What if holding just a few “winning” stocks is riskier than it seems? In this episode, Ben and Cameron explore the hidden dangers of concentrated portfolios and unpack the data that makes a strong case for diversification. Drawing from research by Hendrik Bessembinder, J.P. Morgan, and others, Ben lays out the harsh reality behind individual stock returns: the odds are stacked against long-term success. From skewed return distributions and catastrophic losses to behavioral traps like the endowment effect and familiarity bias, this conversation breaks down why most stock pickers lose—and why diversification remains the only “free lunch” in investing. Whether you're holding onto a single stock for tax reasons, overconfidence, or just inertia, this episode is a must-listen reality check on portfolio risk. They also share thoughts on advisor adoption of indexing, the slow shift in Canada, and how a Rational Reminder YouTube video sparked debate between stock pickers and indexers in the comments section. For anyone navigating concentrated positions—voluntarily or otherwise—this episode is packed with data-driven insight and real-world takeaways.

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:00) Welcome to Episode 363: catching up in person and the value of working together in-office.

(1:07) Why advisors are slow to adopt indexing—and how culture, compensation, and inertia play a role.

(2:58) Demand is rising: indexing awareness among young advisors and investors continues to grow.

(4:08) Main topic: The hidden risks of individual stock concentration.

(5:40) The Nortel example: taxes, timing, and the illusion of "free" stock.

(6:51) Individual stocks are far riskier than most people realize—especially recent winners.

(9:09) Most investors hold between 3–7 stocks. Why that’s a problem.

(11:29) Portfolio concentration = fugu prepared by an amateur chef.

(12:45) Diversification reduces risk without reducing expected return.

(14:04) JP Morgan’s “Agony & Ecstasy” report: 44% of stocks suffer catastrophic losses.

(16:26) Why investors overweight the chance of a big win and underweight the risk of losses.

(17:07) The reality of skewed returns: a few big winners, many losers.

(24:35) The 2023 study on concentrated stock positions: recent top performers underperform the most.

(28:40) How many stocks do you need for real diversification? Way more than 20–30.

(32:00) Wealth dispersion and the long-term consequences of concentration.

(35:24) Why even 100-stock portfolios only beat the market 47.5% of the time.

(36:55) Taxes, control, and psychological hurdles make diversifying even harder.

(38:14) Diversification depends on your preference for risk and skewness—but beware the odds.

(39:08) Behind the scenes: Ben’s research process and content development workflow.

(43:14) Ben’s guest appearance on Morningstar’s The Long View.

(44:00) Meetups, t-shirt scarcity, and what’s next for PWL outreach.

Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected]Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore

Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/`

Episode 346: Hendrik Bessembinder - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/346

Papers From Today’s Episode: 

‘The Agony & The Ecstasy’ - https://privatebank.jpmorgan.com/nam/en/insights/latest-and-featured/eotm/the-agony-the-ecstasy

‘Why Index Works’ - https://www.top1000funds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Why-indexing-works.pdf

‘Underperformance of Concentrated Stock Positions’ - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4541122

‘How Many Stocks Should You Own?’ - https://ndvr.com/journal/how-many-stocks-should-you-own

‘Fund Concentration: A Magnifier of Manager Skill’ - https://discovery.researcher.life/article/fund-concentration-a-magnifier-of-manager-skill/67964b7ccc9d3cae87761f6ef19241a0

What if the hardest part of investing isn’t building a portfolio—but sticking to it? In this AMA edition of the Rational Reminder podcast, Ben Felix and Dan Bortolotti tackle listener questions ranging from sustainable retirement withdrawals to the dangers of structured products, with plenty of philosophical insights on risk, behavior, and financial planning. The episode opens with a deep dive into the 4% rule, exploring how time horizon, asset allocation, and global data can shift the definition of “safe.” They also explore the behavioral challenges of the “boring middle” of investing and why consistency may be the greatest alpha. Other standout segments include a sharp critique of bank-sold structured notes, an evidence-based takedown of trend following, and a fascinating discussion on the long-term impact of demographic shifts and index investing. Throughout, Ben and Dan blend technical insight with practical wisdom and academic research, delivering a thoughtful and entertaining conversation for both DIY investors and those working with advisors.

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:01:07) What the latest data says about safe withdrawal rates, especially for early retirees with 100% equity exposure.

(0:08:45) How variable vs. fixed withdrawals affect outcomes—and the trade-offs retirees must consider.

