Charley Ellis on Why Most Investors Fail (And What to Do Instead) (EP.191)
Release Date: 02/12/2025
The Long Term Investor
Get updates for my new book: In this engaging episode, Barry Ritholtz—author of the influential Big Picture blog, host of the renowned Masters in Business podcast, and author of the new book How Not to Invest—shares invaluable insights into making smarter investment decisions. Barry challenges common financial myths, explores why we’re drawn to faulty financial forecasts, and highlights red flags in popular financial advice. Listen now and learn: ► The pitfalls of relying on financial predictions and forecasts. ► How sensational headlines distort investor perceptions ► The...
info_outlineThe Long Term Investor
Get updates for my new book: ----- Is there such a thing as a perfect portfolio? In this short solo episode, Peter Lazaroff shares exciting news—his next book, The Perfect Portfolio, is coming in late 2026. Peter offers a behind-the-scenes look at what inspired the book, how it builds on timeless investing lessons, and why it’s designed to help you build a strategy you can actually stick with. Get early access to exclusive content, excerpts, and updates at Visit for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. Disclosure: This content,...
info_outlineThe Long Term Investor
----- 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...
info_outlineThe Long Term Investor
----- 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...
info_outlineThe Long Term Investor
Sign up for updates and exclusive offers related to Peter’s new book, The Perfect Portfolio, by visiting ----- 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...
info_outlineThe Long Term Investor
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. . ----- 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...
info_outlineThe Long Term Investor
Big financial decisions ahead? Whether it’s retirement, a career change, or navigating complex investments, get expert guidance in a quick, no-pressure call. . ----- 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...
info_outlineThe Long Term Investor
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. . ----- 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...
info_outlineThe Long Term Investor
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. . ----- 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...
info_outlineThe Long Term Investor
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. . ----- 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...
info_outlineYou don’t have time to sift through endless financial content. That’s why I do it for you. Get my top 5 must-read articles every week in a quick, easy-to-digest email. Sign up for my newsletter.
-----
Why do so many investors underperform the market? Legendary investor and author Charley Ellis explains why investing has become a “loser’s game” and what smart investors do instead.
Listen now and learn:
► Why active investing used to work—but no longer does
► How professional traders dominate the market, making it nearly impossible to outperform
► The biggest behavioral mistakes that cost investors money
► What individual investors can learn from institutional strategies (and what they should avoid)
Charley Ellis has spent decades advising institutional investors and writing some of the most influential books on investing, including Winning the Loser’s Game and Rethinking Investing. His insights will change the way you think about investing and help you build wealth more effectively.
🔹 Subscribe now for more expert insights on long-term investing strategies!
(02:30) Why Most Investors Lose the Investing Game
(04:45) The Evolution of Investing: Why Active Management No Longer Works
(12:30) Why Most Prices Are (Almost) Always Right–And Why That Matters
(17:50)The Smartest Investors Play a Different Game
(22:15) Why Index Investing Is the Best Bet for Long-Term Wealth
(27:30) Why Yale’s Investing Model Won’t Work For You
(31:45) The Biggest Mistakes Investors Make
(38:15) The Best Investment Strategy? The One You Stick With
Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.