Read the Article
Choosing the Right Portfolio (Returns, Risk & Real-World Lessons)
PDF — Free download
Podcast & Video
🎧 Sound Investing Podcast
▶️ Watch on YouTube
What You'll Learn
01
Why diversification matters — spreading investments across asset classes can manage risk and improve long-term results
02
How Sound Investing Portfolios are built — what's inside the 10-fund, 4-fund, and 2-fund options
03
How to read the historical evidence — long-term performance, volatility, and "ups & downs" data
04
How to choose a practical portfolio — matching complexity, risk tolerance, and time horizon
Tables & Charts
Best in Class
📄 Fine Tuning Table (S&P 500 vs US SCV)
📄 DFA & Avantis ETF Strategy
📄 Lifetime Investment Calculator
50% US / 50% International
📄 Table H1a – Asset Allocations (50% US / 50% Int'l)
📄 Table H2 – Portfolio Comparison Data (100% Equity)
📄 Table H3a – Annual Returns (1970–2025)
70% US / 30% International
📄 Table H1b – Asset Allocations (70% US / 30% Int'l)
📄 Table H102 – Portfolio Comparison Data (100% Equity)
📄 Table H3b – Annual Returns (1970–2025)
📄 Performance Quilt Chart (1970–2025)
Presentation
📄 PowerPoint/PDF
Key Takeaways
- Diversification is a feature, not a bonus — it can reduce reliance on any single market segment and smooth the ride.
- Simple can be powerful — a well-structured 2-fund or 4-fund approach can still be "sound" if you stay consistent.
- Long-term data helps prevent short-term mistakes — history shows how portfolios behave across different market cycles.
- The best portfolio is the one you can stick with — alignment with goals and risk tolerance matters as much as performance.