The Rob Berger Show

RBS 036: Should U.S. Investors Avoid International Funds -- Live Q&A

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RBS 035: Opportunistic Rebalancing -- How to Rebalance Your Investments Like the Pros

Rebalancing an investment portfolio doesn't need to be difficult, and it can actually increase your returns over time. Specifically, one study shows that Opportunistic Rebalancing can improve your returns by as much as 0.50%. In this video, we look at that study and walk through how Opportunistic Rebalancing works. I'll cover some things to consider as you construct your investment portfolio, and give you a free tool that makes rebalancing easier. Join the newsletter: https://robberger.com/newsl...

RBS 035: Retirement Annuities -- Should You Buy an Income Annuity (SPIA) in Retirement

Should you use some or all of your retirement savings to buy an income annuity? That's the question we look at in this video. Called a Single Premium Immediate Annuity, these annuities don't come with all of the fees and complexities of other annuity products. Yet it can still be difficult to decide if you need one, when you should buy it, and how much you should invest. In this video I'll share annuity calculators, an annuity formula and a number of resources that can help you decide whether an...

RBS 034: Rick Ferri Core-4 Lazy Portfolio Review

Rick Ferri's Core-4 portfolios are built using low cost index ETFs and mutual funds. With just four funds in each portfolio, Rick has created 6 portfolios for just about any investor. One Core-4 portfolio is designed for those worried about inflation, while another for those seeking income. He also has his Classic Core-4, ideal for long-term retirement funds. In this video we explore all 6 of Rick's Core-4 lineup, along with specific funds you can use to implement any one of them. They are ideal...

RBS 033: Tax Efficient Investing Across All Account Types -- Live Q&A

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RBS 032: Vanguard Alpha Framework

Vanguard released a paper claiming that advisors following its Alpha Framework can add up to 3% to an investor's long-term returns. Many advisors use this paper to sell their very expensive (1% of AUM or more) services. But is it legit? Here's the paper: https://www.vanguard.com/pdf/ISGQVAA.pdf Join the newsletter: https://robberger.com/newsletter/?utm......

RBS 031: Vanguard Digital Advisor

I was convinced I'd live Vanguard Digital Advisor. It seems to check all the boxes. It uses low cost index ETFs. The service itself has a very reasonable cost of about 15 basis points. And it rebalances your investments for you, as you would expect from a robo-advisor. After using the service, however, I reached a very different conclusion. There were numerous technological issues and its user interface is poorly designed. More importantly, it offers very few features and imposes limitations tha...

RBS 030: The 3-Tier Credit Card Rewards System -- How I've saved nearly $30,000 from credit cards

Join the newsletter: https://robberger.com/newsletter/?utm... I'm going to cover the three tier system for earning credit card rewards. This is the system I've used over the past couple of years to generate nearly $30,000 in credit card rewards. We save and invest all of our rewards in M1 Finance. This system, however, can be used whether you save and invest the rewards like we do, or spend the rewards on travel or other purchases. The great thing about this system is that it's very simple, and ...

RBS 029: The 60_40 Portfolio -- Good, Bad, or Ugly

The 60/40 Portfolio--Good, Bad, or Ugly? Article with resources: https://robberger.com/60-40-portfolio/ The 60/40 portfolio has powered retirements for decades. With 60% stocks and 40% bonds, this balanced fund offers equity-fueled growth and fixed income stability. Today, however, many are calling into question the sustainability of the 60/40 portfolio. Some even argue that it’s dead and that retirees need take on more risk if they want to avoid outliving their retirement savings. In this video...

RBS 028: The Life-Changing Magic of Index Funds_Live Q&A

Join the newsletter: https://robberger.com/newsletter/?utm... ———————————— Video Resources & Timestamps ———————————— 0:00 - Welcome to the Financial Freedom Show! 3:50 - Very important question! 5:00 - Including a Bond Index Fund or Bond ETF as part of a retiree's portfolio 8:40 - Favorite local restaurant 9:07 - Talking Real Money Guys/Morningstar 9:57 - GNMA in a bond portfolio 13:07 - Approach to bridge to access retirement accounts 15:43 - Placing HSA dollars into investment vehicles rat...

