Financial Education
Boot Camp 2026
A free, comprehensive educational series designed to help investors — especially do-it-yourselfers — make informed, long-term financial decisions through podcasts, videos, articles, and downloadable tables.
A FREE EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Paul Merriman's Financial Education Boot Camp is a comprehensive, free educational series offered through the Merriman Financial Education Foundation. Each module combines podcasts, videos, articles, and downloadable tables to guide individuals through key investment strategies and concepts.
EIGHT BOOT CAMPS, ONE STRATEGY
A foundational comparison of the long-term growth potential of stocks against the short-term stability of bonds, using historical data from 1928 to 2024. Includes updated return tables and "quilt charts" to illustrate performance patterns.
Explore Boot Camp →Paul advocates for a diversified portfolio across 10 equity asset classes designed to outperform the S&P 500 over time. This module provides detailed allocation models with both 50/50 and 70/30 U.S./International splits.
Explore Boot Camp →Simplified portfolios tailored to different investor profiles, emphasizing diversification and long-term performance. Includes detailed tables and portfolio comparisons to help you find the right fit.
Explore Boot Camp →Explore how varying allocations between stocks and bonds affect risk and return — and learn how to align your portfolio with your personal risk tolerance and investment goals.
Explore Boot Camp →Discover how steady, disciplined contributions over time can build serious wealth. This module explores dollar-cost averaging, the power of consistency, and how regular investing performs across decades of market history.
Explore Boot Camp →Learn the strategy of withdrawing a fixed dollar amount from your portfolio each year in retirement — and see how different starting points and allocations affect how long your money lasts.
Explore Boot Camp →A more dynamic withdrawal strategy that adjusts annually based on portfolio performance. This module shows how flexibility in retirement spending can extend portfolio longevity and respond to changing markets.
Explore Boot Camp →Chris Pedersen's annual deep-dive into the best-in-class ETFs across every asset class — Paul Merriman's recommended picks for building the Ultimate Buy and Hold portfolio. Updated for 2026 with the latest fund analysis.
BUILT FOR EVERY INVESTOR
Just getting started? Build a strong foundation with proven strategies and plain-English explanations.
Manage your own money? Get the data, tables, and insights you need to make confident decisions.
Approaching or in retirement? Master distribution strategies that help your money last as long as you do.
Teach others? Use these free, evidence-based materials in your own classes, workshops, or coaching practice.
READY TO START LEARNING?
Begin with Boot Camp 1 — Stocks vs. Bonds — or jump to whichever topic matters most to you right now. Every Boot Camp is free, evidence-based, and designed to help you make better financial decisions.