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.