Public Markets Investments
Bespoke Path to Financial Independence and Early Retirement (F.I.R.E)
“Financial independence opens the door to pursuing your passions without the constraints of traditional employment. One key insight from high performers and successful entrepreneurs is that they often don’t have the time to learn about and actively pursue achieving financial freedom.”
- Founder’s Message
Public Markets Investments
The investment thesis evolved tremendously from the 60/40 portfolio (60% stock and 40% bonds).
In the modern world there are a tremendous number of new vehicles available from fixed income to alternative investments. Nonetheless the public markets remain a cornerstone for the investor in building financial independence. We focus on USA markets only.
The industry evolved and there more investment vehicles available than ever.
But the fundamentals of investing did not change:
Risk
Define your risk tolerance.
Strategy
Build a strategy that meets your goals and risk tolerance.
Education
Grow your relationships with leading entrepreneurs and connect with other like-minded investors.
Collaborate
Invest independently, with our community, or via a professional.
Invest
Deploy your strategy and start the journey to Financial Independence.
Myths and Urban Legend
1. The Stock Market Is Just
Like Gambling
Myth: Investing in the stock market is no different from placing bets at a casino.
Reality: While both involve risk, the stock market is based on underlying business performance, financials, and economic conditions, whereas gambling outcomes are based on chance. With proper research and strategy, investors can make informed decisions, unlike games of pure luck.
2. You Need a Lot of Money to
Start Investing
Myth: Only the wealthy can afford to invest in the stock
market.
Reality: Today, many platforms allow people to start
investing with small amounts of money. Fractional
shares, ETFs, and robs-advisors make it easier than ever
for anyone to enter the market without needing large
capital.
3. The Market Is Rigged Against Individual Investors
Myth: The stock market only benefits big institutional investors, and individuals can’t win.
Reality: While institutions do have advantages, individual investors can still build wealth by using long-term strategies like dollar-cost averaging, diversification, and focusing on the fundamentals. The playing field has also levelled thanks to technology and access to information.
4. Stock Market Crashes Always Lead to Depressions
Myth: Every time the market crashes, it’s a sign of an impending economic depression.
Reality: While stock market crashes are dramatic, they don’t always lead to economic depressions.
History shows that markets are cyclical, and recoveries often follow downturns. For example, after the 2008 financial crisis,
the market eventually rebounded and hit new highs.
5. You Should Time the Market to Maximize Gains
Myth: The best way to make money is by perfectly timing when to buy and sell stocks.
Reality: Timing the market is extremely difficult, even for professionals. A more reliable strategy is to stay invested long-term, rather than attempting to predict short-term market movements. Missing just a few of the market’s best days can drastically reduce returns.
6. Stocks Only Go Up in the Long Run
Myth: Stocks will always rise over time, and there’s no real risk of losing money if you hold long-term.
Reality: While many markets have historically risen over the long term, individual stocks and sectors can
fail. Investors still need to diversify and be selective to protect against the risk of losing their entire investment.
7. A Hot Tip Will Make You Rich Quickly
Myth: Acting on insider knowledge or a “hot tip” can lead to quick riches in the stock market.
Reality:Relying on tips or rumours is often a quick way to lose money. The stock market rewards patience, research, and a disciplined strategy. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
8. Past Performance Guarantees Future Returns
Myth: If a stock or market has performed well in the past, it will continue to do so in the future.
Reality: Just because a stock has done well historically does not mean it will continue to do so. Market conditions, industry trends, and company fundamentals can change, making past performance a poor predictor of future results.
9. The Stock Market Is Too Volatile for Retirement Savings
Myth: The stock market is too unpredictable to be a safe option for retirement investing.
Reality:While there are risks, investing in the stock market through diversified portfolios (e.g., index funds, mutual funds) has been one of the best ways to grow wealth over time. With long-term investment horizons, volatility becomes less of a concern, and the potential for growth outweighs short-term fluctuations.
10. You Can’t Make Money in a Bear Market
Myth: When the market is in decline, it’s impossible to make any money.
Reality: Even in a bear market, there are strategies (e.g., short-selling, buying defensive stocks) that can help investors protect or grow their wealth. Additionally, bear markets often provide opportunities to buy high-quality stocks at lower prices for long-term gains.
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