Remember remember the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot (nursery Rhyme)
Everyone has a special teacher don’t they, and it seems the ones that taught us this nursery rhyme all those years ago were very prescient as they were surely talking about the US Presidential Election of 2024! And what a prediction, for there certainly was gunpowder with bullets flying in a manner as Dirty Harry would say ‘will blow your ear clean off’ and plot. Not sure about the treason, that maybe waiting to be unearthed! So, hats off to the nursery teachers around the UK for getting this right like a bunch of Nostradami.
I must admit, when I awoke at 3 am in the middle of the night to check the results, I did cry ‘oh America’ but life goes on and we must make the best of it. It’s pretty much the last of the elections in 2024 which had the most elections in one year for decades and the world will take time to adjust to all these different governments that are in place, just as we are in the UK to the Labour government, with Farmers, Farage and Clarkson all protesting in November.
But, let’s not let this worry us… as we can’t do anything about it.
“If you can meet with triumph and disaster, And treat those two imposters just the same.”
Rudyard Kipling (1895)
Trump, Trump, Trump…
Being a financial newsletter, we should look at the finances and not on the social side of the election of Trump for a second and last (maybe!) term.
The MSCI World Index has jumped around 6% since the election of Trump. On the promise of lower taxes, more corporate freedoms and it seems less employee rights. All of which are great for potential stock market returns in America.
But will this last? Trumps talks of slapping tariffs of 20% on all goods across the board and potentially 60% on Chinese imports would all lead to inflation in the US, higher interest rates and therefore depressed stock market returns there. And that’s important, as they are such a large part of the world economy. Then, the tariffs on trade will also surely mean worse economic conditions for the rest of the world? We shall see…
But, whatever happens, scarcity or abundance, I do know this:
Stock market returns are ultimately dependent on the earnings of the companies in them.
The CEO’s, MD’s and management of these companies will all be trying to maximise earnings for shareholders in the economic conditions that are prevalent at the time.
And just like those people, we are living our one and only life and we want to make the most of it whatever happens.
So, the future is bright! Optimism is the only way and let’s not let anything get us down. Let’s look at some things that could happen:
The world stops fighting and agrees to get on in harmony!
Artificial Intelligence continues to remove the pain from many a job around the world and new lifestyle occupations become more prevalent.
Artificial Intelligence as it has access to all information and is also able to run many millions if scenarios without getting tired, accelerates medical advances and cures loads of diseases!
Climate change is halted due to advances in carbon reduction techniques.
And you know what, I believe they will happen. It won’t boost readership of this newsletter because being optimistic is doesn’t sell. But that is the truth of human history, there are blips, but ultimately things are improving all the time. That makes me happy.
What else makes me happy? Well, a seminar from the Dr of Happiness, Andy Cope makes me happy! On the 14th of November we welcomed our clients to come and spend an evening talking about positive psychology with Dr Happy. And we had a blast!
One of the things we learned was that knowing the year songs were released is really hard and the difference in a musical quiz. Aside from that, we also learned that:
Positive Psychology
Focus on Wellness: Traditional psychology has focused on illness, but positive psychology studies people who are already happy. This shift can help individuals focus on their strengths and well-being rather than just addressing problems. Let’s be well, not unwell!
Human Biology and Happiness
Cell Regeneration: We can decide to be different! All the cells in our body change every 5 months so we can change our feelings too.
Pratfall Effect: When you fall, do you cry or laugh at yourself? I am certainly a laugher as those in a pub in Stratford Upon Avon on 16th November can attest! (greasy floors before you jump to assumptions!). Being a bit silly is actually quite sexy
Happiness Misconceptions
Destination Addiction: Do you often say ‘I will be happy when…’ I am on holiday / it’s Christmas, I have done XXX. That’s always in the future and is wishing your life away.
Happiness is often seen as a distant goal, but it should be found in the present moment. Individuals can learn to appreciate their current achievements and life stages, reducing stress and increasing satisfaction.
Value Each Day: Finding joy in everyday moments, including mundane tasks, can improve overall happiness.
Living in the Present – Japanese stylee
Ichigo Ichie: This Japanese concept emphasizes being fully present in each moment. Practicing this can help individuals foster deeper connections with others and enhance their experiences.
