Episode 366: Avoiding Investment Scams

What happens when your favourite financial educator’s identity is hijacked by scammers? In this episode, Ben and Cameron pull back the curtain on a disturbing but increasingly common reality: sophisticated scammers using Ben’s name, voice, and online content to steal from unsuspecting investors. Ben breaks down exactly how these scams work—everything from fake WhatsApp investment groups and cloned emails to AI-generated voice notes and “pig butchering” scams that promise guaranteed returns. You’ll hear about pump-and-dump operations, shady PDFs full of financial nonsense, and how scammers prey on optimism, credibility, and fear of missing out.   Key Points From This Episode:   (0:04) Why the Rational Reminder podcast builds connections—and unintended consequences of trust (1:58) The hidden value of the podcast’s reach: referrals and relationships that can’t be measured (4:03) How a last-minute topic pivot turned into an urgent discussion on scams (5:24) Why investment scams are more sophisticated—and dangerous—than ever (6:16) AI voice clones and impersonation: How deepfakes make scams harder to spot (9:26) Why specific scam education works better than general warnings (12:29) Source credibility: Why scammers use trusted names to win trust fast (15:23) Ben’s firsthand story of infiltrating a fake “Ben Felix” WhatsApp trading group (19:57) Pump-and-dump in real time: How Ben tracked a fraudulent stock scam (23:39) The email scam that used Ben’s name to pitch “secret” investments (25:08) YouTube comment scams: the “fake advisor” trap and pig butchering explained (31:15) How scammers use financial jargon that sounds smart—but means nothing (34:52) The classic red flag: promises of guaranteed, high returns with zero risk (41:23) Financial planning hot takes: unconventional views from the Rational Reminder Community (49:44) Upcoming road trips and community meetups for Rational Reminder listeners   Papers From Today’s Episode: https://zbib.org/e42750e4157e468d83fc633b40ddb0d1   Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemind Rational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/

In this episode, we welcome back Rob Carrick—one of Canada’s most trusted personal finance journalists—for his third appearance on the Rational Reminder podcast. Rob recently retired after an incredible 27-year career at The Globe and Mail, where he shaped how millions of Canadians think about investing, advice, and their money habits. Rob joins Ben, Cameron, and Dan to reflect on the biggest lessons from his decades-long career, the state of Canadian financial advice today, and why young Canadians face headwinds unlike any previous generation. From the shift from mutual funds to ETFs and the rise of DIY investing to the dangers of overestimating stock returns and underestimating inflation’s bite—Rob shares practical, timeless wisdom for every generation of investor. We also hear Rob’s frank thoughts on how the financial industry fails seniors, why Canadians stick with the big banks despite better options, and what stay the course really means when markets inevitably crash again.    Key Points From This Episode: (0:00:04) Rob Carrick returns for his third appearance, marking his retirement from The Globe and Mail (0:06:39) Why it’s harder than ever to be good with money in the social media age (0:08:19) How longer lifespans are reshaping traditional retirement timelines (0:09:51) The evolution of financial advice: from mutual fund sales to real planning (0:11:45) How regulation, ETFs, and self-interest changed the advisory industry (0:12:45) The rise of DIY investing in Canada: from brokers to discount online platforms (0:14:51) Why some investors still struggle to embrace ETFs (0:17:11) The flip side of frictionless DIY investing—when simplicity fuels speculation (0:18:19) How realistic are today’s stock return expectations? (0:20:03) The true challenge isn’t average returns—it’s enduring the volatility (0:24:01) Why staying the course should really mean buying the dip (0:26:04) The generational reality check: how boomers bought homes and why today’s young people can’t (0:29:03) How advisors can adjust advice for younger clients facing new headwinds (0:31:39) Should 25-year-olds give up or go all in? Rob’s advice for young investors (0:35:29) The myth of home-run investing and why steady, boring investing works (0:37:04) Why inflation has done more damage than any stock market crash (0:39:50) How the financial industry ignores seniors—and what needs to change (0:43:32) Canadians’ blind loyalty to big banks and why you should try an alternative (0:46:29) How Rob will define success in retirement—and his parting advice for listeners Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemind Rational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Dan Bortolotti — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310 Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/ Episode 108: William Bernstein - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/108

