The Long Term Investor

Hosted by Peter Lazaroff

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

260

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

We 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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 26015 min

All Things SpaceX IPO: The Real Story For Mega IPOs (EP.260)

Get updates for my new book here: https://Theperfectportfoliobook.com ----- When investors hear "SpaceX IPO," some wonder how to get access before shares begin trading, while others worry about what mega-IPOs could do to the funds they already own. This episode breaks down why IPO day gets too much attention—and why the more important story may unfold over time. Listen now and learn: ► Why the IPO price and the price most investors can actually get are two very different things ► What index rule changes around mega-IPOs may mean for mutual funds and ETFs ► Why a trillion-dollar valuation does not automatically translate into a massive index-fund position ► How to think clearly about SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, and other potential mega-IPOs without letting headlines drive your plan Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) 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.

June 3, 2026Episode 25945 min

Why Most Stocks Lose Money With Hendrik Bessembinder (EP.259)

Get updates for my new book here: https://Theperfectportfoliobook.com ----- In this episode, I'm joined by Hendrik "Hank" Bessembinder to discuss why the stock market has created enormous long-term wealth even though most individual stocks have failed to beat Treasury bills. We explore what this means for diversification, stock picking, financial planning, sequence risk, and the way investors should think about long-term returns. Listen now and learn: ► Why most individual stocks lose money even though the overall stock market has created massive wealth ► How a small number of extreme winners drive long-term market returns ► Why average returns, alpha, and traditional planning assumptions can mislead investors ► What Hank's research suggests about diversification, sequence risk, and the future impact of AI Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) 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.

May 27, 2026Episode 25811 min

Why Smart People Make Bad Investment Decisions (EP.258)

Get updates for my new book here: https://Theperfectportfoliobook.com ----- In this episode, we look at why intelligence, information, and confidence are not enough to protect investors from bias — and why a sound process matters more than feeling certain. I'll also preview one of the core ideas from my upcoming book, The Perfect Portfolio, and share how to follow along as the book comes together. Listen now and learn: ► Why intelligence does not automatically protect investors from biased thinking ► How more information can sometimes create confidence without improving decisions ► Why judging investment choices by outcomes can lead to the wrong lessons ► How a better decision process can help investors navigate uncertainty more effectively Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) 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.

May 20, 2026Episode 25735 min

The Behavioral Portfolio with Phillip Toews (EP.257)

Get updates for my new book here: https://Theperfectportfoliobook.com ----- In this episode, I'm joined by Phillip "Felipe" Toews, author of The Behavioral Portfolio, to discuss why good investing is about more than selecting the right mix of stocks and bonds. Listen now and learn: ► How client pressures can push advisors into poor investment decisions ► Why traditional portfolios can be harder to stick with than many realize ► How valuations should influence expectations ► Strategies for making better decisions during market stress Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com) 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.

May 13, 2026Episode 25413 min

Investment Management Isn't A Commodity (EP.256)

Not sure if your investments are set up for long-term success? Let's review your strategy and make sure you're on the right track. Book a call with Peter now. ----- Most investors have been taught that investing is basically solved: own a few low-cost funds, keep fees down, and move on. In this episode, I explain why that idea is only partly true — and why real investment management can become far more important as wealth, tax complexity, and life complexity grow. Listen now and learn: ► Why so many smart investors came to believe investment management is a commodity ► When a simple, low-cost investing approach may be enough — and when it may not be ► The hidden questions wealthy DIY investors often are not asking ► What separates a basic portfolio from a real investment process 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. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

May 6, 2026Episode 25539 min

Ben Carlson on Risk, Reward, and Building a Portfolio You Can Stick With (EP.255)

You don't have time to sift through endless financial content. That's why I do it for you. Get exclusive downloads and my top 5 must-read articles in a quick, easy-to-digest email. Sign up for my newsletter. ----- I'm joined by Ben Carlson, author of Risk and Reward and the popular blog A Wealth of Common Sense, for a conversation about why investing is never as easy as it looks on paper. We talk about risk, behavior, inflation, market timing, and what it really takes to build a portfolio you can stick with when the headlines get loud. Listen now and learn: ► Why every investment decision involves trade-offs ► How the urge to "do something" can work against investors ► What separates useful complexity from unnecessary complexity ► Why the best portfolio is often the one you can live with Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) 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.

April 29, 2026Episode 25414 min

My Retirement Accounts Are Fully Funded, Now What? (EP.254)

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. ----- You've maxed out your 401(k), IRA, and HSA. Now what? In this episode, I explain how to think about flexibility, taxes, cash reserves, kids, debt, and lifestyle decisions once the obvious retirement-account playbook is exhausted. Listen now and learn: ► Why a taxable brokerage account is often the best next home for long-term excess savings ► How asset location and after-tax implementation matter more once you build wealth outside retirement accounts ► When extra dollars may be better used for cash reserves, college savings, paying down debt, or living more intentionally ► The behavioral mistakes people make when they become too tax-obsessed or complexity-obsessed Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) 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.

April 22, 2026Episode 25334 min

How to Save for Your Kids Without Sacrificing Your Retirement With Kali and Eric Roberge (EP.253)

You don't have time to sift through endless financial content. That's why I do it for you. Get exclusive downloads and my top 5 must-read articles in a quick, easy-to-digest email. Sign up for my newsletter. ----- In this episode, I sit down with Eric and Kali Roberge to talk about one of the hardest balancing acts in family finance: how to help your kids financially without losing sight of your own goals. Listen now and learn: ► Why saving for your kids should not come at the expense of your own retirement ► How to think through 529 plans, custodial accounts, and Trump Accounts ► Practical ways to start teaching young kids about money ► How parents and grandparents can better navigate financial support without creating unnecessary tension Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) 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.

April 15, 2026Episode 25212 min

How to Save for College Without Worrying About Saving Too Much (EP.252)

FREE DOWNLOAD: Can I Make a 529-to-Roth IRA Transfer? ----- 529 plans are one of the best tools available for education savings, but many parents still hesitate to use them because they worry about saving too much. In this episode, I explain how 529 plans work, what the new 529-to-Roth IRA rollover rules actually do, and why custodial accounts may deserve more attention as a flexible companion strategy. Listen now and learn: ► Why 529 plans remain such a powerful way to save for education ► How the new Roth IRA rollover rules help reduce the fear of overfunding ► The key rules and limitations that apply before moving 529 money to a Roth IRA ► When a custodial account may make sense alongside a 529 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. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

April 8, 2026Episode 25112 min

Trump Accounts vs. Custodial Accounts: What Parents Should Actually Care About (EP.251)

You don't have time to sift through endless financial content. That's why I do it for you. Get exclusive downloads and my top 5 must-read articles in a quick, easy-to-digest email. Sign up for my newsletter. ----- Trump Accounts are getting a lot of attention as a new way to save for a child, but new does not always mean better. In this episode, I break down how Trump Accounts work, how they compare to custodial accounts and 529 plans, and what parents and grandparents should actually care about before opening one. Listen now and learn: ► How Trump Accounts work and why they may be appealing to parents and grandparents ► Why tax deferral is not automatically better than a taxable custodial account ► How kiddie tax rules and gain harvesting can make custodial accounts more attractive than many people realize ► When a 529 plan, custodial account, or Trump Account may make the most sense based on the job the money needs to do Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠) 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.