Risk Parity Radio

In this episode we answer emails from Ronald, George, Jeff.  We celebrate episode 500 by sharing a few “Easter egg” resources, then jump into listener questions that cut through common investing myths. We discuss a portfolio for a non-profit, rant about TIPS with a Wall Street Journal article to back us up, and talk about various choices in withdrawal methods.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CASA

Rant A...

In this episode we answer emails from Jose, Luc and Sara.  We discuss using specific tax lots to reduce capital gains when reallocating, how the 0% long-term capital gains bracket works and why many land in the 15% bracket, where to hold gold like GLDM across IRAs and taxable accounts, turning off dividend reinvestment to simplify moves and build retirement cash, replacing total bond and international bond funds with Treasury funds like VGIT and VGLT,, why diversification and value exposure can improve safe withdrawal rate odds, supporting and encouraging college-age kids with clear expectations, and tools to model short retirements and s...

In this episode we answer emails from Frank, Stephen (from Cincy), Jeff, and Sally.  We focus on a common retirement blind spot: once you are financially independent, portfolio tweaks matter less than the life choices you make with the time you have.  We also address those tweaks and then dig into HSA asset location traps, reflect on our listeners and our mission, and talk about our fundraiser for Fairfax CASA.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Links:

In this episode we answer emails from Dave, Marcus Vindictus, and Sharon.  We take a hard look at what “diversified” really means in retirement and why correlations matter more than fund count. We also talk about simplifying messy accounts, using AI to decode bad 401(k) menus, and making generosity a real part of financial independence.

And we do a fundraising update for Mary's charity, Fairfax CASA, and discuss how CASA stability changes kids’ lives in our Queen Mary segment.

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CASA

Testfolio Fund Analysis:  Asset Ana...

In this episode we answer questions from Dustin, Optimus Bill and Scott.  We discuss the common mistake of chasing tickers and low fees instead of building a portfolio around goals and carefully chosen asset classes, cowbell origins, what to do with large allocations to cash equivalents and how much do you really need, and transitioning to a retirement portfolio.  Hint:  Search "transitioning" on the podcast page at the website for more podcasts about that.

We also review March market damage and show how diversified risk parity style portfolios hold up when stocks stumble.

And THEN we...

In this episode we answer emails from Andy, John, and Todd.  We discuss what "holding dollars" means, the lure of speculation on recent events, the ongoing inadequacies of 401k and 403b plans and their incentives, and small cap value vs. small cap blend.  More Cowbell!  Before that we trade stories from the EconoMe Conference and spotlight Fairfax CASA’s work with foster kids and our fundraising efforts.

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CASA

EconoMe Presentation on Financial Forecasting and Base Rates:  F. Vasquez EconoMe 2026 Final Slides.pdf - Google Drive

In this episode we answer emails from Nicholas, Nathan and Lisa.  We discuss  how much gold is enough and how much is too much, why calculators disagree and the best ways to use them, and what “better” means when the future is uncertain. We also walk through a FIRE portfolio headed toward retirement and talk briefly about finding an advisor familiar with risk parity principles.

And before that, in our Queen Mary segment, we hear a Fairfax CASA story about how consistent advocacy supports kids in foster care.

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate...

In this episode we answer emails from Lee, Leo, Tony, and Samuel.  We revel in Lee's generosity and discuss why we hold gold and treasuries, why recent performance should not drive allocation changes and common amateur investor fallacies, how to think about diversification when you invest outside the US, and how to think about correlations in a four quadrant model.

And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CA...

In this episode we answer emails from TJ, John and Optimus Bill.  We discuss TJ's modified Golden Ratio portfolio and backtests, maximizing withdrawals with flexibility, ZROZ vs. TLT simulated leverage, gambling problems, intermediate accumulation to pay down a mortgage, and assorted allocations questions about mid-caps and other funds.

We also talk about our Fairfax CASA fundraiser in our Queen Mary segment and a recent Catching Up to FI presentation at the end.

Links:

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CASA

TJ's Portfolio:  testfol.io/?s=gJEgezdqVdy

In this episode we answer emails from Optimus Bill, Mark and Ryan.  We discuss donor advised fund sponsor Daffy and a strips fund portfolio substitution, the challenges of figuring out accumulation without getting caught up in chasing shiny objects and magic investing buttons, and discuss commercial risk parity funds and why they probably won't work for your goals.  Errata:  I said "Mark" when I meant "Michael"  Mauboussin.

And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Links:

Fair...

In this episode we answer emails from Connor, Zachary and Brian.  We discuss fund selection, doing the Big Law dance, portfolio construction basics and analyzing alternatives, and a partial retirement drawdown scenario involving early withdrawals, avoiding temptations to market time based on recent performances and funding a vacation property with a dedicated portfolio.