In this episode, we’re joined by Martijn Cremers, Dean of the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and co-author of the groundbreaking 2009 paper that introduced the concept of Active Share. Martijn brings fresh nuance to the long-standing debate over active versus passive management, challenging decades of conventional wisdom built on the foundational 1997 Carhart paper. With his comprehensive research, Martijn argues that dismissing active management may be overly simplistic—especially in less efficient markets like bonds, small-cap equities, or emerging markets. Together, we explore how empirical support for passive superiority has softened in recent decades, the overlooked structural flaws in performance benchmarks, and how closet indexing quietly undermines the active management space. Martijn outlines the three pillars of active success—skill, conviction, and opportunity—and makes a compelling case for patient, high active share strategies that persist over time.  Key Points From This Episode:   (0:01:24) Introduction to Martijn Cremers and his influential work on Active Share (0:04:15) Breaking down the “conventional wisdom” on active management post-Carhart (0:07:19) Why passive benchmarks like Fama-French factors may create misleading comparisons (0:09:38) Reviewing persistence of outperformance in high active share funds (0:12:40) Evaluating Sharpe’s arithmetic and how market evolution challenges zero-sum assumptions (0:15:58) The long-term decline of active funds and the influence of concentrated indexes (0:18:30) The paradox of skill, ETFs with high active share, and the survival of active managers (0:21:18) Revisiting active management in underexplored asset classes: bonds, small caps, emerging markets (0:23:20) The definition and calculation of Active Share (0:25:01) Active Share vs. Tracking Error: complementary tools, not substitutes (0:27:22) What level of active share signals closet indexing? Why 60–70% is the key threshold (0:30:49) Performance persistence and why combining high Active Share with patience matters (0:34:05) The concept of the “active fee” and how much you’re really paying for stock selection (0:36:51) Why fund size and team changes can erode active share (0:38:17) Three pillars of successful active management: skill, conviction, and opportunity (0:40:13) The challenge of being a patient manager in an impatient world (0:42:25) How Active Share was received by academics and practitioners (0:44:18) Responding to critics: the 2016 FAJ paper “Deactivating Active Share” (0:46:56) Why dispersion in high active share funds can enhance portfolio diversification (0:49:21) Who should pursue high active share strategies—and who shouldn’t (0:51:40) Active share in fixed income: Why passive bond funds are often far from passive (0:53:51) Key structural differences between equity and bond indexing (0:55:25) Why bond index funds have high active share and hidden tracking error (0:57:36) Why positive skewness (a key argument for equity indexing) doesn’t apply to bonds (0:59:22) Performance of active bond funds: modest but consistent outperformance (1:00:02) Why active bond funds remain popular: liquidity, trading frictions, and benchmark limitations   Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Dan Bortolotti — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310 Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/ Episode 316: Andrew Chen - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/316 Episode 212: Ralph S.J. Koijen - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/212 Episode 220: Jonathan Berk & Jules Van Binsbergen - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/220 Episode 346: Hendrick Bessembinder - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/346   Papers From Today’s Episode: https://zbib.org/2224f8de634743fb8f33a68009b8fcff  

What if holding just a few “winning” stocks is riskier than it seems? In this episode, Ben and Cameron explore the hidden dangers of concentrated portfolios and unpack the data that makes a strong case for diversification. Drawing from research by Hendrik Bessembinder, J.P. Morgan, and others, Ben lays out the harsh reality behind individual stock returns: the odds are stacked against long-term success. From skewed return distributions and catastrophic losses to behavioral traps like the endowment effect and familiarity bias, this conversation breaks down why most stock pickers lose—and why diversification remains the only “free lunch” in investing. Whether you're holding onto a single stock for tax reasons, overconfidence, or just inertia, this episode is a must-listen reality check on portfolio risk. They also share thoughts on advisor adoption of indexing, the slow shift in Canada, and how a Rational Reminder YouTube video sparked debate between stock pickers and indexers in the comments section. For anyone navigating concentrated positions—voluntarily or otherwise—this episode is packed with data-driven insight and real-world takeaways. Key Points From This Episode:   (0:00) Welcome to Episode 363: catching up in person and the value of working together in-office. (1:07) Why advisors are slow to adopt indexing—and how culture, compensation, and inertia play a role. (2:58) Demand is rising: indexing awareness among young advisors and investors continues to grow. (4:08) Main topic: The hidden risks of individual stock concentration. (5:40) The Nortel example: taxes, timing, and the illusion of "free" stock. (6:51) Individual stocks are far riskier than most people realize—especially recent winners. (9:09) Most investors hold