Stay ConnectedWe all need to make smart decisions with our money. The Long Term Investor shows you how to do it.
Hosted by the Chief Investment Officer at Plancorp and author of “Making Money Simple,” Peter Lazaroff distills complex financial matters into easily digestible lessons.
If you’re ready to get a clear plan for your investments and personal finances, you’re in the right place.
Copyright: © Copyright Peter Lazaroff
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CNBC's Senior Markets Correspondent Bob Pisani has spent over 25 years reporting from the New York Stock Exchange floor. In this episode, Bob shares vivid stories from the heart of Wall Street, key lessons learned from decades of covering financial markets, and timeless advice for long-term investors.
Listen now and learn:
► How electronic trading and ETFs revolutionized investing
► Why most investors struggle with forecasting markets accurately
► Bob's firsthand experiences from major market crises, including 9.11 and the 2008 crash
► Essential tips for staying cal, during periods of market volatility
This insightful conversation offers valuable perspectives for investors of all experience levels.
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
[02:45] How Electronic Trading and ETFs Transformed Investing [05:56] Why the Complexity of Markets Remains Behind the Curtain [07:30] Common Investor Mistakes and the Challenges of Predicting Markets [14:36] Navigating Headlines and Staying Calm During Market Volatility [17:19] Reflections from Major Market Crises: Dot-Com, 9/11, and 2008 [26:29] Storytelling, Communication, and Memorable Interactions on Wall Street [35:35] The Ongoing Importance of Curiosity and Investor Education
Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
Sign up for exclusive updates, offers, and bonus chapters of my new book: The Perfect Portfolio.
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Welcome to the world of TACO investing—where "Trump Always Chickens Out"—a phrase capturing the volatile cycle of aggressive policy threats followed by sudden reversals. In this episode, we'll use the TACO phenomenon as a lens to explore how investors can better understand and navigate short-term market swings caused by political news.
Listen now and learn:
► Why markets often overreact to political headlines.
► The critical distinction between the economy and the stock market.
► How to maintain a disciplined, long-term investing mindset amid policy volatility.
► Key strategies that successful investors use to manage short-term uncertainty.
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
Sign up for updates and exclusive offers related to Peter's new book, The Perfect Portfolio, by visiting https://theperfectportfoliobook.com
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Recorded in front of an audience at the CFA Institute's global conference (CFA Live), I'm joined by behavioral finance expert Brian Portnoy to dive deep into Behavioral Finance 2.0. This conversation goes well beyond the basic definitions of Behavioral Finance 1.0, letting storytelling, empathy, and emotional intelligence take center stage in helping people live more meaningful financial lives.
Whether you're an advisor, investor, or simply curious about the psychology of money, this conversation offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on what it truly means to build wealth wisely.
Listen now and learn:
► Why classical behavioral finance may be too narrow—and what's replacing it
► A powerful five-step framework for guiding clients through market stress
► How storytelling can transform financial advice into something truly personal
► What the rise of AI means for the future of human-centered advising
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
(07:28) Navigating Today's Investor Mindset: Uncertainty and Storytelling
(12:36) Beyond Behavioral Finance 1.0: Moving from Flaws to Flourishing
(19:49) The Power of Asking Better Questions in Financial Advising
(28:50) Using the LASER Protocol for Client Conversations During Volatility
(42:30) Practical Applications: Storytelling in Financial Advice
(47:57) How Behavioral Insights Improve Investment Decisions
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Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
Get an inside look at what's shaping my thinking. Bi-weekly, I share the top 5 investing and financial planning articles I'm reading—straight to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter.
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Approaching retirement when markets are turbulent can make even seasoned investors anxious. In this episode, you'll learn practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, ensuring your retirement stays on track.
Listen now and learn:
► How your portfolio differs from the broader market—and why it matters.
► A common retirement mistake to avoid during periods of volatility.
► Why your investment strategy should evolve as you transition from accumulation to retirement.
► The overlooked value of professional guidance when managing retirement withdrawals.
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
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Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
Big financial decisions ahead? Whether it's retirement, a career change, or navigating complex investments, get expert guidance in a quick, no-pressure call. Schedule yours now.
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In this episode, Mark Higgins, author of Investing in U.S. Financial History, reveals how understanding historical market crashes and human behavior can provide investors a powerful advantage. Discover why financial history is more than just fascinating stories—it's a blueprint for smarter investing.
Listen and learn:► The surprising ways historical market crashes mirror today's economic climate ► Why understanding investor psychology from past crises can protect your portfolio ► How politics and inflation have historically influenced market behavior ► Key lessons from history that help investors avoid common emotional pitfalls
Tune in to learn how the past can help prepare your investments for the future.
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
(00:00) Introduction
(02:00) Why Human Behavior and Financial History Are Inseparable Guides for Investors
(09:24) The Interplay of Politics, Inflation, and Investor Behavior
(13:17) Stocks, Alternatives, and the Power of Simplicity
(16:51) Herd Behavior and Misunderstood Market Crises
(21:01) Building a Resilient Long-Term Portfolio
(28:12) Truly Unprecedented: Today's Fiscal Picture
(29:23) Connect with Mark Higgins
Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
Where is your money really going? Most people are surprised when they track it. Use my Cash Flow worksheet to see exactly where your money is going—and how to make it work for you. Download it now.
