3 things I'm thinking about this week...

 
1 - Simple Ain't Easy. It’s fascinating to me when a business “answer book” is left wide open on the table…and no competitor seizes it for themselves.  I think back to an example like Southwest Airlines’ unique and efficient way of operating (1 type of aircraft, no assigned seats...some of this is now changing). Others tried copying it (remember Shuttle by United, or Song?). A simple business model. Not easy to implement.
 

 

Investing is behavioral. It benefits as much from avoiding bad stuff (behavior) as it does from doing good stuff.  That’s your best first step in investing…cutting out the bad. This might sound simple to you. It does to me, too, but if everyone were doing it, we’d hear about it from the people we meet with…but we don’t. So, perhaps it’s not so easy after all. 

Some bad behavior examples: reacting to market moods/fads vs. following your financial plan. Believing that short-term investment results have meaning. Speculating with your IRA. Thinking that investing is about getting rich quickly. Excessive trading. The list goes on and on.

Getting help with your investment planning can help your investment behavior improve. Simple...and easy.

2 - Longevity on Sale!  Anyone want to live longer? I know I do! Here are 5 scientifically backed ideas for extending your life that don’t cost a fortune. My top 3: Getting a consistent 7+ hours of sleep (enough time for your brain to flush out toxins and your body to regulate hormone/blood sugar levels). Work out (doesn’t matter where). And avoid dietary fads and just keep your diet simple with unprocessed, whole foods.

3 - Where Will My Stuff Go? Part of estate planning (…actually a big part) is deciding on how and to whom you want to pass things down. It benefits from thinking about it early – start working on it now, don’t wait – but can lead to some unintended issues…this article spotlights a few situations that can pop up.

…and one more thing 

There’s an advent calendar for just about everything now. We’ve been getting Lego ones since who knows when…and I got one last year with delicious canned cocktails (unfortunately only 12 “doors” on it). Here’s an interesting recap of this trend.

 

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash