Investing can feel like a roller coaster, there are ups, downs, and a lot of noise along the way. Every day, there’s something new grabbing headlines: the latest stock craze, a hot new crypto coin, or a friend swearing by the “next big thing.” It’s tempting to jump on the bandwagon. But here’s a simple truth: “It ends with a movie—don’t become the movie.” You don’t want your financial story to be a cautionary tale.
Remember the AMC and GameStop stock rush a few years back? People bought in at lightning speed because it seemed like everyone was cashing in. Some early investors made quick profits, but many others got caught up in the excitement and bought at the peak, only to watch their investments fall.
Don’t Chase the Shiny Things
It’s human nature to be drawn to exciting opportunities. When you hear stories of people doubling their money overnight, it’s hard not to think, “Why not me?” But before you dive in, ask yourself: What’s my plan? Is there a purpose behind this investment, or am I just chasing the excitement?
Investing based on hype or fear of missing out (FOMO) can lead to emotional decisions, buying high when enthusiasm peaks and selling low when reality sets in. We’ve seen it happen with popular investments like the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK). It skyrocketed in 2020, attracting tons of investors, but those who jumped in late often faced losses of 40–70% when the market cooled off. Bitcoin followed a similar pattern, soaring to $69,000 in late 2021 before plummeting to $16,000 a year later. These stories aren’t rare; they’re reminders of how quickly things can change.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Building real, lasting wealth isn’t about hitting a home run with one lucky pick. It’s about consistent, disciplined investing over time. A well-balanced portfolio, tailored to your goals and risk tolerance, can weather market ups and downs better than a collection of trendy, high-risk bets. Jumping from one “hot” investment to another might seem exciting, but it often leads to stress, disappointment, and losses that could have been avoided.
Think about how much peace of mind comes with having a solid plan. Instead of checking your phone every hour worrying about market swings, you can stay focused on the long game, knowing your investments are aligned with where you want to go.
How to Stay on Track
• Stick to your plan: Quick wins are tempting, but slow and steady growth is more reliable.
• Check your alignment: Make sure your investments reflect your goals, not just market buzz.
• Be mindful of your circle: Sometimes, hearing only hype-filled advice can skew your judgment.
• Lean on an advisor: A trusted professional can help you stay grounded and filter out distractions.
The truth is, wealth is built over years, not overnight. Let Anchor Wealth help you stay on track with an investment portfolio designed to meet your goals.
Adam Ludwig, CEO/Wealth Management