“Three things matter: 1) markets work, 2) costs matter and 3) diversification is your friend.”

– Merton Miller, Nobel Prize winner in Financial Economics and Dimensional Fund Advisor Resident Scientist

In This Edition
Don't miss this weeks podcast
Testimonial
Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability

Jim Lange is a friend of more than 20 years. We had lunch together at the Boglehead Conference and I promised I would let our subscribers know about his new book when it was released.

The book is out and he is making an offer that I think all of you will want to take advantage of. Right now (and until January 15, 2024) he is offering his new ebook for only $1.99 and with the purchase you can get a very big package of other books and videos. At the end of this newsletter you can see all the details.

For those who want to know, no we do not get anything if you buy the $1.99 book and free package of information. I trust Jim and find him to be one of the most knowledgeable people I know regarding investment issues. Jim is a CPA, attorney and investment advisor so he knows a lot more than I do!

Latest Podcast- The Most Important Advice I know

This weeks podcast is very short. I wanted to give listeners a bit of background on my relationship with Dimensional Fund Advisors that started in 1993. That was followed by my recommendation to watch and listen couple of important videos that have to do with a group of academics who discovered a whole new way to think about investing.

Trust in the future of an investment may be the most important reason for most investors to stay the course for the long term. I formed a lasting trust in the academic work of Drs. Fama and French when I attended a 3 day workshop at Dimensional Fund Advisors in 1994.

That trust led our firm to use the DFA funds since the mid 90s. While I believe there are a lot of people who find our long term studies helpful, I’m not sure that all of those people understand that almost all of our studies, that go back to 1928, are based on the data from the academics who are associated with DFA.

If you don’t already have a sense of trust about the source of our data, I think you will feel better if you watch the new documentary, “Turn Off the Noise.” I sent it to Daryl and he responded, “Spectacular!” I sent it to Chris and his response was, “We stand on tall shoulders.”

You can watch the documentary at no cost by going here. You will be asked to fill in a few pieces of information and use the Access Code: RATIONAL This offer only extends through January 31, 2024

Then I would like you to watch a wonderful interview of Errol Morris, an Academy Award-winning film director and author. The following are the notes from interviewers Ben Felix and Cameron Passmore.

"In today’s episode, Errol Morris, Academy Award-winning film director and author, joins us to talk about his recently released documentary called Tune Out the Noise. The documentary focuses on the revolution that's happened in the financial system, how the markets work, and why the advancements made are so vital. Errol is an acclaimed figure in film and literature, boasting an impressive array of accolades, notably securing an Oscar for his renowned documentary The Fog of War."

"His work spans various arenas, encompassing short films for prestigious events and many charitable and political organizations. In our conversation, we delve into the significance of storytelling in communicating complex subjects, the power of serendipity, the evolution of finance, and the enigmatic nature of truth. We discuss the necessity of storytelling, the unexpected occurrences that influenced finance, the importance of empirical data in understanding truth, the central story of Tune Out the Noise, and much more. He also provides insights into the amazing economists, many of whom are past guests, who helped shape the financial landscape. Discover how chance, humility, and the pursuit of truth intertwine in this captivating episode, where the intriguing art of storytelling converges with the complexities of the financial world. Tune in now!"

Testimonial

"I wanted to tell you and your team thank you. I am 48 years old, married with two children in college, Financially Independent with a job I love, a house with no debt or mortgage. I made a lot of financial mistakes but I have to say the biggest win is finding your foundation. I am happy to say I buy your book as a gift to every 18 year old in my life. I can’t say enough of what you did for me and my family. You certainly will leave a true honest legacy."
J.M.

Get Jim Lange's New Book Now on Amazon!

I’d like to begin by thanking everyone who has already purchased Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability on Amazon.com! Your purchases continue to boost the book’s visibility, making it easier for other IRA and retirement plan owners and parents of a child with a disability who could benefit so much from this book.

Don’t let the title fool you. Our brand-new book, Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability, offers a wealth of information beneficial to most IRA and retirement plan owners. The detailed Table of Contents swiftly directs you to topics most pertinent to your unique situation.

There are hundreds of thousands of parents of a child with a disability, but this book can only help them and their child if they have access to the information. I appreciate your help in getting this book into the hands of parents like me.

Little Known but Potentially Huge Tax-Saving Strategy of the Day

If you are still working, you likely are a participant in a 401(k) or 403(b) or other type of retirement plan. You likely have a choice of making either a Traditional or a Roth contribution to that plan. Your employer in 99% percent of the cases where the employer does make a contribution, makes a Traditional contribution. Did you know the new law allows you to direct the employer to make a Roth contribution instead if they offer that type of plan? Please see page 87 of the book.

If you haven’t taken advantage of this offer yet, keep reading to learn how you can purchase my new book for just $1.99 and unlock a trove of valuable educational resources.

Why Invest in This Book?

Though there are specialty chapters for parents of a child with a disability, this book is packed with great information that will be highly relevant and useful for anyone who wants to develop a tax-savvy long-term financial plan that will enable their family to get the most out of those hard-earn dollars.

