489: The Humble Investor

As intelligent people, we often overcomplicate things? Whether it's in business, health, or relationships, we're constantly seeking advice, following trends, and trying to use complex strategies to optimize our results. As you may know, I am deeply entrenched in the longevity space. As a physician and science person, I am fascinated by this stuff. And while there are all sorts of drugs, supplements and tactics that could incrementally add to our lifespans, right now it is pretty clear that the most impactful principals to live a long healthy life are still pretty boring: Follow a good diet, get lots of exercise and make sure you do what you can to get a good night's sleep. Of course I have plenty to say when we drill down on each one of those issues but the point is that, right now, focusing on eating, exercising and sleeping are far more impactful than any pill you could take or tactic you could could employ. As is the case for most things in life, the fundamentals are often what really matter and they are not often hard to see. In personal finance, the principals are also pretty basic. For most of your investments, stay disciplined, rely on data, and avoid the allure of the "next big thing." This week, I talk to someone practices the art of sticking to fundamentals while challenging the status quo in investing. Dan Rasmussen, the founder of Verdad, is a quantitative investor with a knack for cutting through the hype and finding real value. Drawing on his experience at firms like Bridgewater Associates and his own billion-dollar fund, Dan's approach is all about stripping away emotion, following the data, and learning from history. While his expertise may focus on public markets, the lessons he shares apply to any investor—whether you're buying rental properties or managing a stock portfolio. So, let's dive into the conversation and see what we can all learn about investing with humility and discipline.