If there is one lesson that 2020 taught us, it’s that no one knows what’s going to happen.

Coming into 2020, many stock market strategists were cautious citing the approaching U.S. presidential election, a re-escalation of trade tensions, and elevated valuations as the primary concerns. Of all the concerns listed, a global pandemic that would shut down the entire economy was not being considered. That said, barring a last-minute selloff, 2020 stock returns are on pace to deliver solid double-digit gains.

If you work at a fast-growing company, chances are, part of your compensation is in the form of restricted stock or options.

After a contentious election season, the fog is starting to lift, and we have a bit more clarity on what to expect in 2021. Despite the chaos and uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s refusal to concede, the market is celebrating the outcome and pricing in a Biden victory with a divided Congress.

When it comes to financial planning (and life), we need to develop a healthy relationship with risk. What is risk, and how is it defined? Risk is all about the degree of uncertainty.

The key to building wealth and establishing some version of financial independence is to change your mindset and actions away from being just a consumer of stuff and supplier of labor, and towards being an owner of capital and life on your terms.

The stock market is (and has been) the single biggest contributor to wealth over time. Stock returns have outpaced those of cash, bonds, real estate, commodities, and collectibles. It’s not even close. What is a stock, and what does it mean to own a stock?

If you have the discipline and cash flow to save more than half of your income each month to put toward an early retirement, FIRE might work for you.

“In 2019 we’ll see a corporate earnings recession, 2% GDP growth, escalating trade tensions with China, and President Trump will be impeached. Against this backdrop, U.S. stocks will surge over 25%, the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index will return over 8%, and Gold will be up over 15%.”