Here Are The 20 Best Income Portfolios Built with ETFs for 2023
If you're looking for income then you should look at this list of the 20 best income portfolios.
What are the Paul Merriman portfolios?
Paul Merriman has constructed a lot of portfolios. This page details his many portfolios. An example is Paul Merriman’s enduring Ultimate Portfolio.
Paul Merriman’s Ultimate Portfolio can be built with 10 ETFs. It is exposed to 100% equities. It tilts towards value and small caps.
Article contents
How do you build Paul Merriman’s Ultimate portfolio with ETFs?
Below you can see how you build Paul Merriman’s Ultimate Portfolio with ETFs.
- 10.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 10.00% US Large Cap (VV)
- 10.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 10.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
- 10.00% REITs (VNQ)
- 10.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
- 10.00% International All-World ex-US (VEU)
- 10.00% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 10.00% International Small Cap Blend (VSS)
- 10.00% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
You can find asset allocation for the rest of Paul Merriman’s portfolios below.
What is the historical return of Paul Merriman’s portfolios?
Below you can see the returns of Paul Merriman’s portfolios.
Portfolio data was last updated on 11th of August 2023, 08:35 ET
| Name | Year to date | Return in 2022 | 10 year return | CAGR since 1989 (%) | Draw Down | Expense ratio | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Merriman Best-in-Class ETFs Portfolio (Aggressive) | 6.99 | -14.79 | 7.45 | 8.72 | -38.36 | 0.18% | 2.75 |
| Paul Merriman Best-in-Class ETFs Portfolio (Moderate) | 4.08 | -11.68 | 4.97 | 7.59 | -19.51 | 0.13% | 2.73 |
| Paul Merriman Best-in-Class ETFs Portfolio (Conservative) | 2.63 | -10.13 | 3.65 | 6.82 | -10.13 | 0.10% | 2.72 |
| Paul Merriman Target Date Portfolio (25 year old) | 6.63 | -13.08 | 8.28 | 10.2 | -36.46 | 0.26% | 2.43 |
| Paul Merriman Target Date Portfolio (35 year old) | 6.57 | -13.22 | 8.31 | 10.08 | -36.35 | 0.24% | 2.43 |
| Paul Merriman Target Date Portfolio (45 year old) | 5.98 | -12.99 | 7.88 | 9.64 | -33.39 | 0.20% | 2.44 |
| Paul Merriman Target Date Portfolio (55 year old) | 4.72 | -12.13 | 6.74 | 8.76 | -25.97 | 0.15% | 2.49 |
| Paul Merriman Target Date Portfolio (65 year old) | 2.95 | -10.48 | 4.83 | 7.54 | -14.21 | 0.10% | 2.56 |
| Paul Merriman FundAdvice Ultimate Buy and Hold | 3.92 | -11.91 | 4.8 | 7.52 | -21.14 | 0.12% | 2.81 |
| Paul Merriman 2-Fund-Value-Portfolio | 5.44 | -6.73 | 10.95 | 10.35 | -36.25 | 0.10% | 2.09 |
| Paul Merriman 4-Fund-Portfolio | 9.22 | -11.98 | 11.25 | 10.38 | -35.26 | 0.08% | 1.8 |
| Paul Merriman 5-Fund-Value-Portfolio | 5.05 | -9.42 | 8.33 | 9.29 | -39.5 | 0.28% | 3.31 |
| Paul Merriman Ultimate Buy & Hold Strategy 2010 | 3.43 | -15.12 | 4.9 | 7.71 | -23.15 | 0.17% | 2.74 |
| Paul Boyer Permanent Portfolio (MMM) | 1.04 | -12.6 | 2.34 | 6.93 | -12.6 | 0.14% | 1.72 |
Here is what the table is showing you
Year to date: This shows what the portfolio has returned this year starting from the first trading day of the year.
10 Year return: This shows the compounded annualized growth rate over a ten-year period. The current year is excluded from calculations.
