"Most investors don’t understand the math of investing. They mistakenly extrapolate past returns into the future. Bull markets lead investors to expect higher future returns, and bear markets lead them to expect lower future returns. Bull markets should lead investors to expect lower, not higher, future returns. Bear markets should lead investors to expect higher, not lower, future returns." Larry Swedroe

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Christine Benz- How to Retire
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Earlier this year, I had the privilege of partnering with Western Washington University to create a series of presentations introducing alumni to our new Financial Literacy Program. As part of that effort, I reached out to a group we affectionately call our Truth Tellers—a lineup of respected voices in personal finance—and asked if they’d each be willing to contribute a presentation on a topic they’re passionate about.

To no one’s surprise, every single one of them said yes.

One of those generous contributors is Christine Benz, who brings not only a wealth of knowledge, but a rare combination of clarity, empathy, and evidence-based wisdom. Christine is Morningstar’s Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning, a senior columnist at Morningstar.com, and co-host of the excellent podcast The Long View, where she interviews some of the brightest minds in investing.

She’s been recognized by Barron’s as one of the most influential women in wealth management. But what makes her truly special is her unwavering commitment to helping individual investors—especially retirees—navigate some of life’s most important and emotionally charged financial decisions.

Christine is also president of the board at the John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy and a member of The Alpha Group, an invitation-only brain trust of leaders in wealth management. And if that’s not enough, she still finds time to volunteer with under-resourced women who want to gain control of their financial lives.

For our project, Christine graciously shared insights from her terrific new book:

How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement

And now, in a concise, clear, and practical video How to Retire: CliffsNotes Edition she distills key ideas from the book into a format you can start applying immediately.

Here’s the link to her presentation: How to Retire: CliffsNotes Edition

Christine, thank you for everything you do to help people retire with confidence and dignity.

Latest Youtube- How to Retire- CliffsNotes Edition

Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance at Morningstar and author of the new book How to Retire, shares 10 essential retirement planning lessons in this condensed video version of her 20-lesson book. Whether you're nearing retirement or already there, this comprehensive session provides clear, practical strategies to help you retire with confidence.

Topics covered include:

Holistic retirement planning that considers both financial and lifestyle goals
The benefits and practical steps of phased retirement
How to maximize Social Security and other non-portfolio income sources
Managing sequence risk and creating sustainable withdrawal plans
Using the bucket strategy to structure your retirement portfolio
Tax-smart retirement planning with IRAs, 401(k)s, and taxable accounts
Evaluating long-term care insurance, self-funding, and Medicaid options
Estate planning basics, including powers of attorney and beneficiary designations
Simplifying your investment portfolio for long-term ease and efficiency
When and how to engage a financial advisor for ongoing support

This session incorporates research from experts like Wade Pfau and Jonathan Guyton and addresses real-world questions about managing assets, withdrawals, and lifestyle transitions during retirement.

Learn more about Christine Benz and her work at Morningstar.com.

Latest Podcast- Future of Financial Literacy & Smart Investing

On this special Q&A episode—recorded July 29 2025—Paul Merriman gears up for his August 2 keynote at the Garrett Planning Network Retreat, where he will address more than 100 hourly financial advisors about the future of financial literacy.

What you’ll learn

Adding QQQ to the 10‑Fund “Ultimate Buy‑and‑Hold” portfolio: upside vs. hidden downside.

Toughest markets Paul has faced—from the 1966–1981 whipsaw to the 1987 crash—and the timeless lessons they teach.

Global diversification in 2025: 50/50 vs. 70/30 U.S./international and why volatility, not return, drives the decision. ⁠Table B4⁠, ⁠Table B3a⁠ and ⁠Table B3b⁠

Small‑Cap Value vs. S&P 500 performance: 1975‑1999’s 5 % premium, 2000‑2025’s 2.6 % edge, and what it means going forward.

Avantis + DFA split for deeper diversification (cost, holdings, tracking error).

Risks of an all‑Small‑Cap‑Value portfolio and when a worldwide all‑value approach makes more sense.

Using DFA International Small‑Cap Value (DFISX) inside a 403(b) for a Two‑Fund strategy.

Vanguard STAR vs. Vanguard Wellington: balanced‑fund showdown and why Wellington’s 60/40 mix wins in the long run.

Rebalancing at age 62: tax‑smart moves, asset‑location tactics, and simplifying with target‑date or balanced funds.

Anatomy of the Ultimate Buy‑and‑Hold strategy: 10 equity asset classes, why it started in 1994‑95, and how four‑ and two‑fund variations stack up. ⁠Sound Investing Portfolio Returns (1970-2024) 50/50⁠ and ⁠Sound Investing Portfolio Returns (1970-2024) 70/30⁠

Testimonial

My husband, Russell and I started listening back around 2010-11. Among the podcast, the website, and his books, Paul has quite literally changed our whole outlook and our lives! Can’t ever thank you enough, Paul.

Future of Financial Literacy & Smart Investing

How to Retire- CliffsNotes Edition

How to retire with more money and greater peace of mind

In This Edition Christine Benz- How to RetireLatest YoutubeLatest PodcastTestimonial

In This Edition
Christine Benz- How to Retire
Latest Youtube
Latest Podcast
Testimonial