Ben Carlson on Why It’s Better to Avoid a Strikeout Than to Swing for a Home run

We at The Motley Fool are proponents of investing in individual stocks. But does that result in betting your financial future on too few companies? In this second of a two-part conversation, Motley Fool Senior Advisor Robert Brokamp speaks with Ben Carlson about the risks of investing in individual stocks, market valuations, balancing saving for the future vs. enjoying life today, and the career advice we give our kids. Ben is the Director of Institutional Asset Management at Ritholtz Wealth Management, the writer behind the “A Wealth of Common Sense” blog, the co-host of the Animal Spirits podcast, and the author of “Risk and Reward: How to Handle Market Volatility and Build Long-Term Wealth,” which will be available on May 12. Listen to our April 18 episode for Part 1 of this conversation. Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EAGuest: Ben Carlson, CFAEngineers: Lauren Budabin, Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement.We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ben Carlson on Why It’s Better to Avoid a Strikeout Than to Swing for a Home run is an episode from Motley Fool Money by The Motley Fool.

This episode is 24:07 long.

This episode was published on Apr 19, 2026.

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