Messages Worth Repeating

Every week, we share new content across the 5Fs—Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance. But you may notice that certain themes keep resurfacing. That’s intentional.

Some principles are so fundamental to growth that they demand repetition. One such principle, which spans all five F’s, can be summed up in four words:

“It’s different this time.”

These four words may seem harmless, but they carry immense danger when misunderstood. Let me explain why.

What’s Different?

Before diving into what’s “different,” let’s first agree on what has stayed the same throughout history:

• Individuals have always sought ways to make more money.
• Individuals have always sought ways to make money easier.
• Opportunists have always preyed on those chasing the allure of “easy money.”
• Periods of rapid wealth destruction have always occurred.
• People have always panicked during these downturns.

Sound familiar? Most of us agree on these truths.

Yet, despite this shared understanding, we still see a common, destructive belief emerge time and again:

“If I buy this one thing, I’ll get rich quick.”

This mindset is like a trapdoor for personal wealth creation. And it persists because humans are hardwired to look for the “easy way out”—even when they know it doesn’t exist.

Here’s the reality:

It’s NOT different this time.

So What Is the Answer?

When facing financial decisions, I believe in sticking to a three-step approach to avoid falling into destructive habits:

1. Accept the “truism” that it is NOT different this time.

Believing otherwise means one of two things:

• You think you’re smarter than history.
• You think history has no truths.

Neither is a gamble worth making.

2. Ask yourself: Is this decision based on proven fundamentals?

Before taking action, consider:

• Are you relying on principles that have stood the test of time?
• Or are you driven by the belief that “something is different”?

The truth is, solid fundamentals rarely change. While exceptions exist, they are rare and unpredictable.

3. Stick to your plan.

If you’ve already created a sound financial plan, trust it.

• A well-thought-out plan includes contingencies for disruptions.
• Instead of chasing the latest “opportunity,” lean on the contingency measures you’ve built into your strategy.

This might mean forgoing short-term gains, but it protects you from long-term risks.

This might mean forgoing short-term gains, but it protects you from long-term risks.

Do These Steps Guarantee Success?

No.
But they will significantly reduce the chance of catastrophic failure.

Will you miss some short-term opportunities?
Yes. But let’s be honest: would you rather chase fleeting wins or build lasting stability?

For me, the answer is clear.

I’m Not Naïve.

Sometimes, truly revolutionary changes do occur—those rare moments when the world shifts, requiring us to rethink everything.

In those moments:

• Strategic changes are necessary.
• Operational changes should remain consistent and rarely extreme.

If your strategy truly needs a revamp, make it happen. But if the strategy is sound, stay the course. Operational consistency is the key to success.

Hopefully, You’ve Taken Something Away

If even one person out there finds value in this message, my efforts have been worthwhile.

The reality is simple: “It’s NOT different this time.”

Understand this, act accordingly, and you’ll find yourself better prepared to navigate life’s challenges—without falling for the false promises of “easy money.”

Would You Like More Support?

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• Do you have a well-defined Investment Policy Strategy that is used to drive your investments in support of a comprehensive financial plan?

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• If not, would you like to partner with someone who is used to helping people get through these struggles and (then, with confidence) implement investment management strategies in a systematic manner while focusing on your desired outcomes?

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If so, feel free to send us an email or give us a call. We’d love to have the opportunity to help you find a bit more peace of mind when it comes to investing.