Boot Camp 2026 · Reference Tables
Boot Camp 2026 Tables
A complete reference library to help you understand asset allocation, historical returns, and proven strategies for building long-term wealth. Whether you're just starting out or refining your portfolio, these tables make complex financial concepts simple and actionable.
14+
Reference Tables
97
Years of Data
2026
Updated Annually
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Foundations
Stocks & Bonds — Equity Index Returns
Four equity asset classes and three bond maturities from 1928–2024. Bonds are safe for the short term, but stocks are clearly best for the long term.
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Best-in-Class ETF Recommendations
The updated recommendations as of February 2026, focused on tables that simplify fund selection with an emphasis on low expenses and diversification.
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Quilt Charts
The main 4-color quilt chart shows annual returns of all four major U.S. equity asset classes, plus a 25%-each portfolio. Additional tables included for reference.
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Strategy
Ultimate Buy and Hold
50% U.S. · 50% International
UB&H Strategy — 50/50 Allocation
25+ years of updates to the Ultimate Buy and Hold Strategy. Introduces investors to 10 equity asset classes with long-term returns equal to or higher than the S&P 500.
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70% U.S. · 30% International
UB&H Strategy — 70/30 Allocation
The same 10-asset-class strategy with a U.S.-weighted allocation. These asset classes form the components of our Sound Investing Portfolios.
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Portfolio Analysis
Fine Tuning Tables
50% U.S. · 50% International
Fine Tuning Tables — 50/50
Historical annual returns for each recommended equity portfolio, combined with fixed income. Includes worst 6-, 12-, 36-, and 60-month losses to show expected volatility.
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70% U.S. · 30% International
Fine Tuning Tables — 70/30
The same risk and return analysis with a U.S.-weighted equity allocation. Shows the full range of equity/fixed income combinations.
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Accumulation & Withdrawal
Contributions & Distributions
Fixed Contributions · 50/50
Fixed Contribution Tables — 50/50
Uses Fine Tuning Tables returns to show the impact of long-term investing. Starts with $1,000 ($83.33/month), increasing 3% each year. Easy to scale to any amount.
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Fixed Contributions · 70/30
Fixed Contribution Tables — 70/30
The same long-term contribution analysis using a U.S.-weighted 70/30 equity allocation.
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Fixed Distributions · 50/50
Fixed Distribution Tables — 50/50
First-year distribution of 3, 4, 5, or 6%, with annual increases based on the prior year's inflation. Full range of equity/fixed income allocations.
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Fixed Distributions · 70/30
Fixed Distribution Tables — 70/30
The same inflation-adjusted distribution analysis using a U.S.-weighted 70/30 equity allocation with a wide variety of fixed income combinations.
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Flexible Distributions · 50/50
Flexible Distributions — 50/50
Distributions of 3, 4, 5, and 6% based on the ending balance of the previous year. Often used by investors who have "more than enough" and don't have to consider inflation.
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Flexible Distributions · 70/30
Flexible Distributions — 70/30
The same flexible distribution analysis using a 70/30 U.S./International equity allocation.
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Historical Returns
Portfolio Returns & Analysis
Sound Investing · 50/50
Sound Investing Portfolio Returns 1970–2024 — 50/50
Year-by-year returns, decade returns, and results in losing and profitable years for all 9 portfolios. Uses a 50/50 balance of U.S./International equity funds.
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Sound Investing · 70/30
Sound Investing Portfolio Returns 1970–2024 — 70/30
The same year-by-year and decade returns with a 70/30 balance of U.S./International equity funds.
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Tell-Tale Charts 2026 Coming Soon
Important graphs for investors considering small-cap value. Shows long periods of underperformance and — in slide 4 — the huge difference between lump-sum and dollar-cost-average investing.
Coming Soon
2 Funds for Life Fine Tuning 2026 Coming Soon
Chris Pedersen's table showing the combination of a target-date fund with different percentages of small-cap value.
Coming Soon