A Debate of Titans

A Debate of Titans

Paul Merriman and JL Collins have a friendly debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVwEPkWGOrE

It's a great example of a 'debate' where nobody gets angry, both parties are very reasonable and very respectful. I wish more such conversations existed!

But, I suppose in the 'attention economy,' rage and insults tend to draw more eyeballs, and therefore bring in more revenue.

Both Merriman and Collins dispense the kind of advice that is advocated around here, and in the grand scheme of things, they're not that far apart. JL Collins' position prioritizes simplicity, while Paul Merriman's advice has a little more complexity, with the goal of a better risk-adjusted return.

Merriman told me in an interview for this blog that his main advice has gotten simpler over the years, due in no small part to a conversation with John 'Jack' Bogle. He still supports his older Ultimate Portfolio, which holds ten different asset classes, but acknowledges that only a few percent of people will want to tinker with something like that.

My own investment strategy has been influenced by both men. So it's great to see them chatting on this video!

For the curious (or just for my own reference at a later date), here are links on this very blog containing references to each of these men:

JL Collins

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2018/04/chasing-money-ghosts.html

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2018/04/want-to-be-rich-dont-buy-house.html

My writing has even been featured in a book edited by JL Collins! Check it out: https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2023/11/pathfinders.html

Paul Merriman

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2021/02/supercharged-talking-millions-with-paul.html

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-best-performing-asset-classes.html

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2021/07/when-stocks-didnt-perform.html

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2022/05/battle-of-investments-stocks-bonds-and.html

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2021/03/from-10k-to-125m-why-compound-interest.html

Both

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2017/02/is-your-retirement-in-jeopardy.html

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2017/12/how-to-invest.html

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2017/04/should-you-trust-stock-market-pt-ii.html

https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2020/12/froogal-stoodent-vs-jlcollinsnh.html

And here's a book review of 2 Funds for Life, which was written by Chris Pedersen, who works with Paul Merriman and others in the Merriman Financial Education Foundation: https://froogalstoodent.blogspot.com/2024/07/2-funds-for-life-froogal-stoodent-review.html