"It is far easier to be young and poor than to be old and poor." James Dahle

"You’re not going to hear this from your financial advisor, but your biggest asset is not your house, your retirement account, or your investments. It’s your ability to earn money."

James Dahle

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Emergency Room Doc Top Financial Literacy Provider

Dr. James Dahle is an emergency physician and the founder of The White Coat Investor, a trusted resource helping doctors and other high-income professionals learn how to take better care of their personal finances. Launched in 2011, the site offers blogs, podcasts, books, and courses focused on debt reduction, investing, and wealth-building strategies tailored for professionals burdened with student loans and limited financial education. Dr. Dahle blends practical advice with evidence-based investing principles, empowering his audience to take control of their financial future. A passionate advocate for do-it-yourself investing and low-cost index funds, he is a respected voice in the physician finance community—and a Truth Teller we proudly endorse.

While his information is aimed at higher net worth investors, I find his discussions of important investment decisions appropriate for investors of all ages. Here is a recent example of his discussion on rebalancing: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/rebalancing-back-to-basics/

I suspect many of you will also appreciate reading the thoughtful comments from his followers. Those comments can also be a source of good information.

When we provided Western Washington University Alumni sample videos from some of our Truth Tellers, Jim was kind enough to address a topic I think many of you will find of interest- Retirement Investing

Latest Podcast: June Q&A with Paul, Chris and Daryl

Watch video here.

Join Paul Merriman, Chris Pedersen, and Daryl Bahls for a deep dive into questions facing today’s investors! In this episode, our team tackles a wide range of topics designed to help you make smarter financial decisions, whether you’re a seasoned DIY investor or just getting started.

Main Topics Covered:

1. Midcap Funds – Are They Necessary? 2:24

We break down why midcap funds often get left out of recommended portfolios, the impact of fund overlap, and whether including them really adds value or just complexity.

2. Listener Allocation Questions 12:49

Hear real-life portfolio allocation questions from our listeners—including how to balance S&P 500, value, and Small Cap funds. The team discusses the pros and cons of various strategies and how to avoid unnecessary overlap.

3. The Risks of Small Cap Growth 19:10

Discover why small cap growth funds can be risky, the historical performance data, and why value funds may be a better long-term bet for most investors.

4. Hourly Advisors & DIY Investing 22:41

Thinking about ditching your advisor and going DIY? We discuss the benefits and challenges of working with hourly advisors, how to find one that supports your strategy, and the importance of sticking with a plan you understand.

5. Capital Gains & Taxes 27:45

Got questions about selling investments and minimizing taxes? While we don’t provide personal tax advice, we offer comments on the key considerations and why consulting a tax professional is essential for big moves.

6. Financial Freedom Mindset 30:05

It’s not just about retirement—it’s about saving for freedom! Learn how reframing your financial goals can keep you motivated and focused for the long haul.

7. Avantis vs. DFA Funds 31:15

Curious about the differences between Avantis and DFA ETFs? We compare these two fund families, explaining how their philosophies align, where they differ, and how to choose the best fit for your portfolio.

8. AVGE for Granddaughter? 38:32

Paul shares his personal approach to investing for his granddaughter, comparing AVUS, AVUV, and AVGE, and why teaching young investors about asset class behavior can be more valuable than just chasing returns.

9. Should You Avoid Growth Funds? 45:53

They explain why “growth” funds aren’t always what they seem, the pitfalls of chasing expensive stocks, and why a tilt toward value and small cap may offer better long-term results.

10. The Rule of 72 – Power of Compounding 52:47

Learn how to use the Rule of 72 to teach young investors (and yourself!) the massive impact of compound returns over time. It’s a simple math trick that can change your financial future.

Daryl references this table.

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"Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. So important to know what true diversification looks Iike." @cpa7476

June Q&A with Paul, Chris and Daryl

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

In This Edition Truth Teller- Jim DahleLatest PodcastTestimonial

In This Edition
Truth Teller- Jim Dahle
Latest Podcast
Testimonial