In this week’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, Matt is continuing with this summer self-improvement series. In today’s video, he’s talking about things we can and can’t control. Success stems from the effort you put into your actions, not from how others respond. Focus on what you can control—your actions—not the reactions of others. Find joy in the pursuit and merits of your efforts, not in external validation. Click on the video to watch the full video.
Let’s Talk About Worry
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, Matt’s talking about worry. What should you be worrying about? Worrying about things that are within your control and can be changed is more productive than worrying about things that are out of your control. Matt discusses this concept of expiring knowledge versus permanent knowledge. Understanding the difference between temporary worries and permanent concerns can help you prioritize your mental energy effectively. Click on the video above to watch the full video.
Is the value we provide worth the cost?
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, we are discussing the value we provide to our clients. We strive to provide maximum value to our clients at a reasonable cost. There is always someone willing to do it cheaper. Be sure to click above to watch the full video and see the funny photo that Matt found that demonstrates this.
Prevention Vs. Cure
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, we dive into the topic of prevention versus cure when it comes to retirement planning. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Our goal is to help you take the necessary steps now to avoid potential financial pitfalls later and ensure your financial security in retirement. Just as in healthcare, where prevention is better than cure, the same principle applies to your financial well-being. Click on the video above to watch the full video.
Struggle Creates Strength
In today’s video, Matt is diving into the concept of transformation through struggle and how it builds strength, drawing inspiration from the remarkable process of metamorphosis. Think about the journey of a caterpillar as it transforms into a butterfly. Similarly, in our own lives, we encounter moments of struggle and challenge. Now, let’s apply this to our finances and investing, such as during a recession or the financial crisis. It’s important to recognize that these struggles are not setbacks; they’re opportunities for growth and transformation. Click above to watch the full video.
The Danger Lies In The Trek Down The Mountain
In this video Matt is standing on the top of a mountain in Lake Chelan. He’s discussing how hiking a mountain parallels the risks people face once they retire. It’s often been said that people are more likely to be injured or killed descending a mountain than climbing up it. Retirement is no different. Making a mistake with your investments while still working (climbing the mountain), will more than likely not end in calamity. However, making a mistake in retirement (descending the mountain) may not be something that can be recovered from. As a point of reference, Matt isn’t trying to impose fear on those of you that are retired regarding a market downturn. He’s referring to being overly risky when you don’t need to, taking speculative bets with investments that you may not fully understand, panicking and getting out of the market until you feel more comfortable. These are instances that you have control over and avoided with sound guidance.
Here at Ross Financial we specialize in helping people navigate the complexities of retirement. If you know people who are retired or thinking about retiring within the next 5 years, we would love to offer our expertise to them. Feel free to share this video with them.
Let’s talk politics
In this week’s Matt’s Minutes we touch on that timely topic that gets brought up to us every 4 years. There is always going to be different thoughts and opinions on how each presidency could affect the market differently but as we discuss in this video. Many common misconceptions for the past two presidents have proven to be opposite of the actual case. For example, the Biden administration campaigned on scaling back fossil fuels and galvanizing renewables. One would have expected traditional energy stocks would be punished, while renewables would be catapulted. Instead, the exact opposite has happened. On the other hand, President Trump campaigned vigorously to support the traditional energy industry and approve leases for drilling during his presidency. However, during his presidency the S&P 500 Energy index was down, while the S&P 500 Global Clean Energy index was up significantly. This is a perfect example of why we here at Ross Financial strive to keep our clients in diversified portfolios and try to steer clear of attempting to time the market or use speculation.
The article below outlines the source for the statistics mentioned.
Forbes Best In State Advisor 2024
We are very excited to announce that we have been named to Forbes 2024 list of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors for Washington State. We couldn’t have done this without our amazing clients and the entire Ross Financial Team!
This picture speaks volumes
Take a look at the picture we show in the video. I think it’s probably the most simple visual of what it looks like for people who choose the easy road versus the hard road, and what their potential experience looks like once they’ve made that choice.
