Why Your Bond Questions Are Really About Cash (EP.235)

Get updates for my new book: https://Theperfectportfoliobook.com  -----  Bond ladders, bond funds, money markets—if those words have you second‑guessing your plan, this episode will clear the fog. Inspired by questions from my Perfect Portfolio book‑updates list, I explain why many "bond" debates are actually cash management problems in disguise—and how to build a simple system that helps you stay disciplined when markets get ugly. Listen now and learn: ► How to tell—quickly—whether you're making a portfolio decision or a cash decision ► The "comfort trade" most investors accept with bond ladders (often without realizing it) ► A simple bucket framework for protecting near‑term spending without over‑hoarding cash ► The one practical maintenance habit that keeps your plan from falling apart during downturns   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.  

Get updates for my new book: https://Theperfectportfoliobook.com  -----  Index funds are often pitched as the no-brainer choice for long-term investors—but are they the only rules worth following? In this episode, I use one of my favorite analogies to explain how indexing and factor investing evolved, how they differ, and how to decide which mix fits your goals and behavior. Listen now and learn: ► Why indexing became the "radar gun" of investing—and what it actually guarantees you ► The key trade-offs baked into market-cap-weighted index funds that most investors never think about ► What "factors" like value, size, profitability, and momentum really are (in plain English) ► A simple framework to know whether you should stick with plain indexing or consider adding factor tilts   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

You don't have time to sift through endless financial content. That's why I do it for you. Get my top 5 must-read articles every week in a quick, easy-to-digest email. Sign up for my newsletter. -----  Most of us feel like we "own the market" with a U.S. stock index and a core bond fund. But the real global market portfolio — the value of every investable asset in the world — looks very different. And once you see that full picture, it changes how you think about international stocks, alternatives, and how far you may be drifting from the true market mix. In this episode, I break down what the world portfolio actually holds today, how it's shifted over time, and how to use it as a guide for building a simple, durable portfolio. Listen now and learn: ► What's really inside the global market portfolio and how big each slice actually is ► Why stocks and bonds still dominate despite all the attention on alternatives ► Why a clean 60/40 mix can often beat the "own-everything" approach on a risk-adjusted basis ► How the U.S. became such an outsized share of global markets and what that means for diversification ► A simple framework for deciding when to add assets like real estate, gold, private markets, or crypto   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.  Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

You don't have time to sift through endless financial content. That's why I do it for you. Get my top 5 must-read articles every week in a quick, easy-to-digest email. Sign up for my newsletter. -----  Dimensional Fund Advisors' Marlena Lee joins Peter to unpack the SEC's share class exemptive relief—the change that lets one portfolio be offered as both a mutual fund and an ETF.    Listen now and learn: ► Why one portfolio offered as both an ETF and a mutual fund is a game changer for investors ► How the cash-vs-basket plumbing drives taxes and who ends up with capital gains distributions ► Simple rules of thumb for choosing ETF or mutual fund when fees and tax efficiency are similar ► What to watch as managers add ETF share classes Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   (00:00) Introduction (03:18) Why "share class exemptive relief" matters (and why investors should care) (05:37) How mutual funds and ETFs handle your money—and why that changes your taxes (10:26) Why the SEC's "exemptive relief" is a big deal: one portfolio, two doors—and better tax control (16:59) ETF vs. Mutual Fund: When Costs and Taxes Converge, Let Trading Style Decide (23:30) Not every fund should add an ETF share class—and why scale and long track records matter (33:34) SMAs vs. funds: when direct ownership adds real value Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

Get an inside look at what's shaping my thinking. Bi-weekly, I share the top 5 investing and financial planning articles I'm reading—straight to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter.  -----  In this rebroadcast, Peter sits in the guest chair to explain why he rarely recommends private markets—and the specific situations where they do belong. He lays out a clear filter built around liquidity, purpose, access, and behavior so you can decide whether private investments fit in your plan.    Listen now and learn: ► A simple decision framework for alternative investments ► Why Peter is more concerned with implementing a bad idea than missing out on a good one ► What makes venture capital investing hard for most investors ► The implications of more "democratized" alternative investment products   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

Your finances have layers—investments, taxes, planning for the future. If you want a second set of eyes, Peter opened up a few spots for a quick, no-obligation call. Grab yours now. -----  Equity compensation can turbocharge wealth—and taxes. Brooklyn Fi managing partner John Owens joins Peter to share a clear year-end playbook for RSUs, ISOs/NQSOs, and ESPPs, including how to avoid AMT surprises, right-size withholding, and unwind concentrated stock positions.  Listen now and learn: ► A simple order of operations for year-end equity comp decisions ► RSU withholding pitfalls (and how to fix them before April)  ► ISO/AMT basics and why late-year exercises can backfire ► How to build a rules-based plan, use 10b5-1 mechanics, and when donor-advised funds make sense   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   (00:00) Introduction (03:15) A hard-won lesson: when AMT grows larger than your stock (and what to do next) (04:21) Don't start equity planning on December 15 (really) (05:19) First move: build an inventory and triage the quick wins (08:18) AMT 101 for ISO holders: the "parallel" tax you don't want to pay (10:47) RSUs: why 22% withholding often sets up an April tax bill (12:24) ESPPs: capture the discount, control concentration (14:55) Designing a rules-based sell plan to unwind concentration risk (18:11) The base rates on single stocks: why a diversification plan matters more than a "feel" (20:42) 10b5-1 plans: automate good behavior and expand your ability to sell (23:31) Charitable giving with concentrated stock: donor-advised funds and timing across 2025/2026 (26:11) Family gifting: UTMAs, kiddie tax, step-up in basis, and multi-generational choice (27:28) The year-end document checklist most people miss (29:17) When to hire help (and when not to) (31:19) Biggest year-end mistakes to avoid Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

