How should we prepare for a catastrophic market? and 9 more Q&A

In this podcast, Paul Merriman answers 10 questions recently submitted by his listeners and readers at  paulmerriman.com. See additional links referenced below.

1. What changes would you recommend to your 10-fund portfolio at retirement when you need the money to live on? 0:30


2. What should a late starter do to get caught up?  What do you recommend for investors who don’t have any experience?  I just turned 35 and I haven’t started saving for retirement. 3:45


3. Did I read that you and your wife not longer have any equities in your portfolio? I ask because I am 80 years old and am confused over what I thought you said and what you are saying now. 7:30


4. Should investments in a Roth IRA be in your tax-deferred portfolio?  You recommend VTMSX but Vanguard warns against using that fund inside a retirement account and recommends VSMAX. 9:30


5. Do you agree with many experts who say a lump sum investment is better than dollar cost averaging? 14:00


6. How should we prepare for a catastrophic market — all investments in government bonds directly or through Vanguard? 18:00


7. What do you think of using a simple 2-fund portfolio that is U.S. large-cap blend and small-cap value? 22:00


8. Which investments should I own in taxable accounts and which in tax-deferred or tax-free accounts? 24:15


9. What is your opinion of Northern Trust Mutual Funds? 26:00


10. What do you think of the combination of total market U.S. and International funds Tom Cock and Don McDonald reference in their "Talking Real Money" podcast? Plus some small-cap value?  28:30

For more about ROTH IRAs, see  http://www.mypersonalfinancejourney.com/should-my-mutual-fund-be-held-in-roth/

For the new “no brainers” Table of Long-Term Results, visit this link.

Click for Table 3a – No-Nonsense Portfolios for Sound Investing: Annual Returns