The Final Chapter: S&P 500 vs. 60/40 vs. Four-Fund Strategy
In this final episode of our four-part series, Paul Merriman compares three powerful approaches for a lifetime of investing:100% S&P 500: high-risk, high-reward growth.60/40 mix of S&P 500 and bonds: a defensive balance.100% U.S. Four-Fund strategy: large-cap blend, small-cap blend, large-cap value, small-cap value.Paul uses 55 years of data (1970–2024) to show how these portfolios performed during both accumulation and retirement distributions. Paul highlights the following critical tables from the Bootcamp series. Table B1 - Fine Tuning Table: S&P 500 Equity Portfolio Table B4 - Fine Tuning Table: US 4-Fund Equity PortfolioTable C4 - Fixed Contributions ($1,000/yr): US 4-Fund Equity PortfolioTable D4.4 - Fixed Distributions (Conservative-$40,000/yr): US 4-Fund Equity Portfolio Table H2 – Sound Investing Portfolios (100% Equity)Table H2A – Sound Investing Portfolios (60/40)Table D1.4 – Fixed Distributions ($40k + inflation)Did diversification deliver higher returns without extra risk? Or was the classic S&P 500 enough?Get the numbers, the tables, and the takeaways to help you decide.
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Retirement Distributions: All S&P 500 vs. 60/40 Portfolio
Paul Merriman continues our series on radical lifetime investment strategies—comparing an all-equity S&P 500 portfolio to a balanced 60% equity/40% bonds portfolio.After two episodes focused on the accumulation phase, this third installment shifts to retirement distributions:How much income could each portfolio provide?How did they hold up during major market crashes?What role did bonds play in protecting withdrawals during tough years?Using 55 years of historical data (1970–2024) and key tables B1H2H2AD1.4 Paul shows the real-world impact of these strategies when you’re living off your investments.Listen now to see why adding bonds can be a lifesaver in retirement—even if you love the growth potential of stocks.
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Paul Merriman on Money Life with Chuck Jaffe at FinCon
At FinCon, Chuck Gaffe- moneylifeshow.com sat down with Paul for a wide-ranging conversation about investing and financial independence.Paul shared insights on the rise of index funds, the FIRE movement’s “one-fund-for-life” approach, and how small portfolio adjustments can boost long-term returns. He also discussed timeless investing principles like staying the course, understanding risk, keeping costs low, and diversifying wisely.At FinCon, Paul reflected on everything from the rise of index funds to the FIRE movement’s “one-fund-for-life” strategy. His message was clear: while simple investing solutions can work, small, thoughtful adjustments—like adding different asset classes—can meaningfully improve long-term returns.Paul also emphasized timeless investing principles:Stay the course. Don’t bail when markets turn volatile.Understand your risk. Know how much you can afford to lose before the storm comes.Avoid unnecessary costs. A fraction of a percent in fees can add up to millions over a lifetime.Diversify wisely. A broad mix of assets offers protection and opportunity across market cycles.Whether discussing crypto, ETFs vs. mutual funds, or portfolio allocation strategies, Paul’s advice always comes back to one goal: helping investors achieve financial independence with confidence and peace of mind.You can explore his free resources, podcasts, and articles at paulmerriman.com
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Two Radical Investments – U.S. 4-Fund Portfolio vs. S&P 500
In Part 2 of this 4-part series, Paul Merriman compares the accumulation results of the U.S. 4-Fund Portfolio against the S&P 500, using both all-equity and 60/40 strategies.Paul analyzes five decades of data, showing how diversification affects returns, volatility, and long-term wealth creation. Paul also highlights the tables you’ll want to download and follow along with as he explains the numbers:Table B1: Fine-Tuning Table – S&P 500Table B4: Fine-Tuning Table – U.S. 4-Fund PortfolioTable H2a: Sound Investing Portfolios – 100% EquitiesTable H2: Sound Investing Portfolios – 60/40 PortfoliosTable C1 & C4: Fixed Contributions for Accumulation AnalysisNext week: We'll look at the distributions in retirement using the S&P 500 in both the 100% equity and 60% equities/ 40% bonds.
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Saving for Retirement: 100% S&P 500 vs. 60/40 — A Lifetime Portfolio Comparison
This is the first of a series of 4 podcasts focused on the decision to have all of your investments be all equities vs. a balanced portfolio of equities and fixed income. In this presentation Paul uses the S&P 500 in both the all equity and the 60/40 stock/bond portfolio. He uses the following tables during his presentation.Table B1 Fine Tuning Table: S&P 500 Equity PortfolioTable H2a Sound Investing Portfolios (these portfolios are all 100% equities)Table H2 Sound Investing Portfolios (these portfolios are all 60% equities/40% fixed income) (NEW)Table C1 Fixed Contributions ($1,000/yr: S&P 500 Equity PortfolioIn the next presentation he does the same analysis using the U.S. 4 Fund and Worldwide 4 Fund Portfolios for the equity portion of the portfolio.
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