between 3–7 stocks. Why that’s a problem. (11:29) Portfolio concentration = fugu prepared by an amateur chef. (12:45) Diversification reduces risk without reducing expected return. (14:04) JP Morgan’s “Agony & Ecstasy” report: 44% of stocks suffer catastrophic losses. (16:26) Why investors overweight the chance of a big win and underweight the risk of losses. (17:07) The reality of skewed returns: a few big winners, many losers. (24:35) The 2023 study on concentrated stock positions: recent top performers underperform the most. (28:40) How many stocks do you need for real diversification? Way more than 20–30. (32:00) Wealth dispersion and the long-term consequences of concentration. (35:24) Why even 100-stock portfolios only beat the market 47.5% of the time. (36:55) Taxes, control, and psychological hurdles make diversifying even harder. (38:14) Diversification depends on your preference for risk and skewness—but beware the odds. (39:08) Behind the scenes: Ben’s research process and content development workflow. (43:14) Ben’s guest appearance on Morningstar’s The Long View. (44:00) Meetups, t-shirt scarcity, and what’s next for PWL outreach.   Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/` Episode 346: Hendrik Bessembinder - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/346 Papers From Today’s Episode:    ‘The Agony & The Ecstasy’ - https://privatebank.jpmorgan.com/nam/en/insights/latest-and-featured/eotm/the-agony-the-ecstasy ‘Why Index Works’ - https://www.top1000funds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Why-indexing-works.pdf ‘Underperformance of Concentrated Stock Positions’ - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4541122 ‘How Many Stocks Should You Own?’ - https://ndvr.com/journal/how-many-stocks-should-you-own ‘Fund Concentration: A Magnifier of Manager Skill’ - https://discovery.researcher.life/article/fund-concentration-a-magnifier-of-manager-skill/67964b7ccc9d3cae87761f6ef19241a0

What if the hardest part of investing isn’t building a portfolio—but sticking to it? In this AMA edition of the Rational Reminder podcast, Ben Felix and Dan Bortolotti tackle listener questions ranging from sustainable retirement withdrawals to the dangers of structured products, with plenty of philosophical insights on risk, behavior, and financial planning. The episode opens with a deep dive into the 4% rule, exploring how time horizon, asset allocation, and global data can shift the definition of “safe.” They also explore the behavioral challenges of the “boring middle” of investing and why consistency may be the greatest alpha. Other standout segments include a sharp critique of bank-sold structured notes, an evidence-based takedown of trend following, and a fascinating discussion on the long-term impact of demographic shifts and index investing. Throughout, Ben and Dan blend technical insight with practical wisdom and academic research, delivering a thoughtful and entertaining conversation for both DIY investors and those working with advisors.   Key Points From This Episode: (0:01:07) What the latest data says about safe withdrawal rates, especially for early retirees with 100% equity exposure. (0:08:45) How variable vs. fixed withdrawals affect outcomes—and the trade-offs retirees must consider. (0:17:01) The behavioral risks of the “boring middle” and how automation or advice helps investors stay disciplined. (0:26:13) Reflections on market crashes—why hindsight downplays the emotional reality of volatility. (0:33:27) Commission conflicts: Why bank advisors push structured notes and the incentives behind them. (0:44:22) Education vs. malice: Are bad financial advisors untrained, conflicted, or both? (0:49:08) Are structured notes ever justified? (Spoiler: very rarely.) (0:56:44) Trend following: Legitimate strategy or fancy market timing? Examining the live track records. (1:02:52) Diversifying your life like a portfolio: Applying the PERMA model to personal growth. (1:10:18) The one use of leverage that actually makes sense—and why most others don’t. (1:14:20) Will aging demographics crash ETF markets? What the data and theory suggest. (1:19:02) Why even complex macro trends don’t justify deviating from a simple, low-cost investment plan.   Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemind Rational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Dan Bortolotti — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310 Episode 261: Felix Fattinger - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/261 Episode 314: Valentin Haddad - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/314 Episode 302: Michael Green - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/302 Episode 222: Cassie Holmes - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/222 Episode 278: Juhani Linnainmaa - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/278 Episode 212: Ralph S.J. Koijen - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/212 Episode 322: Marco Sammon — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/322Marco Sammon  

