Can 12 simple steps really be worth millions? Plus 10 Q&A

Paul begins the podcast with a response to a listener who thought the introduction to his new book (shared in Paul's July 9 newsletter), suggesting that each of 12 simple steps could be worth an additional million dollars, "read like a late night infomercial.” Paul not only takes the stand that each of the 12 steps can reasonably be worth an extra million dollars, but offers examples that have produced an extra $5 and $10 million.

Paul explains about his current book naming contest and offers the winner an online meeting with him to help create a lifetime investment plan.

Then he answers the following 10 questions:

1. DFA U.S. Targeted Value fund (DFFVX) has underperformed other small cap value funds. Should I continue to hold? 33:00
2. I’m 52. Is the 70% target date fund/30% small cap value too risky? 35:20
3. I don’t have enough to get started, so what should I do to get started? 41:20
4. Is there ever a case where actively-managed funds make sense? 43:47
5. Have recent negative comments about index funds changed your commitment to them? 54:30
6. We have terminated our relationship with a Vanguard advisor. Should we sell everything and move the proceeds into the funds we intend to buy? 56:39
7. I’m interested in studying the returns of small cap value. Is there a source of returns that goes back beyond 1994? 58:05
8. Many respected experts hold a portion of their portfolio in gold. Is there any reason not to add a 5% position to my portfolio? 58:57
9. When should I take Social Security? 01:03:00
10. What do you recommend for a 33-year-old investor who wants to be more aggressive than the S&P 500? 01:05:11