Category: Community Discussions

Financial Bond: Intimacy with Your Money Relationship

Mohamad Mrad Leave a comment
Investment Strategy Financial Bonding Emotional Finance Money Relationship Financial Health Wealth Building Financial Intimacy Personal Finance Tips

In the intricate dance of the financial markets, emotions play a pivotal role. While they can occasionally guide us to success, more often than not, they lead us down a path of self-destruction. One such behavior, often overlooked but incredibly potent, let us call it “Hopium.”

Understanding Hopium

Hopium is the intoxicating blend of hope and optimism that convinces investors they’re just one step away from hitting it big. It’s the song that lures them into making irrational decisions, often with disastrous consequences. Here’s how it manifests:

  1. The Big Win Mirage: Investors often chase the dream of that one significant win, sacrificing consistency in the process. While they might strike gold occasionally, the lack of a consistent strategy often leads to more losses than gains.
  2. Euphoria & Overconfidence: A few successful trades can lead to a surge of overconfidence. This euphoria blinds investors to potential risks, making them more susceptible to making impulsive decisions.
  3. Dangerous Bets: Hopium convinces Investors to take large positions, often without a clear exit strategy. They position themselves without exit plans, to cover losses or protect gains

Overcoming Hopium

Recognizing and admitting to being under the influence of Hopium is the first step towards recovery. Here are some strategies to combat its effects:

  • Educate Yourself: Knowledge is a powerful antidote. The more you understand the markets and trading strategies, the less likely you are to make decisions based on blind hope.
  • Have a Clear Plan: Before entering any position, have a clear plan for both entry and exit.
  • Practice Emotional Discipline: Train yourself to recognize when you are Investing based on emotion rather than logic. Then arbitrate yourself for logic control. Take breaks, meditate, or engage in activities that help you maintain a clear head.

While hope and optimism are essential in many aspects of life, in the world of investing, they need to be tempered with logic, strategy, and discipline.

Falling prey to the allure of Hopium can lead to significant financial and emotional distress.

Stay informed, stay disciplined, and always Invest with a clear plan in mind.

In the “Personal Habits” – The Importance of a safety fund

An emergency fund is a financial safety net designed to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies. Here’s why it’s a crucial financial habit:

Financial Security: Whether it’s a medical emergency, sudden job loss, or urgent home repairs, an emergency fund ensures you have the means to handle it without going into debt.

Avoiding Unplanned Liquidation: Without an emergency fund, you might be forced to liquidate investments at inopportune times, potentially incurring losses.

Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a financial cushion can reduce stress and allow you to make investment decisions with a clear mind.

Building Your Emergency Fund:

Start Small: Even saving a small amount regularly can add up over time.

Aim for 3-6 Months of Expenses: While the exact amount can vary based on individual needs, a good rule of thumb is to have enough to cover 3-6 months of living expenses.

Keep It Accessible: Your emergency fund should be easily accessible, so consider keeping it in a savings account.

Stay informed, stay disciplined, and always invest with a clear plan in mind. Your financial health is paramount, and as your financial doctor, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Stay tuned for more insights in our next edition of The Financial Pulse.

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The Importance of Mission and Focus: Lessons from Seinfeld

Mohamad Mrad Leave a comment

I often find that life’s most profound lessons come from the most unexpected places. Today, I want to talk about the importance of mission and focus, drawing parallels from an unlikely source – the iconic sitcom, Seinfeld, my favorite of all time.

In the pursuit of financial independence or amassing a million-dollar investment pool, many people claim to love money. However, in the episode is was watching yesterday S3, EP 13, titled “The Subway”, the four main characters find themselves derailed by distractions and side stories.

Let’s take a closer look at what happened.

Jerry was supposed to retrieve his car from the impound lot but got sidetracked by a conversation about baseball competitions on the train.

George was on his way to a job interview, but a chance encounter with a woman led him to a hotel room where he was robbed and left handcuffed to the bed.

Kramer had a court date to resolve his car fines but got distracted by a horse betting tip and lost his money.

Elaine, the best man at a wedding, never arrived due to a busy train and its breakdowns.

These stories serve as a metaphor for the journey towards financial independence or another objective in life.

The characters had clear objectives, and they got sidetracked easily. The most challenging part of any journey is staying focused. It is extremely important to stay focused on your mission and not get distracted by the ‘side stories’ that life presents. One can say focus is the most valuable commodity of all time.

A mission statement, whether personal or for an organization, is a powerful tool that provides direction and purpose. It is a declaration of intent, a compass that guides you towards your goals. It is the ‘why’ that fuels your journey, the reason you get up every morning and face the world.

It is the foundation upon which all your strategies and plans are built. However, a mission is only as good as the focus that accompanies it. Focus is the ability to direct your attention and resources towards achieving your mission. It is the discipline to say no to distractions and the resilience to stay the course amidst challenges and setbacks.

In the context of financial independence, your mission might be to achieve a certain net worth or create a passive income stream. Your focus, then, is the strategies and steps you take to achieve this mission – saving a certain amount each month, investing in specific assets, continuously educating yourself about financial management, and so on.

The Seinfeld characters’ stories are cautionary tales about what happens when you lose sight of your mission and focus.

They remind us that distractions are everywhere, and it’s easy to get off track. However, with a clear mission and unwavering focus, you can navigate through these distractions and stay on the path to your goals. Remember, the journey to financial independence is not a sprint but a marathon.

Living in a city as vibrant and dynamic as Dubai, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of entertainment, social media, events, consumerism, and other people’s agendas.

The city’s lifestyle is a feast for the senses, but it can also be a minefield of distractions that can derail your focus and impede your progress towards your financial goals.

Overcoming these distractions requires a combination of strategies, tools, and an honest appraisal of your habits and behaviors. Here are some steps you can take to stay focused in the face of Dubai’s many distractions:

  1. Set and Stick to Your Schedule: Time management is crucial when it comes to staying focused. Allocate specific hours for work, leisure, social media, and other activities. This will help you avoid spending excessive time on distracting activities.
  2. Define Your Daily Goals: Having clear, achievable goals for each day can help keep you focused. These goals should align with your larger financial objectives and provide a roadmap for your daily activities.
  3. Disconnect from Distractions: Social media, while a great tool for staying connected, can also be a major source of distraction. Consider setting specific times for checking your social media and stick to them. Use apps that mute notifications during your focused work hours.
  4. Create a Conducive Environment: Your physical environment can significantly impact your ability to focus. Find a quiet, comfortable space for your work or financial planning activities. Keep your workspace clean and free of unnecessary distractions.
  5. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. It can help you stay focused, reduce stress, and improve productivity. Consider incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine.
  6. Balance Your Lifestyle: While it’s important to stay focused on your financial goals, it’s equally important to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Make time for relaxation, social activities, and self-care. A well-rounded lifestyle can actually enhance your focus and productivity.

It requires patience, discipline, and most importantly, a clear mission and focus. So, define your mission, maintain your focus, and keep moving forward. Your destination is closer than you think.

A Meeting of Minds at The Monthly Mixer

Mohamad Mrad Leave a comment

In this week’s edition, we are thrilled to recount the vibrant discussions and encounters that unfolded at our recent open networking mixer. Nestled on the picturesque terrace of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, we were graced with a tapestry of insights, stories, and ambitions that spanned across various domains. Here’s a glimpse of the stimulating evening we had:

A Meeting of Minds at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Crypto Regulations: The Talk of the Town

As the sun set, casting golden vibes across the terrace, conversations around the evolving landscape of crypto regulations took center stage. Members engaged in a lively discussion, dissecting the nuances and potential impacts of recent developments in the crypto space. From debates on decentralization to the future of digital currencies, their regulations requirements, licensing and VARA obligations, the evening was a testament to the vibrant intellectual curiosity that defines our club.

The Legacy of Abu Kamil: A Journey Back in Time

The evening took a historical turn as we delved into the fascinating story of the Egyptian mathematician, Abu Kamil. His profound influence on the Fibonacci sequence was explored, igniting a rich dialogue on the intertwining of mathematics and history, and the timeless impact of ancient knowledge on modern science.

Young Entrepreneurs in the Media Sphere: A Glimpse into the Future

As stars began to adorn the night sky and humidity was increasing :), we were introduced to the vibrant ambitions of young entrepreneurs making waves in the media industry. Their fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to media were a breath of fresh air, offering a glimpse into the exciting future of the industry, with the use of recent technologies to hack growth and influence compelling success.

Brain Health and Wellness: A Focus on the New

The conversation took a turn towards health and wellness, with a spotlight on emerging trends in addressing brain disorders. Members shared personal routines and practices that have aided them in enhancing focus and mental well-being. The discussion served as a reminder of the importance of nurturing our minds, and the innovative approaches available to do so. “Morning routines” uncovered, Cold showers, praying, training, studying and then ready to execute the plans designed from the night before.

