ANOTHER 2ND EXECUTION OF MARKET-BASED BUY STRATEGY FOR 2026

For those who wanted to follow along, this will be another second execution of my refined, structured Market-Based Buying Strategy for 2026 for investing well with minimal effort: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-buying-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/.

If you are a High Risk (HR) or Medium Risk (MR) investor, this post is for you – Low Risk (LR) investors can wait and do nothing if you want. If you aren’t sure what your investment risk category is, you can find it here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/

The S&P 500 index has dropped about 6% from its all-time high – so if it drops a little more over the next few days (~721 for the SPY ETF or ~7235 for the S&P 500 index would represent about a 7.5% drop):

HR Investors might consider buying such that another 33.3% or more (depending on investment style and preference) of their overall investment account is invested into one of the major market index Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (or you can split that across multiple major market indexes if you prefer) – If you did not invest the last time when I sent out the 1st Execution notification then the total would be a minimum of 67% (33.3% for the 1st execution plus 33.3% for this 2nd execution).

MR Investors might consider buying such that 15% or more (depending on investment style and preference) of their overall investment account is invested into one of the major market index Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (or you can split that across multiple major market indexes if you prefer).

The longer and the deeper the drop you wait for, the greater the likelihood you will miss the rebound. So, HR and MR investors might want to prepare to go ahead and buy. LR investors might be more inclined to take their chances by waiting for a deeper drop. It’s your financial future so do what you think is best for you.

I currently track ten major market index ETFs: the S&P 500 index (e.g., SPY ETF), an equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 Index (e.g., RSP ETF), the Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ – focuses on higher quality stocks within the S&P 500), the Total Stock Market index (e.g., VTI ETF), the Vanguard Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VTV – value stocks of large companies), the Nasdaq (e.g., QQQ ETF), a Mid-Cap Stock Index ETF (e.g., IJH ETF), Russell 2000 index (e.g., IWM ETF), and the EFA ETF (or something similar). Each of these are major U.S. based indexes except for the last one which tracks international stocks of developed countries outside the U.S. and Canada.

Of the above major market index ETFs, the three most attractive index funds right now appear to be the QQQ ETF, the IWM ETF (or the SPSM ETF which is the one I prefer since this contains only the profitable companies in the IWM ETF), the IJH ETF, the EFA ETF (or IEFA ETF which is the one I like since the fees are lower), and the SPHQ ETF. However, if you prefer U.S. based indexes the most attractive of those right now appear to be: QQQ, IWM/SPSM, IJH, and SPHQ based on my analysis. So, you can pick one or more of these ETFs or split your investment across these if that is your preference. None of these indexes/ETFs are without risk, however.

For example, the QQQ ETF and SPHQ ETF tends to suffer from higher valuation and concentration risks where a select few large cap stocks tend to dominate – some investors/economists are greatly concerned about the valuation and concentration risks while others believe they are appropriate since that is where much of the earnings growth presently is.

The IWM ETF (or the SPSM ETF which is the one I prefer since this contains only the profitable companies in the IWM ETF) tends to outperform in lower inflation economic environments, lower interest rate economic environments, and when the economy is performing well overall. This index also tends to drop the fastest and deepest in a slowing economy but rebounds sharply in the midst of the economic slowdown in anticipation of economic recovery.

The Mid-Cap Stock Index (e.g., IJH ETF) – Can serve as an intermediary to balance the risks between the small-cap indexes (such as the Russell 2000) and large cap indexes (such as the Nasdaq tracked by the QQQ ETF).

The EFA ETF (or IEFA ETF which is the one I prefer since the fees are lower) can be impacted by U.S. trade policy and has potential currency exchange risk as well since this index is not U.S. based – it is also the one most affected by oil prices as they rise; especially if they remain high. In terms of the potential currency exchange risk, a falling dollar tends to increase gains while a rising dollar tends to reduce gains. However, the currency exchange impact is not typically very substantial unless the dollar experiences big moves when it comes to the EFA ETF. So, if you are very concerned about these kinds of issues, then you might want to choose a different index to buy into or split your investment across different indexes.

You can read about the risks associated with the main stock market indexes here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to “UNIQUE DIFFERENCES IN STOCK MARKET INDEXES“).

Feel free to start buying in one or more of the aforementioned major market index ETFs if you are a HR or MR investor and the S&P 500 drops a little more over the next few days. You can use the specific major market indexes above or use a different one that suits you. Just ensure the fees are at least as low as the ones identified above when buying. Some people like to split their investments across multiple indexes to help manage the risk so feel free to do the same.