RBS 027: The True Cost of Actively Managed Mutual Funds

The True Cost of Actively Managed Mutual Funds (according to Vanguard founder John Bogle) Actively managed funds are expensive. And it's not just the expense ratio. From transaction costs to tax inefficiencies, and cash drag to load fees, the cost of actively managed funds all but guarantee they will underperform an index fund over the long-term. In this video we take a look at a portfolio sent in by a viewer. The portfolio was recommended by PNC Bank. For just a $100,000 account, they recommend...

RBS 026: The Two 5-Year Roth IRA Rules Explained_Here's How They Work

There are two different 5-year rules for Roth IRA accounts. One applies to Roth IRA accounts and determines, in part, whether the withdrawal of earnings is subject to income tax. The second applies to Roth IRA conversions and determines whether a withdrawal will trigger the 10% penalty tax. In this video we walk through both 5-year rules. We'll cover what they are, how they work, and what it means for retirement savings. These are complicated rules, so be sure to check out the resources below. A...

RBS 025: Thoughts on Roth Conversions and Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)_Live Q&A

Join the newsletter: https://robberger.com/newsletter/?utm... ———————————— Timestamps ———————————— 0:00 - Welcome to the Financial Freedom Show! 0:30 - Roth Conversions 15:13 - Reverse mortgage 16:24 - Is there a minimum where Roth Conversion doesn't make sense? 18:04 - BUFOX 21:47 - 11 stocks 25:26 - Thoughts on investing for college/529 Ohio/VTEP 27:05 - Defined Benefit Pension Plan 31:29 - Is there a downside of leaving target date funds in my portfolio? 33:42 - Why can't we invest non earned...

RBS 024: TIPS vs I Bonds -- What's the Best Way to Hedge Against Inflation

TIPS vs I Bonds--What's the Best Way to Hedge Against Inflation? TIPS (Treasury Inflation Protected Securities) and I Bonds both protect investors against unexpected inflation. Both bonds are also issued by the U.S. Government and are exempt from state and local taxes. Bu that's about where the similarities end. There are key differences between TIPS and I Bonds that investors should know. We look at 8 key differences, along with the pros and cons of adding each to your portfolio. As a bonus, we...

RBS 023: VOO and Chill_Is An S&P 500 Index Fund Portfolio A Smart Idea

You'll often hear the phrase VOO and chill or sometimes VTI and chill. VOO is the ticker to Vanguard's S&P 500 index ETF (VTI is Vanguards total U.S. market ETF). The idea is to invest all of your money in the S&P 500 (or perhaps the total U.S. market) and just relax. After my video showing my 2021 portfolio tracked the performance of the S&P 500 (more or less), many asked why I bothered with multiple asset classes and individual stocks. Why not just VOO and chill? This video explain...

RBS 022: When Can I Retire--How to Determine If You Can Retire

A viewer recently asked me if he was able to retire in two years. He provided his investment balances, projected expenses, and pension income. In this video we'll evaluate his situation to determine if he can retire. To determine if you can retire, it's important to evaluate both your expenses and income in retirement. This can be challenging for several reasons: 1. Expenses are at best an estimate 2. Medical expenses can be a wild card 3. One-time and periodic expenses can be difficult to calcu...

RBS 021: VOO vs VTI--S&P 500 Index Versus Total Stock Market Index

VOO vs. VTI--S&P 500 Index versus Total Stock Market Index Fund. Morningstar Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRfRq... 3-Fund Portfolio: https://robberger.com/go/3-fund-portf......

RBS 020: Building Wealth in 2022--Live Q&A

RBS 019: The Dave Ramsey Portfolio vs Low Cost Index Funds

Dave Ramsey is perhaps best known for his baby steps and helping countless people get out of debt. Among low cost index fund investors, he's also known as recommending expensive mutual funds with front loaded sales charges. While fees are important, what matters even more is after-fee returns. And that raises an important question-- Does Dave Ramsey's approach to investing outperform a portfolio of low cost index funds? In this episode, we'll look at American Funds, which appear to be Dave's fun...

RBS 018: 7 Best IRA for New Investors

Opening an IRA account is an important step towards saving for retirement. The best IRA accounts have low fees, a wide array of investment options and tools that make investing easy. My analysis stems from holding accounts at each of the brokers on the list, with the exception of Ally Invest. I’ve had a Rollover IRA, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, SEP IRA or an Inherited IRA at Wealthfront, Vanguard, Fidelity and Merrill Edge. I’ve held taxable accounts at Betterment and M1 Finance. Beyond my own ex...