Today, Ben plays lone host for the first time as we welcome Alex Edmans to the show. Alex is a Professor of Finance at London Business School as well as an accomplished speaker, author, investment banker, and financial advisor. To start, Alex describes his involvement in the formation of a new law in the UK before defining ‘misinformation’ and where confirmation bias fits in. Then, we assess the impact severity of confirmation bias, biased search versus biased interpretation, the role of generative AI in confirmation bias, and the levels of susceptibility within confirmation bias. We also explore the role of black-and-white thinking in concealing the truth, Alex’s Ladder of Misinference as seen in May Contain Lies, the 10,000-hour rule and other famous statements of misinformation, and how the idea of a narrative may influence how people interpret and misinterpret facts. We end with how to guard against the plague of data mining in research, data as evidence and what this implies for evidence in financial economics, and Alex shares helpful advice for determining truth in any circumstance.   Key Points From This Episode:   (0:03:27) Alex Edmans walks us through the erroneous evidence that influenced a new UK law. (0:07:13) Misinformation; living in a post-truth world; and where confirmation bias fits in. (0:12:06) The severity of confirmation bias, and biased search versus biased interpretation. (0:18:19) Unpacking generative AI and the susceptibility thresholds of confirmation bias.   (0:21:25) How black-and-white thinking makes the truth more elusive. (0:25:40) Understanding Alex’s Ladder of Misinference as seen in May Contain Lies. (0:28:17) Debunking the 10,000-hour rule and other enduring statements of misinformation. (0:38:10) The second step on the Ladder of Misinference: Why facts are not data. (0:42:42) How the idea of a narrative influences how people interpret or misinterpret facts. (0:44:25) Why data is not evidence, and examining the plague of data mining in research. (0:48:36) Guarding against data mining and the consequences of investing with misinformation.   (0:53:01) When data is evidence, and what this says about evidence in financial economics. (0:55:49) Why evidence may not be proof. (0:59:14) Practical advice for seeking the truth for important decisions and in everyday life.   Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital — https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemind Rational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Alex Edmans — https://alexedmans.com/  Alex Edmans on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/aedmans  Alex Edmans on X — https://x.com/aedmans  London Business School — https://www.london.edu/  Fulbright Fellows | MIT — https://ir.mit.edu/projects/fulbright-fellows/  Atkins — https://www.atkins.com/  ‘Matthew Walker's “Why We Sleep” Is Riddled with Scientific and Factual Errors’ — https://guzey.com/books/why-we-sleep/  ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth | TED’ — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8    Books From Today’s Episode:   May Contain Lies — https://maycontainlies.com/  Grow the Pie — https://mybook.to/Grow-the-Pie Outliers — https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930  Why We Sleep — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34466963-why-we-sleep  Start with Why — https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447  Grit — https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111108    Papers From Today’s Episode:   ‘CEO-Employees Pay Ratio, Employees’ Productivity and Firm Performance: Evidence from UK’ — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391787593_CEO-Employees_pay_ratio_employees'_productivity_and_firm_performance_evidence_from_UK  ‘A Theory of Fair CEO Pay’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4294589 

What if “just buying the market” isn’t the end of the story? In this episode, we are joined by Gerard O’Reilly, Co-CEO and Co-CIO of Dimensional Fund Advisors, for a deep dive into what really drives net investment returns. Gerard returns to the Rational Reminder podcast to explain the key principles that differentiate Dimensional’s approach from traditional indexing—and why implementation, flexibility, and detail matter so much more than investors might think. We explore the concept of hidden costs in index investing, how index reconstitution and trading frictions erode returns, and the nuanced decisions that shape a market portfolio: defining the market, excluding low-returning stocks, optimizing tax efficiency, and more. Gerard breaks down how Dimensional’s rules-based, evidence-backed process improves outcomes through smart exclusions (like IPOs and high asset-growth firms), precise trading, securities lending, and better handling of corporate actions. From the dangers of chasing low fees to the surprising benefits of thoughtful execution, this conversation is a masterclass in next-level investing.   Key Points From This Episode:   (0:01:07) Why Gerard was invited back: Dimensional’s approach to hidden costs and net returns. (0:02:38) Looking beyond “index good, fees bad”—why investors should dig deeper. (0:04:21) Gerard’s background: From Caltech rocket scientist to Dimensional co-CEO. (0:06:22) How Dimensional differs from market-cap weighted index funds. (0:08:42) Four components of net returns: Two increase returns, two decrease them. (0:12:45) Defining the market: Free float, liquidity thresholds, and dynamic inclusion. (0:17:52) How small-cap index definitions can create return differentials as high as 10%. (0:22:03) What securities Dimensional excludes—and why: low-profitability growth, high asset growth, IPOs, and REITs. (0:29:26) Why IPOs are excluded for 6–12 months and the mechanics behind inclusion. (0:33:16) Why Dimensional’s exclusions aren’t like traditional active management. (0:35:09) The “Great British Bake-Off” analogy: baking better portfolios with the same ingredients. (0:38:13) How securities lending boosts returns—and how Dimensional does it better. (0:42:09) Managing corporate actions (like M&A) to reduce cash drag. (0:45:18) How Dimensional deals with buybacks and new share issuance.  (0:47:29) Momentum, short-term reversals, and securities lending fees as trading signals. (0:50:36) Why Dimensional may lend out stocks that have negative momentum. (0:52:42) How trading costs affect net returns and Dimensional’s execution edge. (0:56:06) Hidden costs of indexing: Index fund rebalancing and price impact. (1:03:19) Why focusing solely on fees is misleading—and what “value for service” really means. (1:06:18) DFUS: A case study of Dimensional’s market series outperforming index funds. (1:08:44) How Dimensional builds portfolios with intentional tilts toward higher expected returns. (1:12:35) What excites Gerard: Expanding access, ETF innovations, and global growth.   Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/ Gerard O’Reilly — https://www.dimensional.com/us-en/bios/gerard-k-oreilly Dimensional Fund Advisors: https://www.dimensional.com/ Episode 322: Marco Sammon — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/322Marco Sammon  Episode 198: Gerard O’Reilly — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/198

For the first time as a host combination, Ben, Dan, and Cameron sit down to discuss the most controversial topics in personal finance. We begin with identity and how it informs decision-making. Then, we revisit the renting versus buying debate, why this remains a highly controversial topic, the ins and outs of income investing, and understating the fervor of dividend investing. We also unpack FIRE as a branch of self-help; how it informs happiness; and how personality influences one’s approach to the FIRE principle. To end, we closely examine Bill Bengen’s 4% rule, and the Aftershow encourages us to maintain high podcasting standards while revealing what you can look forward to in our latest Rational Reminder t-shirt release.    Key Points From This Episode:   (0:01:25) Cameron’s positive LinkedIn experience regarding insurance.  (0:08:10) How identity informs decision-making.  (0:15:24) Why renting versus buying a home remains a controversial topic.  (0:27:50) Income investing, covered calls, and the fervor of dividend investing. (0:46:34) FIRE: Financial independence, retire early. (0:54:36) Unpacking FIRE as a branch of self-help, and the role of FIRE in happiness.  (1:07:07) How personality and identity inform one’s approach to FIRE. (1:10:34) Addressing the 4% rule.  (1:14:16) The Aftershow: Setting and keeping high standards, and Rational Reminder t-shirts.    Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital — https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected]  Rational Reminder Merchandise — https://shop.rationalreminder.ca/ Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/  Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310/  Episode 358: Eli Beracha: An Academic Perspective on Renting vs. Owning a Home — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/358  Episode 214: Jay Van Bavel: Shared Identities and Decision Making — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/214   Episode 260: Prof. James Choi: Practical Finance — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/260  Episode 273: Professor Samuel Hartzmark: Asset Pricing, Behavioural Finance, and Sustainability Rankings — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/273   Episode 95: Scott Rieckens (Playing with FIRE): Finding Financial Education, Perspective, and Freedom — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/95  Episode 258: Prof. Meir Statman: Financial Decisions for Normal People — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/258   Bonus Episode - Prof. Meir Statman: A Wealth of Well-Being — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/2024/4/18/bonus-episode-prof-meir-statman-a-wealth-of-well-being   Episode 230: Prof. Robert Frank: Success, Luck, and Luxury — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/230   Episode 135: William Bengen: The 5% Rule for Retirement Spending — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/135  Episode 164: Comprehensive Overview: The 4% Rule — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/164   Episode 357: AMA #6 — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/357  Morgan Housel — https://www.morganhousel.com/   ‘Renting vs. Buying a Home: What People Get Wrong’ — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4H9LL7A-nQ   MobLand — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31510819/  Ray Donovan — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2249007/  Animal Kingdom — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5574490/    Books From Today’s Episode:    Rich Dad Poor Dad — https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194    Self Help, Inc.: Makeover Culture in American Life — https://www.amazon.com/Self-Help-Inc-Makeover-American/dp/0195337263    Papers From Today’s Episode:    'Motivated Numeracy and Enlightened Self-Government' - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-public-policy/article/abs/motivated-numeracy-and-enlightened-selfgovernment/EC9F2410D5562EF10B7A5E2539063806    ‘Nevertheless, They Persist: Cross-country differences in homeownership behavior’ — https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1051137721000590    ‘Rent or Buy? Inflation Experiences and Homeownership within and across Countries’ — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379974645_Rent_or_Buy_Inflation_Experiences_and_Homeownership_within_and_across_Countries     ‘Dividend Policy, Growth, and the Valuation of Shares’ — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24102112_Dividend_Policy_Growth_and_the_Valuation_Of_Shares    ‘Chapter 3 - Behavioral Household Finance*’ — https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352239918300046    ‘Common Risk Factors in the Returns on Stocks and Bonds’ — https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0304405X93900235     ‘The Dividend Disconnect’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2876373    ‘A Devil's Bargain: When Generating Income Undermines Investment Returns’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4580048    ‘The Financialization of Anti-Capitalism? The Case of the “Financial Independence Retire Early” Community’ — https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17530350.2021.1891951    ‘High Income Improves Evaluation of Life But Not Emotional Well-Being’ — https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107     ‘Income And Emotional Well-Being: A Conflict Resolved’ — https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2208661120   

Dr. Eli Beracha has recently been recognized by The Journal of Real Estate Literature as the world’s third best in research productivity, and today, we are honoured to be joined by this top industry expert to bring more clarity to the renting versus buying debate. We use Dr. Beracha’s ‘Lessons from Over 30 Years of Buy Versus Rent Decisions: Is the American Dream Always Wise?’ and ‘Housing Ownership Decision-Making in the Framework of Household Portfolio Choice’ papers as the basis for most of today’s conversation, beginning with why owning a home is deeply rooted in the perception of the American dream. Then, we discover how to measure the true price of home ownership, how the American dream and other psychological factors influence one’s decision-making, how hard assets perform compared to stocks and bonds, and why renting comes out ahead of buying nine times out of ten. We also learn why owning is for the inherently wealthy, the ins and outs of Dr. Beracha’s rent versus buy index, the rate of property appreciation versus stock appreciation, and how renting influences saving habits compared to owning a home. To end, we dive deeper into the risk-adjusted wealth accumulation of home ownership versus renting, and Dr. Beracha compares the efficiency of the real estate market to the stock market while detailing everything to take into account to be fully-equipped to make your decision to rent or buy.   Key Points From This Episode:   (0:00:00) Why Dr. Eli Beracha is one of the world’s best to discuss renting vs buying a home.  (0:05:32) Understanding why owning a home is deeply entrenched in the American dream. (0:06:10) The various aspects to consider when measuring the price of home ownership.  (0:07:57) Weather Dr. Beracha agrees with the adage “renting is throwing money away.” (0:09:36) What the price of a home should represent, and how psychology influences decisions.  (0:16:48) Unpacking Dr. Beracha’s 2012 paper subtitled, ‘Is the American Dream Always Wise?’  (0:19:51) Hard assets versus stocks and bonds, and why renting pips buying most of the time.  (0:26:00) Why many still choose to own a home despite long-term financial discrepancies.   (0:30:53) The ins and outs of Dr. Beracha’s rent versus buy index.  (0:39:46) Why homeowners are usually wealthier than renters even though renting is “cheaper.” (0:42:03) Property appreciation, stock appreciation, and the renter’s savings rate. (0:47:41) How home ownership influences saving habits compared to renting.  (0:49:46) The risk-adjusted wealth accumulation of home ownership versus renting. (0:58:40) Dr. Beracha compares the efficiency of the real estate market to the stock market.  (1:03:22) Everything you need to take into account to make your decision to rent or buy.   Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital — https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310/  Episode 325: Addressing 200+ Comments on Renting vs. Owning a Home — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/325   Episode 196: Sebastien Betermier: Hedging, Sentiment, and the Cross-Section of Equity Premia — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/196  Dr. Eli Beracha — https://www.theberachateam.com/  Dr. Eli Beracha on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-beracha-b8082250/  Dr. Eli Beracha on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dreliberacha/  Tibor and Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate | FIU — https://business.fiu.edu/academics/departments/real-estate/   KBIS Capital — https://kbiscapital.com/  Journal of Real Estate Literature — https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/rjel20    Papers From Today’s Episode:    ‘Lessons from Over 30 Years of Buy Versus Rent Decisions: Is the American Dream Always Wise?’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1814227    ‘Housing Ownership Decision-Making in the Framework of Household Portfolio Choice’ — https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10835547.2017.12091472  ‘Findings from a Cross-Sectional Housing Risk-Factor Model’ — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236023682_Findings_from_a_Cross-Sectional_Housing_Risk-Factor_Model