You don’t have to be very precise when buying into the overall stock market – a gain is experienced 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 99.9% of the time over rolling 10-year periods no matter when you buy. In sharp contrast, being a seller or waiting for drops to happen can be challenging in that you will be “wrong” 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 99.9% of the time over rolling 10-year periods. So, you have to be very precise as a seller which is one reason higher risk investors should probably never (or rarely) sell. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 1 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

Here are a few historical trends which might be helpful to keep in mind: A 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year, a 10% drop generally happens about once every 1.5 years, and a 20%+ drop generally happens about twice every five years. So, the deeper the drop you wait for before buying, the higher the likelihood you’ll miss a significant rebound. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 2 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

You Can Follow Me Here:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@joseph-brennan_lifecoach (I’m presently releasing videos for my video series: Create a Bright Financial Future in 10 Simple Steps)

Website: https://www.brighterdayslifecoaching.com/

X: https://x.com/BrighterDaysLC

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-brennan-76053058/

You can learn about all of my investing techniques via my “Invest Like a Pro in 10 Minutes a Day!” series of 4 books where you can learn the “end to end” process to investing: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/.

Also, you can read all about my stock market activities here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/stock-market-activities

I wish you much investing success for 2026 (and beyond!).

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #success #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket

ANOTHER 1ST EXECUTION OF MARKET-BASED BUY STRATEGY FOR 2026

For those who wanted to follow along, this will be another execution of my refined, structured Market-Based Buying Strategy for 2026 for investing well with minimal effort: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-buying-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/.

If you are a High Risk (HR) investor, this post is for you – investors of all other risk categories can wait and do nothing if you want. If you aren’t sure what your investment risk category is, you can find it here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/

HR Investors: As of the close today, the S&P 500 index dropped about 3.2% (4.1% for the SPY ETF) from its all-time high (a 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year on average) – so if it drops a little more (~740 for the SPY ETF or ~7425 for the S&P 500 index would represent about a 5% drop), you might consider buying 33% or more (depending on your investment style and preference) of the cash you have available in your overall investment account into one of the major market index Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (or you can split that across multiple major market indexes if you prefer). I anticipate there will be a more substantial decline in the overall S&P 500 index, but I could be wrong – and the longer and the deeper the drop you wait for, the greater the likelihood you will miss the rebound. So, HR investors might want to prepare to buy – other investors might be more inclined to take their chances by waiting for a deeper drop. It’s your financial future so do what you think is best for you.

I currently track ten major market index ETFs: the S&P 500 index (e.g., SPY ETF), an equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 Index (e.g., RSP ETF), the Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ – focuses on higher quality stocks within the S&P 500), the Total Stock Market index (e.g., VTI ETF), the Vanguard Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VTV – value stocks of large companies), the Nasdaq (e.g., QQQ ETF), a Mid-Cap Stock Index ETF (e.g., IJH ETF), Russell 2000 index (e.g., IWM ETF), and the EFA ETF (or something similar). Each of these are major U.S. based indexes except for the last one which tracks international stocks of developed countries outside the U.S. and Canada.

Of the above major market index ETFs, the three most attractive index funds right now appear to be the QQQ ETF, the IWM ETF (or the SPSM ETF which is the one I prefer since this contains only the profitable companies in the IWM ETF), and the EFA ETF (or IEFA ETF which is the one I like since the fees are lower). However, if you prefer U.S. based indexes the most attractive of those right now appear to be: QQQ and IWM/SPSM based on my analysis – SPHQ and IJH are not far behind, however. So, you can pick one or more of these ETFs or split your investment across these if that is your preference. None of these indexes/ETFs are without risk, however.

For example, the QQQ ETF and SPHQ ETF tends to suffer from higher valuation and concentration risks where a select few large cap stocks tend to dominate – some investors/economists are greatly concerned about the valuation and concentration risks while others believe they are appropriate since that is where much of the earnings growth presently is.

The IWM ETF (or the SPSM ETF which is the one I prefer since this contains only the profitable companies in the IWM ETF) tends to outperform in lower inflation economic environments, lower interest rate economic environments, and when the economy is performing well overall. This index also tends to drop the fastest and deepest in a slowing economy but rebounds sharply in the midst of the economic slowdown in anticipation of economic recovery.

The Mid-Cap Stock Index (e.g., IJH ETF) – Can serve as an intermediary to balance the risks between the small-cap indexes (such as the Russell 2000) and large cap indexes (such as the Nasdaq tracked by the QQQ ETF).