CAGR since 1989: This shows the compounded annualized growth rate since 1989. The current year is excluded from calculations.
Expense ratio: This shows the cost of holding the portfolio if you were to construct the portfolio using the proposed ETFs.
Yield: This is the expected dividend yield of the portfolio.
Please note that past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
How do Paul Merrimans’ portfolios compare to the best portfolios?
Below you can see the returns of the best portfolios that we have benchmarked.
| Name | See Portfolio | Year to date | Return in 2022 | 10 year return | CAGR since 1989 (%) | Draw Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Stein Retirement | Coming soon! | 4.05 | -18.03 | 9.46 | 10.8 | -35.42 |
| Paul Merriman 4-Fund-Portfolio | Coming soon! | 9.22 | -11.98 | 11.25 | 10.38 | -35.26 |
| S&P 500 | Coming soon! | 17.09 | -18.19 | 12.52 | 10.28 | -37.63 |
| Paul Merriman Target Date Portfolio (25 year old) | Coming soon! | 6.63 | -13.08 | 8.28 | 10.2 | -36.46 |
| Scott Adams Dilbert Portfolio | Coming soon! | 10.87 | -18.75 | 7.0 | 10.19 | -44.88 |
| JL Collins, Simple Path To Wealth, Wealth Building Portfolio | Coming soon! | 16.6 | -19.51 | 12.08 | 10.19 | -37.0 |
| American Institute of Individual Investors (AAII) Portfolio | Coming soon! | 3.74 | -13.91 | 9.7 | 10.16 | -40.85 |
| Paul Merriman Target Date Portfolio (35 year old) | Coming soon! | 6.57 | -13.22 | 8.31 | 10.08 | -36.35 |
| Assetbuilder.com Portfolio 14 | Coming soon! | 6.95 | -16.94 | 7.59 | 9.99 | -37.91 |
| Balanced Portfolio 90/10 | Coming soon! | 14.83 | -18.87 | 11.03 | 9.84 | -32.78 |
Who is Paul Merriman?
Paul Merriman is a financial educator, author, and investment advisor. He is best known for his work on educating individual investors about low-cost, passive investment strategies, and his advocacy for evidence-based investing.
Merriman founded his own investment advisory firm, Merriman Wealth Management, in 1983, where he worked with clients to develop customized investment strategies based on their individual goals and risk tolerances. In addition to his work with clients, he has authored several books on investing, including “Financial Fitness Forever” and “Live It Up Without Outliving Your Money!”
Merriman is also known for his work as an educator and advocate for individual investors. He has created a variety of resources to help investors understand and implement evidence-based investment strategies, including podcasts, online courses, and educational videos.
One of Merriman’s key contributions to the world of investing is his development of a number of low-cost, passive investment portfolios designed to provide investors with broad diversification and low fees. These portfolios, which include the “Ultimate Buy-and-Hold Strategy” and the “Two Funds for Life” approach, have become popular among investors seeking a simple, low-cost way to invest for the long term.
Overall, Paul Merriman is a well-respected figure in the world of finance and investing, known for his advocacy of low-cost, evidence-based investment strategies and his dedication to educating and empowering individual investors.
Paul Merriman’s podcast is highly recommended, as are the many articles on his site. His personal finance book Get Smart or Get Screwed: How To Select The Best and Get The Most From Your Financial Advisor easily wins as the best-titled book on personal finance.
His book Financial Fitness Forever: 5 Steps to More Money, Less Risk, and More Peace of Mind is fantastic and stuffed with sage advice, statics, and evidence-based best-investing practices.
For a detailed rundown of Paul Merriman’s Ultimate portfolio, you should read the article Paul Merriman’s Ultimate Portfolio: 10 X 10 = Winner?
Paul Merriman’s work on the best ETFs inspired me to expand upon his work to create a best-in-class ETF and Mutuals fund overview for many more asset classes.
