Why I Run
Tomorrow is my birthday, so I hope you will indulge me as I reflect on how running has shaped my life, my investing, and my business.
I began running when I was 17. (Actually, I probably ran since I could walk. =) At 17, I joined my high school track team and immediately quit after losing my first race! -the 800 metres-brutal. From then on, running was not about competition but about a space to call my own where I could think, pray, and sweat. Running for the past 40 years has provided me with tremendous benefits, mental and physical. But little did I know, 40 years ago, I would start a business based on my love of running.
I named my company Marathon Wealth Management because I wanted to reflect my passion for running and give a nod to the analogy of investing as being like a marathon. The obvious connection is that both require a long-term perspective, mental fortitude, and discipline. But as I reflect further-I realize that running also gives me courage, balance, and buddies, which are also important to be successful at growing your wealth.
Courage- investing is not for the faint of heart. As in running, the more I ran and the more challenges I gave myself, the braver and more confident I became for my next challenge. The same goes for investing. The main thing is just to start, just $50 a month into a mutual fund, educate yourself, and give yourself big goals. Each step you take toward investing will give you more confidence and courage to stay invested, weathering the ups and downs of the markets.
Balance- is necessary for building a solid portfolio- a balance between asset classes like stocks, bonds, and real estate. As you begin to invest in these assets, you need to have a balance reflecting your timeline and risk tolerance. For instance, if growth is your risk tolerance and you have more than seven years until you need your money, you can build a 70/30 balanced portfolio; 70% stocks, 30% bonds. If, on the other hand, you will buy a home in the next five years, that money should be 100% conservative, in cash and short-term bonds.
Buddies- I used to run by myself- then I had a friend reach out and ask me to run with her, and now we run almost weekly. Running with a buddy is pure therapy. Running side by side, you naturally begin to talk about serious subjects and provide wisdom to each other. The same goes for investing. It is hard to do it on your own, but if you have someone you can bounce ideas off of or an advisor who can point you in the right direction, you will be a more successful investor.
I love running and using my “running wisdom” to help others with their financial planning and investing. If you want to learn more about how I can help with your personal finances, or if you are looking for a running buddy, contact me here.
Let’s talk money and run!
Disclaimer: Marathon Wealth Management, LLC (“MWM”) is an Investment Advisor registered with the State of Washington. MWM may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from notice filing requirements. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. The publication of information on this website should not be construed by any consumer and/or prospective client as MWM’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, over the internet. Furthermore, the information resulting from the use of tools or other information on this internet site should not be construed, in any manner whatsoever, as the receipt of, or a substitute for, personalized financial advice. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, marathonwealthmgt.com. This disclosure brochure, or a summary of material changes made, is also provided to our clients on an annual basis. We may provide links to other websites strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of the websites provided herewith, you are leaving this site. MWM does not make any representations as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated party, whether linked to our website or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility, therefore. All such information is provided for convenience purposes only and all users therefore should be guided accordingly. All information contained on this website is subject to change without notice.
