Benjamin Felix - Podcast Details

Shows

The Rational Reminder PodcastDo Index Funds Incur Adverse Selection Costs?Marco Sammon joins Ben and Dan to unpack his latest paper, ‘Index Rebalancing and Stock Market Composition’, beginning with how Marco’s work (co-written by John Shim) compares to the Nobel Prize-winner Bill Sharpe’s paper, ‘Arithmetic of Active Management.’ We investigate the missing links in Sharpe’s logic before defining “the market” and ascertaining the main objectives of index funds. Then, we dive deeper into the mechanics of Marco’s paper, index and market tracking errors, why delayed rebalancing is more beneficial than instant rebalancing, and the role of technology in the modern tracking error obsession. We also assess the passive-a...2025-05-011h 02

The Rational Reminder PodcastAMA #5The fifth installment of our Ask Me Anything sessions begins with the inevitable volatility of the stock market as we urge investors to remain calm amidst recent US stock declines. Similarly, we unpack the historical resilience of stock markets and offer advice for dealing with market crashes before discussing why bonds are not the best strategy for boosting returns. We examine the proposed Alberta Pension Plan, the Rational Reminder Podcast guests whose impact still ripples across PWL, how to be a PWL-style advisor, and we revisit the DFA versus Vanguard debate. We also explain why spending rules aren’t fo...2025-04-171h 07

PRINTSPIRATIONE41 - Benjamin Sajovitz von Antalis berichtet von einem gemeinsamen Projekt zum Thema Haft- und KlebematerialienEine Case Study über Aufkleber und Etiketten mit Benjamin Sajovitz von Antalis! **Wir sind Deine Hoster ** Birgit Hermes https://www.linkedin.com/in/birgithermes https://www.instagram.com/bigilinski https://www.tiktok.com/@bigilinski Felix Fuchs https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-fuchs-178a0078/ https://www.instagram.com/medienfuchs https://www.tiktok.com/@medienfuchs In dieser Episode sprechen wir mit unserem Gast Benjamin Sajovitz von Antalis über Haft- und Klebematerialien. Auf diese fünf Formate kannst Du Dich zukünftig freuen: ✅️Go Green - relative und absolute Nachhaltigkeit ✅️Case Studies - Erfolgsges...2025-04-1315 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastDFA vs VanguardDimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) and Vanguard have intersecting histories rooted in the development of the first-ever index fund. Vanguard's market-cap weighted index funds have been nothing short of revolutionary and they became synonymous with sensible investing for many good reasons, but Dimensional took implementing the ideas from academic finance a few steps further, leading to their own deserved acclaim. In today’s episode, Ben and Dan analyze over 30 years of history between DFA and Vanguard, from their founding and relationship to their rise as global leaders in asset management. We discover how their approaches to foundational finance theory differ, wh...2025-04-0354 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastAMA #4In this episode, Ben, Dan, and Mark tackle another Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, covering a wide range of investing and financial planning topics. They begin with a highly requested debate on factor investing versus market cap-weighted portfolios and unpack the theory, research, and practical considerations behind both strategies. Ben explains why he prefers factor tilts when managing client portfolios, while Dan shares his perspective on why a simple market cap-weighted approach is more practical and sustainable. Then, they delve into the drivers of investor behaviour, common mistakes investors make, and powerful strategies to help investors overcome biases and...2025-03-201h 22

The Rational Reminder PodcastThe Case for Index FundsAre index funds the best investment strategy for most investors? In this episode of Rational Reminder, Benjamin Felix, Dan Bortolotti, and Mark McGrath explore why low-cost index funds should be the primary investment strategy for most people. They explain how index funds evolved from a niche concept to a widely accepted strategy and outline their six key benefits. Learn about the fees associated with index funds, why index funds outperform most actively managed funds, and how to avoid the risks of picking individual stocks. They also explore academic research on long-term mutual fund performance, the persistence (or lack thereof...2025-03-061h 16

PRINTSPIRATIONE27 - Benjamin Sajovitz von Antalis im Print Plausch zum Thema PapierVon Pharaonen bis Digitaldruck: Die Zukunft des Papiers **Wir sind Deine Hoster ** Birgit Hermes https://www.linkedin.com/in/birgithermes https://www.instagram.com/bigilinski https://www.tiktok.com/@bigilinski Felix Fuchs https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-fuchs-178a0078/ https://www.instagram.com/medienfuchs https://www.tiktok.com/@medienfuchs In dieser Episode sprechen wir mit unserem Gast Benjamin Sajowitz im Print Plausch über das Thema Papier. Auf diese fünf Formate kannst Du Dich zukünftig freuen: ✅️Go Green - relative und absolute Nachhaltigkeit ✅️Case Studies - Erfolgsgeschichten unserer Kunden ✅️Pr...2025-02-2331 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastEpisode 345 - AMA #3As we continue to answer your questions from our most recent AMA, Ben, Mark, and Dan begin today’s episode with Bitcoin and how its value as an investment has changed over the years. Then, after briefly explaining how to find short clips of this podcast online, we discuss why many companies choose not to list directly on the TXS, how to implement factor investing without factor EFTS, the best way to invest if you could only make one EFT investment in your lifetime, and, and understanding buffered EFTs and market-linked GICs. We also cover expected returns in a co...2025-02-201h 14

The Rational Reminder PodcastHow to Choose an Asset AllocationChoosing an asset allocation is a crucial investment decision, as it determines expected returns and risk exposure. During this episode, we uncover what this means, exploring topics such as why risk may not always be the best assessment method. We unpack the three factors that John Grable’s risk profiling framework considers: behavioural loss tolerance, the ability to take risk (which assesses the financial capacity to withstand losses without affecting lifestyle), and the need to take risk. Many investors sabotage their returns by selling after losses and buying after gains, and we discuss the reasons behind this. We also ex...2025-02-061h 16

The Rational Reminder PodcastPWL’s Next ChapterPWL Capital is undergoing an exciting change that will help the company bring a greater positive impact to the Canadian Wealth Management space and serve more clients effectively. In this episode, Ben Felix and Cameron Passmore welcome Mike Sullivan, co-founder of OneDigital, to share the inside story behind PWL Capital's recent decision to join forces with OneDigital. With nearly 25 years of experience in growth through acquisitions, Mike explains how their unique culture and strategic vision led to this exciting collaboration. We discuss Mike’s role in driving OneDigital's expansion and how the company’s values align with PWL's mission to o...2025-01-231h 03

The Rational Reminder PodcastBen Mathew: The Lifecycle Model vs. Safe Withdrawal Rates (SWR)What drives the best financial planning decisions? In this episode, Ben Felix and Mark McGrath sit down with Ben Mathew, a PhD in economics from the University of Chicago and author of Economics: The Remarkable Story of How the Economy Works. The discussion explores the lifecycle model of economics, a powerful yet underutilized framework for financial planning, and contrasts it with traditional approaches like safe withdrawal rates (SWR). Ben Mathew shares insights into the lifecycle model, its origins, and its practical applications in aligning financial decisions with personal goals over a lifetime. We also dig into Ben’s innovative fi...2025-01-161h 22