Spirituality vs. Religion: A Thought-Provoking Dialogue

As the evening drew to a close, a profound discussion on the distinctions between religious narratives and personal spirituality unfolded. Members shared their journeys of spiritual exploration, fostering a space of respect and understanding. The conversation was a beautiful reminder of the depth of human experience and the diverse paths to connecting with the divine. through different experiences and languages. Mathematics being the language of creation and spoken word is its description.

Why Men Don’t Listen And Women Can’t Read Maps

Mohamad Mrad Leave a comment

This book was written in 1998 by the couple Allan and Barbara Pease. Between 1998 and 2020, many things have changed. If I were to rewrite the book today, I would title it “Why Men Are Obsessed with Luxury and Women with Beauty.” The quest for the “Elixir of Life” or “the Philosopher’s Stone” has been a mystery for humanity and alchemy for at least two hundred years before the birth of Jesus.

What prompts me to share these thoughts with you today is the recent discussions I’ve had with some close friends about how to gain followers on social media as we build our digital identities. Unfortunately, the examples they showed me were real and true. If you open the Instagram or Facebook pages of so-called current entrepreneurs who are busy posting images of themselves with shiny watches, Rolls-Royces, private jets, or even cars filled with beautiful ladies as symbols of success and happiness for men, you will find that they have millions and millions of followers. Yet, they offer little real value or meaningful insights that I can use to improve my life. If you apply the same search criteria for women, shifting from luxury to beauty, you will find many posing, minimal clothing, long eyelashes, and an abundance of makeup, as well as millions and millions of followers.

We were once great as humanity, searching for truth through philosophy. Yes, we were also great when we sought eternal life through alchemy. Today, we are still searching for something, but what is it? We’ve bestowed the word “success” upon a mere watch or car (a result of systematic brainwashing). We’ve given the word “beauty” to makeup or specific body measurements (also a result of systematic brainwashing). Then we started racing endlessly for these ideals, unknowingly harming ourselves in the process, all while benefiting only one entity: the system that convinced us to engage in this relentless pursuit.

Please don’t misunderstand me; I do appreciate beautiful women, and I don’t dislike luxury. I love both, and perhaps I appreciate beauty even more than luxury. Thankfully, I’m blessed with both. You see, when you achieve financial freedom, you know how to possess these without paying a premium. Let me share an example we recently considered: owning a 47-ft yacht here in Dubai. We thought about using it every weekend and storing it when not in use. This would have cost around $400,000 in capital, plus substantial fees for maintenance, cleaning, and parking, totaling at least $30,000 annually. Do you know how much it would cost to rent a yacht for a weekend without these hassles? It’s almost $1,300 to $1,700. Why on earth would I buy a yacht and worry about it when I can simply charter one as needed, anywhere on earth?

Returning to our topic, today, an Instagram account that solely showcases luxury and beauty products can amass at least 1.5 million more followers than someone like Elon Musk, who is tirelessly working to give humanity a chance to survive the impending climate disaster, or other contemporary physicists like Stephen Hawking, who discovered black holes and revolutionized physics like Mr. Einstein in his time. I’m not suggesting you stop following them or start following luxury-displaying pages. I’m inviting you to maintain a fair balance in your feed so that you don’t become completely ensnared in the wrong race. If you seek to follow success, seek those who benefit you, not those who benefit from you.

Otherwise, you’re benefiting them while draining yourself in the wrong pursuit. Examine the accounts of people like Warren Buffett. He built a multibillion-dollar fortune from scratch—what argument can you make against that? Visit his Instagram account; unfortunately, it falls short by 1.4 million followers compared to unscrupulous influencers. He doesn’t flaunt luxury on his account. He seeks reality, enjoys his journey in life, and aims to leave a legacy by sharing quotes consistently. Successful people strive to empower others, leading by example, educating, guiding them to discover their own talents, fueling their ambitions, encouraging them to leverage their strengths, and teaching them how to succeed. I’m sure someone is still searching for the philosopher’s stone. But what do you know about it? Follow those who benefit you. Following the wrong role models will only harm you and benefit the system.

Resolutions or only on new year?

Mohamad Mrad Leave a comment

In the grand scheme of life, the Gregorian calendar is but a man-made construct, a tool to measure the passage of time. Yet, it’s undeniable that the end of one year and the beginning of another holds a certain symbolic significance. As Mohamad Mrad would argue, every day is an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to set new objectives and work towards them with relentless determination.

