2015 was a lackluster year for the stock market, the Dow Jones essentially ended the year where it started. But, throughout the year, there were many triple digit days in either direction. I have the tendency for my moods and actions to be dictated by the gyrations of the market. When it is down, it would throw me into emotional tailspins, and on the positive days, I would only be mollified temporarily.
This past year, the volatility of the stock market had more of a strangle hold on my heart and mind than usual. I am planning to retire in the early part of 2016, and how the market fares up to the day of my official retirement will determine how much we will have post retirement. The excessive worrying over something I can't control took up too much of my head space for the better part of last year.
A couple of months back, my 12 year old son gave me his fortune slip from his Chinese cookie. It read, "Don't worry about the stock market, invest in family."
Today is the first trading day of 2016, and right off the bat, the Dow Jones index dropped more than 400 points. This is not the beginning I had hoped for to start the new year. But, I am determined not to let an uncontrollable thing such as the stock market keep me from having an enjoyable and fulfilling 2016.
You are no longer my boss, Mr. Dow Jones. I quit!
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