The Rational Reminder Podcast2024 Year-End AMA Pt 2In our second episode of 2025, Ben, Mark, and Dan continue to work through the listener questions we received in our 2024 AMA. We begin with home country biases and how to continue to grow your money from an already diversified portfolio before comparing the benefits of stock trading strategies and EFT portfolio strategies. Then, we discuss the impact of volatile blockchains on the wider securities market, whether you need to adjust your investment strategy when new tariffs are imposed, the ins and outs of terminal wealth management, the benefits of focusing on a total market index, and the personal finance...2025-01-091h 24

The Rational Reminder Podcast2024 Year-End AMAAs the year draws to a close, the Rational Reminder Podcast team delivers an engaging year-end special with a unique twist. Rather than curating clips from previous episodes, Ben Felix, Dan Bortolotti, and Mark McGrath dive into an AMA-style episode, answering listener-submitted questions. They share reflections on lessons learned, highlight impactful community discussions, and provide thoughtful takes on investing strategies, personal growth, and financial planning. They discuss their evolving views on human capital integration, portfolio diversification, and the importance of behavioural finance in long-term planning. They also revisit key themes from earlier episodes and offer heartfelt thank-yous to their...2024-12-261h 33

The Rational Reminder Podcast"What About Warren Buffett?"What makes Warren Buffett’s investment legacy so iconic, and how has his advice shaped the world of investing? In this episode, we delve into Warren Buffet's investment philosophy and the lessons he offers everyday investors. In our conversation, we unpack the impact of his investment strategies on the financial world, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss how his strategies have changed over time. We also examine the structural barriers to replicating his success, the complexities of scale and changing market dynamics, and the parallels between his approach and modern asset pricing models. Discover Warren Buffett’s astonishing historical returns, his...2024-12-121h 08

The Rational Reminder PodcastThe Presidential Puzzle: Trump's Win and Expected Stock ReturnsWhat does Trump’s re-election mean for the markets? In this episode, Ben and Mark explore The Presidential Puzzle, a phenomenon revealing that equity risk premiums have historically been higher under Democratic presidencies than Republican ones. With Trump returning to office as the 47th U.S. president, they examine how voter risk aversion shapes political outcomes and market expectations, offering surprising insights into this intriguing connection between politics and investing. They also delve into market timing pitfalls, the importance of diversification, and how financial advisors can help investors navigate emotionally charged decisions. To wrap up, Ben and Mark reflect on...2024-11-2843 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastCameron in Norway: The Indexing Revolution, and Key Lessons from Past GuestsIn today's episode, Cameron sits down with Mark McGrath to talk about his trip to Trondheim, Norway, the event he attended there, and his presentation in which he shared top lessons from prestigious Rational Reminder Podcast guests. Tuning in, you'll hear Cameron's top takeaways from conversations with Nobel laureate Eugene Fama and his collaborator Kenneth French, as well as Robert Merton, Antti Ilmanen, Professor Ludovic Phalippou, and more. We also delve into the changing industry trends regarding index investing and the many benefits that come with embracing it, including how it helps financial advisors better serve their clients. Stay...2024-11-141h 00

The Rational Reminder PodcastOptimal Education Savings, Withdrawals, and Asset AllocationUnlocking the power of education savings is often a complex task, but with the right strategies, a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can be a game-changer for Canadian families planning their children's future. In this episode, Ben Felix, Dan Bortolotti, and Mark McGrath take a deep dive into the mechanics of the RESP, covering everything from optimal contributions and grant maximization to tax-efficient withdrawals and asset allocation. They discuss critical factors like the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) for low-income families and the intricacies of group RESPs, noting how pooled plans, though easy to join, can financially penalize those who...2024-10-311h 21

The Rational Reminder PodcastBuilding Better Portfolios with Don CalcagniWhat does it take to manage a $60 billion wealth management firm while keeping investment strategies grounded in scientific thinking? In this episode, we’re joined by Don Calcagni, Chief Investment Officer at Mercer Advisors. Don chairs the firm’s investment committee and provides guidance on mergers and acquisitions, investment integration, and long-term strategic planning. His expertise spans fiduciary oversight, portfolio management, private equity, and financial mathematics. In our conversation, we discuss how his firm constructs client portfolios, engages with academic and industry experts, and leverages a factor-based investment approach. He also explains the importance of having an investment philosophy root...2024-10-1758 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastAddressing 200+ Comments on Renting vs. Owning a HomeThere are many different considerations behind housing when you are in the position to choose between renting or buying. During this episode, hosted by Ben Felix and Dan Bortolotti, we address user questions and comments on homeownership, rentals, and the factors that may lead to choosing one over the other. We discuss what makes homeownership more attractive as your financial situation evolves, consider whether or not landlords are making money on their properties in 2024, and explore the explanations behind whether or not renters are less wealthy than owners. This conversation also touches on one of the most common misconceptions...2024-10-0343 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastRenting Versus Buying a Home in Canada 2005-2024Is renting just “throwing money away,” or could it be the smarter financial choice? In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in personal finance: renting versus owning a home. In our conversation, we discuss the nuances of renting versus owning, the hidden costs of buying a home, and the importance of saving discipline. Tuning in, you’ll discover how emotional biases may inflate real estate prices and how societal pressures influence housing decisions. Then, we shift our focus to a listener's question about interest rates and bonds. Dan explains how bond prices and yields...2024-09-191h 19

The Rational Reminder PodcastEvidence in Practice with Håkon KavliHow can the Rational Reminder Podcast get even better? By bringing back one of its most beloved voices, Dan Bortolotti, also known as "The Spud." In this exciting episode, hosts Ben Felix, Cameron Passmore, and Mark McGrath announce that Dan, the mind behind the Canadian Couch Potato Podcast, will now be a regular guest, contributing segments like "Bad Investment Advice" or "Ask the Spud.” Before Dan joins the conversation, we have an insightful discussion with Håkon Kavli, CIO of Reitan Kapital. Håkon shares how his team manages the wealth of one of Norway’s most prominent families, compar...2024-09-051h 36

The Rational Reminder PodcastAndrew Chen: "Is everything I was taught about cross-sectional asset pricing wrong?!"Are you curious about the hidden factors driving your investment decisions? Today’s guest is Andrew Chen, a Principal Economist at the Federal Reserve Board who focuses on monetary policy and financial stability. Published in leading journals, his research informs key policy decisions and helps shape the Federal Reserve’s strategy for managing economic challenges effectively. In this episode, Andrew delves into the intricacies of meta-research and asset pricing, focusing on cross-sectional asset pricing predictors, replication, and out-of-sample performance in factor investing. We discuss the significance of open-source data and transparency, highlighting Andrew's creation of the Open Source Asset Pric...2024-08-0143 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastAn Update from Avantis with Eduardo RepettoDuring this episode, we welcome back Eduardo Repetto, Chief Investment Officer of Avantis Investors. In his leadership capacity, he directs research design and the implementation of strategies and oversees the investment team and marketing initiatives. Our conversation kicks off with Edoardo’s explanation of how Avantis systemizes active management before we dive into strategies for launching in Europe and beyond. He weighs in on the most significant capacity issues that people face today, offering solutions to tweak your approach. We touch on what makes Avantis strategies preferable for advisors and Eduardo shares his insights on the future of small-cap va...2024-07-2558 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastWhen Should You Hire a Financial Advisor?Low-cost index funds and digital tools have revolutionized wealth-building, making it easier than ever before to manage your own investment portfolio. However, additional support and expert advice can be critical to help you reach your financial goals, especially when facing complex financial decisions, feeling overwhelmed, or deciding to change your investment strategy. Today on the Rational Reminder Podcast, we discuss when it makes sense to hire a full-service financial advisor, whether or not every investor needs one, and how professional guidance can enhance your financial outcomes. You’ll find out how delegating your financial decision-making can not only boost yo...2024-07-1138 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastIs Roaring Kitty a Good Role Model?When witnessing the dramatic payouts of miracle trades, it's easy to be lured into thinking that your big score is just a few trades away. But as is evident in trading options for retail investors, it is neither quick, simple, nor easy to make guaranteed returns on your investments. In today's episode, Ben and Cam walk us through the many reasons why trading options is a losers’ game; especially for retail investors. Trading options is definitely today's hot topic and we unpack how the recent resurfacing of Roaring Kitty affirms how life-changing payouts are the exception rather than the ru...2024-06-2724 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastAre Robo-Advisors Passive Investors?When robo-advisors first came onto the scene, they were pitched as an easy way to access index funds. These digital platforms provide algorithm-driven financial planning and investment services, with little to no human supervision, and typically use passive investment strategies. But while this technology has revolutionized access, not all robo-advisors are created equal. In today’s episode, Mark, Ben, and Cameron sit down to discuss the role of robo-advisors as passive investors, and the performance disparity in robo-advisor returns, as they investigate different robo-advisors, from Wealthsimple to Wealthfront. Next, in this week’s version of ‘Would you rather?’, we have rob...2024-06-131h 08