But first we thank donors supporting Fairfax CASA and share Jillian Johnsrud’s moving story about adoption, foster care, and how a steadfast CASA changed her kids’ lives.

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CASA

Father McKenn...

In this episode we answer emails from Jeffrey, Bryan, and Erik.  We discuss the trade-offs of direct indexing in small cap value, why modest leverage on a diversified mix can outperform stock-heavy portfolios with fewer drawdowns, and modelling an early extra spending plan for retirement.  And talk about forecasting with Base Rates.

And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CASA

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Dona...

In this episode we respond to emails from Nick, Ginna, Ashley, Chris and Sara.  In our Queen Mary segment where we are raising money for Fairfax CASA, we express our gratitude for the outpouring of listener support and tell Noah and Taylor’s story of reunification.  We then dive into two big portfolio questions: do managed futures replace gold, and how to fund an eight-year break without derailing long-term plans. We build a conservative drawdown portfolio, weigh taxes in taxable accounts, and explain why good portfolio construction beats market timing.

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donat...

In this episode we answer emails from Tim, Anderson, and Pete. We discuss using a Golden Butterfly portfolio for intermediate accumulation, converting 529s to Roths and excessively levered portfolios for small children.  (I can't make this stuff up.)

But first we share Mary’s mission with Fairfax CASA and explain how steady advocacy changes a child’s path, and roll out our Fairfax CASA fundraising campaign in connection with National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Links:

Fairfax CASA Donation Page:  Donate - Fairfax CASA

The Starfish Thrower Philosophy from Episode 441 (Cool New Video...

In this episode we answer email Serge, Nielsen, Paul and Loren.  We dig into the core question that drives every portfolio -- when will this money be spent and by whom -- which dictates how it should be invested, and talk about the website, ETPs and their variations, and thinking about sabbaticals and Coast FI.  We also mention our Risk Parity Radio gathering at EconoMe on Friday at the Celare Hotel.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional Li...

In this episode we answer questions from Ben, Todd, and Tom. We discuss how managed futures differ from momentum, differentiating Monte Carlo simulations and why you need to be careful with parameterized simulations, and flexible withdrawal strategies generally and applied to the sample portfolios.

LInks:

QMOM and DBMF comparison and correlations:  testfol.io/analysis?s=5lCK1KCsAsx

Morningstar 2025 State of Retirement Income Report:  Morningstar State_of_Retirement_Income_2025.pdf - Google Drive

Portfolio Charts Annual Returns Calculator:  Annual Returns – Portfolio Charts

Stress Test Comparisons (Golden Butterfly, Golden Ratio, 60/40 and Three...

In this episode we answer emails from Sebastian, Mark, and James.  We discuss the purpose of treasury bond allocations, annuity cash flows, and where rentals fit, goofy accounting for taxes, a bridge to social security and answer questions about Testfolio and data sources.  And celebrate Catherine O'hara.

And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Portfolio Charts Article re Accumulation in an RP...

In this episode we answer emails from Gregory, Rick and Graham.  We discuss some more amateur ideas on gold and cash buffers, and modeling managed futures, and we explain why costs and liquidity often matter more than the story you’re told. We share tools, back-tests, and resources that help DIY investors build smarter, calmer portfolios.

Graham's  "Fall Back" instructions for inputs for Testfolio:  "For example, since you typically use DBMF but would want to back test further, one can write DBMFSIM?FB=KMLMSIM which will use DBMF as far back as it can, then fall back to us...

In this episode we answer emails from Isaiah and Mike.  We unpack how metrics hijack meaning and show how a diversified, risk-parity approach lets you thrive without chasing perfect scores, review our business model and help Mike tweak his portfolio selections.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

"The Score" Video Summary:  The Score Summary Video.mp4 - Google Drive

"The Score" Sli...

In this episode we read a lengthy email missive from our good friend Dr. Bill on reaching financial independence a few years early, designing a risk parity portfolio with an advisor, and facing the emotional fog that follows. We share how to replace optimization with intention and use time, not money, as the measure of value, and touch on these points:

• hitting FI earlier than planned after high savings, growth and a modest windfall
• shifting from global cap weight to risk parity for steadier withdrawals
• choosing fee‑for‑service advice and aligning incentives
• handling FI emotions...

In this episode we answer emails from Gregory and Isaiah.  We discuss whether tail-hedged ETFs belong in a retirement portfolio, then map out a cleaner path with Treasuries as recession insurance, a value tilt for equity resilience. We also discuss the problems with relying on voices from popular personal finance unless they are well supported by professional and academic teachings, and the importance of the four quadrant model in understanding correlations and diversification.  We also a practical taxonomy for classifying holdings.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you ca...

