T’was the night before Christmas, as I readied for bed,

Events of the past year, running all through my head.

It is amazing how fast the year has gone by,

Like reindeer through the night, time just seems to fly.

 

January brought us a new commander-in-chief,

Many pundits predicting his stay will be brief.

Elected on a promise to give America a jump,

Once star of The Apprentice, now he’s President Trump.

 

Thoughts he has many, at times indiscreet,

His preferred communication, delivered by “Tweet”.

What impact he’ll have, both domestic and far wide?

In truth it is probably much too early to decide.

 

The year’s hot investment, known as Bitcoin,

Crypto currencies to our portfolios, should we all join?

Bitcoin’s rise meteoric, great wealth it’s created,

But is it too late, prices seemingly inflated?

 

How to measure its value, a difficult task.

Exactly what is it? A question many still ask.

To have had those returns would have been great,

But as a long-term investor, I think I’ll just wait.

 

The economy and market continue to grow,

Not at record pace, but rather steady and slow.

Slowly raising rates, the Fed has a plan;

Warding off deflation, they do what they can.

 

For investors this year, foreign stocks have been strong.

Does this mean US stocks are in their swan song?

When to get in and when to get out?

Predicting the market often leaves one in doubt.

 

Volatility has been missing, day-to-day changes are small,

Unlike markets of yore when prices would rise and then fall.

Don’t let the calm fool you, or lull you to sleep,

The experts are preaching that stocks are not cheap.

 

Yet investing on predictions or the “experts” sound hunches

Seldom leads to good outcomes, but rather losses in bunches.

Even with the most obvious signals, one thing is for sure,

Markets can be irrational, longer than most can endure.

 

So what can be learned, as we look to the past?

“Should we do something different?” A question often asked.

My answers the same, no matter the year.

Don’t make rash decisions, and ignore all your fear.

 

It isn’t always easy, investing isn’t a breeze,

You need the time, the discipline and expertise.

To achieve those three things, and avoid future disgrace,

Develop a plan and have a sound strategy in place.

 

What is financial success? Why that is a personal choice.

Think about what’s important, listen to that small voice,

Then create a financial plan, that you are able to follow.

This will make difficult times easier to swallow.

 

And keep things in perspective, stay in good cheer.

The most profound things in life, are those we hold dear.

For I wish you the best on this magical night.

Whatever your Holiday, I hope it’s filled with delight.

 

It is now getting late, so I must be resigning.

Thank you for putting up with my inferior rhyming.

Just one last quick thought, as I turn out the light.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!