(0:17:01) The behavioral risks of the “boring middle” and how automation or advice helps investors stay disciplined.

(0:26:13) Reflections on market crashes—why hindsight downplays the emotional reality of volatility.

(0:33:27) Commission conflicts: Why bank advisors push structured notes and the incentives behind them.

(0:44:22) Education vs. malice: Are bad financial advisors untrained, conflicted, or both?

(0:49:08) Are structured notes ever justified? (Spoiler: very rarely.)

(0:56:44) Trend following: Legitimate strategy or fancy market timing? Examining the live track records.

(1:02:52) Diversifying your life like a portfolio: Applying the PERMA model to personal growth.

(1:10:18) The one use of leverage that actually makes sense—and why most others don’t.

(1:14:20) Will aging demographics crash ETF markets? What the data and theory suggest.

(1:19:02) Why even complex macro trends don’t justify deviating from a simple, low-cost investment plan.

Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemind Rational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Dan Bortolotti — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310

Episode 261: Felix Fattinger - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/261

Episode 314: Valentin Haddad - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/314

Episode 302: Michael Green - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/302

Episode 222: Cassie Holmes - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/222

Episode 278: Juhani Linnainmaa - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/278

Episode 212: Ralph S.J. Koijen - https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/212

Episode 322: Marco Sammon — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/322Marco Sammon

Today, Ben plays lone host for the first time as we welcome Alex Edmans to the show. Alex is a Professor of Finance at London Business School as well as an accomplished speaker, author, investment banker, and financial advisor. To start, Alex describes his involvement in the formation of a new law in the UK before defining ‘misinformation’ and where confirmation bias fits in. Then, we assess the impact severity of confirmation bias, biased search versus biased interpretation, the role of generative AI in confirmation bias, and the levels of susceptibility within confirmation bias. We also explore the role of black-and-white thinking in concealing the truth, Alex’s Ladder of Misinference as seen in May Contain Lies, the 10,000-hour rule and other famous statements of misinformation, and how the idea of a narrative may influence how people interpret and misinterpret facts. We end with how to guard against the plague of data mining in research, data as evidence and what this implies for evidence in financial economics, and Alex shares helpful advice for determining truth in any circumstance.  

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:03:27) Alex Edmans walks us through the erroneous evidence that influenced a new UK law.

(0:07:13) Misinformation; living in a post-truth world; and where confirmation bias fits in.

(0:12:06) The severity of confirmation bias, and biased search versus biased interpretation.

(0:18:19) Unpacking generative AI and the susceptibility thresholds of confirmation bias.  

(0:21:25) How black-and-white thinking makes the truth more elusive.

(0:25:40) Understanding Alex’s Ladder of Misinference as seen in May Contain Lies.

(0:28:17) Debunking the 10,000-hour rule and other enduring statements of misinformation.

(0:38:10) The second step on the Ladder of Misinference: Why facts are not data.

(0:42:42) How the idea of a narrative influences how people interpret or misinterpret facts.

(0:44:25) Why data is not evidence, and examining the plague of data mining in research.

(0:48:36) Guarding against data mining and the consequences of investing with misinformation.  

(0:53:01) When data is evidence, and what this says about evidence in financial economics.

(0:55:49) Why evidence may not be proof.

(0:59:14) Practical advice for seeking the truth for important decisions and in everyday life.

Links From Today’s Episode:

Meet with PWL Capital — https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemind Rational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Alex Edmans — https://alexedmans.com/ 

Alex Edmans on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/aedmans 

Alex Edmans on X — https://x.com/aedmans 

London Business School — https://www.london.edu/ 

Fulbright Fellows | MIT — https://ir.mit.edu/projects/fulbright-fellows/ 

Atkins — https://www.atkins.com/ 

‘Matthew Walker's “Why We Sleep” Is Riddled with Scientific and Factual Errors’ — https://guzey.com/books/why-we-sleep/ 

‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth | TED’ — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8 

Books From Today’s Episode:

May Contain Lies — https://maycontainlies.com/ 

Grow the Pie — https://mybook.to/Grow-the-Pie

Outliers — https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930 

Why We Sleep — https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34466963-why-we-sleep 

Start with Why — https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447 

Grit — https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111108 

Papers From Today’s Episode:

‘CEO-Employees Pay Ratio, Employees’ Productivity and Firm Performance: Evidence from UK’ — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391787593_CEO-Employees_pay_ratio_employees'_productivity_and_firm_performance_evidence_from_UK 

