Prudent investors allocate their holdings, expecting the unexpected.
The pandemic tsunami left in its wake uncertainty, foreboding, and casualty. An emergency response was imminent. Medical science, global governments, central banks, Corporate America, first responders, private enterprise, and a cast of unspoken heroes have coalesced at breakneck speed to arrest and abort the infamous coronavirus Covid-19. As I pen this letter, the vaccine to inoculate humanity is being deployed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over two million people in the United States have been administered doses of the vaccine in the first weeks; amen! The view through this debacle remains murky, and yet, there is a shining light of hope ahead, albeit cautionary. I feel a glimmer of optimism in the future, and believe that our world may reopen in a brighter way.
2021 is staged to be different. As the storm passes and a new sun rises, there is an air of relief, one with new beginnings, second steps, and renewal. I surmise there could even arise a silver lining from this darkest of clouds, in that the global pandemic may have accelerated the urgency to advance social and economic reforms needed in the lives of millions of people barely subsisting.
High-mindedness is broadening the path of shared existence and inclusion. There is an imminent necessity to offer everyone access to essential tools for training, education, resources, and relearning to remain relevant in the workplace, as previous skills become obsolete and modern jobs demand new knowledge. By enabling all folks access to the essential tools and technology that level the playing field, we all have a shot to live our lives as was nobly written back on July 4th, 1776 in our nation’s Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Our society relies and thrives on the whole. We are stronger united. Large industries and government enterprises are essential in platting out the infrastructure that enables folks to pursue their chosen options. In unison, small business operators can offer their wares at scales that fit them at any stage of development. Ambitious entrepreneurs can sell their goods through social media platforms and large conglomerates alike from companies such as Amazon and Etsy. America continues to be a land of promising entrepreneurs, visionaries, and doers.
My mission at this stage of my life is dually purposed:
1) To address “Wealth Inequality” by enabling the “Masses to invest like the classes” by providing easy access to professional financial advice and harmonizing financial technologies with human sentient and insight.
2) To “Think Local → Act Local → Buy Local” by forever embracing, supporting, endorsing, and buying local community services and products.
Human ingenuity is resounding. Millennials are moving into the driver’s seat, educated and prepared to impact the world economically and socially. Tomorrow’s leaders are primed to produce more, fairly and inclusively. We are far from where we need to be as united people; there’s plenty of heavy lifting ahead of us.
Poverty is unacceptable. There are 7.8 billion people currently sharing our planet. The United States accounts for 4.2% of the world’s population or 330 million people. America has the highest economic output in the world and the opportunity to thrive and lift others around the globe. Our country embodies certain exceptionalism that is spreading universally. China, India, and Africa are poised to follow this path. There is work to do for more people to rise from the shackles of poverty. Solutions must happen far more rapidly.
43.6% of global population workers earn less than $5.50 a day. This must change. Globally, people want a chance to better themselves. I believe change is occurring. Remedies abound; there is a surfeit of capital, trillions ready to be invested and deployed to make an impact. Let’s stay vigilant about this critical initiative.
No person should be left behind. Everyone has their own unique place, time, purpose, interests, and genius. Albert Einstein wrote, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
In his 2005 commencement address to Kenyon College graduates, writer David Foster Wallace delivers a poignant and moving message in his memorable “This is Water” speech. Here are the links to the transcript and video. I encourage you to listen to or read this timeless work again and again. If I had to surmise the meaning in just one word it would be “Awareness.”
In this 2021 Letter to Investors, my message is pointed. United we stand. By saving, investing, working, contributing, caring, and being compassionate, open, and willing to do what’s necessary, society benefits.
I am all in. Each year now, I make a New Year’s resolution that is meaningful to me. My promise last year was to lighten up and not take myself so seriously. I have, and am, taking steps to make those differences in my life. For 2021, my New Year’s resolution is to have more fun! The choice is mine alone. Am I willing and courageous enough to step out further, break my self-created mold, and put myself and ego on the line? I am.
Each week, for audiences ready for something real-time and new, I am broadcasting live on Facebook, Tuesday Tea Time at Two p.m. It is a show that brings insightful instances and ideals, improvisation and inspiration, and me hamming it up! The show lasts up to ten minutes. You will witness me singing, dancing, ad-libbing, and sharing my sentiments about how I subjectively view the world. My intention in this hilarity is to bring to light my mission as written above. The show is ideal for open-minded audiences that are ready to practice self-reflection and try something new.
I wish each of you, clients and friends, the best of everything in your life for the new year. As expected, I will play my part in your financial lives.
—William Corley
Disclosures:
Any views, thoughts, and opinions pertaining to the subject matter presented in this post are solely the author’s subjective opinions, and do not reflect the official policy or position of 1st Discount Brokerage, Inc. Information is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any examples, outcomes, or assumptions expressed within this article are only hypothetical illustrations and should not be utilized in real-world analytic products as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Dollar-cost averaging, diversification, and rebalancing strategies do not assure a profit or protect against losses in declining markets. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses in declining markets. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of 1st Discount Brokerage, Inc. nor its personnel. 1st Discount Brokerage, Inc. is a licensed FINRA Broker-Dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through 1st Discount Brokerage, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.
