Wealth Strategy

ArcVest
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A financial podcast covering an array of personal finance, investing and life topics. We discuss the fundamentals of investing, health and happiness. If you are looking for a new low-fee wealth manager, please touch base at: www.arcvest.com

  1. 7H AGO

    The Dividend Aristocrats Debate: A Closer Look

    In this conversation, Erik and Chad discuss the merits and drawbacks of investing in Dividend Aristocrats compared to the broader S&P 500. They analyze the risk and return profiles of these investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynamics and the psychological factors influencing investor behavior. The discussion culminates in a call for evidence-based investing and a critical look at common misconceptions in the investment landscape. https://subscribe.arcvest.com/ https://arcvest.com/ Takeaways: Dividend Aristocrats are companies with a history of increasing dividends. Investing in the S&P 500 with a mix of short-term bills can reduce risk. The performance of Dividend Aristocrats may not capture the growth of tech stocks. Understanding risk involves looking at volatility and maximum drawdown. Investors often feel safer with dividend-paying stocks due to perceived income stability. There is no free lunch in investing; higher returns often come with higher risks. The marketing of dividend stocks can create misconceptions about safety and returns. Investors should consider total return rather than just income from dividends. The S&P 500 has outperformed Dividend Aristocrats in certain time frames. Evidence-based investing is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

    23 min

  2. FEB 2

    The World of Emerging Market Investing

    The conversation explores the resurgence of emerging markets as a viable investment option, particularly after a strong performance in 2025. The discussion highlights the changing landscape of these markets, the impact of dollar strength on investments, and the significance of the AI supply chain. It also addresses the risks associated with investing in emerging markets and provides insights on asset allocation strategies for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. https://subscribe.arcvest.com/ https://arcvest.com/ Takeaways Emerging markets had a 76% return in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500. For 15 years, emerging markets underperformed compared to U.S. stocks. The narrative around emerging markets is changing, making them more attractive. Emerging markets now have significant exposure to technology and finance sectors. Dollar weakness has historically benefited emerging markets. Investors are moving away from dollar-denominated assets. Emerging markets are currently undervalued compared to U.S. markets. AI supply chains are increasingly important in emerging markets. A diversified portfolio should include 10-11% in emerging markets. Global diversification is essential for modern investors.

    17 min

  3. JAN 29

    Beyond Materialism: Understanding True Wealth

    In this conversation, Erik and Chad explore the concept of true wealth, emphasizing that it is often invisible and not defined by material possessions. They discuss the importance of financial independence, the illusion of status through spending, and the significance of time wealth. The conversation also delves into the power of compounding in building wealth and the challenge of defining 'enough' in a society that constantly moves the goalposts. Practical tips for achieving true wealth are provided, focusing on debt freedom, health, and social connections.   https://arcvest.com/ https://subscribe.arcvest.com/   Takeaways: True wealth is defined by financial independence and flexibility. Wealth is often invisible and not reflected in material possessions. Social media influences perceptions of wealth and status. Time wealth allows for better health and personal care. Compounding can significantly increase wealth over time. Understanding the concept of 'enough' is crucial for financial planning. Avoiding the hedonic treadmill can lead to better financial decisions. Markers of wealth include health, social connections, and time flexibility. Spending should enhance life, not detract from future security. Real wealth is about freedom and well-being, not just money.   Chapters: 00:00 Understanding True Wealth 02:43 The Impact of Social Media on Wealth Perception 05:16 The Importance of Time Wealth 08:18 The Power of Compounding 10:59 Defining 'Enough' in Wealth 16:36 Practical Tips for Building Wealth   ArcVest helps investors make smarter decisions by focusing on process, discipline, and long-term thinking—not predictions or hype.

    19 min

  4. JAN 29

    The Truth About $500,000 in Retirement

    In this conversation, Erik and Chad discuss the realities of retirement savings, focusing on the implications of having a $500,000 portfolio. They explore social security benefits, the role of home equity, investment strategies, and the pros and cons of annuities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of staying invested to maximize retirement income and the potential for financial security in retirement.   https://arcvest.com/ https://subscribe.arcvest.com/   Takeaways: Only a small percentage of Americans reach retirement with $500,000 saved. Social security benefits can significantly supplement retirement income. A $500,000 portfolio can provide a stable foundation for retirement. Home equity can be a valuable asset in retirement planning. Investing in equities is crucial for long-term retirement success. Annuities can provide guaranteed income but come with trade-offs. The 4% rule is a conservative guideline for retirement withdrawals. Higher withdrawal rates may be possible with careful planning. Staying invested allows for compounding growth during retirement. Financial planning should consider both income and asset preservation.   Chapters 00:00 Understanding Retirement Savings 02:58 Social Security Insights 05:48 Home Equity and Retirement 08:32 Investment Strategies for Retirement 11:39 Annuities: Pros and Cons 14:41 Maximizing Retirement Income   ArcVest helps investors make smarter decisions by focusing on process, discipline, and long-term thinking—not predictions or hype.

    16 min

  5. JAN 28

    Navigating Retirement: The 4% Rule and Beyond

    In this conversation, Erik and Chad discuss the complexities of retirement planning, focusing on the 4% rule, the importance of understanding personal spending needs, and the risks associated with market timing and sequence of returns. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to retirement readiness that includes behavioral finance considerations and flexible spending strategies. https://subscribe.arcvest.com https://arcvest.com Takeaways: Retirement readiness is not just about a single number. Understanding your spending needs is crucial for retirement planning. The 4% rule provides a guideline for sustainable withdrawals. Sequence of returns risk can significantly impact retirement portfolios. Behavioral finance plays a key role in investment decisions. Missing the best market days can drastically reduce returns. Having a cash buffer can help manage market volatility. Flexibility in spending can enhance retirement enjoyment. It's important to stress test retirement plans against various scenarios. Retirement planning should include both growth and risk management strategies.   Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Retirement Readiness 01:56 Determining Your Retirement Number 05:43 The 4% Rule Explained 09:40 Sequence of Returns Risk 13:37 Behavioral Finance and Market Timing 16:16 Flexible Spending and Portfolio Management   ArcVest helps investors make smarter decisions by focusing on process, discipline, and long-term thinking—not predictions or hype.

