Staying Invested

Staying Invested.

Yesterday I experienced my first Sun Life Global Investments event since joining the team, and I have to say it was amazing. The team did an excellent job creating a memorable, educational and encouraging experience for all who attended, myself included.

Out of the entire day, there was one moment, one slide, one phrase that really stuck out to me. It was entitled, “Staying Invested”.

One of our guest speakers shared an incredibly insightful and challenging message on the benefits of staying invested, versus getting out early.

The scenario went like this…

You have an initial investment of $10,000.

You plan to have that invested for 30 years.

It is projected that at the end of 30 years, you will be at a total of $191,996.

But if you miss out on the best 5 days in the market because you got out when things got a little volatile, your total value and return goes down to $116,967. That is only missing 5 days!

Moreover, get this, if you miss the best 10 days, you are down to $76,908, the best 30 days, $23,336 and the best 50 days your value and return is down to a staggering $9,448.

You would think only missing 50 days out of 30 years wouldn’t be a big deal! But you actually miss out on over $100,000.

My point here is actually not a financial one. It is a life principal.

Staying Invested.

Whether it is family, friends, a relationship, a dream, a cause, a goal—stay invested! When things like “the market” get a little “volatile”, tiring, unknown, risky, and you are tempted to check out for what may appear to be a short-term gain, stay the course and see the long-term value.

For example, the life-long investment we make in our families is so worth it, and so beautiful. I just got back from a 5-day family get away with my parents and brother. For those of you who may not know, my parents live on one coast of the country, my brother the other, and I’m in the middle—so as a result we don’t get to see each other too often, but even so, they are among the strongest relationships I have and will ever have. Why? Long-term investment. We have been through many seasons of life together, moved across the country from each other, seen many dreams, goals, people come and go, but family has remained steadfast. I believe it is due to our unwavering commitment to, and investment in, each other.

Don’t miss the opportunity you have to stay invested in life and see the amazing value you’ll receive.