"The most important decision What should I do next? Not next year or for the rest of my life. Right now.

The apparently trivial choice–whether or not to open an email, make a phone call or stand up to stretch. The endless list of options, some not even consciously considered, that we work through a thousand times a day.

Sum them up, and these millions of tiny decisions become the life we’ve chosen. One next at a time."

Seth Godin

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Truth Teller- Rob Berger
Latest Podcast
Q&A from Latest Podcast
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Rob Berger: A Trusted Truth Teller in Financial Literacy

Rob Berger is one of the most trusted voices in personal finance—and that’s exactly why we’re proud to call him a Truth Teller at PaulMerriman.com. Rob is a former lawyer, bestselling author (Retire Before Mom and Dad), and the founder of the popular YouTube channel and website Rob Berger, The Financial Freedom Show.

Rob has a gift for taking complex financial topics and making them simple, honest, and actionable. His weekly newsletter curates the best articles and videos from across the financial world, helping you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. We strongly encourage our community to subscribe—it's one of the most useful tools available for investors at any stage of life.

In addition to his newsletter, Rob hosts regular online Q&A sessions where he answers real questions from real people. Whether you're wondering how to choose between Roth and traditional IRAs, how to simplify your portfolio, or how to stay on track emotionally, Rob brings clarity without sales pressure.

As part of our commitment to expanding financial education, we were thrilled to partner with Rob on a special video series for the Western Washington University Financial Literacy Program—funded by The Merriman Financial Education Foundation and my wife, Zan, and me. These videos offer timeless advice for students and young professionals, and Rob’s contributions were essential.

Check out Rob’s contribution:

9 Questions I Get Asked Almost Every Day About Investing
and I think it’s important to list the 9 questions.
1. Should you pay off debt or start investing?
2. How do I get started investing?
3. Is 100% stocks a reasonable portfolio?
4. S&P 500 vs Total Stock Market Index
5. Why do I need international stocks?
6. Should I invest in Bitcoin?
7. How do you know when you can retire?
8. Lump Sum vs DCA
9. How can I increase my savings rate?

Rob Berger is a rare voice in finance—honest, clear, and genuinely helpful. That’s why we consider him a Truth Teller. We hope you’ll tune in, subscribe, and learn from one of the best.

Latest MarketWatch Article: How to make sure you don’t run out of money in retirement

Am I in danger of running out of money?

Without a doubt, this is one of the trickiest questions facing people who are about to retire.

In this article I’ll help you think about this question. We’ll look at a few simple rules of thumb, and I’ll tell you how to find what’s likely to be the best answer for your own situation.

This is part of a series of articles I think of as Boot Camp for Investors 2025.

We’ve covered the long-term benefits of investing in stocks instead of bonds, the big difference that even small changes in your portfolio can make, how to control your level of risk as an investor, and how to turn relatively modest regular savings into a sizable retirement nest egg. Read More

Latest Podcast: A Very Special Birthday and an investment choice forever

In this special episode, Paul Merriman reflects on six decades of financial evolution, sparked by his son's 60th birthday. He draws fascinating comparisons between life and investing in 1965 and today, offering invaluable insights for every investor.

What You'll Learn:

A Look Back at 1965: Paul revisits societal norms, income levels, and the investing landscape of 60 years ago, including startling facts about mutual fund loads and stock commissions.

The Evolution of Investing: Understand the monumental shift from individual stock picking to the dominance of mutual funds and the revolutionary impact of index funds since their inception.

Market Returns & Bear Markets: Gain perspective on historical S&P 500 returns, including adjustments for inflation, and a review of major bear markets over the past decades.

The Power of Low Costs: Discover how investment costs, from loads to commissions, have drastically reduced, making it easier and more affordable for today's investors.

Modern Investment Tools: Paul highlights the advent of crucial financial tools like IRAs, 401(k)s, and target-date funds that weren't available in 1965, empowering today's investors.

Academic-Driven Investing: Explore the rise of academic influence in investing, with a focus on firms like Vanguard, DFA, and Avantis, and why their approach offers a trustworthy path to your financial future.

The Role of AI in Your Financial Journey: Paul shares his perspective on how Artificial Intelligence can empower investors to make informed decisions and find reliable financial guidance.

Top Financial Education Resources: Learn about the highly

recommended (and free!) ⁠"Rebel Finance School"⁠ by Alan and Katie Donoghan for new investors, and explore how to access financial literacy programs like iGrad.

The Importance of Financial Literacy: Paul emphasizes that financial literacy is often overlooked in traditional education and is essential for building a robust portfolio that will support you for a lifetime.

DIY Investing Philosophy: Paul reaffirms his core mission as a teacher, empowering listeners to "do it yourself" and build their financial future with confidence.

Truth Tellers: Paul asked our listeners for recommendations for ⁠Truth Tellers ⁠as well as providing the list of our Truth Tellers in the show notes.

Our Truth Tellers

William J. Bernstein
Ben Carlson, CFA

⁠Jonathan Clements, Financial Writer/Author⁠

⁠Larry Swedroe, Author, Speaker, Chief Research Officer ⁠

⁠Dr. James Dahle, MD and the founder of The White Coat Investor ⁠

⁠Morningstar – Christine Benz and John Rekenthaler, Financial Writers ⁠

⁠Stan The Annuity Man, Annuity Expert⁠

⁠George Sisti, Certified Financial Planner® ⁠

⁠Rob Berger, podcaster, writer and author ⁠

⁠Tim Ranzetta, ngpf.org⁠

⁠Two Cents⁠

⁠Tom Cock and Don McDonald Vestory⁠

⁠Ben Felix ⁠

Don't miss this insightful episode filled with historical context, practical advice, and forward-looking strategies for your wealth-building journey.

Testimonial

I’ve learned so much from you and your team; thank you so much for your work! Love the research and I’ve applied your teachings to my situation.

A Very Special Birthday and an investment choice forever

What Every Young Investor Should Know

How to make sure you don’t run out of money in retirement

In This Edition Truth Teller- Rob BergerLatest PodcastQ&A from Latest PodcastTestimonial

In This Edition
Truth Teller- Rob Berger
Latest Podcast
Q&A from Latest Podcast
Testimonial