Please share this message with those that you care about.
“Truly successful decision-making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.”– Malcolm Gladwell
Rule of 72
Over the next couple of weeks Dylan will be doing a three part investment series covering the topics of the rule of 72, inflation, and compounding interest. These are timeless topics we love to share with our clients and encourage you to share it with anyone you think may benefit from it. Take a look at this video for the first part in the series.
Inflation
We’re excited to present the 2nd part in our 3-part series hosted by Dylan. Today’s video is all about inflation. What inflation is, and how does it relate to investing & your money.
Compound Interest
The final video in this 3-part series is about the power of compound interest. In this video Dylan shares valuable lessons about how compound interest works and a tool we use to show younger clients the power of saving early and often.
Tax Deadline Reminder & Contribution Limits Updated
In this video we cover timely tax reminders for all! The tax filing deadline is April 15th, this also is the deadline for contributing to your Roth or Traditional IRA’s for 2023. Watch this week’s video to see Dylan breakdown contribution limits and other tax related topics to consider.
Staying the Course with Your Investments – Part 1: What a Difference a Year Makes
In this week’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, Matt is starting a two-week, two-part series titled “Staying the Course with Your Investments.” In today’s video, Matt shares an interesting visual that shows what a difference a year can make, comparing returns in 2022 compared to 2023. Showing us that the quote “it’s darkest before dawn” holds true in this case. Also enforcing the importance of staying committed to our investments, even during challenging times. Click on the video above to watch the full video.
Staying the Course with Your Investments – Part 2: Stick to the plan
This week is part 2 of our two-part series titled “Staying the Course with Your Investments.” We are discussing a hypothetical scenario with four different investor behaviors. By examining these four different investor behaviors, we can gain valuable insights into the importance of sticking to our investment plan. It can be tempting to make impulsive decisions based on short-term fluctuations, but staying the course is key to long-term success. Click on the video above to watch the full video.
Understanding Changing Rates
In this week’s video we are touching upon the timely topic of changing interest rates and what that means for certain investments. We have discussed this in the past but we have a new visual to share with you that might shed some more light on where rates are currently and what that means going forward for 2024 and beyond. Click the video above to hear more on the topic.
We have a service that works like a GPS
Today Matt is sharing a service you may not know that we offer and have always offered. It works similar to a GPS, but instead of guiding you to your destination, it helps you navigate through your financial life. We offer comprehensive financial planning to all our clients at no additional cost. Comprehensive financial planning takes into account your current financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance to create a personalized roadmap for your financial success. If you’re contemplating a big transition such as retirement, or you’re in retirement and want to make sure your money will last you for years to come this may be a great solution to give you peace of mind and help guide you. Our team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. If you haven’t taken advantage of this service, email us and our team will explain the steps to get started and schedule a meeting.
A Fantastic Story about Happiness and Making a positive Impact
In this episode of Matt’s Minutes, Matt is sharing a thought-provoking story about happiness. True happiness often comes from selflessly giving and contributing to the happiness of others. By focusing solely on our own happiness, we may miss out on the profound joy that comes from making a positive impact in someone else’s life. It is through acts of kindness and compassion towards others that we can truly discover a deeper sense of fulfillment and lasting happiness.
Click on the video above to hear the full story.
New Year’s Resolutions or Intentional Conversations?
As we approach the end of the year, I know a lot of people like to reflect on the past and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. I am sure everyone of us has, at some point in our lives, set a new year’s resolution. A Google search on resolutions produced this list:
- Save more money
- Exercise more
- Eat Heathier
- Lose weight
- Reduce spending
- Reduce stress
- Spend less time on social media.
One common theme with the items above is that they are focused on one’s self. That doesn’t make them bad, but life is short, and I have never regretted an intentional conversation. I would like to challenge you to ask yourself and those near and dear to you five important questions. These are questions that could have helped shape who you are or could make a major impact on someone’s life this year. These types of questions can act as a roadmap for better understanding each other and a platform for intentionality.
- What is one piece of advice that somebody gave you that you feel has altered the course of your life?
