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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Fixed Contribution Tables 
    The Fixed Contribution Tables assume the returns of the Fine Tuning Tables so an investor can see the impact of investing in them over a long period of time. The assumption is the investor started with an investment of $1,000 ($83.33 a month) and increased that amount by 3% each year. $1,000 was used as the starting investment so it is easy to adjust to whatever an investor can afford. This group of Tables assumes the use of a 50% U.S. and 30% International equity asset allocation.
  6. Fixed Distribution Tables 
    The tables assumes the first year's distribution is 3, 4, 5, or 6 percent. The tables then reflect an annual distribution increase based on the previous year's inflation. The portfolios in these tables assume a 50% U.S. and 50% International equity allocation and include the full range of equity/fixed income allocations.


Who Should Use the Bootcamp?

The Bootcamp is ideal for:

  • New Investors 
  • DIY Investors 
  • Pre-Retirees and Retirees
  • Financial Educators