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Which approach is better: income-focused or total return investing? Many investors believe they should live off the income their portfolio generates—and never touch the principal. It feels responsible. Conservative. Safe.
But in this episode, I explain why that mindset often leads to worse outcomes.
Listen now and learn:
► Why relying only on dividends and interest can increase your risk
► How a total return strategy offers greater flexibility and sustainability
► What behavioral traps drive the income-only approach
► Research-backed reasons to shift your retirement spending strategy
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
Get an inside look at what's shaping my thinking. Bi-weekly, I share the top 5 investing and financial planning articles I'm reading—straight to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter.
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Private equity and private credit are booming—but should they have a place in your portfolio?
Vanguard's Fran Kinniry joins Peter Lazaroff to break down the real opportunities, the hidden risks, and the essential considerations for investing in private markets.
Listen now and learn:
► Why companies are staying private longer—and how that changes public markets
► What investors need to understand about the illiquidity premium
► Why access and manager selection are critical to private investment success
► How private equity and private credit could (or could not) fit into your retirement strategy
Fran also shares his perspective on whether private assets might someday appear in 401(k) target-date funds—and what that could mean for the future of investing.
Show notes and links available at thelongterminvestor.com.
(00:00) Introduction to Smart Investing
(02:03) The Value of Private Investments
(04:30) Understanding Illiquidity Premium
(06:29) The Importance of Manager Selection
(09:39) Risks of Democratizing Private Equity
(11:39) The Rise of Private Credit
(14:18) Portfolio Construction Challenges
(16:18) Current Income vs. Diversification
(18:07) Allocating to Private Markets
(20:34) Accessing Private Investments
(22:11) Questions for Advisors
(24:03) The Future of Private Assets in Retirement Accounts
(28:45) Incremental Benefits of Private Assets
Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
Where is your money really going? Most people are surprised when they track it. Use my Cash Flow worksheet to see exactly where your money is going—and how to make it work for you. Download it now.
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When markets drop, many investors wonder if it's time to take action—and "buying the dip" sounds like a smart move. But is it really? In this episode, I break down when buying the dip makes sense, who should consider it, and the math behind why downturns can offer some of the best opportunities for long-term investors.
Listen now and learn:
► How often market declines actually occur—and why they're totally normal
► A powerful equation that reframes expected returns based on recovery time
► Specific strategies for buying the dip during both accumulation and retirement phases
► The biggest mistakes investors make when trying to time the market
Whether you're saving for retirement or already living off your portfolio, this episode will help you understand how to take advantage of volatility—without abandoning your plan.
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
Get an inside look at what's shaping my thinking. Bi-weekly, I share the top 5 investing and financial planning articles I'm reading—straight to your inbox. Sign up for my newsletter.
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Retirement planning isn't just about numbers—it's about lifestyle, relationships, and finding purpose. In this episode, I sit down with Christine Benz, Morningstar's Director of Personal Finance and the author of How to Retire, to explore the often-overlooked aspects of retirement beyond just saving and investing.
We discuss how retirees can prepare for the social and psychological shifts that come with leaving the workforce, why spending in retirement can be just as challenging as saving, and the biggest disagreements among experts when it comes to managing your money in later years.
Listen now and learn:
► Why the transition from saving to spending is so psychologically difficult
► The importance of relationships and social networks in retirement
► The most debated strategies for generating retirement income
► How to prepare for the cognitive challenges that come with aging
Tune in for an insightful conversation that will help you build a retirement plan that's both financially sound and personally fulfilling.
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
(02:43) Introduction: Christine's New Book & Why She Wrote It
(04:57) Under-Discussed Factors in a Happy Retirement
(08:19) Overcoming the Fear of Spending in Retirement
(11:03) The Role of Relationships & Social Networks
(13:47) Biggest Disagreements Among Retirement Experts
(17:37) Should You Work Longer or Retire Early?
(23:14) Christine's Bucket Approach to Portfolio Withdrawals
(28:56) What Was Missing from the Book?
(32:16) The Future of Retirement Planning
Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
If you want to see what you may be overlooking, I've created a simple tool to help. In just 15 questions, my Financial Assessment will highlight key opportunities and gaps in your plan. You can take it now at www.smartmoneyquiz.com.
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Want stock market returns without the risk? Options-based strategies promise just that—but do they deliver? In this episode, Peter breaks down how these products work, what the research says, and whether there's a better way to reduce risk in your investment portfolio.
Listen now and learn:
► What most investors misunderstand about buffered and defined outcome funds
► Surprising data from real-world funds–and what it means for your portfolio
► Why paying for protection doesn't always protect you
► A simpler (and often smarter) way to reduce equity risk.
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.
Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.
The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.
References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.
Please see disclosures here.
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