In this first Q&A podcast of 2025, Paul, Daryl, and Chris discuss several listener questions and expand on Paul's rebuttal of Big ERN's recent criticisms of diversifying with small-cap value.

0:00 – Introduction

0:29  – Responding to Big ERN's critique

2:11 –  Small-cap value lumpsum vs. dollar-cost averaging

6:38 –  Daryl's take on SCV's premium persistence

8:46 –  Chris' take on SCV's premium persistence

15:50 –  Paul highlights the random timing of SCV vs. S&P500 returns

19:50 -- Are there good alternatives to Vanguard's Wellesley fund?

26:18 -- Does 2 Funds for Life mean no SCV in retirement?

29:35 -- Why not let Buffet manage our money in BRK.B?

33:52 -- What portfolio to get a 3.6% safe withdrawal rate in retirement?

38:53 -- Which accounts do we tap for our annual spending needs?

49:39 -- Why doesn't the Portfolio Configurator include REITs and emerging markets?

54:52 -- When will the Best-in-Class ETF recommendations be updated?

These tables were referenced-

Table G-1b - Fine Tuning Table: S&P 500 vs US SCV Equity Portfolio - Out-Performance

Tell-Tale_Charts

2 Funds for Life PDF

2 Funds for Life on Amazon