Happy New Year!

Well, another year passed and we are back to square one in January.  2017 was a wild year.  The stock market went higher by the month.  Bitcoin went from a little more than $1000 to over $13,000 at year end.  We saw an economy that gained strength, jobless numbers went down and consumer confidence increased.  

This was a year that began with very uncertain expectations.  Some predicted doom and gloom.  If we all learned one thing it's that predictions aren't worth a lot.  If there is one take away from what we have seen it's that you should be careful of who you listen to and what you do with their advice.  Very little I've seen was worth anything and actually was detrimental in the end.

We have seen fake news abound.  Whether political, economic or anything else take what you read or hear with a grain of salt.  If you had followed Paul Krugmans' advice prior to the inauguration in 2017 you would have missed out on fantastic gains in the stock market.  Remember he said, " So we are very probably looking at a global recession, with no end in sight.”  Much of what you hear is based on the visceral dislike of the current president with very little basis in reality no matter what their credentials.

Take the emotion out of it and be careful with advice that is too negative or positive.  The reality is that things are neither as good or as bad as some say.  The stock market is due for a pull back so don't be surprised if it does.  Bitcoin may or may not continue to increase.  As I wrote before that's a place for funny money now.   Stay steady and consistent and you will do fine.   

In general, be suspect, be positive and be happy.  No matter what anyone says the world is not ending, the sun will rise tomorrow and life will go on.  You live in a country that most of the rest of the world wishes they were born in.  Revel in it.  Happy 2018!