Blog Series
Surviving Volatility
Surviving Volatility When volatility increases, many investors become uncomfortable and may consider making changes to their investments. Anytime we have a significant concern, it is essential we take a step back and assess the situation with the proper perspective. Normal, Not Easy Volatility, while uncomfortable, is a normal and natural part of stock markets. It…
Read MoreThe Power of Remembering
The Power of Remembering Memorial Day is a time of remembering, reflecting, and honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. The act of remembering often brings feelings of gratitude, love, and a desire to do good to others. It is positive and empowering. While remembering can be very powerful…
Read MoreCrises in Context
Crises in Context One thing investors can count on is that they will hear numerous reports economic and market crises throughout their investment experience. Some of these will be actual crises; the majority will be nothing more than noise. Crisis du Jour The crisis du jour, as spewed by the financial media, pertains to predictions…
Read MoreThoughts on Thinking
Thoughts on Thinking The ability to think clearly and draw correct conclusions is necessary in everyday life, especially when it comes to making important decisions. But thinking critically is not natural; it’s not the way our brains are hardwired. Instead, we are hardwired to follow the path of least resistance, which often results in hasty…
Read MoreIgnoring the Noise (Market Predictions)
Ignoring the Noise (Market Predictions) Stock market predictions can be quite alluring. Especially those that are extreme and/or use fear-inducing images. Such predictions can influence our opinions and ultimately our decisions. For that reason, it is important that we protect ourselves from their subconscious, and potentially damaging, influence. Characteristics of Believable Market Predictions Predictions that are believable do…
Read MoreInvesting Amid Uncertainty
Investing Amid Uncertainty Many investors express discomfort when things are uncertain. This is especially true when experiencing “heightened uncertainty,” such as with the current Eastern European conflict. However, uncertainty is not just a fact of economic and investment markets, it is a fact of life. Our future, by definition, is uncertain. There are times when…
Read MoreThe Challenge of Selling
The Challenge of Selling Selling an investment is something that investors ponder from time to time. The challenge of selling, whether that investment is an individual stock, a mutual fund, or an index fund, is that investors are left with the question of what to do with the proceeds? No matter the reason for selling,…
Read MoreA Dependable Forecast for 2022
Most investors love economic and market forecasts. With the markets so uncertain and volatile, our brain craves some sort of idea of what the future holds. But the markets are unpredictable – evidenced by the fact that no one can consistently predict them with accuracy. Of course, a certain forecast will be right from time…
Read MoreTis the Season of Forecasts
Tis the Season of Forecasts Every December we get inundated with investment forecasts for the following year. These forecasts range from expected GDP and interest rates to stock market performance. Our Attraction to Forecasts We are naturally attracted to forecasts because they purport to tell us what is going to happen, and they often are…
Read MoreThe Wisdom of Ignorance
The Wisdom of Ignorance It may seem like a misnomer to discuss the wisdom of being ignorant. Ignorance, defined as a lack of knowledge or information, is not generally viewed as a positive attribute. But it is absolutely essential for our individual success – both financial and psychological. I am ignorant to how cell phones…
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