The EFA ETF (or IEFA ETF which is the one I prefer since the fees are lower) can be impacted by U.S. trade policy and has potential currency exchange risk as well since this index is not U.S. based – it is also the one most affected by oil prices as they rise; especially if they remain high. In terms of the potential currency exchange risk, a falling dollar tends to increase gains while a rising dollar tends to reduce gains. However, the currency exchange impact is not typically very substantial unless the dollar experiences big moves when it comes to the EFA ETF. So, if you are very concerned about these kinds of issues, then you might want to choose a different index to buy into or split your investment across different indexes.

You can read about the risks associated with the main stock market indexes here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to “UNIQUE DIFFERENCES IN STOCK MARKET INDEXES“).

Feel free to start buying in one or more of the aforementioned major market index ETFs if you are a HR investor and the S&P 500 drops a little more over the next couple of days or so. You can use the specific major market indexes above or use a different one that suits you. Just ensure the fees are at least as low as the ones identified above when buying. Some people like to split their investments across multiple indexes to help manage the risk so feel free to do the same.

Keep in mind you don’t have to be very precise when buying into the overall stock market – a gain is experienced 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods no matter when you buy. In sharp contrast, being a seller or waiting for drops to happen can be challenging in that you will be “wrong” 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods. So, you have to be very precise as a seller which is one reason higher risk investors should probably never (or rarely) sell. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 1 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

Here are a few historical trends which might be helpful to keep in mind: A 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year, a 10% drop generally happens about once every 1.5 years, and a 20%+ drop generally happens about twice every five years. So, the deeper the drop you wait for before buying, the higher the likelihood you’ll miss a significant rebound. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 2 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

You Can Follow Me Here:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@joseph-brennan_lifecoach (I’m presently releasing videos for my video series: Create a Bright Financial Future in 10 Simple Steps)

Website: https://www.brighterdayslifecoaching.com/

X: https://x.com/BrighterDaysLC

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-brennan-76053058/

You can learn about all of my investing techniques via my “Invest Like a Pro in 10 Minutes a Day!” series of 4 books where you can learn the “end to end” process to investing: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/.

Also, you can read all about my stock market activities here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/stock-market-activities

I wish you much investing success for 2026 (and beyond!).

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #success #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket

☆°▪︎ HIGHWAYS IN MY HEAD ▪︎°☆

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leading

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

pain

.

a

n

d

.

regret . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ leading

.

t

h

e

.

way

.

t

o

.

fake

places

.

a

n

d

.

names

.

f

o

r

.

rent,

.

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

.

fade

.

a

n

d

.

forget . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

fade

.

a

n

d

.

forget . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

those

.

f

a

k

e

.

places

.

a

n

d

.

names

.

f

o

r

.

rent . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

I

.

c

a

n

.

erase

.

o

r

.

entertain

.

t

h

e

.

replays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

I

.

c

a

n

.

erase

.

o

r

.

entertain

.

t

h

e

.

replays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

escape

.

t

o

.

better,

.

.

brighter

days,

.

.

o

r

.

.

dimmer

.

g

r

a

y

s

.

instead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

fond

flavor

.

c

a

n

.

be

fed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

every

hope

.

a

n

d

.

dream

.

c

a

n

.

be

bled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

sure

success

.

c

a

n

.

be

bet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

every

failure

.

c

a

n

.

be

bred . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

accumulating

debt

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

debt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

am

.

d

e

e

p

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

red,

.

.

w

i

t

h

.

.

the

promises

.

n

e

v

e

r

.

met . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

am

.

d

e

e

p

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

red,

.

.

w

i

t

h

.

.

the

promises

.

n

e

v

e

r

.

met . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

the

wayward

sun

.

n

e

v

e

r

.

seems

.

t

o

.

set . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

.

t

h

e

.

wayward

sun

.

n

e

v

e

r

.

seems

.

t

o

.

set . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

there

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

highways

.

i

n

.

my

head . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

my

traveling

.

d

a

y

s

.

still

r~e~a~c~h

ahead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ my

traveling

.

d

a

y

s

.

still

r~e~a~c~h

ahead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

wayward

.

s

u

n

.

never

seems

.

t

o

.

set.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem where the affected party is deeply engaged in a repeating all-consuming cycle of a restless pursuit of more – and we get the feeling he/she will continue to speed ahead but never truly arrive. This poem is reflective of many of the temptations people frequently experience in their lives such as alcohol, sex, drugs, gambling, work, fame, money, and countless other pursuits which consume attention, time, and energy for so much of their lives.

