The Coronavirus: Navigating the Unknown
By Jeff Bernier
“We do not fear the unknown.
We fear what we think we know about the unknown.”
– Teal Swan
Shopping for happiness? Here’s a better idea.
By Jeff Bernier
Sales were up about 20% compared to last year, and sales at ‘Small Business Saturday’ rose nearly as much at 18% higher compared to 2018. In short, consumers were enthusiastic. But while financial analysts are happy to announce that the increase in sales is a good thing because it signals that consumers are feeling optimistic about the economy, I’m not convinced that our willingness to jump into the buying frenzy is a sign of anything but trouble.
Before you start thinking I’ve suddenly become a holiday Scrooge, let me explain.
Bathtubs, the stock market, and where to go from here
By Jeff Bernier
When the Great Recession hit just over a decade ago, investors faced an immense challenge as the S&P 500 lost about 50% of its value and even a diversified portfolio was down approximately 30%. Let’s face it: it was a scary time.
Investors: Don’t let FOMO foil your strategy!
By Jeff Bernier
The fear of missing out. We’ve all experienced it. In fact, it’s so prevalent that it even has a popular acronym: FOMO. And while FOMO probably doesn’t create disastrous consequences in most of life, for investors, it can be the thing that turns a solid, long-term strategy on its head.
In today’s environment, FOMO can be especially problematic. Adding to the challenge is the media cycle around next year’s US Presidential election. We’ve been here before.
The truth about unicorns and “buying what you know”
By Jeff Bernier
Years ago, Peter Lynch was famously quoted, offering this sage guidance for investors: “Buy what you know.” It’s a mantra that many investors have held as gospel ever since. But is it really wise advice?
Right-brained? Left-brained? Financial planning demands the perfect balance
Ask anyone you know if they are right-brained or left-brained, and they’ll probably have a pretty strong opinion on the matter. Artists and athletes tend to be creative, qualitative people who live and breathe in a right-brained world. Accountants and mathematicians tend to be data-oriented, quantitative thinkers who bask in their left-brain abilities.
