“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” Mike Tyson

In This Edition

Retiremeet- March 7, 2026
When the Market Tests the Plan
Ben Carlson- Geopolitics vs. Markets
Latest Podcast- Boot Camp #5 Fixed Contributions
Testimonial

RETIREMEET- MARCH 7, 2026

I look forward to seeing you online or in person on Saturday for Retiremeet, an all day conference devoted to making you more knowledgeable about the most important financial decisions in your life.

Tom and Don have put together a wonderful group of presenters I understand there are less than 10 seats left for the in person event. Please come by the booth. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet you in person.

Geopolitics vs. Markets

For those interested in knowing more about war and the stock market I encourage you to read Truth Teller Ben Carlson’s article on Geopolitics vs. Markets https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2026/03/geopolitics-vs-markets/

When the Market Tests the Plan

When the Plan Meets the Punch

Every long-term investor eventually experiences a moment when the market stops behaving the way they hoped. Mike Tyson captured this moment perfectly: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

In investing, that punch might be a recession, a financial crisis, a war, a pandemic, or simply a bear market that lasts longer than anyone expected. For the buy-and-hold investor, the question becomes: Do I trust my rules, or do I trust my feelings?

Why the Plan Exists in the First Place

A disciplined investment plan exists precisely because markets are unpredictable. We know in advance that markets will fall. We know there will be recessions. We know there will be frightening headlines. What we do not know is when those things will happen or how severe they will be.

Because of that uncertainty, buy-and-hold investors make a decision ahead of time. They choose to invest regularly, rebalance periodically, and remain diversified — regardless of what the news or market conditions suggest in the moment. The plan is built during calm periods to protect us during chaotic ones.

Feelings vs. Rules

During market turmoil, two voices compete for attention. Your feelings say: “Something is wrong. Protect yourself.” Your rules say: “This is exactly the environment the plan anticipated.” The rules were written when emotions were calm. That is why they deserve extra respect when emotions are running high.

The Real Challenge

The real challenge of buy-and-hold investing is not understanding diversification or asset allocation. It is staying with the plan when the plan feels wrong. That requires something more powerful than optimism. It requires preparation.

Investors who understand the history of markets know that downturns are inevitable. They expect them. And when they arrive, they recognize them as difficult but normal parts of the long-term journey.

The purpose of a buy-and-hold plan is not to eliminate uncertainty. It is to help investors behave wisely in the presence of uncertainty. When all hell breaks loose, the plan does not prevent fear. But it can prevent fear from making the decisions.

Latest Podcast- Boot Camp #5 Fixed Contributions

In Boot Camp #5 of 10, Paul delivers what he believes is the most important session in the series—especially for new and early investors (teens, 20s, 30s, and anyone just getting started).

Instead of treating investing like speculation, Paul reframes it as building—or buying—a business over decades.

Using clear, data-driven tables and “fine-tuning” comparisons, he walks through a simple, repeatable plan: start with $1,000 per year (about $83.33/month), increase contributions by 3% annually, and stay invested for 40+ years. You’ll see how long-term outcomes change based on asset allocation (100% stocks vs. 60/40 stocks and bonds), and why diversification can matter when markets go sideways.

Paul also compares an S&P 500-only approach with a globally diversified “worldwide four-fund” strategy (mixing U.S. and international, large and small, value and growth). Along the way, he explains the real power source in early investing: your contributions, not short-term market performance—and why tax-advantaged accounts like a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) can dramatically increase the impact of compounding over a lifetime.

If you want a practical framework for long-term, low-cost, diversified investing, plus a clear-eyed discussion of volatility, sequence of returns, and retirement withdrawals (including the concept of a 5% annual withdrawal strategy), this episode lays the groundwork.

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In This Edition Retiremeet- March 7, 2026When the Market Tests the PlanBen Carlson- Geopolitics vs. Markets Latest Podcast- Boot Camp #5 Fixed ContributionsTestimonial

In This Edition

Retiremeet- March 7, 2026
When the Market Tests the Plan
Ben Carlson- Geopolitics vs. Markets
Latest Podcast- Boot Camp #5 Fixed Contributions
Testimonial

Boot Camp 2026 Feedback