The Rational Reminder PodcastHow Much Life Insurance Do You Need?Are you confident about the amount of life insurance coverage you have? Are you maximizing your tax savings with the principal residence exemption? In this episode, we delve into life insurance and optimizing capital gains to answer these essential questions. In our conversation, we unpack the nuanced topic of life insurance, what people get wrong about it, and how to effectively calculate your life insurance policy needs. Using his own experience as the lens for the conversation, Mark shares how he calculated his life insurance and incorporated costs such as funeral cover, emergency funds, short-term expenses, and income replacement...2024-05-301h 07

The Rational Reminder PodcastIs Private Credit Special?Private credit is one of the fastest-growing asset classes, and today we take a closer look at why that is, and if it’s really worth the hype. When you invest in private credit, you are essentially lending money to borrowers who might have difficulty accessing loans elsewhere. While these assets may be profitable, they can also incur a lot of risk and typically come with illiquidity. It is traditionally traded among institutional and accredited investors, rather than retail investors, namely, non-professional investors. Since private credit has gained so much popularity in recent years, we use today’s conversation to u...2024-05-1644 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastBudget 2024: The Capital Gains Inclusion RateThe Canadian government has recently proposed significant changes to how capital gains are taxed, but how will this impact Canadians? In this episode, we delve into the proposed capital gains tax changes and their impact on financial planning. We unpack the definition of capital gains tax and the complexity of the proposed changes. Explore the historical trends of capital gains tax rates in Canada, how capital gains tax works, and who will be impacted by the proposed changes. We discuss the intricacies of the alternative minimum tax (AMT), its relevance to capital gains tax, and whether the old or...2024-05-0957 min

The Money Scope PodcastEpisode 14: CPP & and EI for Business OwnersBusiness owners often have reservations about paying into the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Many think they’re getting a bad deal by paying both the employer and the employee portion of the contribution, but can they do better by paying themselves dividends? In the last two episodes, we did an extensive review of how you can compensate yourself as a business owner through a private corporation. Today, we take a deeper look at two of the payroll expense aspects that often come up in discussions with financial planners: CPP and Employment Insurance (EI). If you are self-employed, there are a...2024-05-031h 28

The Rational Reminder PodcastMichael Green: Market Efficiency Is Not The QuestionWith a wealth of experience as a market theoretician and a prolific contributor to financial discourse, today’s guest is uniquely positioned to guide us through the complexities of index fund dynamics. Joining us to discuss the problems that passive investing may be causing in financial markets (and what people should do about it) is Michael Green, Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager for Simplify Asset Management. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the ramifications of the surging popularity of indexing and the sobering reality of mounting market inelasticity, backed by compelling evidence that underscores the challenges facing today's financial land...2024-04-251h 06

The Rational Reminder PodcastBonus Episode - Prof. Meir Statman: A Wealth of Well-BeingToday, we welcome back Prof. Meir Statman to talk about the role of finances in well-being. We investigate the role of finances in well-being with Prof. Meir Statman through the lens of his new book, A Wealth of Well-Being. Discover why wealth advisors must evolve into well-being advisors and uncover the impact of finances on various life domains. From dating to education, we discuss the profound financial correlations shaping happiness and well-being. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: (0:00:15) Introduction to returning guest, Prof. Meir Statman. (0:02:15) How well-being...2024-04-1836 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastOptimal Government Pension Claiming, and Life Well-Being w/ Prof. Meir StatmanIn this episode, we delve into the best time to claim your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits. Although the focus of this episode is on Canada, there will be many relevant and valuable insights for our non-Canadian listeners. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of understanding the intricacies of CPP benefits, the fundamentals, and how individuals can optimize their retirement income by making informed decisions. Explore the importance of understanding when to claim CPP benefits, how much future financial security a CPP offers, and why the CPP is one of the most valuable retirement assets for most Canadians...2024-04-1854 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastAbby Sussman: Financial Judgment and Decision MakingIn this episode, we are joined by renowned expert Abby Sussman to unpack how individuals form judgments and make decisions about their finances. Abby is a distinguished professor of marketing at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business whose expertise lies at the intersection of psychology, economics, and finance. In our conversation, we discuss the nuances of financial decision-making and how personal beliefs influence our financial choices. Discover the source of reference points for financial well-being and how expense prediction biases play a role in making poor financial decisions. We explore the effectiveness of budgeting, the nuances of...2024-04-1157 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastRandall Stutman: Admired Leadership for Financial Decision-MakingDr. Randall Stutman is an author, highly sought-after speaker, and executive leadership coach to some of the world’s most exceptional CEOs, billionaires, and hedge fund managers. As the founder of the Admired Leadership Institute, he is widely recognized as a world-class authority on leadership strategy and style. Today, Dr. Stutman joins us to discuss the behaviours and skills that make admired leaders and how you can translate those characteristics and strategies into your financial decision-making process. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the importance of followership, find out why admired leadership is so rare, and hear some practical advi...2024-03-2857 min $Rapid-Talks \$ Rapid-Talks "Dein Speed-Sportpodcast" 🐆Rapid-Talks #010 Vom Top-Sprinter zum Podcast-Pro: Benjamin Brömme im actiongeladenen Rapid-Talk🐆Dein "All You Need Is Speed" Podcast🔥 🎙️Rapid-Talks #010 Vom Top-Sprinter zum Podcast-Pro: Benjamin Brömme im actiongeladenen Rapid-Talk🏟 Willkommen zur 10. Episode von „Rapid-Talks“ – heute mit einem besonderen Gast, der die Welt des Sprints aus erster Hand kennt und nun als führender Kopf hinter einem der renommiertesten Leichtathletik-Podcasts Deutschlands agiert und gerade den 5-jährigen „Geburtstag“ seines Podcasts "Mainathlet" feiern darf! In dieser Episode haben wir das Vergnügen, Benjamin Brömme zu begrüßen, den ehemaligen Top-Sprinter und nun Host des hoch angesehenen Leichtathletik-Podcasts "Mainathlet". Mit einer persönlichen Bestzeit von 10,49 Sekunden über 100m für Vereine, wie die LG Eintracht Fran...2024-03-171h 02