In this episode we answer emails from Bee, Brian, and Derek.  We discuss shifting from pure equities toward a Golden Ratio allocation at 60% of the way to financial independence, using 401(k) BrokerageLink to add small cap value, and replacing monthly performance screenshots with better backtesting tools. Along the way, we talk donor-advised funds, advisor incentives, and why most financial advisory practices run on fear because its the most profitable business model.

Links:

Portfolio Charts Article:  Minimize Your Miss – Portfolio Charts

Sonia Parker on Crystal Balls:  Crystal ball gazing, how to use a Crystal Ball...

In this episode we answer emails from Jeff, Chad and Matt.  We discuss choices in 100% equity accumulation portfolios, distribution methodology for the sample portfolios, more on radio-personalities-cum-financial-advisors who try to punch down, the landscape of financial advisors and distinguishing the good, the bad, and the ugly, and our overall approach here, which is simply to match financial behaviors with financial goals.  Because Personal Finance is FINANCE.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Links:

Best Equity Index ET...

In this episode we answer emails from Midwest Nice, Ron and Stefan.  We discuss helping a cautious parent with a high-fee advisor, what services are actually worth paying for in their case, how to invest home-sale proceeds for a 5–10 year horizon, where to learn beyond basic indexing without losing the plot, the McKenna Man portfolio, and best approaches to try to beat the market (beyond don't try). 

Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Excess Returns Channel: Excess Returns - YouTube

Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse Video:  Tacoma Bridge...

In this episode we conduct our annual portfolio reviews of our eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio, and compare them with commercial alternatives.  We discuss why factors beat geography, and explain how gold, bonds, and managed futures improved results and withdrawal durability.

We also confront the real roadblock to a good retirement: underspending driven by identity and fear, which we heard about in 2025 from Bill Bengen, Michael Kitces and Carl Richards, Morgan Housel and David Bach, among others.

Breathless Unedited AI-Bot Summary:

The biggest retirement risk most prepared s...

In this episode we answer emails from Tyler, Michael and Jon.  We discuss managing an inherited Roth across a 10-year window and related questions, compare VXUS to targeted international tilts, tax and asset location considerations for traditional and Roth IRAs, and talk about some of the basic ideas for achieving higher safe withdrawal rates.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Golden Ratio Po...

In this episode we answer emails from Jenna, Kevin, and Jack Rabbit.  We challenge the myth of “never pay taxes” and show how to transition scattered holdings into a Golden Butterfly framework while keeping taxes manageable. We also examine Bitcoin’s role, review sample portfolio performance, and share new listener-created bonus material on the site.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Jack Rabbit's...

In this episode we answer emails from JT, Phil, and Glenn.  We revel in the updates to the TestFolio tools, weigh how tilting toward small cap value can lift safe withdrawal rates but also reduces overall diversification, return to KBWP and how property and casualty insurance companies can provide value-tilted diversification, and discuss the tracking results reported on the About page at the website.

Links:

Testfolio 5% Withdrawal Backtest Comparison:  testfol.io/?s=74fuq6N5WWd

Testfolio Comparison of SCV, LCG, LCV and SCG:  testfol.io/?s=4eqimbZveGX

Weird Portfolio:  Weird Portfolio – Portfo...

In this episode we answer emails from Anonymous from New Jersey, James, and Brad.  We answer a donor’s six-part retirement plan, from mortgages and liquidity to 403(b) constraints, ETF trading, asset location, asset swaps, and tax‑savvy withdrawals. Then we discuss the risks of staying in an accumulation portfolio for too long and the options for obviating a crash before transitioning.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Fath...

In this episode we answer emails from Anonymous, Pete, and Wilhelm.  We discuss how MiFID reshapes investing for U.S. citizens retiring in the EU, the commodities fund HGER and the "Desert Portfolio."

Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

IBKR MiFId Client Page:  MiFID Client Category

Portfolio Charts Assets Page (for finding funds):  Assets – Portfolio Charts

Animal Spirits Podcast re HGER: Talk Your Book: How to Invest in Commodities - Animal Spirits Podcast | Podcast on Spotify

Testfolio HGER Analysis:  testfol.io/analysis?s=dcDPC...

In this episode we answer emails from Adam, Cha Cha, and TJ.  We discuss how cash and short-term bonds affect safe withdrawal rates, why the Golden Butterfly’s allocation is a preference not a rule, and how to build a growth-first plan when you’re starting late.  And we wish Happy Birthday to Mick the Mugga Mugga.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Man...

