What's in store for you:

1. Photo From My Life
2. Financial Thought: Thoughts on the Market
3. Life Thought: July 4th
4. Good Sh*t: Cord Organizer

Photo From My Life:

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Financial Thought:

The Market: I rarely talk in my newsletter about the market and investing. As I've mentioned before, I'm hesitant to share investment thoughts because they can so easily be misconstrued and taken as personalized advice. In fact, everyone's investment strategy should be different based on their goals and life situation.

All of that being said, I was writing my quarterly updates to clients and I wanted to share some thoughts on the market.

The first quarter ended with a lot of broader concerns. Tariff announcements, persistent inflation, uncertainty around interest rates, and escalating geopolitical tensions. In response, the equity markets reacted sharply with major markets dropping 10% at the end of Q1.

So, what's changed in the 2nd quarter? Not much. An IPO? A potential Iran peace deal? Even with the exact same concerns floating around, the market losses were recovered and we were testing new highs. Investors were rewarded.

Will this always be the case? No. But, I continue to be humbled by the market and its often irrational behavior.

I continue to believe that investors who stay disciplined and focus on their long-term plan are rewarded. This reward doesn't come for free. The price we pay to the market is that we need to be comfortable with volatility along the way.

We can only be comfortable with volatility when we have a thoughtful financial plan and are positioned the correct way. Investors need to feel comfortable with short-term goals being covered by cash and more conservative holdings.

If you don't follow markets, that's probably a good thing for your returns. But in case you're curious, here's how the various markets performed in the first part of the year.

Life Thought:

July 4th: My US based readers are likely celebrating 4th of July this weekend. This is the 250th anniversary of American independence so something worth celebrating.

Yes, America has it's faults, but it's also is an amazing place to live. I can only hope that we can celebrate all of our shared values and what makes our country great. Maybe, just for a weekend, we can be less decisive and hateful.

The Roman Empire lasted for almost 1,500 years so we've still got a long way to go.....

I thought I'd share two of my favorite quotes and stories from George Washington:

"Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder."

George Washington was commenting on a double-agent that was stealing secrets during the war and being paid handsomely from the British. This quote has a lot of different meanings and I think about it often.

"I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors... I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence, and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion.."

George Washington shared this when he decided to step down form his presidency and asked for the Country to forgive him for his mistakes. Looking back with our perspective, it highlights the humble nature of a man that did so much for our country. I doubt we'll ever see that again.

Good Sh*t:

Cord Organizer: If you asked me what the best upgrade to my life was over the last few months, the answer would be an obvious one. A cord organizer. I splurged on the medium sized one from Amazon for $11.99 and it's been amazing. Instead of having cords buried in drawers, my briefcase, or thrown around the desk, everything is perfectly organized in here and ready if I ever want to go on the move.

You're probably wondering what cords I have and why my life is so complicated. So, I thought I'd share what is in my bag:

1. Laptop charger
2. Keyboard and mouse charger
3. Headphone charager
4. Phone charger
5. Microphone for videos
6. Wired headphones for calls
7. HDMI cable for monitor
8. Webcam (when traveling)

I recognize that by sharing this, I'm telling the world that the lamest things get me excited these days. But, alas. This is middle-age.

Disclaimer: VDB Wealth is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

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