‘A Theory of Fair CEO Pay’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4294589 

What if “just buying the market” isn’t the end of the story? In this episode, we are joined by Gerard O’Reilly, Co-CEO and Co-CIO of Dimensional Fund Advisors, for a deep dive into what really drives net investment returns. Gerard returns to the Rational Reminder podcast to explain the key principles that differentiate Dimensional’s approach from traditional indexing—and why implementation, flexibility, and detail matter so much more than investors might think. We explore the concept of hidden costs in index investing, how index reconstitution and trading frictions erode returns, and the nuanced decisions that shape a market portfolio: defining the market, excluding low-returning stocks, optimizing tax efficiency, and more. Gerard breaks down how Dimensional’s rules-based, evidence-backed process improves outcomes through smart exclusions (like IPOs and high asset-growth firms), precise trading, securities lending, and better handling of corporate actions. From the dangers of chasing low fees to the surprising benefits of thoughtful execution, this conversation is a masterclass in next-level investing.

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:01:07) Why Gerard was invited back: Dimensional’s approach to hidden costs and net returns.

(0:02:38) Looking beyond “index good, fees bad”—why investors should dig deeper.

(0:04:21) Gerard’s background: From Caltech rocket scientist to Dimensional co-CEO.

(0:06:22) How Dimensional differs from market-cap weighted index funds.

(0:08:42) Four components of net returns: Two increase returns, two decrease them.

(0:12:45) Defining the market: Free float, liquidity thresholds, and dynamic inclusion.

(0:17:52) How small-cap index definitions can create return differentials as high as 10%.

(0:22:03) What securities Dimensional excludes—and why: low-profitability growth, high asset growth, IPOs, and REITs.

(0:29:26) Why IPOs are excluded for 6–12 months and the mechanics behind inclusion.

(0:33:16) Why Dimensional’s exclusions aren’t like traditional active management.

(0:35:09) The “Great British Bake-Off” analogy: baking better portfolios with the same ingredients.

(0:38:13) How securities lending boosts returns—and how Dimensional does it better.

(0:42:09) Managing corporate actions (like M&A) to reduce cash drag.

(0:45:18) How Dimensional deals with buybacks and new share issuance. 

(0:47:29) Momentum, short-term reversals, and securities lending fees as trading signals.

(0:50:36) Why Dimensional may lend out stocks that have negative momentum.

(0:52:42) How trading costs affect net returns and Dimensional’s execution edge.

(0:56:06) Hidden costs of indexing: Index fund rebalancing and price impact.

(1:03:19) Why focusing solely on fees is misleading—and what “value for service” really means.

(1:06:18) DFUS: A case study of Dimensional’s market series outperforming index funds.

(1:08:44) How Dimensional builds portfolios with intentional tilts toward higher expected returns.

(1:12:35) What excites Gerard: Expanding access, ETF innovations, and global growth.

Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582.

Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected]Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore

Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/

Gerard O’Reilly — https://www.dimensional.com/us-en/bios/gerard-k-oreilly

Dimensional Fund Advisors: https://www.dimensional.com/

Episode 322: Marco Sammon — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/322Marco Sammon 

Episode 198: Gerard O’Reilly — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/198

For the first time as a host combination, Ben, Dan, and Cameron sit down to discuss the most controversial topics in personal finance. We begin with identity and how it informs decision-making. Then, we revisit the renting versus buying debate, why this remains a highly controversial topic, the ins and outs of income investing, and understating the fervor of dividend investing. We also unpack FIRE as a branch of self-help; how it informs happiness; and how personality influences one’s approach to the FIRE principle. To end, we closely examine Bill Bengen’s 4% rule, and the Aftershow encourages us to maintain high podcasting standards while revealing what you can look forward to in our latest Rational Reminder t-shirt release. 

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:01:25) Cameron’s positive LinkedIn experience regarding insurance. 

(0:08:10) How identity informs decision-making. 

(0:15:24) Why renting versus buying a home remains a controversial topic. 

(0:27:50) Income investing, covered calls, and the fervor of dividend investing.

(0:46:34) FIRE: Financial independence, retire early.

(0:54:36) Unpacking FIRE as a branch of self-help, and the role of FIRE in happiness. 

(1:07:07) How personality and identity inform one’s approach to FIRE.

(1:10:34) Addressing the 4% rule. 

(1:14:16) The Aftershow: Setting and keeping high standards, and Rational Reminder t-shirts. 

