Evolution of Investing: Time-Tested Strategies Dr. Apollo Lupescu

The Bucket Plan® On-Demand Podcast

The Evolution of Investing: Time-Tested Strategies from DFA’s Dr. Apollo Lupescu

In This Episode

About the episode:

What if you could transform market volatility from a source of your client’s anxiety into an opportunity to showcase your value? Learn how by listening to Jason L Smith’s interview with Dr. Apollo Lupescu, Vice President of Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA).

Their discussion covers fundamental investment principles, the importance of global diversification, and why market timing often leads to suboptimal outcomes. Drawing from decades of academic research and practical experience, Lupescu explains how advisors can structure portfolios to align with The Bucket Plan® methodology while leveraging DFA’s evidence-based approach to investing.

Key Topics Discussed:

Investment Philosophy Fundamentals: The three core pillars of successful investing – having a plan, following a process, and selecting appropriate investment products
Risk Management Strategies: Understanding smart versus unnecessary risks, especially regarding alternative investments like Bitcoin and gold
Global Diversification Benefits: Why international exposure matters and the historical perspective of market dominance shifts
Market Timing Myths: Statistical evidence against market timing and the importance of staying invested
Portfolio Construction: How bonds complement stocks for long-term investment success
The Bucket Plan® Integration: Aligning investment strategies with Now, Soon, and Later bucket methodologies
Behavioral Finance: Understanding client psychology and maintaining investment discipline

Tune in to learn ways to strengthen your investment philosophy and better communicate complex strategies to your clients.

Resources:

Research Referenced: The Matrix Book (DFA investment research publication)
Methodology/Book Referenced: The Bucket Plan®: Protecting and Growing Your Assets for a Worry-Free Retirement

Statistics:

About the Host:

Jason L Smith, CEP®, BPC is a nationally acclaimed speaker, financial planner, best-selling author, coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to simplifying financial planning for families worldwide and supporting advisors everywhere. He is the Founder and CEO of C2P, as well as his own holistically run financial services practice, JL Smith. Jason’s passion and expertise lie in all aspects of holistic financial planning, further evidenced by being Founder and CEO of Prosperity Capital Advisors, a nationally recognized planning-first RIA. As a skilled leader in the financial services industry, Jason truly enjoys helping advisors secure and scale their businesses and better serve clients through C2P’s trusted processes and models.

About the Guest:

Dr. Apollo Lupescu is a Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, a leading global investment firm. He joined Dimensional in 2004 after completing his PhD in Economics and Finance from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Over his tenure, Lupescu has held various leadership roles across the firm’s research, advisor relations, client services, and retirement business teams. Currently, he serves as Dimensional’s “secretary of explaining stuff,” frequently presenting at financial advisor conferences and investor events worldwide.

Prior to Dimensional, Lupescu owned and operated Apollo Consulting Group, providing consulting services to the U.S. Department of State and the White House. His passion for finance and investing also led him to teaching engagements at UC Santa Barbara. His academic achievements, combined with experiences across government, consulting, and investment management, make him a respected voice in communicating complex financial concepts.