In today’s world, investment advice is everywhere—social media, online searches, and more. But let’s face it: much of it is misguided and lacks a clear connection to your personal, long-term goals. This can lead to common pitfalls like reacting emotionally to the 24-hour news cycle, overtrading during market turbulence, and mistimed buy or sell decisions. The result? Lower overall portfolio performance.
Here’s the hard truth: scared money doesn’t make money. In fact, the moment you feel like selling is often the perfect opportunity to buy—or buy more. As we know from mathematical certainty, time in the market consistently outperforms attempts to time the market. Real investing is about forgoing short-term cash flow to achieve greater returns and reach your future goals. And yes, this requires discipline and self-control.
How do you cultivate that discipline? Start by scheduling a consultation with me—even if you’re already working with a financial advisor. Why? Because I’ve developed a structured three-step approach designed to help you retire on your terms and live the life you’ve envisioned. Working with me, you’ll learn the art of smart decision-making, putting your money to work so that, one day, passive investments can cover your bills and fund your dreams.
So, what are some of the “right moves” in today’s market? If you find yourself resonating with the insights below or gaining value from my newsletter, it’s time to take the next step and get in touch with me. What I share here is just the beginning—there’s so much more to discover.
Why Tariffs Shouldn’t Change Your Long-Term Strategy
There are no experts in the field of predicting the outcome of Trump’s trade war. Our only choice is to accept today’s investing backdrop. Accept the uncertainty and follow our own investing convictions. The “tariff tantrum” hasn’t changed your goals nor your timelines. There will always be something in the market to worry about. Focus on your timeline and when you need to start taking distributions from your investment portfolio for retirement.
Don’t Obsess Over Market Fluctuations
Imagine you owned a farm instead of a stock portfolio. At breakfast, you have had enough and wanted to rip out all the crops from the ground. By lunch time, you decide to sell your farming equipment. By evening, you have accomplished both those irreversible tasks. Later in the week, you are now reconsidering how to buy back your farming equipment and wonder how long it will take to regrow the same crops. This illustration teaches us we cannot obsess about the day-to-day stock market movement. DID YOU KNOW that 7 out of the 10 BEST DAYS in the market occurred within two weeks of the 10 WORST DAYS in the market?
Prepare, Don’t Predict
While I cannot predict or guarantee specific future events, I can provide informed insights grounded in quantitative research and historical analysis. This approach allows us to position your portfolio for a range of possible outcomes. Together, we will create a resilient investment strategy designed to mitigate risks even if my analysis proves incorrect. One effective method for achieving this is by developing a “bucket” plan—tailored to different timelines, risk levels, and liquidity needs—to support you throughout your retirement and ensure a meaningful legacy for your heirs.
Saying “Yes” to Growing Wealth means Saying “No” to Mistakes, Disasters, and Losses
One of the first parts to growing your wealth is to define what’s not worth your time. Charlie Munger has focused his entire life on the primary negatives he wants to avoid. The primary things to say “no” to are not selling every time the market hiccups. Not paying high fees. Not paying unnecessary taxes. By focusing on negative advice, you can learn to “see around corners”… so that big financial disasters are less likely to jump out suddenly and blindside you.
Alternative Investments
U.S. equity markets are down, and investors are making changes to their portfolio. They can focus on diversification with alternative investments to help guard against volatility in specific sectors. Structured Finance products have been showing significant growth because they help spread risk by pooling assets and providing barrier protection on the downside. Private Credit offers higher yields than traditional bonds because these are non-bank loans to businesses, builders, etc. They offer a compelling blend of attractive returns, portfolio diversification and reduced volatility. Capital-protected Crypto currency ETFs are another solution to reduce or eliminate downside risk in this hard asset class. Dividend stocks often outperform in market downturns because they provide consistent income and often hail from stable, recession-resistant industries.
No matter what you are considering, make sure it involves a Financial Advisor you trust, who can help you get to where you want to go. In my practice, we specialize in enhancing happiness in retirement. We help you design a personalized Lifestyle Wealth Plan and customize a Retire in Style Investment Strategy. Additionally, our “Did You Know” series of workshops and events serve as valuable resources, deepening your understanding of money, enabling you to build a resilient and adaptive financial strategy, and providing a holistic view of financial health. We reverse engineer your dream!
Please call me to schedule your complimentary consultation at 949-781-2100.
Wishing you all the BEST!
SOURCES:
10 Best Investments for 2025 | Financial Advisors | U.S. News
What Is The ‘Bucket Strategy’ And How Can It Affect Your Retirement Plans?
Are you an emotional investor?
5 Money Personality Types: Which One Are You?