The haunting, opening lines of this poem came to me recently while I was relaxing outside on my balcony – and the poem pretty much wrote itself from those. I played the wonderful gem of a song, “Bedroom Eyes” by Poolside in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

☆°▪︎ A WARMTH WHICH NEVER CAME ▪︎°☆

Wanting

.

e

y

e

s

.

hoping

.

a

l

l

.

the

while,

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

the

warmth

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

never

came . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

never

came . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

never

came . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

never

came . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

looked

.

a

t

.

you

in

.

t

h

e

.

cafe

aisle

.

w

i

t

h

.

love

.

i

n

.

my

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

looked

.

a

t

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

love

.

i

n

.

my

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

looked

.

a

t

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

looked

.

a

t

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

looked

.

a

t

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

stayed

behind

.

t

o

.

write

.

a

.

bright,

.

romantic

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

designed

.

t

o

.

withstand

.

t

h

e

.

twisting,

.

turbulent

tides

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

stayed

behind

.

t

o

.

write

.

a

.

bright,

.

romantic

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

designed

.

t

o

.

withstand

.

t

h

e

.

twisting,

.

turbulent

tides

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

.

g

a

v

e

.

away

all

.

o

f

.

those

lover

lines

.

t

o

.

warming

wines

.

o

f

.

wayward

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

g

a

v

e

.

away

all

.

o

f

.

those

lover

lines

.

t

o

.

warming

wines

.

o

f

.

wayward

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

night,

–

–

after

night,

–

–

after

night,

–

–

after

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

seems

.

f

a

r

.

too

easy

.

t

o

.

trade

.

t

h

e

.

currencies

.

t

h

a

t

.

make

.

u

s

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

prisons

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

trade

.

t

h

e

.

currencies

.

t

h

a

t

.

make

.

u

s

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

prisons

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ever

drawn

.

t

o

.

fairy

.

t

a

l

e

.

dreams

.

a

n

d

.

temptation

machines

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

tease

.

a

n

d

.

appease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

appease

.

a

n

d

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

tease

.

a

n

d

.

appease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

appease

.

a

n

d

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

tease

.

a

n

d

.

appease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

appease

.

a

n

d

.

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

o

s

e

–

–

–

prisons

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

o

s

e

–

–

–

fairy

.

t

a

l

e

.

dreams . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

o

s

e

–

–

–

temptation

machines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

rollaway

scenes 

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

always

.

d

r

a

w

.

near,

.

.

a

r

e

.

.

never

.

w

i

t

h

i

n

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

always

.

d

r

a

w

.

near . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

are

never

.

w

i

t

h

i

n

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

always

.

d

r

a

w

.

near . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

are

never

.

w

i

t

h

i

n

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

when

.

t

h

e

.

urges

roar,

.

.

w

e

.

.

always

.

w

a

n

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

always

.

w

a

n

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

always

.

w

a

n

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

always

.

w

a

n

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

urges

roar . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

the

carnival

fires

.

o

f

.

breathless

desire . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

turn

.

t

h

e

.

burning

wheels

.

o

f

.

casino

streams

.

a

n

d

.

temptation

machines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

burning

wheels

.

o

f

.

casino

streams

.

a

n

d

.

temptation

machines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

.

p

a

l

e

.

romantic

candle

.

f

r

o

m

.

a

cafe

stay,

.

.

c

a

n

.

.

ever

compete

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

brilliance

.

o

f

.

that

blaze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

c

a

n

.

never

compete

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

brilliance

.

o

f

.

that

blaze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

.

g

a

v

e

.

away

all

.

o

f

.

those

lover

lines

.

t

o

.

warming

wines

.

o

f

.

wayward

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

g

a

v

e

.

away

all

.

o

f

.

those

lover

lines

.

t

o

.

warming

wines

.

o

f

.

wayward

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

night,

–

–

after

night,

–

–

after

night,

–

–

after

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

haunts

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Yes,

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

was

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

t

o

.

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

warmth

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

never

came.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem where the affected party mourns a past romance. In the beginning of the poem, the person of desire is the one who becomes affected by the warmth which never came, but in the end we find it is the affected party – the romancer – who imprisons himself in the warmth which never came after many, many pursuits and possibilities – and we get the feeling this warmth will continue to be elusive for many years to come (if not lifelong). The poem reflects a very sad, but true story that so many people struggle with throughout their romantic lives. The world is filled with temptations that frequently obstruct the warming relationships we might otherwise develop and solidify over time: alcohol, sex, drugs, gambling, work, fame, money, and countless other pursuits which consume attention, energy, and time for so much of our lives.