RBS 017: Christine Benz Interview--4% Rule & the Bucket Strategy for Retirement

In this interview with Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance at Morningstar, we cover several timely topics including inflation, stimulus, the 4% rule and the bucket strategy of retirement spending.

RBS 016: Index Funds are for LOSERS (Seriously)

Index funds like an S&P 500 index fund will underperform other investments each and every year. It will underperform countless stocks and even other actively managed ETFs and mutual funds. To build wealth, you have to be willing to accept that other investors will outperform your portfolio each and every year. The good news is that you'll likely outperform them every decade.

RBS 015: How to Create a 3-Fund Portfolio

A three fund portfolio is a simple approach to investing that, as the name suggests, involves just three mutual funds or exchange-traded funds. In just three funds, an investor can build a diversified, low cost portfolio that's easy to manage. Popularized by the Bogleheads, the three fund portfolio is one of several "Lazy Portfolios." You don't let the Simplicity fool you. A three fund portfolio has outperformed most comparable actively managed portfolios Over the past several decades. In this a...

RBS 014: How to Plan Your Retirement with this Cool Online Tool

We interview Steve Chen, founder of New Retirement. His company has developed a robust retirement planning tool that can help you model your finances in retirement.

RBS 013: The Cash Back Rewards Investing Strategy Update

An update on how I'm saving and investing all of the cash back rewards earned from credit cards. I'll show you my M1 Finance account, how I'm investing the rewards, and how those investments are performing.

RBS 012: Should You Invest or Pay Off Debt? Yes!

Should you pay off all your non-mortgage debt before you begin investing? It's an approach popularized by Dave Ramsey. It's also one of the worst financial decisions you can make. In this video that's part of the Invest with Confidence series, you'll learn why. Credit Card Payoff calculator: https://www.allcards.com/credit-card-payoff-calculator/ TOOLS & BOOKS I LOVE My Book (of course): https://amzn.to/3by10EE Personal Capital: http://go.robberger.com/PersonalCapital Morningstar: http://go....

RBS 011: How to Invest During COVID-19

How to invest and manage your money during COVID-19. In this video we cover the following: --Emergency fund --The Money Audit --Is now a "buying opportunity" in stocks? --The importance of diversification --Bond allocation (TIPS and Treasury bonds) --Charitable giving TOOLS & BOOKS I LOVE My Book (of course): https://amzn.to/3by10EE Personal Capital: http://go.robberger.com/PersonalCapital Morningstar: http://go.robberger.com/Morningstar Chase Sapphire Reserve: http://go.robberger.com/Sapphi...

RBS 010: How to Invest with Confidence

The first in a series of videos walking you through how to invest with confidence. We'll cover everything from when you should start investing to how much you should invest. The series will cover how to juggle multiple financial goals, such as getting out of debt, saving for an emergency, and buying a home. Then we'll cover how much you should invest to meet your goals. The series will also cover everything you need to know about retirement accounts. we'll also cover how to design an asset alloc...

RBS 009: Bear Market: How to Survive and Profit from a Falling Stock Market

History tells us how and why bear markets are an investor’s best friend. In this video, we walk through the numbers of the 2008 bear market to see what investors should do during a market decline. TOOLS & BOOKS I LOVE My Book (of course): https://amzn.to/3by10EE Personal Capital: http://go.robberger.com/PersonalCapital Morningstar: http://go.robberger.com/Morningstar Chase Sapphire Reserve: http://go.robberger.com/Sapphire_Reserve ABOUT ME While still working as a trial attorney in the secur...

RBS 008: Credit Card Millionaire

In this podcast, you'll learn how to maximize credit card rewards and invest them to build wealth. We look at a free credit card rewards calculator and discuss the best credit cards to get the most out of your rewards. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO Credit Card Rewards Calculator: Alliant Credit Union Visa Signature Card https://www.alliantcreditunion.org/bank/visa-signature-card 2.5% Cash Back $10,000 Monthly Spending Cap (1% thereafter) $99 Annual Fee (waived the first year) Apple Card http...