Paul Merriman's Financial Education Bootcamp is a comprehensive, free educational series designed to help investors—especially do-it-yourselfers—make informed, long-term financial decisions. Offered through the Merriman Financial Education Foundation, the Bootcamp combines podcasts, videos, articles, and downloadable tables to guide individuals through key investment strategies and concepts.
Topics Covered in the Bootcamp
- Stocks vs. Bonds
This foundational segment compares the long-term growth potential of stocks with the short-term stability of bonds, using historical data from 1928 to 2024. It includes updated return tables and "quilt charts" to illustrate performance patterns. - The Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio
Merriman advocates for a diversified portfolio across 10 equity asset classes, aiming to outperform the S&P 500 over time. The Bootcamp provides detailed allocation models with both 50/50 and 70/30 U.S./International splits. - Sound Investing Portfolios
This segment introduces simplified portfolios tailored to different investor profiles, emphasizing diversification and long-term performance. It includes detailed tables and performance comparisons. - Fine-Tuning Your Asset Allocation
This module explores how varying allocations between stocks and bonds affect risk and return, helping investors align their portfolios with their risk tolerance and investment goals.
Who Should Use the Bootcamp?
The Bootcamp is ideal for:
- New Investors
- DIY Investors
- Pre-Retirees and Retirees
- Financial Educators