Ukiyo: A concept that means "This moment exists only now and won't come again".
Ikigai: A concept that combines the words iki (meaning "alive" or "life") and gai (meaning "benefit" or "worth"). It refers to what gives life worth, meaning, or purpose.
The Power of Hugging
Physical Touch: Meaningful, positive interactions, such as hugging, can significantly enhance emotional connections and well-being. Practicing longer hugs with loved ones can strengthen these bonds.
7 seconds is what it takes to truly feel the love! Get over the awkwardness and do it with more people and for longer. This is the ‘Lucent Financial Planning Cuddle Service’ and is available exclusively from Steve Rowe, upon request only, whose arms are longer than an Orang-Utans and whose soft man bosom will help deliver the most comforting of cuddles!
Mindfulness and Doing Nothing
Niksen: The Dutch concept of deliberately doing nothing can help individuals manage stress and avoid burnout. Sit and stare. Ponder. Ruminate and cogitate.
Letting Go and Personal Growth
Kintsugi: This Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold highlights the beauty in imperfections. Individuals can see their setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, fostering resilience and self-acceptance.
Self-Acceptance and Positive Impact
You Are Enough: Reinforcing the idea that individuals are valuable and worthy can boost self-esteem and happiness. Celebrating personal achievements and strengths creates a positive feedback loop.
Ripple Effect: Personal happiness can positively impact others. By modelling positive behaviour, individuals can create a supportive and uplifting environment for those around them. If you make one person feel good, that positive mood ripples on to others. Be the start of a tidal wave of positive emotion.
You don’t have to go to every argument you are invited to – let it go.
So what have we learned:
We learned that we are all awesome! And that how we react to things will send good love out to the world and make us, and our friends and family much happier. Material things are great, but they do not make you happy for long.
There are 10-15 people that you spend the majority of your time and life with. You should spend time with them, hug them and help them. This will make you feel infinitely better about yourself and also they will too. Everyone wins. This is how you should spend your money.
Here is the Lucent Team after the event. The Lovely Lisa is retiring soon and this will be her last event as a Team member. But, being the heart and soul of us, she will still be around and be present on events we put on for fun!
Thanks for spending some you’re your precious time with us Lisa, you are our 2%er and we have had a blast!
Lisa Knows. Be like Lisa xx
PS: NEW PODCAST COMING SOON
Yes it's actually coming! No later than the first week of January.
Jess and I are launching a podcast. It’s called ‘Juggling Mind and Money’ and will be focussing on how your mind affects your money and how your money affects your mind. I know I have been on about this for a while, but working in the arts, darling, is a lot harder than I thought!
It’s a fast-talking, rib-tricklingly profound show! Only a few people have seen/listened so far – for maximum critical assessment, who better to ask than your big brother! And, surprisingly, he didn’t destroy it with jibes and said it was really funny! But being a brother, that may also be a trap. So, make sure you listen for yourselves when it launches soon.
We would really appreciate your support when we do launch it, to download in the first few weeks, and also to leave review so we can get maximum reach.
We want you! Call for guests to interview
People that have seen Jess…
We would love to hear from you and for you to tell your story on the show. Not what caused your distress - that is personal to you - but how Jess went about helping you, your experience during and after, and the positive effects this has.
If you’re a happy soul and super chipper…
We still want to hear from you! Telling stories of happiness spreads it, I think, so we would also like to hear from you if you have a great story to tell. This might be about overcoming your fears and being successful, or how you retain a positive outlook.
Christmas…
That just about wraps it up for another year. We hope you have enjoyed reading our newsletter and that you, your family and the whole world has a lovely Christmas time. If you want to be more content with your money, your life and everything in it, then:
Hug those you love more often and for longer.
Use your money to spend more time with them
Not sure how – why not come to see us and see if we can help
This article does not constitute financial advice. We recommend that you speak to a qualified financial adviser for advice tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Financial markets may go up or down, and you are not guaranteed a return on your investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.
About the author
Steve Rowe is the CEO and Founder of Lucent Financial Planning, an award-winning provider of financial services to individuals and business owners in the Midlands region. We want to be the Financial Advisers that change your life, not just the financial adviser that changes your ISA.
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