Exclusive Bonus Content Awaits

Now through Monday, January 15th, simply purchase a digital or hard cover copy of the book on Amazon:

Click here to purchase the eBook (priced at $1.99)
Click here to purchase a hard cover edition (priced at $24.95)

Then, visit DisabledChildPlanning.com/Bonuses and complete the form to receive access to the following exclusive library of digital bonuses:

Starting today, if you click here and purchase either the eBook (priced at $1.99) or a hard cover edition on Amazon, you can unlock a trove of digital bonuses, collectively valued at a whopping $495.

Now through Monday, January 15th, simply purchase a digital or hard cover copy of the book on Amazon. Then, visit DisabledChildPlanning.com/Bonuses and complete the form to receive access to:

Bonus 1: Videos of my most recent in-person workshop seriesfeaturing our latest and greatest thinking.

During these workshops, I reveal the tax advantaged techniques and strategies that I use with my high-net worth private clients who pay a premium for my advice. All 3 of these 2+ hour workshop videos are lively with questions from the audience and wait for it…humor! You’ll be amazed at how quickly the time will pass.

Session 1: Getting the Most from Your IRAs and Retirement Plans After the SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0
Session 2: The Best and Most Flexible Estate Plan for Retirement Plan Owners
Session 3: Taming Parents’ Financial Fears – A Specialty Session for Parents of a Child with a Disability

Bonus 2: Digital copies of 4 of my other best-selling books on retirement and estate planning.

Retire Secure for Professors and TIAA Participants
The IRA and Retirement Plan Owner’s Guide to Beating the New Death Tax: 6 Proven Strategies to Protect Your Family from The SECURE Act
The Roth Revolution: Pay Taxes Once and Never Again
The $214,000 Mistake: How to Double Your Social Security & Maximize Your IRAs

Bonus 3: Video footage of my interviews with investing legends John C. Bogle, founder of Vanguard and champion of the individual investor, and Burton G. Malkiel, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Princeton University, and author of A Random Walk Down WallStreet.

One of the most surreal moments of my life occurred as I sat across from the John C. Bogle at Vanguard studios for the first of two interviews I had the privilege of conducting with the then living legend. Here was the man who founded the largest mutual fund company in the world, a man whose investment sensibilities I share, a man I have long admired, sitting with me and sharing his thoughts on everything from his investment philosophy to his concerns about corporate governance and the structure of the investment industry in the 21st century.

You’ll receive access to the full video of that interview, and I highly recommend watching it. Even now, over four years after his death, the insights he shares on personal finance and investing are well worth your time!

On January 3, 2023, the 13th edition of Burton Malkiel’s investing classic, A Random Walk Down Wall Street, was published. (He sold two million copies). A few days before that, I had the privilege to sit down (via Zoom) with him for a series of three interviews. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to get my biggest investment questions answered directly by one of the most acclaimed economists and investing experts of all time.

You’ll receive access to all 3 interviews (totaling 3+ hours). From Burt’s time-tested investing insights to his most recent assessments of the market, I think you’ll agree that this topical and highly relevant interview series is a real must-watch.

Bonus 4: An exclusive synopsis of Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability

Perfect for subscribers who want to get the most out of the information and strategies in this book, but who don’t have the time, or inclination, to read a 500+ page book cover-to-cover, this handy 4-page synopsis summarizes many of the key insights.

Bonus 5: A downloadable digital copy of our 2023-2024 Tax Planning Card

Released annually, this handy card has been helping investors save time and money for more than a decade and now enjoys national recognition. It includes quick calculation tables to help you estimate your federal taxes as well as your federal taxable income, a Standard Deduction Table, Retirement Plan Contribution Limits Table, and more!

All these exclusive educational resources complement the wealth of knowledge in the book. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your learning experience with this valuable bonus content!

Get the Lange-Edge

To unlock this trove of educational resources, simply purchase the eBook (priced at $1.99) here, or the hard cover book (priced at $24.95) here on Amazon. Then, visit DisabledChildPlanning.com/Bonuses and complete the form.

These bonuses will soon disappear, so I encourage you to act now!

Warm regards,

James Lange
CPA/Attorney

3 ways investors are tricked — and 6 ways to protect yourself

The Most Important Advice I know

The Lifelong Process of Financial Education with Paul Merriman

Call To Action!

Here are a few simple ways to support the financial education work of The Merriman Financial Education Foundation, a registered 501(c)3. In so doing you help better the lives of individuals, families and communities, creating more opportunities for all.

Subscribe to our weekly “Sound Investing” podcast, available on your favorite listening platforms and leave a review. Tell us what you think!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, and hit the thumbs up, subscribe, leave a comment and share the link with your social media and friends.
Use our M1 Finance affiliate link to set up a brokerage account and use our portfolio suggestions. If you fund your account with a minimum of $1,000, our foundation will receive a one-time affiliate fee —at no cost to you—which helps support our financial education projects.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
Buy our latest books, We’re Talking Millions! 12 Simple Ways To Supercharge Your Retirement and 2 Funds for Life: A quest for simple & effective investing strategies; all the profits help support our work.
Support our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation.

In This EditionDon't miss this weeks podcastTestimonialRetire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability

In This Edition
Don't miss this weeks podcast
Testimonial
Retire Secure for Parents of a Child with a Disability

Why I trust the work of DFA and Avantis