Another year is drawing to a close, with its own headline events, and concerns. Despite all the worries, we adapt, and our portfolios adapt too!  

As I have covered before, but worth remembering, is that there will always be news, some event to needle and unsettle us. News today, by its very nature, focusses on clicks, and appeals to one of our primal instincts, fear, or greed. Over time and without self-care, this can lead to a concentrated flow of negative and harmful influences which can erode a more objective, balanced view of life, and impact our wellbeing.  

Take for instance a longer-term view on progress and you can see there is much to be positive about. This article by Our World in Data, although penned in 2016 and updated in 2020, outlines some important details our friends at the news seem to miss. 

Off of the back of this, how do we manage ourselves and our money over time? Our approach is very simple, we commit to tried and tested principals, manage risk, and ignore the vast majority of clickbait. Speedbumps, and bad events will present, it is a mathematical guarantee. Counterintuitively, while these same scary events sew shock and fear, for the principled and disciplined investor, they also present opportunity.  

When we review our principles, the very simple question we arrive at is, are we partnering with individuals and teams that share our values, are amongst the very best in their field of expertise, and care very much about making a positive difference in our lives. In this respect, I can assure you that our team, and our extended partners, tick all these boxes.

I encourage each of us to look back on the year we have had and frame it positively. As the negatives whine and demand too much of our attention, pay special attention to the positives, for there are many.

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas Season 🎄

I wish you a peaceful and rest-filled Christmas. May the festive season bring you joy and warmth. If you are not feeling the love, share the love you have. If you are missing friends, reach out and be a friend. If you are lucky enough to spend time with the people that matter the most to you, tell them that. I hope you give yourself permission to take a break from a world weighed down by worry, and if you are not worried, enjoy yourself, you are wiser than you know! Our heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support. ♥️