Category: Life Observations

Have we been taught to make the wrong Investment Decisions

Mohamad Mrad Leave a comment


Investors today are drowning in the noise of flashy assets like SPACs, crypto, and NFTs—hyped up with promises of huge returns. Let’s get real: this is all smoke and mirrors. Wealth has always been tangible. Before the late 1800s, money meant gold, land, and food—God’s money. Then, speculative nonsense started with the tulip mania and art bubbles. Now, we’ve got people’s money—fantasy investments designed to trap the next sucker. No wonder we keep seeing market crashes. It’s time to invest in what’s real and lasting.

The Real Deal: Tangible Assets vs. Speculative Hype

Wealth has always been tied to tangible assets that actually serve human needs. But today, speculative assets like crypto and NFTs, driven by hype, have taken center stage. These investments are backed by nothing but illusions. If you’re looking for real wealth, look to tangible assets—farms, land, energy plants—and, importantly, innovative tech shares that directly improve lives in healthcare, finance, and essential technology.

Why Tangible Assets and Essential Tech Matter

1. Mines:
Gold and silver aren’t just decorative—they’ve been real money for centuries. While your Bitcoin might crash, gold stays valuable because it’s actually used in essential industries like electronics and energy.

2. Farms:
Food is the most basic human need, and farms feed the world. Investing in agriculture isn’t just smart, it’s future-proof. Population growth means demand is only going up.

3. Land:
Land has been the ultimate store of value for millennia. They’re not making any more of it, and its uses—from agriculture to real estate—make it a rock-solid investment.

4. Energy Plants:
The shift to renewable energy isn’t going anywhere. Solar farms, wind turbines—these are the assets that will fuel the future while giving steady returns in the present.

5. Commodities:
Oil, gas, agricultural products—these are the backbones of the economy. They provide stability, especially during inflation, and they’re indispensable to everyday life.

6. Tech in Healthcare, Finance, and Essential Sectors:
Not all tech is hype. Companies developing critical technologies in healthcare, like biotech firms working on life-saving treatments, or fintech revolutionizing global finance, offer a more meaningful kind of investment. These aren’t speculative—they serve direct human needs. Owning shares in these firms means you’re investing in the future of medicine, financial systems, and technology that matters.

Why We’re Distracted by the Hype

The market loves to push speculative assets through sophisticated marketing that brainwashes investors. Why? Because speculative assets are easy to sell—huge promises, quick cash. But they’re a house of cards. When they fall, investors lose. Tangible assets and essential tech? They don’t just disappear when the market dips. They have real, sustainable value.

How to Access These Real Assets

Yes, it’s easier to buy crypto than farmland or shares in a biotech firm, but that’s precisely why tangible assets and meaningful tech investments are better. They take real effort, market knowledge, and often require navigating industry regulations. Partnering with specialized firms or using platforms that offer fractional ownership in these assets or tech shares is a smart way to break in without needing a huge capital outlay.

Conclusion: Get Serious About Your Money

Stop chasing speculative fantasies. Tangible assets—like mines, land, and energy plants—alongside tech investments that serve essential human needs are where the real wealth is. These investments offer stability, intrinsic value, and real-world impact.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mines: Safe store of value with industrial demand.
  • Farms: Always in demand and crucial for global food security.
  • Land: Finite, versatile, and consistently appreciating.
  • Energy Plants: The future of sustainable returns.
  • Commodities: Vital for daily life, industry, and inflation protection.
  • Tech in Healthcare, Finance, and Essential Sectors: Innovation that drives the future of healthcare and finance, and meets real needs—not speculative hype.

By focusing on these tangible and critical tech assets, you’re not just preserving wealth—you’re investing in a stable, productive future.

The Unspoken truth: Nightmare of every Investor is an Authentic Shoe Salesman

Mohamad Mrad Leave a comment

The Investment Trap: A Life Observation

As a financial planner, I’ve spent years observing the patterns of human behavior when it comes to money management and investing. One observation stands out, perfectly encapsulated by the phrase:

“Every shoe salesman thinks you need a new pair of shoes”

True financial success doesn't come from chasing trends. It comes from a disciplined approach to financial planning and objective tracking over time

Imagine walking into a shoe store. The salesman, with a bright smile, assures you that your life will be incomplete without the latest pair of shoes. He points out the flaws in your current pair and emphasizes the superiority of the new ones. The logic is simple: his job is to sell shoes, and he’s an expert at making you feel the need for a new pair.

This scenario is remarkably similar to the world of investing: Every day, we are bombarded with advice from various “financial salesmen” – the media, self-proclaimed gurus, and even well-meaning friends. They tell us we need the latest hot stock, the newest investment trend, or the next big thing in cryptocurrency. They paint a picture of incredible returns and financial freedom, just like the shoe salesman promises comfort and style.