What is unique about Paul Merriman’s portfolios?
Paul Merriman’s portfolios are characterized by one of two features:
- Excellent diversification throughslicing and dicing.
- They display a heavy concentration of a few high performing asset classes like small caps and small-cap value.
Paul Merriman’s portfolios have evolved over the years. They used to have a good amount of bonds in them. The Ultimate portfolio used to have a bond component. The ultimate portfolio no longer sports bonds.
Paul Merriman is a big fan of small caps and value on which he has done extensive research.
Paul Merriman is an evidence-based investor and favors statistics over feelings.
His ultimate portfolio is a beautiful example of how diversification can bring higher returns without higher risk.
Paul Merriman is retired (he used to run his own investment consulting shop). The work he is doing now is strictly non-profit. All of his podcasts, articles, and many other greats resources are without any profit motive.
This makes him highly unbiased and trustworthy as he is not pushing any hidden agenda other than trying to help everyday investors. I am a big fan of Paul Merriman and the great work he is doing.
Paul Merriman is an evidence-based investor and favors statistics over feelings.
What is the asset allocation of Paul Merriman’s portfolios?
Paul Merriman’s Best-in-Class ETFs Portfolio (Aggressive)
- 11.30% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 11.20% US Large Cap (VV)
- 11.30% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 11.20% US Small Cap (VIOO)
- 5.00% REITs (VNQ)
- 9.00% International Developed Blend (VEA)
- 4.50% Emerging Markets (VWO)
- 9.00% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 9.00% International Small Cap Blend (VSS)
- 9.00% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
- 4.50% Emerging Markets Small Cap (EWX)
- 5.00% International REITs (VNQI)
This and the two portfolios below are part of his “best-in-class” portfolios. You can find them here.
Paul Merriman’s Best-in-Class ETFs Portfolio (Conservative)
- 4.50% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 4.50% US Large Cap (VV)
- 4.50% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 4.50% US Small Cap (VIOO)
- 2.00% REITs (VNQ)
- 3.60% International Developed Blend (VEA)
- 1.80% Emerging Markets (VWO)
- 3.60% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 3.60% International Small Cap Blend (VSS)
- 30.00% Intermediate-Term Treasuries (VGIT)
- 18.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)
- 12.00% TIPS (VTIP)
- 3.60% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
- 1.80% Emerging Markets Small Cap (EWX)
- 2.00% International REITs (VNQI)
Paul Merriman’s Best-in-Class ETFs Portfolio (Moderate)
- 6.80% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 6.70% US Large Cap (VV)
- 6.80% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 6.70% US Small Cap (VIOO)
- 3.00% REITs (VNQ)
- 5.40% International Developed Blend (VEA)
- 2.70% Emerging Markets (VWO)
- 5.40% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 5.40% International Small Cap Blend (VSS)
- 20.00% Intermediate-Term Treasuries (VGIT)
- 12.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)
- 8.00% TIPS (VTIP)
- 5.40% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
- 2.70% Emerging Markets Small Cap (EWX)
- 3.00% International REITs (VNQI)
Paul Merriman’s FundAdvice Ultimate Buy and Hold
- 6.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 6.00% US Large Cap (VV)
- 6.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 6.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
- 6.00% REITs (VNQ)
- 6.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
- 6.00% International All-World ex-US (VEU)
- 6.00% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 6.00% International Small Cap Blend (VSS)
- 20.00% Intermediate-Term Treasuries (VGIT)
- 12.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)
- 8.00% TIPS (VTIP)
- 6.00% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
Paul Merriman’s Target Date Portfolio (25-year-old)
The portfolio will soon be added!
Paul Merriman’s Target Date Portfolio (35-year-old)
The portfolio will soon be added!
Paul Merriman’s Target Date Portfolio (45-year-old)
The portfolio will soon be added!