This poem came into being when I recently heard for the very first time the moving Leonard Cohen song: “Famous Blue Raincoat.” I was struck by the haunting, raw, emotional, intimate, poetic style in this man’s music, lyrics, and voice. I played his wonderful gem of a song in the background on steady repeat at low volume to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I immediately started exploring other Leonard Cohen songs and found they had very much the same inspirational, moving quality – songs like: “Suzanne,””Hallelujah,” and “Dance Me to the End of Love,” among others. I also discovered the amazing Jeff Buckley version of “Hallelujah” which Cohen thought was a nearly perfect rendition of his song. The Jeff Buckley version was released as a single 10 years after his death (he was 30 years old and died in a swimming accident). The Jeff Buckley version can really move you to tears.

ANOTHER 1ST EXECUTION OF MARKET-BASED BUY STRATEGY FOR 2026

For those who wanted to follow along, this will be another execution of my refined, structured Market-Based Buying Strategy for 2026 for investing well with minimal effort: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-buying-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/.

If you are a High Risk (HR) investor, this post is for you – investors of all other risk categories can wait and do nothing if you want. If you aren’t sure what your investment risk category is, you can find it here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/

HR Investors: As of the close today, the S&P 500 index dropped about 3.2% (3.8% for the SPY ETF) from its all-time high (a 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year on average) – so if it drops a little more (~721 for the SPY ETF or ~7180 for the S&P 500 index would represent about a 5% drop), you might consider buying 33% or more (depending on your investment style and preference) of the cash you have available in your overall investment account into one of the major market index Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (or you can split that across multiple major market indexes if you prefer). I anticipate there will be a more substantial decline in the overall S&P 500 index, but I could be wrong – and the longer and the deeper the drop you wait for, the greater the likelihood you will miss the rebound. So, HR investors might want to prepare to buy – other investors might be more inclined to take their chances by waiting for a deeper drop. It’s your financial future so do what you think is best for you.

I currently track nine major market index ETFs: S&P 500 index (e.g., SPY ETF), an equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 Index (e.g., RSP ETF), the Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ – focuses on higher quality stocks within the S&P 500), the Total Stock Market index (e.g., VTI ETF), the Vanguard Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VTV – value stocks of large companies), the Nasdaq (e.g., QQQ ETF), a Mid-Cap Stock Index ETF (e.g., IJH ETF), Russell 2000 index (e.g., IWM ETF), and the EFA ETF (or something similar). The first eight are major U.S. based indexes, while the last one tracks international stocks of developed countries outside the U.S. and Canada.

Of the above major market index ETFs, the three most attractive index funds right now appear to be the QQQ ETF, SPHQ ETF, and the EFA ETF (or IEFA which is the one I like since the fees are lower). However, if you prefer U.S. based indexes the most attractive of those right now appear to be: QQQ and SPHQ based on my analysis. So, you can pick one or more of these ETFs or split your investment across these if that is your preference. None of these indexes/ETFs are without risk, however.

For example, the QQQ ETF and SPHQ ETF suffers from higher valuation and concentration risks where a select few large cap stocks tend to dominate – some investors/economists are greatly concerned about the valuation and concentration risks while others believe they are appropriate since that is where much of the earnings growth presently is.

The EFA (or IEFA which is the one I like since the fees are lower) can be impacted by U.S. trade policy and has potential currency exchange risk as well since this index is not U.S. based – it is also the one most affected by oil prices as they rise; especially if they remain high. In terms of the potential currency exchange risk, a falling dollar tends to increase gains while a rising dollar tends to reduce gains. However, the currency exchange impact is not typically very substantial unless the dollar experiences big moves when it comes to the EFA ETF. So, if you are very concerned about these kinds of issues, then you might want to choose a different index to buy into or split your investment across different indexes.

You can read about the risks associated with the main stock market indexes here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to “UNIQUE DIFFERENCES IN STOCK MARKET INDEXES“).

Feel free to start buying in one or more of the aforementioned major market index ETFs if you are a HR investor and the S&P 500 drops a little more over the next couple of days or so. You can use the specific major market indexes above or use a different one that suits you. Just ensure the fees are at least as low as the ones identified above when buying. Some people like to split their investments across multiple indexes to help manage the risk so feel free to do the same.