In this episode we answer emails from Patrick, Kyle, and Dave.  We discuss the advantages of using risk parity style portfolios for higher withdrawal rates, how to manage a sleeve of individual REITs, the joys of giving in its various forms, a risk parity style portfolio in a Donor Advised Fund, and reverse glide paths.  We share how planned generosity, donor-advised funds, and employer matches can make retirement more meaningful.

Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Kitces & Carl podcast about "Frugal Bob":  Helping Retired Clients To Actually Start Spen...

In this episode we answer emails from Grant, Brian, and Mourad.  We unpack Grant's various gambling problems with leveraged ETFs and Bitcoin wrappers, owning gold in CAD or USD for Canadians, the role of preferred shares and Mourad's recent visit to the Father McKenna Center.

Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Choose FI Podcast #574:  Top Five Regrets of the Dying (Book Club with Frank Vasquez and Ginger) | Ep 574

Mary's CASA Case Adoption Story:  The Johnson’s Foster Care & Adoption Story

Portfolio Charts Global Analysis:  What Gl...

In this episode we answer emails from Camille and Jeff.  We discuss how 72(t) and asset swaps enable early IRA access, where to place managed futures and treasuries for taxes, practical cash options at IBKR and ultra-short term ETFs, designing a mix for higher safe withdrawal rates, when to ratchet spending and when to hold flat, and tracking mandatory versus discretionary spending, among other things.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional Links:

Father McKenna Center D...

In this episode we answer emails from Phil and Chris.  We discuss moving from target date funds to low-cost index funds, why equity diversification needs a value tilt, how managed futures replication mimics an index fund in that asset class, options collars versus simply holding less equity, momentum models trade-offs and regime risk, long Treasuries compared with STRIPS for rate sensitivity, why TIPS don’t hedge portfolio-level inflation and practical ways to fight portfolio-level inflation with value-tilted stocks and alternatives.

Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Many Happy Retu...

In this episode we answer emails from Arun, Neil, and Stephen.  We discuss intermediate accumulation portfolios, when you start needing bonds and being a good family man; favorite listener episodes #436 and #441, and an analysis of Thurman portfolios and what they are missing.  

Links:

Episode 436 Video Summary:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WQ1hvoLaX3hJL3DoLnaWsAxNBdOYFLB0/view?usp=sharing

Episode 441 Video Summary:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fHpBZCykn-UOXMarWKIMVX0tLG9-OEDa/view?usp=sharing

Retirement Investment Advisors SEC Disclosure:  Microsoft Word - DRAFT 2 ADV 03.2025 PART 2-03.25.2025

Thurman 10 Steps To Build...

In this episode we answer emails from Dave, Isaiah, and Ian.  We discuss back-testing tools, revisit UPRO and leverage from the last episode, the inherent biases and incentives for retail financial advisors to recommend underspending and using underspending plans larded with window dressings, and revisit a limited 401k and a retirement scenario from Episodes 420 and 444.

And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Portfolio Vi...

In this episode we answer emails from Roman, Andrew and Iain.  We discuss the plusses and minuses of leverage, volatility drag, and how leverage interacts with diversification and withdrawals, general observation on tax optimization via account buckets, small cap value index funds and Avantis/DFA merits, and modelling annuities versus mandatory versus discretionary spending in retirement.

LInks:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

Ben Felix Leverage Video:  Investing With Leverage (Borrowing to Invest, Leveraged ETFs)

Leveraged ETFs Paper:  Double-Digit Numerics - Articles - The Big Myth about Leve...

In this episode we answer emails from Jess, Phil and Scott.  We discuss an experience of setting up a sample RPR portfolio for one's self, using asset swaps to manage cash, and fun with the low bar standards and other inadequacies of many financial advisors.

And THEN we our go through our weekly and monthly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.

Additional Links:

Father McKenna Center Donation Page:  Donate - Father McKenna Center

How To Do An Asset Swap Video from Risk Pa...

In this episode we answer emails from Tyson, Patrick, and Shuchi.  We discuss the basics of transitioning, SCHD as a value fund choice, bitcoin vs. gold, why "only works for 30 years" is a fake problem, the difference between our use of value funds vs. Paul Merriman's, and when would me make adjustments to our plans in retirement.

Links:

Bigger Pockets Money Podcast #1:  The Secret to a 5% Safe Withdrawal Rate | Frank Vasquez

Bigger Pockets Money Podcast #2:  We Built a 5% SWR Retirement Portfolio Using Fidelity in 48 Minutes (Golden Ratio Portfolio)

Morningstar Analysis of SCH...