- What’s a piece of advice that you gave to somebody that might have altered the course of their life?
- If you could give somebody some advice and you knew they would take it, what advice would it be, and who would you give it to?
- If you set one goal for yourself and knew you would achieve it, what would that goal be?
- If you could do something for somebody else in the next year, what would you do, and who would you do something for?
We love being part of your life. If you care to… please email us at help@rossfinancialinc.com with your answers to one or more of these questions from above.
Happy New Year!
“Forecasting” the Markets for 2024
In this weeks episode of Matt’s Minutes, Matt is sharing his number one most asked question of his career. “Matt what do you think the market is going to do next?” Today, we finally have an answer for you. But it’s important to remember, not to make concrete investment decisions based on people’s predictions of what the market is going to do. This information should be used for entertainment purposes only. Market predictions are speculative in nature and can often be inaccurate. Click on the video above to watch the full video.
Here is the article I reference in the video: Wall Street Forecasts For The S&P 500
Moving Update
This week, we have an exciting update regarding our new office location. We will be moving office locations from our office in the Mill Creek Towncenter to just a couple miles south on Bothell Everett Highway, 17921 Bothell Everett Hwy., Suite 106, Bothell, WA 98012. There shouldn’t be any interruptions in service, but we appreciate your patience as we move and get settled into our new space. We look forward to having you come to our new office in the new year!
What could be better than a 5% CD
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, we are talking about CD rates, which are currently favorable. But it is crucial to consider potential shifts in other areas of the market for investment options for long-term growth. In this interesting visual I share, we can see from history that when CD rates were at their peak, other areas of the market might have been a better place to invest one year later. Click play above to watch the full video.
Will you to stop going to Starbucks?
In this episode of Matt Minutes I am using a very basic analogy pertaining to shopping and how it can affect the markets more than the news that we hear or read about. It’s alright to be concerned about things going on around us, but you need to make sure to put it into perspective.
Takeaways: Don’t let the current crisis of the day, week, or month derail your long-term investment plan. Or, better yet, don’t let your personal convictions and emotions dictate your financial decisions. While staying informed about current events is crucial, it’s equally important to remember that the market is influenced by a multitude of factors, not just the latest headlines. It’s important to maintain a rational and objective approach when it comes to investing.
Where Are The Opportunities?
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, I’m recording from a two-day conference in beautiful Alderbrook. I just heard from chief market strategist Dr. David Kelly, who is a frequent guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, and other financial media outlets. He shared some interesting insights and compelling visuals that support the idea that there are still plenty of opportunities within the market. The visual shared in this video provides a visual representation of the current undervalued categories within the market, highlighting the potential for growth and opportunity.
Identity Theft and Cybercrime Toolkit
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, we are sharing some valuable tips and tricks to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity theft and cybercrime. Identity theft and cybercrime have become increasingly prevalent in our digital age, making it crucial to stay informed and proactive in safeguarding our personal information. If you remember, a few years ago we hosted a webinar with former FBI agent Jeff Lanza. He shared a wealth of knowledge with us, below is his 5-page guide. The guide offers practical advice on creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and securing your devices, empowering you to take control of your online security. Additionally, we encourage you to share these tips with your friends and family, as raising awareness is key to combating these threats together.
Don’t retire FROM work…
In this episode of Matt’s Minutes, we are discussing the idea that instead of retiring “from” work, think of retiring “to” fill in the blank. So often, people get caught up in their identity at work that when they retire, they tend to face feelings of isolation, seclusion, and loneliness. Retiring to something meaningful and fulfilling can help maintain a sense of purpose and connection. By focusing on what you are retiring to, you can create a post-work life that is vibrant, rewarding, and filled with new opportunities.
Are Bonds Broken?
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, we were discussing bonds. While bonds may have disappointed us last year, it’s important to understand how interest rates impact the value of bonds and why they underperformed last year. In the video above, Matt explains this inverse relationship, and by understanding the dynamics of bonds, investors can anticipate how changes in interest rates may affect the value of bonds in their portfolios.