Keep in mind you don’t have to be very precise when buying into the overall stock market – a gain is experienced 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods no matter when you buy. In sharp contrast, being a seller or waiting for drops to happen can be challenging in that you will be “wrong” 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods. So, you have to be very precise as a seller which is one reason higher risk investors should probably never (or rarely) sell. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 1 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

Here are a few historical trends which might be helpful to keep in mind: A 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year, a 10% drop generally happens about once every 1.5 years, and a 20%+ drop generally happens about twice every five years. So, the deeper the drop you wait for before buying, the higher the likelihood you’ll miss a significant rebound. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 2 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

You can learn about all of my investing techniques via my “Invest Like a Pro in 10 Minutes a Day!” series of 4 books where you can learn the “end to end” process to investing: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/.

Also, you can read all about my stock market activities here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/stock-market-activities

I wish you much investing success for 2026 (and beyond!).

selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #success #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket

☆°▪︎ DAZZLING DISCO DELIGHT ▪︎°☆

Wasn’t

.

i

t

.

nice

–

–

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

disco

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life

.

t

h

a

n

.

dancing

.

f

r

o

m

.

left

.

t

o

.

right,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

from

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

danced

.

f

r

o

m

.

left

.

t

o

.

right,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

from

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

disco

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night,

–

–

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

eyes

.

m

e

t

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night

–

–

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes,

.

.

m

e

t

.

.

eyes

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

disco

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time,

–

–

b

u

t

–

–

to

.

c

o

m

e

.

alive,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wallow

in

.

t

h

e

.

warming

.

w

a

n

t

.

brewed

wines

.

o

f

.

dazzling

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

eyes

.

m

e

t

.

eyes

.

t

h

a

t

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ when

eyes

.

m

e

t

.

eyes

.

t

h

a

t

.

smiled . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

more

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

wasn’t

.

i

t

.

nice ?

Reflection: This is a fun, simple, reflective/nostaligic-themed poem looking back on the dancing days of youth and disco. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the light but fun song “Dancing Queen” by ABBA which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for (and inspire) the writing of the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the fun-loving “feel” of it.

HAPPINESS TIP: DANCE WITH IMPERFECTION AND LOWER EXPECTATIONS

At times people ask why I’m so happy, positive, and optimistic for much of the time. The short answer is I have lower expectations than most – meaning the potential for positive “surprises” is high. Life doesn’t have to be anything close to “perfect” for me to be happy. In fact, I always expect the opposite. I’ve found the ability to dance with imperfection and make the most out of what happens – however it happens – is one of the keys to living a happier life. Think about how much time, effort, and energy it takes to do otherwise.

As a poet, 30+ years ago I penned the phrase: “perfection always comes in small packages…” And this is something I always remember and live by.

I hope the above will be helpful for some of you on your journey towards living a happier life.

This and other happiness and self-improvement related tips are provided throughout my self-help-oriented books and posts: 

PUBLISHED BOOKS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/

CREATING GREATER HAPPINESS-ORIENTED POSTS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/personal-improvement-development-and-growth-related-posts/

CREATING A BRIGHTER FINANCIAL FUTURE-ORIENTED POSTS: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/category/financial-planning-management-and-investing-related-posts/

#selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #intention #fulfillment #success #inspiration #happiness #mindfulness #peace

☆°▪︎ STAR~SEEKER ▪︎°☆

Star~seeker

start

.

y

o

u

r

.

journey

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Star~seeker

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

find

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

better,

–

–

brighter

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

dancing

arrays

.

f

a

r

.

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

scathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

humiliate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

It’s

okay

.

t

o

.

stumble

across

.

t

h

e

.

lightwaves

.

a

n

d

.

laserwaves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

n

–

–

–

the

star~ways

.

t

o

.

universal

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ on

.

t

h

e

.

star~ways

.

t

o

.

universal

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Don’t

.

b

e

.

ashamed

.

i

f

.

you

.

m

a

k

e

.

mistakes,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

continue

.

t

o

.

learn

.

a

n

d

.

discern . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

discern

.

a

n

d

.

learn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

phase,

.

.

after

phase,

.

.

after

phase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

wave,

.

.

after

wave,

.

.

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

m

u

s

t

.

embrace

rather

.

t

h

a

n

.

erase . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

continue

.

t

h

e

.

journey . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

reach

.

t

h

e

.

dreamscapes

.

y

o

u

.

create . . .  