While the Gregorian calendar marks the end of a fiscal year and the beginning of another, it’s essential to remember that the true measure of time is not in the ticking of a clock but in the progress we make. This is a concept that Mohamad Mrad emphasizes. He encourages us to view every day as a potential beginning of a ‘new year’ or a ‘new self’.

The celebration of a new year should not be a mere ritual but a celebration of positive change. It could be a new business, a new investment, a new accomplishment, or even a new mindset. Mohamad Mrad suggests that we should use the first of January as a marker to set new goals and work towards achieving them in a realistic rhythm.

In the grand scheme of things, time is a constant that we cannot control. What we can control, however, is what we accomplish within that time. Mohamad Mrad encourages us to make small improvements every second, minute, day, week, month, or year towards our objectives.

To illustrate this point, Mohamad Mrad uses the example of the bamboo tree forest, which takes five human years to form, the birth of an elephant, which takes two human years, and the birth of a new human being, which takes nine months. These examples serve to remind us that we all run on different clocks, and all creation in this universe has its timing.

The key is to set objectives that align with our natural timing. If you want to generate an additional 100,000 USD next year, you have nine months to do so. If you want to publish a new book, you have nine months to do so. This concept of measuring time in ‘birth units’ is an innovative approach proposed by Mohamad Mrad.

In conclusion, every day is an opportunity to declare our intentions and work towards achieving them. Mohamad Mrad encourages us to keep a daily agenda of at least seven targets that help us accomplish our goals. He emphasizes the importance of daily productivity and the need to avoid falling into routines of consumerism and distraction.

Remember, every day is a chance to work towards becoming the best version of yourself. As Mohamad Mrad would say, “Every day shall be a landmark for a new celebration accomplished with every new breath.”

The student that changed my life

Mohamad Mrad

The “Monday Effect” is a well-known stock market anomalies that suggest certain cyclical and seasonal patterns in stock prices, potentially challenging the Random Walk Hypothesis, which posits that stock prices move unpredictably and independently of their past movements. Let’s explore this anomaly with some case studies and statistics:

The Monday Effect, was first reported by Frank Cross in 1973, suggesting that stock returns on Mondays are typically lower than other days of the week.

Case Studies and Statistics:

  • Historical Analysis: Studies in the late 20th century often found that stock returns on Mondays were indeed lower on average than on other days. For example, a study might show negative average returns for Mondays over several years, compared to slight positive average returns for other weekdays.
  • Changing Trends: More recent studies, however, have shown that this effect has diminished or disappeared. Advances in market efficiency, the proliferation of algorithmic trading, and global trading practices may have eroded the Monday Effect.
  • Explanations: Various theories have been proposed for the Monday Effect, including the settlement of trades from the previous week and negative news over the weekend affecting investor sentiment.

Implications and Current Perspectives

In the world of trading, I was merely a day trader. My life was a rollercoaster of making money one day and losing it the next. My mood swung wildly, dictated by the financial outcomes of my trades. I was not exchanging value with others, not contributing to a community or an organization. I was just on my PC, isolated and without a clear mission or vision. My focus was solely on producing my monthly income. When I fell short, panic and anxiety would creep in, affecting my personal life, my relationships with my family and friends. I sought solitude, avoiding social gatherings and becoming increasingly withdrawn. My life was devoid of purpose until I began my mentorship journey with Albert.

Albert introduced me to a new identity. I was no longer just a trader; I became a mentor. This transformation gave my life a new meaning and a higher purpose. Two years ago, I was just doing technical charting to produce income. I was plagued by depressive thoughts and low-frequency vibrations. Even ideas like suicide crossed my mind a couple of times. Today, my bank of happiness is abundant. I have never been happier in my life, and I owe a large part of this transformation to my mentorship journey with Albert.

With Albert, I learned to become patient. I learned to accept that every person has a different capacity to learn. I learned that people acquire knowledge in different ways. Some people prefer to read, some prefer to watch videos, and some prefer to listen to podcasts. This experience and new learning made me a better person in my personal life. I became a better father, a better husband, a better friend, and a better communicator. I even became better in trading. I became an investor, a wealth manager, a writer, and most importantly, I became a mentor.

Today, I see myself on a journey to affect the life of one million people. This is the legacy I am building. This became possible because my journey started with Albert the ambitious. Today, I am not just Mohamad Mrad, the day trader. I am Mohamad Mrad, the mentor, the investor, the wealth manager, the writer, and the man on a mission to make a difference.