Paul Merriman’s Target Date Portfolio (55-year-old)
- 9.13% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 21.74% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 18.27% US Small Cap (VIOO)
- 4.06% REITs (VNQ)
- 2.47% Emerging Markets (VWO)
- 3.13% International All-World ex-US (VEU)
- 3.13% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 3.13% International Small Cap Blend (VSS)
- 12.00% Intermediate-Term Treasuries (VGIT)
- 7.20% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)
- 4.80% TIPS (VTIP)
- 6.73% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
- 2.47% Emerging Markets Small Cap (EWX)
- 1.74% International REITs (VNQI)
Paul Merriman’s Target Date Portfolio (65-year-old)
- 7.87% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 7.88% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 15.75% US Small Cap (VIOO)
- 3.50% REITs (VNQ)
- 1.35% Emerging Markets (VWO)
- 2.70% International All-World ex-US (VEU)
- 2.70% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 2.70% International Small Cap Blend (VSS)
- 25.00% Intermediate-Term Treasuries (VGIT)
- 15.00% Short-Term Treasuries (VGSH)
- 10.00% TIPS (VTIP)
- 2.70% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
- 1.35% Emerging Markets Small Cap (EWX)
- 1.50% International REITs (VNQI)
Paul Merriman’s Ultimate Portfolio
- 10.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 10.00% US Large Cap (VV)
- 10.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 10.00% US Small Cap (VIOO)
- 10.00% REITs (VNQ)
- 10.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
- 10.00% International All-World ex-US (VEU)
- 10.00% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 10.00% International Small Cap Blend (VSS)
- 10.00% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
This is the portfolio that Paul Merriman features on MarketWatch. It shows the power of diversification that brings home excellent returns while keeping risk in check.
Paul Merriman 2-Fund-Value-Portfolio
The portfolio will soon be added!
Paul Merriman 4-Fund-Portfolio
The portfolio will soon be added!
Paul Merriman 5-Fund-Value-Portfolio
- 25% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 25% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 20% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 20% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
- 10% Emerging Markets Value (VWO)
Paul Merriman Ultimate Buy & Hold Strategy 2010
- 6.00% US Large Cap Value (VTV)
- 6.00% US Large Cap (VV)
- 6.00% US Small Cap Value (VIOV)
- 6.00% US Micro-Cap (IWC)
- 6.00% REITs (Real Estate) (VNQ)
- 6.00% International Developed Blend (VEA)
- 6.00% Emerging Markets (VWO)
- 6.00% International Large Cap Value (EFV)
- 6.00% International Small Cap Blend (VSS)
- 20.00% Intermediate-Term Treasury (VGIT)
- 20.00% Corporate Bonds (LQD)
- 6.00% International Small Cap Value (DLS)
This is a slightly different variant of the Ultimate portfolio. This one is from 2010. The bond portion of the portfolio is somewhat different.
Together with Chris Pedersen, Paul Merriman has constructed what he calls theultimate target-datefund.
What are some alternatives to Paul Merriman’s portfolios?
There are a few alternatives to Paul Merriman’s portfolios. Remember that his portfolios are very diversified into many asset classes, or they are very concentrated into a few of the best historically performing asset classes. Therefore, if you want similar diversification, then have a look at the IFA portfolios or some of David Booth’s portfolios. For concentrated portfolios, the best alternatives are from the FPL Capital Management Portfolios.
If you are looking for target-date funds, be sure to check out our growing Target Date Fund Portfolio overview.
Where can I learn more about Paul Merriman?
Paul Merriman’s website with tons of information on his many portfolios.
Paul Merriman’s YouTube channel.
Paul Merriman’s podcast “Sound Investing”.
Suggestions for your next steps
If you have already committed to a portfolio then maybe you need help maintaining the portfolio. In this case you will find our rebalance worksheet useful.
Rebalancing your portfolio lowers your risk and may provide higher returns in the long run. It is completely FREE.
You can find the rebalance worksheet in our article Here Is The Most Easy To Use Portfolio Rebalance Tool.