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

reach

.

t

h

e

.

dreamscapes

.

y

o

u

.

create . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

rains

.

a

n

d

.

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

pains,

–

–

shadows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shames . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

rains

.

a

n

d

.

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

pains,

–

–

shadows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shames . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

accumulate

.

i

n

.

yesterday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

once

.

y

o

u

.

transcend

.

t

h

e

.

galaxy

gateways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ once

.

y

o

u

.

transcend

.

t

h

e

.

galaxy

gateways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

!!!ACCELERATE!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

along

.

t

h

e

.

cosmic

rays

.

a

n

d

.

spaceways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

along

.

t

h

e

.

cosmic

rays

.

a

n

d

.

spaceways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leading

.

t

o

.

future~scape

streams

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

portals

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ leading

.

t

o

.

future~scape

streams

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

portals

.

o

f

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Star~seeker

start

.

y

o

u

r

.

journey

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Star~seeker

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

find

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

better,

–

–

brighter

lanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

way

.

t

o

.

dancing

arrays

.

f

a

r

.

beyond

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

dismal

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

along

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

frame,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

frame,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

frame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

page,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

page,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

change,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

change,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

along

.

t

h

e

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

your

precarious

.

p

a

s

t

.

blooms

.

i

n

t

o

.

constellations

.

.

fresh,

.

.

exciting,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

breakaway

.

t

o

.

finally

escape

.

t

h

e

.

glooms

.

a

n

d

.

grays,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

discover

dreams

.

i

n

.

the

universe

.

a

r

e

.

never

.

t

o

o

.

good

.

f

o

r

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you

dance

.

a

n

d

.

sing

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

soothing

tunes,

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

forget

.

a

l

l

.

about

.

t

h

e

.

blues,

.

.

darks,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

broods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

your

heart

smiles

.

a

l

l

.

the

way

.

t

o

.

the

moon,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

goes

!BOOM!

!!BOOM!!

!!!BOOM!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

.

a

n

d

.

through,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

beyond

.

i

t

.

too . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

my

years

.

a

r

e

.

beyond

.

y

o

u

r

.

youth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’d

love

.

t

o

.

be

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

your

journey

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

your

journey

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

your

journey

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

am

old

.

a

n

d

.

my

years

.

a

r

e

.

few.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem I wrote where the affected party struggles with past traumas driving the ups and downs of a repeated, negative addiction/compulsion cycle. He/she is determined to move ahead, above, and beyond. This poem was written in reflection of someone I recently started helping in these regards. It has a bit of a “sci-fi” dimension to it which really seems to “fit.” I played the wonderful gem of a song“Reckoner” by Radiohead in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to this song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

ANOTHER 1ST EXECUTION OF MARKET-BASED BUY STRATEGY FOR 2026

For those who wanted to follow along, this will be another execution of my refined, structured Market-Based Buying Strategy for 2026 for investing well with minimal effort: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/a-structured-market-based-buying-strategy-for-investing-well-with-minimal-effort/.

If you are a High Risk (HR) investor, this post is for you – investors of all other risk categories can wait and do nothing if you want. If you aren’t sure what your investment risk category is, you can find it here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/

HR Investors: As of the close this past Friday, the S&P 500 index dropped nearly 3% from its all-time high (a 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year on average) – so if it drops a little more (~721 for the SPY ETF or ~7220 for the S&P 500 index would represent about a 5% drop), you might consider buying 33% or more (depending on your investment style and preference) of the cash you have available in your overall investment account into one of the major market index Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (or you can split that across multiple major market indexes if you prefer). I anticipate there will be a more substantial decline in the overall S&P 500 index, but I could be wrong – and the longer and the deeper the drop you wait for, the greater the likelihood you will miss the rebound. So, HR investors might want to prepare to buy – other investors might be more inclined to take their chances by waiting for a deeper drop. It’s your financial future so do what you think is best for you.

I currently track eight major market index ETFs: S&P 500 index (e.g., SPY ETF), an equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 Index (e.g., RSP ETF), the Total Stock Market index (e.g., VTI ETF), the Vanguard Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VTV – value stocks of large companies), the Nasdaq (e.g., QQQ ETF), a Mid-Cap Stock Index ETF (e.g., IJH ETF), Russell 2000 index (e.g., IWM ETF), and the EFA ETF (or something similar). The first seven are major U.S. based indexes, while the last one tracks international stocks of developed countries outside the U.S. and Canada.

