris Pedersen
"Small shifts in your portfolio can make a big difference. Find the balance and strategy that brings you peace of mind."- Daryl Balls
Key Takeaways:
Bootcamp Season: Learning for a Lifetime
Simplicity Can Be Powerful
Factor Investing, Explained
Performance and Diversification
Personalization With Purpose
Tools, Transparency, and Updates
The Heart of the Message
Connect with Paul Merriman:
Website: paulmerriman.com
Email: paul@paulmerriman.com
During the Podcast the following tables were referenced:
✅ Table H1a - Sound Investing Portfolios: Asset Allocations (50% U.S. / 50% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H1A-Soundinvesting-10fcb10b.pdf
✅ Table H2a - Sound Investing Portfolios: Comparative Data (50% U.S. / 50% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H2a-soundinvesting-1119f9ad.pdf
✅ Table H3a - Sound Investing Portfolios: Annual Returns (50% U.S. / 50% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/h3a-soundinvesting-0a287542.pdf
✅ Table H4a - Sound Investing Portfolios: Quilt Chart (50% US / 50% Int'l)
irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H4a.pdf
✅ Table H1b - Sound Investing Portfolios: Asset Allocations (70% U.S. / 30% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H1b-c9f95018.pdf
✅ Table H2b - Sound Investing Portfolios: Comparative Data (70% U.S. / 30% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H2B-4cdb5a89.pdf
✅ Table H3b - Sound Investing Portfolios: Annual Returns (70% U.S. / 30% Int’l) irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H3b-1bf30cdf.pdf
✅ Table H4b - Sound Investing Portfolios: Quilt Chart (70% US / 30% Int'l)
irp.cdn-website.com/6b78c197/files/uploaded/H4b.pdf