The Money Scope PodcastEp.8 Case Conference: Choosing the Right DoorToday’s Case Conference accompanies an episode in which we provide a detailed breakdown of the registered account types available to Canadian investors and how to utilize them. Despite their numerous potential advantages, however, there are still many people who avoid them, primarily because optimizing these can seem too complicated and overwhelming. Our hope is that today’s episode will provide you with the confidence and knowledge you need to feel empowered to take the next steps in your investment journey. Tuning in, you’ll hear several case studies that address common concerns, like how to avoid having a Retire...2024-03-0823 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastHome Country Bias, Seg Funds, and Todd Rogers on Writing for Busy ReadersIn this episode, we explore the intricate world of home-country bias in investment decision-making and learn the secret sauce to effective communication and writing. We start by discussing the definition and influence of home-country bias and explore why investors tend to overweight their portfolios with domestic equities despite global opportunities. We dissect the home bias puzzle, the rationality behind bias, and the conditions under which home-country bias makes sense. Then, Mark McGrath joins us to unpack the complexities of segregated funds and why it might not be the investment product you were hoping for. Following that, we sit down...2024-03-071h 34

The Rational Reminder PodcastDan Harris: 10% HappierIn this episode, we delve into the world of mindfulness and meditation with renowned author and meditation advocate, Dan Harris. In our conversation, Dan shares his personal journey from a high-stress career in the news to discovering the transformative power of mindfulness meditation. We explore Dan's best-selling book, 10% Happier which chronicles his exploration into mindfulness practices after experiencing a panic attack on live television. We discuss how Dan's quest for inner peace led him to explore meditation, the core principles of Dan's 10% Happier philosophy, and how mindfulness can lead to incremental but significant improvements in happiness. Discover why Buddhism...2024-02-2949 min

The Money Scope PodcastIntermission EpisodeIn this special episode of the Money Scope Podcast, we take a break from their regular content to reflect on the journey so far and engage with our audience. As we pause to catch our breath halfway through the planned core curriculum, we discuss the evolution of the podcast, share listener feedback, and offer insights into what lies ahead. We outline topics covered in the initial episodes, ranging from goal setting to investment basics, and highlight the upcoming shift towards more Canadian-focused content. We express gratitude for the enthusiastic response from our audience and discuss the impact the podcast...2024-02-2320 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastEric Balchunas: Spot Bitcoin ETFsAfter a year and a half hiatus from discussing Bitcoin, we felt compelled to explore the implications of the US Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of 10 spot Bitcoin ETFs for trading. In this episode, we dive into the recent news surrounding Bitcoin and its entry into the mainstream investment landscape through spot Bitcoin ETFs. To help us unpack this topic is Eric Balchunas, a seasoned ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence and host of the Trillions Podcast. Eric brings a wealth of knowledge on ETFs and offers valuable insights into the intersection between traditional financial markets and the cryptocurrency space...2024-02-2251 min

The Money Scope PodcastEp. 7 Case Conference: Big decisions with real moneyIn this episode, we follow the stories of two distinct investors facing unique challenges. First, meet a plastic surgeon in the high-flying tech-driven world of 1997. With a high-risk tolerance and a flourishing practice, this surgeon believes they can conquer the market. However, as the dot-com bubble looms, they must navigate the fine line between risk and reward, teaching us vital lessons about diversification, leverage, and the challenges of the market. Next, explore the journey of a savvy business owner who sold their company at just the right time, amassing substantial cash. Cautious due to past stock market losses, this...2024-02-1619 min

The Money Scope PodcastEp. 7: Portfolio Design & ManagementPicture your investment portfolio as a carefully crafted puzzle and asset allocation as the key to solving it. It not only helps you navigate the treacherous waters of risk but fine-tunes your investments to harmonize perfectly with your financial dreams. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the art and science of portfolio management. Discover the intricacies of portfolio planning, execution, and maintenance as we dissect this critical aspect of wealth management. We unpack asset allocation with a focus on the stocks-to-bonds ratio, a crucial decision that balances the quest for maximum returns with the need for...2024-02-092h 01

The Money Scope PodcastEp. 6 Case Conference: This Investment is HotAfter our detailed examination of the basics of investment strategy, we are now delving into some common case studies that you may encounter on your investing journey. Our studies take us through the looming recession and why it should not be a major concern for investors, the economic activity of America’s response to a recession, and deciding on how much, with whom, and when you should invest your money. We also critically assess what you need to be aware of before seeking a lower-cost investment model, how to save while making donations, value versus growth, and what Ben an...2024-02-0237 min

The Money Scope PodcastEp. 6: Key Investing ConceptsToday’s episode is a colonoMoneyScope as we dig deep into the basics of investment strategy. But we’ve already laid the foundation (in previous episodes) and the hard work is done, and we are now moving onto a necessary procedure for the preventive care of your investment portfolio. It’s important to understand why we invest and why it matters in our lives, why fear and risk are not necessarily bad things, the differences between investing and gambling, and the inherently speculative nature of investments. After that, you’ll learn about financial assets, the ins and outs of stocks a...2024-01-261h 17

The Money Scope PodcastEp. 5 Case Conference: Debt, Saving, InvestingToday’s show features our first case conference supplemental episode. We’ve built several cases, complete with figures, to expand upon our primary episode's discussions on debt, saving, and investing. These scenarios reflect common queries and challenges we frequently encounter from our audience. While we hope you can draw parallels to your own circumstances from these cases, it's crucial to understand that this isn't personalized advice. We aren't offering specific recommendations. However, our goal is for you to find elements in these cases that resonate and assist you in navigating your own financial journey, whether independently or with a cons...2024-01-1923 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastScott Rick - Navigating the Money Minefield in Real RelationshipsTightwads are more likely to hold onto their money even when there is more than enough to spend, whilst spendthrifts will drain their bank account of its very last cent. So, which one are you, and how does that impact your relationships? Joining us today is the remarkable Marketing Professor and Author, Scott Rick. Scott has just penned a new book, Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships, which serves as a guide for finding happiness while steering through money and love. To kick-start our conversation, Scott summarizes the relationship that people generally have with money...2024-01-1859 min

The Money Scope PodcastEp. 4 Financial Independence & Goal SettingIn this episode, we dive deep into the world of financial independence, values, and effective goal setting. Drawing from a wealth of knowledge and research, we guide listeners through a structured approach to identify their most meaningful financial goals. From the importance of enjoying the journey to setting measurable targets, we provide invaluable insights into achieving long-term financial success. Discover why financial independence is not just an end goal but a means to greater personal freedom. Learn how to articulate your core values and understand why they are the compass guiding your financial decisions. Explore a staged approach to...2024-01-0555 min

The Money Scope PodcastEp.3 Making "Good Life" DecisionsWe make countless decisions every day, from choosing what we’ll have for breakfast to determining whether we have the time to take a break from our busy schedule and go for a walk. Not all decisions require the same amount of effort. And while the big decisions certainly deserve our time and attention, it can be easy to overlook how the small decisions we make every day accumulate and influence our quality of life. In today’s episode, we continue our exploration of how to master your wealth and well-being by offering a collection of concrete strategies for plan...2023-12-2951 min

