Should you invest outside the United States—or keep everything in American companies? In this episode, Adam B. Cordover explores total international stock index funds: what they are, why they matter, and whether adding them to your portfolio makes sense.

You’ll hear insights from investing legends and financial independence voices like Jack Bogle, JL Collins, Rick Ferri, Jim Dahle, and Paul Merriman, as we unpack the great debate over global diversification. Adam also shares a powerful lesson from Japan’s “Lost Decades” and breaks down different allocation approaches—from 100% U.S. to blended or global portfolios.

Plus:

The pros and cons of Total World Funds (like Vanguard’s VT)
Tax considerations for international funds
How to build a simple, globally diversified portfolio using the Bogleheads Three-Fund Portfolio

Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting to build toward financial independence, this episode will help you make a more informed, disciplined decision about your global allocation.

Show Notes & Resources

Jack Bogle on investing internationally – Business Insider
JL Collins, The Simple Path to Wealth
Rick Ferri on diversification – ETF.com
Jim Dahle, The White Coat Investor
Paul Merriman – Four Fund Strategy
Japan’s market history – Reuters
Fund pages for Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab total international options
IRS Pub. 514 – Foreign Tax Credit
Bogleheads Wiki – The Three-Fund Portfolio

Listen & Subscribe

If you found this episode helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe—and share it with another lawyer or professional who wants to take control of their money.

More resources at https://www.lawyerfi.com/

This episode is brought to you by Florida-based Collaborative Family Law Attorney Adam B. Cordover. Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, serving professionals across Florida with dignity and privacy in divorce. Learn more at http://www.familydiplomacy.com/ or call 813-443-0615.

We accept clients in every county in Florida and have offices by appointment in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Contact us to schedule a confidential virtual planning meeting.

Are you ready to build lasting wealth with low-cost, simple investing? 💰📈 In this special episode of the LawyerFi Podcast, host Adam B. Cordover welcomes the show’s first-ever guest—Dr. Alan, a retired anesthesiologist and Tampa Bay Bogleheads chapter coordinator—who shares his journey from student debt to financial independence through index investing.

Dr. Alan reveals:
✅ The costly mistakes of paying 1%+ advisor fees (and why they matter)
✅ How he discovered the power of Boglehead investing and low-fee index funds
✅ Practical tips for lawyers, doctors, and high earners to invest smarter and retire earlier
✅ Plus much more

Whether you’re a lawyer, professional, or anyone seeking financial freedom, this episode is packed with actionable advice on cutting costs, avoiding hidden fees, and growing wealth the Boglehead way.

Topics Covered:
• What is index investing & why it outperforms most active funds
• The “tyranny of compounding fees” and how to escape it
• The importance of delayed gratification in building financial independence
• Resources to learn more: Bogleheads Forum, Wiki & annual conferences

Listen now to learn how to stop chasing stock-picking “needles” and start buying the whole haystack. Your future self will thank you.

Resources & Links:
Bogleheads Wiki: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Main_Page

Listen & Subscribe

If you found this episode helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe—and share it with another lawyer or professional who wants to take control of their money.

More resources at https://www.lawyerfi.com/

This episode is brought to you by Florida-based Collaborative Family Law Attorney Adam B. Cordover. Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, serving professionals across Florida with dignity and privacy in divorce. Learn more at http://www.familydiplomacy.com/ or call 813-443-0615.

We accept clients in every county in Florida and have offices by appointment in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Contact us to schedule a confidential virtual planning meeting.

Are you making the most of your IRA? 💰 In this episode of the LawyerFi Podcast, Adam B. Cordover breaks down everything you need to know about Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and the Backdoor Roth IRA strategy for high earners. Learn how to maximize contributions, avoid common pitfalls, and compare IRAs to 401(k) plans so you can build wealth and achieve financial independence.

Whether you’re just starting your career or approaching retirement, this episode offers practical tips to grow your money tax-efficiently and set yourself up for long-term success.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:
✅ How Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs differ (taxes now vs. taxes later)
✅ The backdoor Roth IRA strategy for high-income earners
✅ Strategies to maximize contributions and automate savings
✅ How IRAs compare to 401(k)s and which is best for you
✅ Key rules to avoid penalties and keep your money compounding

Listen & Subscribe

If you found this episode helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe—and share it with another lawyer or professional who wants to take control of their money.

More resources at www.LawyerFI.com

This episode is brought to you by Florida-based Collaborative Family Law Attorney Adam B. Cordover. Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, serving professionals across Florida with dignity and privacy in divorce. Learn more at www.familydiplomacy.com or call 813-443-0615.

We accept clients in every county in Florida and have offices by appointment in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Contact us to schedule a confidential virtual planning meeting.

What about you? Do you keep an emergency fund — or do you rely on credit cards, investments, or other resources? Share your thoughts in the comments!