    20 min

  6. JAN 20

    Gold: Financial Insurance or a Shiny Rock?

    In this episode of Well Strategy by ArcVest, Erik Cooper and Chad Fargason engage in a lively debate about the merits and drawbacks of investing in gold. They explore the contrasting perspectives on gold as a financial asset, with Erik expressing skepticism and Chad advocating for its inclusion in investment portfolios. The discussion covers various reasons to own gold, such as its role as financial insurance during market stress, its low correlation with stocks and bonds, and its potential to hedge against monetary policy mistakes. They also delve into the behavioral aspects of investing, highlighting how gold can help investors maintain discipline during market fluctuations. As the conversation progresses, Erik and Chad shift to the counterarguments against gold investment, including its lack of cash flow, poor long-term returns compared to stocks, and the risk of over-allocating to gold due to fear. They conclude by discussing the appropriate allocation of gold in a portfolio, suggesting that a range of 2% to 10% is optimal for balancing risk and reward. This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the gold debate, equipping them with insights to make informed investment decisions. https://subscribe.arcvest.com/ https://arcvest.com/   Takeaways Gold is a hedge against financial stress. Gold has low correlation to stocks and bonds. Investing in gold can help maintain behavioral discipline. Gold produces no cash flow or dividends. Long-term returns of gold are weak compared to stocks. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Gold Debate 01:20 Reasons to Own Gold 11:34 Counterarguments Against Gold 18:08 Optimal Gold Allocation in Portfolios

    21 min

  7. JAN 16

    The Truth About Retirement Income: A Million Dollar Breakdown

    In this episode of Wealth Strategy by ArcVest, Erik Cooper and Chad Fargason delve into the realities of retirement planning, specifically focusing on the implications of having a million dollars saved for retirement. They discuss the common belief that a million dollars is sufficient for a comfortable retirement, but emphasize the importance of understanding the actual financial landscape retirees face. The conversation breaks down the math behind retirement income, including the 4% rule, social security benefits, and the impact of Medicare premiums and taxes on overall income. By analyzing a hypothetical couple retiring at 65, they provide a realistic assessment of what a million-dollar portfolio can yield, highlighting the need for careful planning and consideration of various expenses.   https://subscribe.arcvest.com https://arcvest.com   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Retirement Planning 01:59 Assumptions for Retirement Math 03:09 Explaining the 4% Rule 04:25 Calculating Social Security Benefits 05:50 Total Gross Income Breakdown 07:12 Medicare Premiums and Deductions 08:37 After-Tax Income Analysis 10:05 Exploring the 5% Withdrawal Rule 11:53 Flexibility in Withdrawal Strategies 13:17 Final Thoughts on Retirement Planning Takeaways: A million dollars may not be enough for retirement without understanding the math. Only about 5% of Americans have a million dollars saved for retirement. The 4% rule suggests withdrawing $40,000 annually from a million-dollar portfolio. Social Security benefits are reduced if taken before full retirement age. Medicare premiums and taxes significantly reduce retirement income.   ArcVest helps investors make smarter decisions by focusing on process, discipline, and long-term thinking—not predictions or hype.   ArcVest is a fiduciary, fee-only investment advisory firm. Everything here is educational and designed to help you become a more informed investor—not to sell hot takes or chase headlines.   If you believe investing should be boring, disciplined, and aligned with real life goals, you’re in the right place. Learn more at arcvest.com

    15 min

  8. JAN 16

    The Hopium Trade: Why Investors Choose Losing Bets

    In this episode, Erik and Chad delve into the paradox of wealth management, where products that statistically outperform the market are often harder to sell than those that underperform. They discuss the concept of 'hopium'—the false hope that investors cling to when seeking outperformance through traditional wealth management. The conversation highlights the psychological biases that lead investors to believe they can beat the market, despite overwhelming data suggesting otherwise. They explore various biases, including overconfidence, the illusion of control, and the narrative fallacy, which all contribute to the allure of Wall Street's marketing strategies. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of evidence-based investing and the power of compounding returns over time, advocating for a disciplined, low-cost investment approach rather than chasing the latest market trends. https://subscribe.arcvest.com/ https://arcvest.com/ Chapters: 00:00 The Paradox of Wealth Management 02:10 Understanding the Hopium Trade 04:14 Psychological Biases in Investing 08:16 The Narrative Fallacy Explained 10:38 Action Bias and the Need to Act 13:40 The Hard Sell of Evidence-Based Investing 17:36 The Power of Compounding Returns 21:03 Closing Thoughts on Real Returns Takeaways: Selling hope is a genius strategy. Investors often believe they can outperform the market despite data suggesting otherwise. The illusion of control leads investors to make poor decisions. Narratives often overshadow facts in investment decisions. Compounding returns over time can significantly increase wealth.

    24 min
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5
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About

A financial podcast covering an array of personal finance, investing and life topics. We discuss the fundamentals of investing, health and happiness. If you are looking for a new low-fee wealth manager, please touch base at: www.arcvest.com

Information

  • Creator
    ArcVest
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Wealth Strategy