The Money Scope PodcastEp.2 Avoiding "The Good Life" TrapsHave you ever found yourself caught up in the pursuit of material possessions, believing they will bring you happiness? Or perhaps you've been lured into working excessively, thinking that the more you earn, the happier you'll be? In this conversation, we expand on the concepts covered in the previous episode and dive deep into money-happiness traps and how they lead to unexpected consequences, like mounting debt, burnout, and even strained relationships. We discuss the power of social comparison and how it can affect our financial decisions and overall well-being, and unpack seminal research to help you understand the complex...2023-12-2224 min

The Money Scope PodcastEp.1 Designing The "Good Life"In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of human happiness and regret by exploring the complex relationship between our pursuit of happiness and the decisions we make along the way. We unpack the essence of a ‘good life’, the different forms of happiness, and how to keep a balance between them. Discover why the pursuit of material wealth might not lead to lasting happiness and learn how to navigate the regrets that can shape your life. Explore the ‘hedonic treadmill’ and the ‘elephant and rider’ analogy to understand why we often chase short-term pleasures over long-term fulfillment. Gain valuable ins...2023-12-1540 min

The Money Scope PodcastIntroducing The Money Scope PodcastWelcome to the Money Scope Podcast, where finance meets relatability and evidence-based wisdom takes centre stage. Join your hosts, Mark Soth and Ben Felix, as they take you on a deep dive into the world of personal finance, specifically tailored for Canadian professionals and beyond. In this engaging series, Mark and Ben blend their expertise in the medical and financial fields to offer you a unique perspective on managing your money. Drawing inspiration from their experiences, they present complex financial topics in a way that's both personally relatable and easy to understand. This is not your average finance show...2023-12-1441 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastEpisode 278: Juhani Linnainmaa: Financial Advisors, and the Cross-Section of ReturnsIf you dive deep into financial advisor fixed effects, you’ll begin to understand that an advisor's own portfolio has a bigger impact on the portfolios of their clients than the characteristics of the clients themselves. To help us make sense of this and to further explain financial values and the cross-section of returns, we are joined by the influential and notorious Professor of Finance, Juhani Linnainmaa. Our conversation begins with a comprehensive analysis of financial values, including a comparison between the trading patterns of advisors and those of their clients, a disquisition of misguided beliefs, an examination of cl...2023-11-0958 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastThe Cash Wedge w/ Phil Briggs, and and the Four Ds of Tax PlanningDuring this episode, Financial Advisor and Associate Portfolio Manager Phil Briggs joins us to discuss the ‘cash wedge’ financial strategy. He also shares his motivation for joining PWL Capital after kicking off his career in the banking industry. Next, Mark McGrath unpacks the four D’s of tax planning and how to implement them in your future planning. We review a much-loved past episode featuring Dr. William Bernstein and unpack the principles taught in Seth Godin’s latest book, The Song of Significance. During the aftershow, you’ll hear about our recent explorations in the world of infinite banking, Admired Le...2023-11-0249 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastRob Carrick: Canadian Personal Finance in 2023In this episode, we welcome back one of Canada's most trusted and widely read financial experts to discuss the state of Canadian personal finance. Rob Carrick is a columnist for The Globe and Mail, where he has brought his boots-on-the-ground perspective to readers for more than 20 years. He also co-hosts the Stress Test Podcast, where regular Canadians offer real-life perspectives on the biggest stress tests that their personal finances face in the wake of COVID-19. Tuning in, you’ll find out which issues are at the forefront of Rob’s readers’ lives. Next, he shares his perspective on GICs and ET...2023-09-2853 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastExpected Returns of the AI Revolution (plus People are Lying to you About Money w/ Anthony Walsh)AI is not new and financial mis-education is rife. These are two ideas that form the foundation of this episode, which features insights from Ben Felix, Mark McGrath, and guest speaker Anthony Walsh. To start our conversation, we explore the history of artificial intelligence and what it might mean for the future and beyond. During this Mark to Market segment, Mark McGrath shares his experience of owning property and becoming a landlord before we look back on Episode 155 with Don Ezra, where he revealed his thoughts on planning for life after work. Anthony Walsh, author of People Are Lying...2023-09-211h 04

The Rational Reminder PodcastThe (Expected) Cost of Pessimism (Plus Matthew Dicks on the Value of Storytelling)Today's show is centred on the expected cost of pessimism and how investor expectations of loss negatively affect financial decisions. After concisely exploring the data and literature on the subject, we get into a few solutions to this dynamic and talk about how to find a way around natural human tendencies and myopic loss aversion. We then get into our first Mark's Minutes segment, with our colleague Mark McGrath briefly explaining some interesting ideas about risk and tax-free savings accounts. For today's episode retrospective, we go over Episode 45 and the conversation we had with Moira Somers about effective communication...2023-08-2459 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastPim van Vliet: The Volatility Effect, RevisitedPim van Vliet is on a mission to put the low volatility factor on the map. In his role as Head of Conservative Equities and Chief Quantitative Strategist at Robeco, he focuses on leveraging the effect of low-risk investing. Pim has also published a book, High Returns From Low Risk: A Remarkable Stock Market Paradox, where he unpacks some of the key aspects that guide his work and underpin his success. During this conversation, Pim shares his insights on volatility, the changing market, and combining low-risk with other traditional factors. He equips listeners with key considerations for evaluating strategies...2023-08-0358 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastA Tribute to Harry Markowitz with Alex Potts & 7 Steps to a Better Portfolio with Edward GoodfellowWith the recent passing of Harry Markowitz, we wanted to take this opportunity to spend some time honoring this giant of financial economics. Joining us on today's episode is our friend Alex Potts, who shares some of his touching memories of Harry, and talks about the unmistakable impact he had on the field. Harry is commonly viewed as the father of modern portfolio theory but also might be considered the grandfather of behavioural finance and a huge proponent of intelligent diversification. Alex graciously shares the nine lessons he learned from Harry, a few 'Harryisms' and some fond and surprising...2023-07-271h 04

The Rational Reminder PodcastEpisode 261: Structured Products with Felix Fattinger and Petra Vokata & Jill SchlesingerOur focus for today's episode is the topic of structured products and we welcome two expert guests to weigh in with their research and insight on the subject. Felix Fattinger is an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Vienna Graduate School of Finance whose research focuses on complexity from a number of perspectives. Petra Vokata is an Assistant Professor of Finance at Ohio State University, currently working in areas of household finance, financial innovation, and consumer financial protection. Both Felix and Petra offer some amazing takeaways for retail investors, deftly balancing the data with their ability to read it...2023-07-131h 57

The Rational Reminder PodcastProf. James Choi: Practical FinanceToday we welcome James Choi, Professor of Finance at the Yale School of Management, to the show to share some of his insight into what he has dubbed practical finance. James has focused his research on behavioural finance, behavioural economics, household finance, capital markets, health economics, and sociology, and is turning this expertise into pragmatic knowledge marketed towards ordinary people. This reframing and reconfiguration of the theory for all people and the decisions they make, could not be more in line with what we are trying to do here at Rational Reminder, and this conversation with James was packed...2023-07-061h 11

The Rational Reminder PodcastEpisode 259: Comprehensive Overview: Estimating Expected ReturnsJoin us as we present a compilation of segments on expected returns and the dynamics that shape investment outcomes. We deep dive into the world of financial predictions and gain a comprehensive understanding of how expected returns influence your financial decision-making. We also go back to the episode with Dr. Brian Portnoy where we delved into his book, The Geometry of Wealth. Lastly, joining our conversation is our colleague Matt Gour who discusses The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath. We discuss how extraordinary moments have the power to shape our lives and the pivotal importance of...2023-06-291h 14

The Rational Reminder PodcastBasic Personal Finance ConceptsToday we are spending most of the episode going further into the basic concepts that ground good financial practices and the personal finance topics that are often taken for granted. The three main areas we unpack in this episode are the cost of living, savings capacity, and emergency funds, and though these can be viewed as basic ideas, there are always areas of the simplest variety that deserve more attention. Listeners can also expect to hear a little more about what our role as financial advisors constitutes on a daily basis, as we respond to an audience member's question...2023-02-231h 16

The Rational Reminder PodcastWho are you, and who do you want to be?Identifying your personal values is the foundation for making future decisions. In this episode, we discuss the profound ways in which personal values impact financial decision-making and share concrete steps to identify both your strategic and means objectives. Ben candidly shares his own objectives and expands on the other considerations involved in making major decisions. We then jump to the less abstract topic of 2022 returns, providing a thorough overview of the tilts and their consequences, followed by a brief summary of an early episode with Shane Parrish. In the latter half of this episode, we are joined by Zoobean...2023-01-261h 16

The Rational Reminder PodcastEduardo Repetto: Deep Dive with Avantis Investors' CIOIn this episode, we are joined by the CIO of Avantis Investors, Eduardo Repetto, to have an in-depth conversation about his philosophy and approach to many of the central concepts that are important to our listeners. Eduardo weighs in on asset pricing factor investing, premiums, and also shares some of his perspectives on what makes Avantis different from its competitors. Eduardo's wealth of experience and technical know-how make this very practical exploration, complete with some inventive and demonstrative analogies. Despite the high-level concepts discussed, our guest's ability to communicate these in an accessible manner also helped maintain a level...2022-11-241h 35

The Rational Reminder PodcastA Financial Goals Master List (n=310)We recently created and conducted a very interesting survey based on financial goals, and today, we get to share some of the data we collected and the answers that were given to the questions. Although there are some definite limitations to our expertise as surveyors and data collectors, the findings are most definitely illuminating, surprising, and useful. Listeners will get to hear a bit about the process of building the survey as well as some of the raw numbers and data before we get into the list of goals that were submitted, collated, and ranked. We also share some...2022-10-201h 06

The Rational Reminder PodcastUnderstanding Crypto 17: Ari Juels: The Technical Case for BlockchainCritics of blockchain often say that it is nothing more than a database, but today’s guest, Ari Juels, has a different opinion. His technical expertise (he is a Professor of Computer Science at Cornell Tech), combined with his ability to understand both sides of a divisive topic like this one, make for a very insightful conversation about Bitcoin, NFTs, and smart contracts. We talk about the reasons for the valid skepticism that surrounds blockchain technology, the various reasons that Ari believes that it is a powerful, useful tool, despite its downfalls, pyramid schemes, decentralized exchanges and more! ...2022-09-231h 22

Schwarzweiß - Der Fotografie PodcastBenjamin Wohlert - Introvertiert erfolgreichVom schüchternsten Jungen an der Schule bis hin zum Fotografen, der auf andere zugeht und eindringliche Portraits einfängt. Benjamin Wohlert ist Fotograf, Videograf und hat ein erfolgreiches Buch über die Portraitfotografie geschrieben. Wir freuen uns mega, dass er heute bei uns zu Gast ist. Er spricht darüber, wie er als introvertierter Fotograf den Weg aus der Schüchternheit geschafft hat, welch alternativen Shootingansatz er verfolgt und er berichtet von seinem 3-monatigen Abenteuer als Fotograf auf einem Kreuzfahrtschiff. Mehr über Benjamin Wohlert findest Du auf seiner Homepage www.wohlertfotografie.de oder auf seinem Instagram-Kanal @wohlertfotografie 2022-08-261h 17

The Rational Reminder PodcastCommon Misconceptions Among Beginner InvestorsThe world of personal finance is full of axioms, and new investors can get caught up in investing myths and ‘rules of thumb’ that are limiting at best and lead to underperformance and unnecessary losses at worst. In this week’s episode, we outline some of the common misconceptions that new investors have, the evidence (or lack thereof) surrounding them, and how to think more like a seasoned investor. Is value investing really a safer strategy with lower expected returns? Do you need to employ a Buffett-Lynch stock picking approach when value investing? Are all index funds good investments? Tune in...2022-04-071h 03

Elawvate: The Trial Lawyer PodcastWinning the Hard Trials with Felix LunaSeattle-based trial lawyer, Felix (Gavi) Luna is not afraid to try hard cases. Join Ben ((Ben Gideon | Gideon Asen LLC) ) and Rahul ((Rahul Ravipudi (psblaw.com) for this episode as Gavi explains the strategies and techniques he has used to get extraordinary results in some of the toughest cases, including a case involving highway design and a malpractice case involving failure to prevent a stroke.Felix Gavi Lunaluna@pwrfl-law.comFelix moved to Seattle from Boston, Massachusetts, as a teenager and grew up in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. After graduating from Rainier...2022-03-2855 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastHow to Set Financial GoalsIdentifying investment goals is a critical step in developing a sound financial plan that helps investors reach their objectives. Studies have shown that using a goals-based framework in financial planning can lead to an increase in wealth for investors and has the potential to strengthen planner-client relationships; but what goals should you be setting? And why is it often so difficult to make these kinds of decisions? In today’s episode, Benjamin dives into some of the research he is conducting about goals-based financial planning for the paper he is writing on the topic, and we discuss why defining an...2022-02-101h 15

Leading Well: Der Podcast für Führung von morgen#016 Wie wir mit New Work eine nachhaltige Performance-Kultur gestalten - mit Felix Erdmann von RyzonDie nächste New Performance Journey startet am 9. Februar. Hier kannst Du Dich unverbindlich in die Warteliste eintragen: https://www.benjaminrolff.de/journey Wie können Purpose, Leistung und Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz zusammengebracht werden? In diesem New Performance Talk spricht Benjamin mit Felix Erdmann darüber, wie dynamische Teams den Drahtseilakt zwischen passioniertem Leistungsanspruch und gesunder Balance meistern können. Dabei spielen New Work Ansätze eine wichtige Rolle. Felix berichtet von seiner Erfahrung mit der Einführung einer 32-Stunden-Wochen und warum gesunde Selbstführung die Basis für den Weg in eine neue Arbeitswelt ist. Felix...2022-01-1955 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastMarket Efficiency Myths and MisconceptionsWhile there is certainly room for rigorous debate regarding market efficiency versus inefficiency, there are many who dismiss Eugene Fama’s Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) as an incorrect model without understanding what the implications are or how to test it. In today’s episode of the Rational Reminder Podcast, we tackle some common market efficiency myths and misconceptions using Fama’s 1970 paper on EMH as well as supporting papers by Kenneth French, Lubos Pastor, José Scheinkman, and many others. You’ll also hear about behavioural finance, quantitative investing, human bias, and momentum as they relate to market efficiency before debunking...2022-01-131h 29

