ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Key Takeaways
- A traditional 60/40 portfolio—60% stocks and 40% bonds—may not always provide the balance of growth and protection investors expect.
- Bonds carry risks of their own, including interest-rate, inflation, credit, and market risks.
- Portfolio risk should be considered in relation to what your money needs to accomplish, not simply how much the account fluctuates.
- A static investment allocation may not respond to changing inflation, economic growth, interest rates, correlations, or market environments.
- When comparing buying versus leasing a vehicle, look beyond the monthly payment and evaluate the total cost over the entire ownership period.
- Leasing may appeal to drivers who prefer newer vehicles, predictable mileage, and warranty coverage.
- Buying can become increasingly attractive for people who keep vehicles longer because the owner retains the vehicle’s remaining value.
Aired on: September 26, 2026
Episode Overview
Is the traditional 60/40 portfolio still the right way to think about investment risk?
In this episode of Purpose Driven Finances, Allan Malina examines why automatically labeling stocks as “growth” and bonds as “safety” can oversimplify portfolio construction. Interest rates, inflation, credit conditions, economic growth, and changing market relationships can all affect how stocks and bonds behave.
The larger question is not simply, “How much risk can I tolerate?” It is, “What does this money need to accomplish, when will I need it, and does my investment process adapt as conditions change?”
In the second half, Allan applies the same purpose-driven thinking to another major financial decision: Should you buy or lease a car?
Using a six-year comparison, he explains why the lowest monthly payment does not necessarily produce the lowest long-term cost. Mileage limits, financing costs, vehicle depreciation, maintenance, lease cycles, and the vehicle’s eventual resale value all matter.
The common theme: Make financial decisions according to your purpose, timeline, and circumstances—not simply a rule of thumb or monthly payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 60/40 portfolio?
A traditional 60/40 portfolio generally invests approximately 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds.
Are bonds always safer than stocks?
No investment is automatically safe. Bonds can be affected by interest rates, inflation, credit quality, maturity, and changing market conditions.
What should determine how much investment risk I take?
Consider your goals, required income, time horizon, financial resources, and what the portfolio ultimately needs to accomplish.
Is leasing a car cheaper than buying one?
It depends. A lease can offer a lower payment and newer vehicle, but a complete comparison should include multiple lease cycles, mileage restrictions, fees, and the fact that you generally do not own an asset at the end.
Why can buying become more attractive over time?
Once the loan is paid off, the owner still has a vehicle with potential resale value. That remaining equity can materially change a long-term buy-versus-lease comparison.
Should I choose a car based mainly on the monthly payment?
No. Compare the total cost over the period you expect to own or lease the vehicle.