Story time with Uncle Matt- A Tale of 5 Investors
In this episode of Matt’s Minutes, Matt shares a tale of five investors. In this story, each of these investors received a cash gift from their fairy godmother to invest. Some investors used their gifts wisely, making strategic investment decisions and multiplying their wealth; others did not. Click on the video above to see the various outcomes for the five investors.
News that is NOT Newsworthy
We all know there is news that is newsworthy and news that is not newsworthy. In this episode of Matt’s Minutes, we are discussing market volatility and why it’s NOT newsworthy. In this video I share an interesting visual that shows intra-year declines, which are the largest stock market drops during the year. These declines happen regularly and are a normal part of the market’s behavior. Understanding this pattern can help investors make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary panic.
Are you ready if tragedy strikes?
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, I’m reflecting on the devastating fires on the island of Maui, causing tragedy for those who have lost their lives, family members, and their homes. It emphasizes the importance of being prepared for such events. Are you prepared? If not, we can help. Click above to watch the full video, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help getting prepared.
Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda
In this episode of Matt’s Minutes, we are discussing the fact that we are officially in a bull market. A bull market is when the stock market rises by 20%. I’m sure the people who sold at the bottom of the market are saying to themselves, ” I shoulda, coulda, woulda.” Staying invested in a declining market is psychologically difficult but financially rewarding. Click on the video above to watch.
The Vehicle vs The Road
In today’s Matt’s Minutes, we’re talking about an analogy that resonated with Matt and how it correlates to your finances and your long-term goals. Thinking less about the ‘vehicle’ or the specific investment and instead more about the ‘road’ and the journey ahead will help your long-term financial plan and goals.
Is hindsight really 20/20 vision?
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, we are discussing hindsight—is it really 20/20? Hindsight may seem like 20/20 vision because it allows us to see the consequences of our choices more clearly. However, it’s important to remember that the decision-making process itself plays a crucial role in shaping those outcomes. Seeking wise counsel can often lead to better outcomes and help you avoid potential pitfalls. So don’t hesitate to reach out to us for the support you need on your decision-making journey.
The Pain of Loss vs. The Pleasure of Gains
In today’s episode of Matt’s Minutes, we are talking about the concept of loss aversion. The study I reference in this video highlights the fact that most people need to win twice as much as they lose in order to participate in any venture that involves risk. Said differently, the sting of lose hurts twice as much as the thrill of win. This finding sheds light on the importance of understanding our individual risk tolerance and how it can impact how we invest. Attached to this email is a risk questionnaire. It is a very unique questionnaire that is actually fun to take. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions, you can gain valuable insights into your own appetite for risk. If you do answer the questions, please reply to this email and let us know what your risk score or letter is.
Join us in Celebrating Ross Financial – AdvisorHub’s Advisors to Watch in 2023
We are excited and humbled to share that Ross Financial was named in AdvisorHub’s 2023 “200 Fast-Growing Advisors to Watch”. It is an honor to be recognized for our hard work and dedication. This recognition would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our entire team. Please join us in celebrating this recognition, because without you, there is no us.
Click here to see the full list: 2023 AdvisorHub 200 Fast Growing Advisors to Watch list
† The 2023 AdvisorHub 200 Fast Growing Advisors to Watch ranking is based on an algorithm of criteria, focused on three key areas: Quality of Practice, Year-Over-Year Growth, and Professionalism & Character. The rankings weigh the scores in Quality and Growth more heavily than other areas. Time period upon which the rating is based is from 1/1/2021 to 12/31/2022 and was released on 6/20/2023. Advisors considered have a minimum of seven years’ experience, a clean regulatory record with 2 or fewer complaints and no significant judgements, must have been with their current firm for at least two years and in good standing, and have at least $100 million in assets under management. Out of 1,246 total nominations received, 200 advisors received the award. This ranking is not based in any way on the individual’s abilities regarding providing investment advice or management. This ranking is not indicative of advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with AdvisorHub.
