Unshakeable

Categories : Finance   Business

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🎯 The Book in 3 Sentences


💡 Key Takeaways

  • Embrace long-term investing for lasting wealth.
  • Beware of hidden fees and choose low-cost index funds.
  • Prioritize finding a fiduciary financial advisor.
  • Diversify across assets and markets for better returns.
  • Don’t fear bear markets; see them as investment opportunities.
  • Cultivate self-awareness and positivity for real wealth.

✏ Top Quotes

Focus on what you can control, not on what you can’t.

Bear markets are either the best of times or the worst of times, depending on your decisions.

The secret of living an extraordinary life is to take control of the mind.


📝 Summary + Notes

Chapter 1: UNSHAKEABLE

  • 96% of mutual funds failed to beat the market over a 15-year period.
  • You can’t win this game unless you have the emotional fortitude to get in it and stay in it for the long term.

Chapter 2: WINTER IS COMING . . . BUT WHEN?

  • Harness the power of compounding to build lasting wealth and achieve true financial freedom.
  • Don’t be swayed by market predictions or fear. Accept market corrections as routine and focus on long-term investing.
  • Timing the market is nearly impossible, and missing out on the best trading days can significantly impact your returns. Stay invested for long-term success.
  • On average, corrections have occurred about once a year since 1900.
  • Less than 20% of all corrections turn into a bear market.
  • Historically, bear markets have happened every three to five years.

Chapter 3: HIDDEN FEES AND HALF-TRUTHS

  • Excessive fees in mutual funds can erode your nest egg by two-thirds, impacting long-term financial goals.
  • Index funds offer a low-cost, tax-efficient alternative to actively managed funds, maximizing returns.

Chapter 4: RESCUING OUR RETIREMENT PLANS

  • 401(k) plans can be riddled with hidden fees and excessive costs, eroding retirement savings.
  • Seeking transparent, low-cost alternatives like America’s Best 401k can save significant amounts of money and improve retirement outcomes.

Chapter 5: WHO CAN YOU REALLY TRUST?

  • Financial advisors can be categorized into brokers, independent advisors, or dually registered advisors.
  • Financial advisors are often motivated by sales incentives, so it’s crucial to find a fiduciary who acts in your best interests. Trust wisely.
  • Brokers prioritize their own interests, while independent advisors have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest. Understand the difference.
  • When choosing an advisor, consider their credentials, experience, alignment with your philosophy, and personal connection.

Chapter 6: THE CORE FOUR

  • The best investors prioritize avoiding losses over chasing big gains.
  • Seek investment opportunities with asymmetric risk/reward, where the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.
  • Consider tax efficiency in your investment strategy to maximize after-tax returns and keep more of your earnings.
  • Diversify your investments across asset classes, markets, and time to minimize risks and maximize returns.

Chapter 7: SLAY THE BEAR

  • Don’t let fear paralyze you; educate yourself, make informed decisions, and fear less in the face of market volatility.
  • Bear markets can be opportunities for coolheaded bargain hunters, offering unparalleled investment opportunities.
  • Asset allocation should be customized based on individual needs and goals, not solely determined by age or risk tolerance.
  • Asset allocation is crucial for investment returns; diversify globally and use index funds for the core of your portfolio.

Chapter 8: SILENCING THE ENEMY WITHIN

  • Ask better questions: Find people who disagree with you and uncover what you don't know to enhance your investment knowledge.
  • Avoid mistaking recent events for ongoing trends; market conditions can change rapidly, so stay objective and don't overreact.
  • Overconfidence can be a recipe for disaster; be realistic about your abilities and follow the advice of experienced investors.
  • Avoid greed and the temptation to swing for home runs; focus on sustainable, long-term returns instead.
  • Overcome negativity bias and loss aversion to make rational investment decisions even in turbulent times.

Chapter 9: REAL WEALTH

  • Achieving financial wealth is not enough for true fulfillment; focus on personal growth and contribution to find lasting happiness.
  • Shift your focus to appreciation and find something to appreciate in every moment to live in a beautiful state.
  • Use the 90-second rule: give yourself 90 seconds to stop suffering and regain your equilibrium by shifting your thoughts.

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