Cameron joins Ben for his first AMA as we bring you the sixth edition of our Listener Questions and Investing Lessons mini-series. Diving right in, Ben and Cameron share their stance on the multi-host format of the Rational Reminder podcast before walking us through the new PWL Retirement Planning Tool. Then, we unpack our venture with OneDigital, recent changes at PWL Capital, how we make each episode of this show, and how we allocate our time across podcast and business responsibilities. We also examine our protocol regarding guests, why Cameron and Ben would never gamble with their own money, how the human condition prevents the full comprehension of investing as a principle, and smart money moves to make under current market conditions. To end, we discuss the effects of a capital gains tax increase, common mistakes to avoid in managing personal finances, programs and technologies for financial advisors, and the After Show, which ends with an important discussion on testicular cancer.          Key Points From This Episode:   (0:00:00) How Ben and Cameron feel about the multi-host format of this podcast. (0:01:12) The new PWL Retirement Planning Tool, developed by Braden Warwick.  (0:03:13) Joining OneDigital and other PWL changes from the past four months.  (0:09:05) Behind the scenes: Making a Rational Reminder podcast episode. (0:12:38) Allocating time for research, preparation, creating content, and business. (0:17:27) How guests inform our approach to research and preparation.  (0:19:29) The reasons why we’re not risk-averse but have no appetite for gambling. (0:24:26) Why investing has been largely solved, except for the human aspect.  (0:30:13) The most “rational” investing practices under current market conditions.  (0:34:25) How to approach a capital gains tax increase, and why banks do what they do. (0:38:03) The most costly mistakes when it comes to managing personal finances. (0:40:12) Why we don't offer advice-only planning for DIY investors. (0:44:07) Financial app tips and tricks and programs and technologies to be aware of.  (0:48:23) The After Show: Alternate personalities, noise filtering, and testicular cancer.     Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital — https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/  Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/ Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/ Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/ Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/ Braden Warwick on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-warwick-a40b48a3  PWL Capital Retirement Planning Tool — https://research-tools.pwlcapital.com/research/retirement  OneDigital — https://www.onedigital.com/   Episode 341: PWL's Next Chapter — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/341  Episode 355: Do Index Funds Incur Adverse Selection Costs? — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/355   Episode 200: Prof. Eugene Fama — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/200  Episode 100: Prof. Kenneth French: Expect the Unexpected — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/100  Episode 93: Cliff Asness from AQR: The Impact of Stories, Behaviour and Risk — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/93  Episode 270: What Happened to All the Billionaires? with Victor Haghani and James White — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/270   Episode 11: Robb Engen: Simple vs. Complex — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/11  Episode 203: S*** (Misguided) Financial Advisors Say — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/203  The Money Scope Podcast — https://moneyscope.ca/   Financial Advisor Success Ep 433: When You 10X Your Advisory Firm to over $20M of Revenue…And Want to 10X Again, with Cameron Passmore — https://www.kitces.com/blog/cameron-passmore-pwl-capital-10x-revenue-growth-advisory-firm/  The Podcast Consultant — https://thepodcastconsultant.com/    The Long View — https://www.morningstar.com/podcasts/the-long-view   Eli Beracha on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-beracha-b8082250/   CIBC Mutual Funds — https://www.cibc.com/en/personal-banking/investments/mutual-funds.html  Microsoft Excel — https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/excel  Python — https://www.python.org/  Monte Carlo — https://www.montecarlodata.com/  ChatGPT — https://chatgpt.com/    Papers From Today’s Episode:    ‘The Arithmetic of Active Management’ — https://www.jstor.org/stable/4479386  ‘Lifetime Portfolio Selection under Uncertainty: The Continuous-Time Case’ — https://www.jstor.org/stable/1926560