Links From Today’s Episode:

Meet with PWL Capital — https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected] 

Rational Reminder Merchandise — https://shop.rationalreminder.ca/ Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore

Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/ 

Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310/ 

Episode 358: Eli Beracha: An Academic Perspective on Renting vs. Owning a Home — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/358 

Episode 214: Jay Van Bavel: Shared Identities and Decision Making — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/214  

Episode 260: Prof. James Choi: Practical Finance — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/260 

Episode 273: Professor Samuel Hartzmark: Asset Pricing, Behavioural Finance, and Sustainability Rankings — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/273  

Episode 95: Scott Rieckens (Playing with FIRE): Finding Financial Education, Perspective, and Freedom — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/95 

Episode 258: Prof. Meir Statman: Financial Decisions for Normal People — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/258  

Bonus Episode - Prof. Meir Statman: A Wealth of Well-Being — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/2024/4/18/bonus-episode-prof-meir-statman-a-wealth-of-well-being  

Episode 230: Prof. Robert Frank: Success, Luck, and Luxury — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/230  

Episode 135: William Bengen: The 5% Rule for Retirement Spending — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/135 

Episode 164: Comprehensive Overview: The 4% Rule — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/164  

Episode 357: AMA #6 — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/357 

Morgan Housel — https://www.morganhousel.com/  

‘Renting vs. Buying a Home: What People Get Wrong’ — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4H9LL7A-nQ  

MobLand — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31510819/ 

Ray Donovan — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2249007/ 

Animal Kingdom — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5574490/ 

Books From Today’s Episode: 

Rich Dad Poor Dad — https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194 

Self Help, Inc.: Makeover Culture in American Life — https://www.amazon.com/Self-Help-Inc-Makeover-American/dp/0195337263 

Papers From Today’s Episode: 

'Motivated Numeracy and Enlightened Self-Government' - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-public-policy/article/abs/motivated-numeracy-and-enlightened-selfgovernment/EC9F2410D5562EF10B7A5E2539063806 

‘Nevertheless, They Persist: Cross-country differences in homeownership behavior’ — https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1051137721000590 

‘Rent or Buy? Inflation Experiences and Homeownership within and across Countries’ — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379974645_Rent_or_Buy_Inflation_Experiences_and_Homeownership_within_and_across_Countries  

‘Dividend Policy, Growth, and the Valuation of Shares’ — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24102112_Dividend_Policy_Growth_and_the_Valuation_Of_Shares 

‘Chapter 3 - Behavioral Household Finance*’ — https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352239918300046 

‘Common Risk Factors in the Returns on Stocks and Bonds’ — https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0304405X93900235  

‘The Dividend Disconnect’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2876373 

‘A Devil's Bargain: When Generating Income Undermines Investment Returns’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4580048 

‘The Financialization of Anti-Capitalism? The Case of the “Financial Independence Retire Early” Community’ — https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17530350.2021.1891951 

‘High Income Improves Evaluation of Life But Not Emotional Well-Being’ — https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107  

‘Income And Emotional Well-Being: A Conflict Resolved’ — https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2208661120 

Dr. Eli Beracha has recently been recognized by The Journal of Real Estate Literature as the world’s third best in research productivity, and today, we are honoured to be joined by this top industry expert to bring more clarity to the renting versus buying debate. We use Dr. Beracha’s ‘Lessons from Over 30 Years of Buy Versus Rent Decisions: Is the American Dream Always Wise?’ and ‘Housing Ownership Decision-Making in the Framework of Household Portfolio Choice’ papers as the basis for most of today’s conversation, beginning with why owning a home is deeply rooted in the perception of the American dream. Then, we discover how to measure the true price of home ownership, how the American dream and other psychological factors influence one’s decision-making, how hard assets perform compared to stocks and bonds, and why renting comes out ahead of buying nine times out of ten. We also learn why owning is for the inherently wealthy, the ins and outs of Dr. Beracha’s rent versus buy index, the rate of property appreciation versus stock appreciation, and how renting influences saving habits compared to owning a home. To end, we dive deeper into the risk-adjusted wealth accumulation of home ownership versus renting, and Dr. Beracha compares the efficiency of the real estate market to the stock market while detailing everything to take into account to be fully-equipped to make your decision to rent or buy.

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:00:00) Why Dr. Eli Beracha is one of the world’s best to discuss renting vs buying a home. 

(0:05:32) Understanding why owning a home is deeply entrenched in the American dream.

