Twas the night before Christmas, a time full of cheer
As I started to reflect, on the events of past year
It has been a bumpy ride, in the markets and news
Bombarded with opinions, dependent on the channel you choose
The year began with a bang, stocks continued their rise
Then an earthquake hit Japan, enormous in size
Financial concerns, started to take hold
The stock market slowed, exuberance in gold
Then suddenly we received news, we had been longing to hear
Bin Ladin had been found, he’s no longer to fear
Concerns still remained, both at home and overseas
Government debt was growing, their solutions not bringing much ease
Unemployment remained high, US debt was downgraded
The summer swoon hit markets hard, investors became jaded
However not is all bad, if we take a closer look
Corporate profits are strong, lots of cash on their books
The Oracle of Omaha, sensed “blood in the streets”
He’s is buying up stocks, their prices a treat
Labeled the worlds’ greatest investor, his strategy not fleetly
“Be greedy when others are fearful, and fearful when others are greedy”
But as an average Joe, what can I do?
My resources are more limited, by comparison few
Perhaps if I step back for a moment, and take a closer look
I will discover some strategies I can apply to my book
The first step is most crucial, but not as easy as it seems
A key to financial success, is living within your means
The next part also important, achieving my goals I can
It all begins with having, a written financial plan
With a written plan in place, I have documented my goals
In addition it has shown me where I need to fill in some holes
Proper risk management and insurance are important to address
Protecting against the unknown, another key to success
Next is my money, and how to invest
Do I time the markets, buying troughs, selling crests
Studies have shown this strategy is almost impossible to do
I would need to know when to get out, and when to re-invest too
Instead I should develop a long-term disciplined approach
Not always easy to do, my financial planner, my coach
Together we use index funds, their expenses are low
I seek market returns, give them time they will grow
Controlling my emotions, another part of the game
Avoiding the big mistake and quick reactions the same
Opportunistic rebalancing, volatility is my friend
Staying broadly diversified, not jumping on trends
With these strategies in place, I’m positioned to win
A well thought out plan, for myself and my kin
For what’s most important, is not money or wealth
But rather what it can achieve, and family, friends and good health
Just one more thought, as I complete my Holiday rhyme
Do something to help others, share prayers, money or time
Santa’s on his way, so I turn off the light
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night
Reach out today. This could be the start of a great relationship.
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