The Rational Reminder PodcastAre Homeowners Happier than Renters?For decades, owning a home has been seen as a hallmark of the ‘American dream’ and a major life milestone. While we take it for granted that home ownership is good, we make the argument in today’s episode that, from the perspective of subjective well-being, owning a home isn’t necessarily the key to happiness. This conversation covers the non-financial aspects of homeownership and why owning a home isn’t necessarily superior to renting one. This is supported by data from a number of different studies that describe the relationship between experienced happiness and life evaluation, and how the decisi...2021-10-071h 00

The Rational Reminder PodcastLessons from 100+ Years of Global Stock ReturnsIn this week’s episode, Cameron and Benjamin share what’s on their mind and delve into listener questions on subjects ranging from the CAPE ratio to how to go about changing someone’s mind. Tuning in you’ll get a preview of some of the formidable guests featured on future episodes, like John Cochrane and Hersh Shefrin. We also cover book recommendations and unpack the concept of libertarian paternalism from the highly influential best-seller, Nudge: The Final Edition by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, and how it can be a force for good. We cover various facets of passive...2021-09-091h 03

The Rational Reminder PodcastInvesting in HappinessToday we dive deep into the connection between happiness and money, looking at a host of theories and studies that have examined the important factors in this discussion. The main material referenced is the fascinating, The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt, and during the episode, we get to look at a great selection of the findings and claims in the book. To kick things off, we consider the broad ideas around how money can stimulate happiness, as well as its addictive aspects, before examining a few of the most prominent lenses used for measuring different kinds of happiness. Talking ab...2021-05-061h 01

The Rational Reminder PodcastDo Expected Stock Returns Wear a CAPE?As many of you already know, we have been working hard to figure out the best way to model expected stock returns for financial planning and asset allocation. It has a lot of history in financial literature, which is to be expected, given the importance of the figure. In today’s episode, we’re looking all the way back to 1985, when Rajnish Mehra and Edward C.Prescott called the equity premium a puzzle, through to the present day, when the equity risk premium has only gotten larger. We dive into some of the theories for resolving the equity premium puzz...2021-04-2259 min

The Rational Reminder Podcast“Buying the Dip”Today’s episode doesn’t have an external guest, but Benjamin and Cameron provide fascinating information on a vast range of topics. First, the discussion centers around the book that Cameron is currently reading and what it is teaching him about social networks, the ego-driven world of social media, and the benefits of anonymity online. The hosts share some of the findings from a very insightful discussion which took place on their anonymous community board platform around people’s thoughts on the positive and negative impacts of work. Happiness and the factors that cause it are a big theme in tod...2021-04-0859 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastWhat is Financial Advice?While there is no way of knowing what the best portfolio is, empirical data and financial economics have fixed the problems surrounding investing. But if we’ve fixed investing, then what’s the point of financial advisors? Today we dive into this topic and reveal why financial advice is still valuable to the everyday investor. We open the episode by touching on our movies and books for the week, as well as the latest from the financial world. We then explore why, despite their failure at making predictions, experts are so important across many industries. After defining what financial advi...2021-03-2559 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastWhere do Stock Returns Come From?Where do stock returns actually come from? The answers to this deceptively simple question might change your investing perspective. We dive into this foundational investing topic after sharing community updates and chatting about our books and TV series of the week. A key concept in understanding where returns come from, we unpack how stock returns are impacted when companies migrate across size and value portfolios. While exploring how migration differently affects value and growth stocks, we also break down why book equity and growth drive capital gains for growth portfolios but not for value stocks. Linked to this, we...2021-03-111h 02

The Rational Reminder PodcastThe IPO Lottery, Planning for Wellness, and Talking CentsSkewed Factor IPO Investing and Financial Well-being Episode 134: Show Notes. Many IPOs start with a bang, resulting in high first-day closing prices that attract retail investors. Today we unpack new and established research to explore how the hottest IPOs compare with average market returns. We open our conversation by first sharing community updates and details about the book and news of the week. After reflecting on how 2020 was one of the biggest IPO years since 2000, we talk about why IPOs tend to release in waves. We then chat about where IPO al...2021-01-281h 14

The Rational Reminder PodcastFive Factor Investing with ETFsAfter months of research, number-crunching, and receiving listener requests on the subject, today’s episode is devoted to introducing our new model ETF portfolios — which promise to offer a smoother ride to getting reliable returns. We open our conversation with a financial news roundup and by touching on our book of the week. We then dive into the theory behind our model by first exploring how market assets are priced. We discuss historical views on asset pricing models before looking at what academia has done to overcome challenges to the idea of market efficiency. Host Benjamin Felix methodically shows how o...2020-12-171h 08

The Rational Reminder PodcastFooled by Dividends, and the Future of Financial Planning ResearchThere is a sharp divide between those who invest in dividend-paying stocks and those who don’t. Underpinning this is the question of whether dividends are relevant to the evaluation of shares. Today we answer this question by digging into the data and parsing the maths before exploring what the future of financial planning looks like. But first, we open our episode with news from the Rational Reminder community — including the fact that we just passed one million podcast downloads. We then touch on lessons from Seth Godin’s new inspiring book, along with the latest from the financial world...2020-12-0353 min

The Rational Reminder Podcast(Irrationally) Investing in Technological Revolutions, Household CFO Job Analysis, and Learning to Sell Mutual FundsAs counter-intuitive as it may seem, most of the companies that push us into the next technological revolution deliver poor investment returns. Today we look at current and historical data to show why this is the case but first, we chat about the top financial news of the week. Borrowing heavily from Carlota Perez’s Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital, we then explore how the links between tech revolutions and investing adhere to a consistent model. Following this model, we discuss how our current information-led revolution is as impactful as revolutions experienced in previous generations. We touch on the fa...2020-11-051h 19

The Rational Reminder PodcastActively Managed Funds vs. COVID-19, Behavioral Nudges, and a Sustainable Investing UpdateOur focus for this episode of the Rational Reminder is split into two sections; first, we cycle through our regular features, looking at a number of studies and articles of interest, the market during the pandemic, and our bad advice segment, and then Benjamin is joined by Tim Nash to talk about ethical investing and comment on Wealthsimple's new sustainable portfolio. We start off our weekly round-up talking about the idea of broadening a knowledge-base and how reading widely and diversely on all manner of subjects can influence and benefit your investing. From there, we turn to the topic...2020-09-101h 22

SAMU Podcast - Live with Joy & LoveSo geht mentale Stärke | Interview mit Benjamin Berg | Episode #17Mentale Stärke ist das, was dir hilft, zum Erfolg zu kommen. Benjamin Berg hat durch seine Story (eine der krassesten, die ich bisher in meinen Interviews gehört habe) schon unzählige Menschen inspiriert und hilft als Coach, Trainer und Mentor Menschen ihren Weg zu gehen. Heute spreche ich mit ihm über Mentale Stärke, was es bedeutet und wie du diese erlagen kannst. Viel SpaßBenjamin auf Instagram: https://instagram.com/benjamin_berg_officialBenjamin auf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGg7-LIK_NUckShpI_ERBIQEmail...2020-08-1546 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastGold, Insuring your Insurance, and Bank Sales PitchesWith the gold price reaching record highs, we revisit the contentious issue of whether you should add gold to your portfolio. Before mining that topic, we talk about Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber and Am I Being Too Subtle? — our book recommendations of the week. We then touch on key news stories including how the recent Apple stock split has affected its position in the Dow index. After fielding a listener question about why central banks care about deflation, we share the reasons for and against investing in gold. We discuss where gold derives its value along with th...2020-08-131h 08

The Rational Reminder PodcastUnderstanding the Fed’s Money Printer, and Lessons from the CrisisQuantitative easing is a monetary policy whereby a central bank buys government bonds or other financial assets in order to inject money into the economy to expand economic activity. But what exactly does that mean? In today’s episode, Benjamin and Cameron are going to address this topic, avoiding highly politicized aspects, like whether or not central banks should be involved in the economy in the first place, and focusing purely on the operational perspective of quantitative easing – what is it, how it works, and what the intended transmission mechanisms are. Benjamin explains what he has learned through his exte...2020-07-301h 03

The Rational Reminder PodcastDimensional's ETFs, Private Equity, and Prescribed Rate LoansWith private equity investments increasing in popularity, you may feel the pressure to expand your portfolio. Today’s episode, we look at the data behind private equity returns to see if these investments add something to your portfolio that you couldn’t get elsewhere. But first, we discuss some big news — that slow-moving Dimensional Fund Advisors are entering the ETF marketplace. After looking at the implications of this move, we use a Harvard paper as our springboard into the topic of private equity. By exploring the shift in demand for private equity, the paper establishes the context for why invest...2020-07-021h 09

The Rational Reminder PodcastBen Rabidoux: A Reality Check on Canadian Real Estate & Macro EconomicsThe economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been unprecedented and the seismic shifts have caused numerous unforeseen challenges. While no-one could have predicted the enormity and speed of the current crash before it happened, several signs indicated that an economic contraction was on the horizon. Today’s guest, Ben Rabidoux, President of North Cove Advisors, a boutique research firm, is here to share some macroeconomic trends and what they tell us about the state of the Canadian economy. His research expertise includes Canadian housing, macroeconomic trends, and household credit. We kick off the episode with some listener feedback as...2020-04-3055 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastThis Week's Questions and Answers: Investment Ratios, Risk 101, Sustainability, Longevity, and MoreWelcome back to the podcast everybody, we have another great round-up episode for you where we field questions that you sent in and cover a bunch of things we think you need to hear! We discuss how you should weight your stocks and bonds ratio and times that you could think about changing it, we also talk about index funds, Michael Burry and why his reputation is a bit overstated. Then we get into the different types of risk! We cover volatility, uncompensated risk, skewness, and inflation and help you think about each and the impact that they may...2019-10-1747 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastBack to the Basics: Dividends and Explaining Factors to Benjamin’s MomMichael Burry says we should get out of indexing. Jim Cramer says it’s time to jump in. These are interesting times in the world of investing! On today’s episode, we discuss Burry’s recent claims about passive investing and advise on a plan of action should he turn out to be right. Benjamin recently posted a new video on dividends, and we have a conversation about the responses the video triggered and give some good reasons for our stance about the irrelevance of dividends. We also talk about negative interest rates, how they affect that market and explai...2019-09-1943 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastValuation Theory and the Imminent RecessionWelcome back to the Rational Reminder everybody! We are taking this episode to round up all the recent goings-on and tackle a few residual issues that we believe need some attention. We start off by contemplating how much we have both been learning with the wealth of guests that come through our doors. We would never be confronted with this many ideas and inspiration if it were not for this great platform on which we find ourselves! From there we go on to discuss all the recent talk of a recession and the many assumptions that seem to be...2019-08-2240 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastThe Ins and Outs of Real Estate: Mortgage Rate, Rentals, REITs and Variable AnnuitiesOn today’s episode, Benjamin and Cameron are talking real estate, specifically mortgage rates and REITs. For the first time since the early 90s, fixed mortgage rates are lower than variable ones, which have always been the popular choice. However, due to the fact that Canada’s yield curve is inverted, short term rates higher than their long-term counterparts. This is not usually the case, which makes it a great time to consider a fixed term mortgage, bearing in mind that it requires some lifestyle considerations. Benjamin and Cameron also provide some insights into the rental property market changes sinc...2019-08-0830 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastGIC's, Portfolio Questions and Education Saving Plans: What's Right for You in Your Retirement and Education Preparations?On the show today we are going back to basics, just Cameron and Benjamin going through some useful topics for your financial benefit! We start talking about GIC's and the article on MoneySense that led to this conversation. GIC's have a somewhat mix and match reputation, one which we believe has been often misunderstood and misrepresented. We try to show in which ways people have been misled into thinking that GIC's are the best option when, we believe, they are not. From there we turn to more general portfolio ideas, comparing the performance of the S&P 500 over time...2019-07-2538 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastA Closer Look at the CPPIB Report: What You Need to KnowWelcome to this week’s Rational Reminded Podcast! Today we’re diving into the recent CPPIB report that portrays actively managed funds in the most optimistic light. But before you trade in your index funds, we look at the methodologies and calculations employed by the report and show why there are a number of issues with their findings. Benjamin shares his proposal for an alternative analysis that employs a more risk appropriate benchmark, and we discuss why the report can be seriously misguiding. We also talk about the transitional issues that have result from MD Financial being taken over by S...2019-06-2741 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastFive Factor Thinking: Using Factors to Spot Trends and Guide Decision MakingOn today’s episode, Benjamin Felix and Cameron Passmore discuss a paper that Benjamin recently wrote called Factor Investing with ETF’s, which unpacks what factors are and why they are a useful tool in explaining performance. Before discussing Benjamin’s paper, they take some interesting detours, discussing annuities and the newly launched ALDA, why annuities are underutilized and what makes them different from portfolios. Along with this, they also cover some questions that can be asked to measure past performance of funds as well as luck versus skill. They share their insights into the Fama-French three factor model, how it...2019-04-0444 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastEvidence: What To Follow And What Not To FollowWelcome back to The Rational Reminder Podcast. Today, Benjamin is getting the factor fill off his chest. We are diving into a range of topics and we are talking about other factors or how far you can push the evidence. This is the first time in a while that we’ve really dug into factors. We cover other interesting topics like increasing CPP benefits, we talk about our regulatory bodies and the debate going on there, as well as the big news around Vanguard. It’s a fun debate and a good conversation. So, keep listening to hear more! 2018-12-1336 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastThe Cost of Financial Advice: Should You Pay For It and If You Do, How Much Should You Pay For It?Welcome to The Rational Reminder Podcast. On today’s episode we are going to roll out our new format for the show. We ended off our previous show format with a series of interviews, and today we are ready to jump into something new! Of course, we definitely don’t plan on doing that perfectly today because we do have a couple of things that we want to talk about before we make it official. The meat of the episode will be focused on discussing the cost of financial advice. Should you pay for it, how should you pay for...2018-11-1531 min

The Rational Reminder PodcastBuying WEEDIn Episode 7 of the Rational Reminder podcast we discussed the following: Ottawa home prices The longest bull market in history What goes up does not have to come down All time highs are normal and should be expected Is the market overvalued? Even the CAPE only explains 40% of future return differences Should you dollar cost average or invest in a lump sum? Your better off in the market than trying to time the market Was WEED an obvious buy at $2.00? There are still plenty of public companies to invest in Small cap returns need to be taken in...2018-08-2830 min