(0:06:10) The various aspects to consider when measuring the price of home ownership. 

(0:07:57) Weather Dr. Beracha agrees with the adage “renting is throwing money away.”

(0:09:36) What the price of a home should represent, and how psychology influences decisions. 

(0:16:48) Unpacking Dr. Beracha’s 2012 paper subtitled, ‘Is the American Dream Always Wise?’ 

(0:19:51) Hard assets versus stocks and bonds, and why renting pips buying most of the time. 

(0:26:00) Why many still choose to own a home despite long-term financial discrepancies.  

(0:30:53) The ins and outs of Dr. Beracha’s rent versus buy index. 

(0:39:46) Why homeowners are usually wealthier than renters even though renting is “cheaper.”

(0:42:03) Property appreciation, stock appreciation, and the renter’s savings rate.

(0:47:41) How home ownership influences saving habits compared to renting. 

(0:49:46) The risk-adjusted wealth accumulation of home ownership versus renting.

(0:58:40) Dr. Beracha compares the efficiency of the real estate market to the stock market. 

(1:03:22) Everything you need to take into account to make your decision to rent or buy.

Links From Today’s Episode:

Meet with PWL Capital — https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected]Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310/ 

Episode 325: Addressing 200+ Comments on Renting vs. Owning a Home — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/325  

Episode 196: Sebastien Betermier: Hedging, Sentiment, and the Cross-Section of Equity Premia — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/196 

Dr. Eli Beracha — https://www.theberachateam.com/ 

Dr. Eli Beracha on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-beracha-b8082250/ 

Dr. Eli Beracha on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dreliberacha/ 

Tibor and Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate | FIU — https://business.fiu.edu/academics/departments/real-estate/  

KBIS Capital — https://kbiscapital.com/ 

Journal of Real Estate Literature — https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/rjel20 

Papers From Today’s Episode: 

‘Lessons from Over 30 Years of Buy Versus Rent Decisions: Is the American Dream Always Wise?’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1814227 

‘Housing Ownership Decision-Making in the Framework of Household Portfolio Choice’ — https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10835547.2017.12091472 

‘Findings from a Cross-Sectional Housing Risk-Factor Model’ — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236023682_Findings_from_a_Cross-Sectional_Housing_Risk-Factor_Model

Cameron joins Ben for his first AMA as we bring you the sixth edition of our Listener Questions and Investing Lessons mini-series. Diving right in, Ben and Cameron share their stance on the multi-host format of the Rational Reminder podcast before walking us through the new PWL Retirement Planning Tool. Then, we unpack our venture with OneDigital, recent changes at PWL Capital, how we make each episode of this show, and how we allocate our time across podcast and business responsibilities. We also examine our protocol regarding guests, why Cameron and Ben would never gamble with their own money, how the human condition prevents the full comprehension of investing as a principle, and smart money moves to make under current market conditions. To end, we discuss the effects of a capital gains tax increase, common mistakes to avoid in managing personal finances, programs and technologies for financial advisors, and the After Show, which ends with an important discussion on testicular cancer.       

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:00:00) How Ben and Cameron feel about the multi-host format of this podcast.

(0:01:12) The new PWL Retirement Planning Tool, developed by Braden Warwick. 

(0:03:13) Joining OneDigital and other PWL changes from the past four months. 

(0:09:05) Behind the scenes: Making a Rational Reminder podcast episode.

(0:12:38) Allocating time for research, preparation, creating content, and business.

(0:17:27) How guests inform our approach to research and preparation. 

(0:19:29) The reasons why we’re not risk-averse but have no appetite for gambling.

(0:24:26) Why investing has been largely solved, except for the human aspect. 

(0:30:13) The most “rational” investing practices under current market conditions. 

(0:34:25) How to approach a capital gains tax increase, and why banks do what they do.

(0:38:03) The most costly mistakes when it comes to managing personal finances.

(0:40:12) Why we don't offer advice-only planning for DIY investors.

(0:44:07) Financial app tips and tricks and programs and technologies to be aware of. 

(0:48:23) The After Show: Alternate personalities, noise filtering, and testicular cancer.  