Of the above major market index ETFs, the EFA ETF international index fund (or IEFA which is the one I like since the fees are lower) is the most attractive one right now by far. However, if you prefer U.S. based indexes the most attractive of those right now appear to be: IWM and QQQ based on my analysis. So, you can pick one or more of these ETFs or split your investment across these if that is your preference. None of these indexes/ETFs are without risk, however.

For example, the EFA (or IEFA which is the one I like since the fees are lower) can be impacted by U.S. trade policy and has potential currency exchange risk as well since this index is not U.S. based – it is also the one most affected by oil prices as they rise; especially if they remain high. In terms of the potential currency exchange risk, a falling dollar tends to increase gains while a rising dollar tends to reduce gains. However, the currency exchange impact is not typically very substantial unless the dollar experiences big moves when it comes to the EFA ETF. So, if you are very concerned about these kinds of issues, then you might want to choose a different index to buy into or split your investment across different indexes.

In a slowing economy, the IWM (or SPSM which is the one I like since it only includes the profitable small businesses contained in the Russell 2000 index) tends to outperform in lower inflation economic environments, lower interest rate economic environments, and when the economy is performing well overall. This index also tends to drop the fastest and deepest in a slowing economy but rebounds sharply in the midst of the economic slowdown in anticipation of economic recovery.

The QQQ ETF suffers from higher valuation and concentration risks where a select few large cap stocks tend to dominate – some investors/economists are greatly concerned about the valuation and concentration risks while others believe they are appropriate since that is where much of the earnings growth presently is.

You can read about the risks associated with the major stock market indexes here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to “UNIQUE DIFFERENCES IN STOCK MARKET INDEXES“).

Feel free to start buying in one or more of the aforementioned major market index ETFs if you are a HR investor and the S&P 500 drops a little more over the next couple of days or so. You can use the specific major market indexes above or use a different one that suits you. Just ensure the fees are at least as low as the ones identified above when buying. Some people like to split their investments across multiple indexes to help manage the risk so feel free to do the same.

Keep in mind you don’t have to be very precise when buying into the overall stock market – a gain is experienced 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods no matter when you buy. In sharp contrast, being a seller or waiting for drops to happen can be challenging in that you will be “wrong” 93% of the time over rolling 5-year periods and 100% of the time over rolling 10-year periods. So, you have to be very precise as a seller which is one reason higher risk investors should probably never (or rarely) sell. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 1 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

Here are a few historical trends which might be helpful to keep in mind: A 3-5% drop in the S&P 500 index generally happens about three times a year, a 10% drop generally happens about once every 1.5 years, and a 20%+ drop generally happens about twice every five years. So, the deeper the drop you wait for before buying, the higher the likelihood you’ll miss a significant rebound. You can read more about this here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/ (just scroll down to item 2 under “KEY HISTORICAL STOCK MARKET TRENDS”).

You can learn about all of my investing techniques via my “Invest Like a Pro in 10 Minutes a Day!” series of 4 books where you can learn the “end to end” process to investing: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/.

Also, you can read all about my stock market activities here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/stock-market-activities

I wish you much investing success for 2026 (and beyond!).

selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #success #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket

WHY INVEST IN INDEX FUNDS?

Index fund styles of investing is probably the best option for most people. It’s very difficult to consistently outperform the major stock market indexes over the longer term by being an individual stock picker. Sure, you can sometimes get lucky but the problem is you have to stay lucky.

For example, 40% of stocks lose 70% of their value while only about 7% strongly outperform the major stock market indexes over the longer term. So, it would be very difficult to consistently avoid the 40% while selecting the 7%. As such, it’s probably best for most people to play the odds instead of the exceptions by investing in index funds. You can see how the index funds I consistently track compare by scrolling down the following link: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/investment-tools/. I’ve added this post to that link as well for easy future reference.

Data sources for above:

  1. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=6438198&_sp=b426640d-d702-4988-8dfc-1aa75704a68c.1784675819102
  2. https://www.wealthmanagement.com/investing-strategies/a-century-of-stock-market-winners-and-why-most-stocks-failed-to-deliver

You can learn about all of my investing techniques via my “Invest Like a Pro in 10 Minutes a Day!” series of 4 books where you can learn the “end to end” process to investing: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/published-books-and-life-coaching-services/.

Also, you can follow all of my stock market activities here: https://brighterdayslifecoaching.com/stock-market-activities

I wish you much investing success for 2026 (and beyond!).

selfimprovement #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #success #finance #stocks #investing #stockmarket #bonds #bondmarket