Want a peek behind the scenes? Get my top 5 must-read financial articles that keep me ahead on innovative planning and investment strategies—exclusive, curated, and straight to your inbox bi-weekly when you sign up for my newsletter. -----  Gold just cleared $4,000 an ounce while stocks hover near highs—a rare split-screen of optimism and caution. In this episode, I break down what's actually pushing gold up, stress-test its "safe haven" reputation, and evaluate whether it truly protects against inflation. We'll finish with a simple, rules-based way to decide if gold deserves a small place in a long-term portfolio—or none at all. Key takeaways: ► What's driving gold now: the role of central-bank buying, macro uncertainty, interest rates, and the dollar. ► Why "safe haven" isn't a free pass: what history says about mean reversion, drawdowns, and volatility. ► Inflation reality check: how stocks and real estate have delivered positive real returns when inflation is >4%—and why gold hasn't—plus when TIPS are the right hedge for specific future expenses. ► A practical allocation framework: when 0%, a small sleeve, or a strict 0–5% target makes sense—and how to set rebalancing rules so you can stick with the plan. Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

Most financial mistakes happen because people don't see the full picture. My Net Worth Worksheet helps you track everything in one place—so you stay informed. Get it now. ------ Money talks fall apart when couples keep score. In this episode, Heather and Doug Boneparth show how fairness—not 50/50—actually works in real life, and how power shows up through invisible labor, access, and decision rights. You'll hear practical ways to reset the dynamic so conversations feel collaborative instead of adversarial. Listen now and learn: ► A fairness framework to replace 50/50 splits and tit-for-tat bean counting ► How to surface invisible labor and shift from "tell me what to do" to true task ownership ► The anatomy of a money date (time/place, start with wins, then goals → cash flow → net worth) ► Reconciling different risk appetites by agreeing on shared capacity, timelines, and one step outside each comfort zone   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   (00:00) Introduction (02:45) Fairness vs. Equality in Couples' Finances  (11:24) Resentment Red Flags in Relationships  (13:47) Invisible Labor to Task Ownership  (18:26) Financial Transparency for Couples  (21:49) Money Dates That Don't Derail  (26:48) Different Risk Tolerances in a Relationship  (31:00) Co-Authoring Money Together  (33:32) Lightning Round for Couples   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

Get an inside look at what's shaping my thinking. Bi-weekly, I share the top 5 investing and financial planning articles I'm reading—straight to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter. -----  Markets have hit record levels dozens of times this year, and the headlines are filled with uncertainty. It's no wonder investors are asking whether now is the time to take some chips off the table. In this episode, I share what I told USA Today when they asked me the same question — and explain why new highs don't necessarily mean markets are due for a fall.  Listen now and learn: ► Why all-time highs are a normal part of long-term market cycles, not a warning sign. ► The behavioral traps that make investors most tempted to move to cash. ► How today's earnings growth and fundamentals are supporting market valuations.  ► Practical ways to stay disciplined — and invested — when markets feel uncertain.   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

Please rate and review The Long-Term investor in your favorite podcast app. -----  Author and illustrator Carl Richards joins the show to discuss his new book Your Money and the real conversations we should be having about finances. If you've ever wondered how to stop worrying about money and start using it intentionally, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about every dollar you spend. Listen now and learn: ► Why most people avoid the money conversations that matter most ► How to align your use of capital with what's genuinely important to you ► The power of micro actions and why small steps compound into lasting change.  ► A simple mindset shift that can transform financial stress into confidence and clarity   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   (02:23) The Conversations We Avoid About Money (04:16) Why Facts Don't Fix Feelings  (06:00) Simplifying on the Far Side of Complexity (10:13) Aligning Your Use of Capital with What's Important  (14:31)Financial Planning Is About Being Less Wrong Tomorrow  (18:22) The Illusion of Certainty and the End of History  (23:55) The "Presenting Problem" and What Clients Really Value  (27:42) How to Start Better Money Conversations at Home  (35:36) Micro Actions: Tiny Habits That Compound  (38:59) The Worry List: Nothing Is Helped by Worry  (41:22) Practicing Gratitude and Redefining "Enough"    Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.