Links From Today’s Episode:

Meet with PWL Capital — https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected]Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore

Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/

Braden Warwick on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-warwick-a40b48a3 

PWL Capital Retirement Planning Tool — https://research-tools.pwlcapital.com/research/retirement 

OneDigital — https://www.onedigital.com/  

Episode 341: PWL's Next Chapter — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/341 

Episode 355: Do Index Funds Incur Adverse Selection Costs? — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/355  

Episode 200: Prof. Eugene Fama — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/200 

Episode 100: Prof. Kenneth French: Expect the Unexpected — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/100 

Episode 93: Cliff Asness from AQR: The Impact of Stories, Behaviour and Risk — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/93 

Episode 270: What Happened to All the Billionaires? with Victor Haghani and James White — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/270  

Episode 11: Robb Engen: Simple vs. Complex — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/11 

Episode 203: S*** (Misguided) Financial Advisors Say — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/203 

The Money Scope Podcast — https://moneyscope.ca/  

Financial Advisor Success Ep 433: When You 10X Your Advisory Firm to over $20M of Revenue…And Want to 10X Again, with Cameron Passmore — https://www.kitces.com/blog/cameron-passmore-pwl-capital-10x-revenue-growth-advisory-firm/ 

The Podcast Consultant — https://thepodcastconsultant.com/   

The Long View — https://www.morningstar.com/podcasts/the-long-view  

Eli Beracha on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-beracha-b8082250/  

CIBC Mutual Funds — https://www.cibc.com/en/personal-banking/investments/mutual-funds.html 

Microsoft Excel — https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/excel 

Python — https://www.python.org/ 

Monte Carlo — https://www.montecarlodata.com/ 

ChatGPT — https://chatgpt.com/ 

Papers From Today’s Episode: 

‘The Arithmetic of Active Management’ — https://www.jstor.org/stable/4479386 

‘Lifetime Portfolio Selection under Uncertainty: The Continuous-Time Case’ — https://www.jstor.org/stable/1926560  

How do we make the most important decisions in life with intention rather than impulse? In this episode, we are joined by Abby Davisson to unpack her practical framework for better decision-making. Abby is a Yale and Stanford alumnus, a former executive at Gap Inc., and the co-author of Money and Love. She is also the founder of the Money and Love Institute, which is dedicated to helping individuals and professionals navigate life’s most significant decisions. In today’s conversation, Abby unpacks her practical, research-backed “5Cs Framework” for decision-making and demonstrates how it can guide all the decisions couples need to make through life. We explore the idea of financial transparency, progressive pooling of finances, equitable division of housework, deciding when to outsource help, and navigating career pauses or transitions. Abby also shares how she applied the framework in her own life and offers an honest perspective for individuals navigating change. Join us to learn how to approach choices and the “life stuff” that doesn’t always show up in spreadsheets with Abby Davisson. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:04:16) Myra Strober’s Work and Family course and how it led to writing Money and Love.

(0:07:21) The drivers of poor decisions and the five Cs in Abby’s decision-making framework.

(0:11:15) Discover the four big topics every couple should discuss and how to approach them.

(0:15:09) Learn the fundamentals of how couples should handle and combine money.

(0:17:49) Why division of housework is vital, how to approach it, and the role of gender norms. 

(0:21:49) Outsourcing tasks and the impacts of not taking the division of housework seriously.

(0:24:27) How to decide where to live as a couple, and whether to rent or buy a house.

(0:29:08) A real-life example of how to apply to 5C Framework for decision-making. 

(0:33:34) Navigating career ambitions, division of childcare, and stay-at-home parenting.

(0:37:16) Hear how the 5C Framework helps deal with separation and family dynamics.

(0:40:31) Ways the concept of retirement has changed and why families should discuss it.

(0:44:12) Find out how involved adult children should be in their parents' retirement planning.

(0:47:02) Advice for finding the right life partner and how to stress-test a relationship.

(0:52:05) What to consider before getting married and having children, and why.

(0:55:37) Abby’s biggest lessons from writing the book and her definition of success.

Links From Today’s Episode: Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected]Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore

Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/

Abby Davisson — https://www.abbydavisson.com/

Abby Davisson — https://linkedin.com/in/abbydavisson/

Money and Love Institute — https://moneyloveinstitute.com/

Practically Deliberate Newsletter — https://abbydavisson.substack.com/

Gap Inc. — https://www.gapinc.com

Myra Strober on LinkedIn — https://linkedin.com/in/myra-strober-a8b2846a/

Eve Rodsky — https://www.everodsky.com/

Carefull — https://getcarefull.com/

Baba Shiv — https://linkedin.com/in/baba-shiv-a859882/

Books From Today’s Episode:

Money and Love — https://www.moneylovebook.com/

Marco Sammon joins Ben and Dan to unpack his latest paper, ‘Index Rebalancing and Stock Market Composition’, beginning with how Marco’s work (co-written by John Shim) compares to the Nobel Prize-winner Bill Sharpe’s paper, ‘Arithmetic of Active Management.’ We investigate the missing links in Sharpe’s logic before defining “the market” and ascertaining the main objectives of index funds. Then, we dive deeper into the mechanics of Marco’s paper, index and market tracking errors, why delayed rebalancing is more beneficial than instant rebalancing, and the role of technology in the modern tracking error obsession. We also assess the passive-active spectrum of index funds in portfolio management and learn how investors should choose their optimal excess return. To end, Marco shares practical applications for improving performance benchmarked against traditional indexes, and The Aftershow is all about bridging the gap between PWL Capital and you, our listeners.

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:00:00) Key takeaways from Marco Sammon’s latest paper and how it compares to Bill Sharpe’s ‘Arithmetic of Active Management.’

(0:08:10) Marco describes what’s missing from the ‘Arithmetic of Active Management’ logic.

(0:09:11) Defining ‘the market’, the main objective of an index fund, and how index funds track the market.

(0:15:57) The mechanics of Marco’s paper, ‘Index Rebalancing and Stock Market Composition.’

(0:18:38) Factor exposure, index and market tracking errors, and how often index funds trade.

(0:26:28) Rebalancing less frequently; why delayed does better than instant rebalancing.

(0:31:59) The tech run-up and lazy rebalancing, and the modern tracking error obsession. 

(0:36:51) Assessing the passive-active spectrum of index funds in portfolio management.

(0:41:02) Exploring how investors should decide on their optimal excess return. 

(0:45:14) How the rising index fund ownership of stocks impacts the implicit cost of indexing

(0:46:58) Practical ways to improve performance benchmarked against traditional indexes.

(0:52:30) The Aftershow: Canadian finances, more airtime for Cameron, and PWL – OneDigital. 

Links From Today’s Episode:

Meet with PWL Capital — https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582. Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemindRational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected]Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Dan Bortolotti on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-bortolotti-8a482310/

Episode 322: Prof. Marco Sammon: How are Passive Investors Affecting the Stock Market? — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/322

Episode 200: Prof. Eugene Fama — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/200 

Episode 268: Itzhak Ben-David: ETFs, Investor Behavior, and Hedge Fund Fees — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/268 

Episode 112: Michael Kitces: Retirement Research and the Business of Financial Advice — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/112 

Marco Sammon — https://marcosammon.com/ 

Marco Sammon on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-sammon-b3b81456/ 

Marco Sammon on X — https://x.com/mcsammon19 

Marco Sammon | Harvard Business School — https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=1326895 

Marco Sammon Email — [email protected] 

John Shim on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-shim-2931271b/ 

Vanguard — https://global.vanguard.com/ 

Sheridan Titman on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheridan-titman-226b0811/ 

Alex Chinko — https://alexchinco.com/ 

Erik Stafford | Harvard Business School — https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6625 

Itzhak (Zahi) Ben-David on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibendavi/ 

Bill Ackman on X — https://x.com/billackman  

‘Millennium Loses $900 Million on Strategy Roiled by Market Chaos’ — https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-08/millennium-loses-900-million-on-strategy-roiled-by-market-chaos  

Bogleheads — https://www.bogleheads.org/  

The Money Scope Podcast Episode 8: Canadian Investment Accounts — https://moneyscope.ca/2024/03/01/episode-8-canadian-investment-accounts/ 

The Wealthy Barber Podcast — https://thewealthybarber.com/podcast/  

Financial Advisor Success Podcast — https://www.kitces.com/blog/category/21-financial-advisor-success-podcast/ 

Financial Advisor Success Podcast Episode 433: When You 10X Your Advisory Firm To Over $20M Of Revenue…And Want To 10X Again, With Cameron Passmore — https://www.kitces.com/blog/cameron-passmore-pwl-capital-10x-revenue-growth-advisory-firm/  

OneDigital — https://www.onedigital.com/ 

The Longview Podcast: Ben Felix

Papers From Today’s Episode: 

‘The Arithmetic of Active Management’ — https://www.jstor.org/stable/4479386 

‘Index Rebalancing and Stock Market Composition: Do Index Funds Incur Adverse Selection Costs?’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5080459  

‘Luck versus Skill in the Cross-Section of Mutual Fund Returns’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1356021 

‘The Passive-Ownership Share Is Double What You Think It Is’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4188052 

‘Long-Term Returns on the Original S&P 500 Companies’ — https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247884354_Long-Term_Returns_on_the_Original_SP_500_Companies  

‘The Price of Immediacy’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1001762

‘Competition for Attention in the ETF Space’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3765063 

‘Passive in Name Only: Delegated Management and “Index” Investing’ — https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3244991   

Jeremy Stein — “Unanchored” Strategy

Beyond the sales pitches, acronyms, and product talk, what does it mean to be a financial planner? In this episode of the Rational Reminder Podcast, we sit down with long-time industry leader and advocate Jason Pereira. Jason is a Canadian financial planner with over 20 years of experience, dual CFP certification (Canada and US), and a passion for professionalizing the field. In our conversation, Jason shares details about his client-centred investment philosophy, explains why fiduciary duty is foundational, and unpacks the complexities of index fund adoption in Canada. We also delve into the barriers to transparent, evidence-based advice, the true role of a financial planner, the impact of the Fintech revolution, and the pros and cons of mortality pooling. He also challenges common myths surrounding financial planning, shares best practices for vetting financial advisors, and explains why the industry is long overdue for a transformation. Join us for career insights, cautionary tales, and forward-looking ideas that challenge the conventional thinking of what financial planning is, with Jason Pereira!

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:05:13) Jason’s core investment philosophy and perspective on factor-based indexing.

(0:07:15) Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) trends and client conversations.

(0:12:36) What fiduciary duty means, why it matters, and why some institutions fight against it. 

(0:18:09) Unpack the complexities of why Canada is behind the US in index fund adoption.

(0:20:52) Learn about the true role and common misconceptions of a financial planner.

(0:24:30) Explore how technology and the rise of generative AI are changing financial planning.

(0:31:55) How advisors can maintain strong personal relationships with clients in a digital world.

(0:37:00) Find out what a high-quality financial plan looks like and what it covers.

(0:39:44) His favourite financial planning-related argument to get into on the internet.

(0:41:20) Uncover how mortality and annuities should influence financial planning.

(0:48:06) Permanent life insurance explained: best use cases and when to avoid.

(0:50:48) Jason shares his nerdiest and most broadly applicable financial planning advice.

(0:53:29) He explains the best practices for estimating a client’s life expectancy. 

(0:56:48) A breakdown of financial planner designations and how to vet a financial planner.

(1:03:59) Hear about his expert witness work and the costs of bad advice.

(1:08:55) Discover why Jason chooses to fight against financial misinformation online.

(1:11:18) The origins and vision of FPAC and Jason’s definition of success. 

Links From Today’s Episode:

Meet with PWL Capital: https://calendly.com/d/3vm-t2j-h3p

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582.

Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/ 

Rational Reminder on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/rationalreminder/

Rational Reminder on X — https://x.com/RationalRemind

Rational Reminder on TikTok — www.tiktok.com/@rationalreminder

Rational Reminder on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/channel/

Rational Reminder Email — [email protected]

Benjamin Felix — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Benjamin on X — https://x.com/benjaminwfelix

Benjamin on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwfelix/

Cameron Passmore — https://pwlcapital.com/our-team/

Cameron on X — https://x.com/CameronPassmore

Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/`

Jason Pereira — https://jasonpereira.ca/

Jason Pereira on Facebook — https://facebook.com/jasonpereirafinancialplanner/

Jason Pereira on X — https://x.com/jasonpereira

Jason Pereira on LinkedIn — https://linkedin.com/in/pereirajm

Jason Pereira on YouTube — https://youtube.com/@jasonperieraFP

The Fintech Impact Podcast — https://jasonpereira.ca/the-fintech-impact-podcast-jason-pereira

Conquest Planning — https://conquestplanning.com/en-ca/home

Replit — https://replit.com/

FP Canada — https://fpcanada.ca/

Financial Planning Association of Canada (FPAC) — https://fpassociation.ca/

Episode 188: Prof. Ayelet Fishbach — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/188

Episode 236: Harold Geller — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/236

Papers From Today’s Episode: 

‘Current Practices for Risk Profiling in Canada and Review of Global Best Practices’ — https://osc.ca/sites/default/files/2021-02/iap_20151112_risk-profiling-report.pdf

‘Financial Risk Tolerance: A Psychometric Review’ — https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3088292