And here’s the pitfall: acting on every new piece of advice without a clear strategy is like constantly buying new shoes without ever wearing them out. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the next big thing will solve all our financial woes.

“True financial success doesn’t come from chasing trends. It comes from a disciplined approach to financial planning and objective tracking over time”

Take Warren Buffett, for example. His strategy isn’t about finding the next flashy investment. It’s about patience, consistency, and the profound power of sticking to the strategy. Over decades, this approach has built immense wealth and earned unparalleled trust. In contrast, even the most impressive short-term gains can’t compare to the reliability and growth achieved through long-term compounding.

So, how can we avoid the pitfalls of following every new financial trend? Here are a few tips:

  1. Develop a Long-Term Strategy: Focus on your financial goals and create a plan that aligns with them. Stick to it, even when tempted by new trends.
  2. Understand Before You Invest: Make sure you understand any investment fully before committing your money. Knowledge is your best defense against making impulsive decisions.
  3. Diversify Wisely: Diversification helps manage risk. However, it should be done thoughtfully, not just by jumping on every new opportunity.
  4. Embrace Patience: The most successful investors understand that wealth is built over time. Patience is key to allowing your investments to grow through compounding.

Remember, the next time someone tells you about a must-have investment, think of the shoe salesman. Evaluate whether you genuinely need it or if it’s just another distraction from your long-term financial journey.

The Courage to be ” Disliked & Happy” Journey of two books

Mohamad Mrad Leave a comment

With Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga through their enlightening works

Our Community actively learning new insights and finding ways to apply them

Inspired by our Friday session at the Exchange Book Club, we enjoyed the young man’s dialogue with the wise philosopher. This dialogue challenged the common “Blame Culture”, “Weak Psychology”, and superficial “Life Coaching” practices, presenting instead a powerful theory based on “Adlerian Psychology”. In their books The Courage to Be Disliked and The Courage to Be Happy. captivated our group, and sparked reflective discussions. These books challenge the mainstream psychological and coaching approaches that often focus on past traumas. Instead, they offer a future-oriented perspective, emphasizing personal responsibility and self-acceptance.

Our Journey Began with The Courage to Be Disliked. Through the conversational style of the book, we joined the young man in his quest for understanding happiness and fulfillment. The wise philosopher introduced us to the revolutionary ideas of Adlerian psychology, particularly the notion of “teleology” – the focus on future goals rather than past causes “etiology”- main stream.

Key Lessons from The Courage to Be Disliked:

  1. On Expectations: Separate the Tasks: The philosopher taught us to distinguish what is within our control and what is not, this liberate us from the burden of others’ expectations.
  2. The Reason Why: Teleology vs. Etiology: most of the society along with the young man struggle with this concept. Our own social tendencies is to blame the past. The philosopher, however, emphasized that focusing on future aspirations empowers us to shape our destinies.
  3. Peace: Self-Acceptance: We learned that embracing our imperfections leads to peace and authenticity. Ie: Stop comparing to others
  4. Contribute for happiness: Personal Responsibility: Taking charge of our happiness is crucial for growth and freedom, this can happen by providing value to our communities.

It really take courage to Be Happy because our comfort zone today makes us vulnerable to depression. the dialogue between the young man and the philosopher deepened. The sequel continued to challenge our conventional beliefs, emphasizing that true happiness comes from meaningful contributions and living a life of purpose. So break the boundaries.

Key Lessons from The Courage to Be Happy:

  1. Contribution vs. Validation: The philosopher highlighted that happiness is found not in seeking external validation but in helping others and engaging in community activities.
  2. Self-Acceptance vs. Self-Doubt: The young man’s journey towards self-acceptance resonated with us, underscoring the importance of embracing our true selves.
  3. Personal Responsibility vs. Victim Mentality: The dialogue revealed that owning our happiness empowers us to enact positive changes in our lives.
  4. Courage to Change: The young man’s fears of societal disapproval echoed our own, yet the philosopher encouraged us to align our actions with our values and goals for true fulfillment.

Real-Life Applications: The insights from these books offer practical guidance for our everyday lives. Here are some ways we discussed implementing these principles:

Here are some ideas for after office hours:

Contribution IdeaDescription
VolunteeringJoin local non-profits or community organizations to help with their initiatives. Examples include food banks, shelters, and youth programs.
MentorshipOffer to mentor young professionals or students in your field, providing guidance and support.
Community Clean-UpsParticipate in local clean-up events to improve the environment and promote community pride.
Skill WorkshopsConduct workshops to teach valuable skills like coding, cooking, or financial literacy to community members.
Charity FundraisingOrganize or participate in fundraising events for causes you care about.
Support GroupsFacilitate or join support groups that focus on mental health, addiction recovery, or chronic illness.
Cultural ActivitiesVolunteer at local museums, theaters, or cultural festivals to promote arts and culture.
Neighborhood WatchJoin or start a neighborhood watch program to enhance local safety and security.
Youth CoachingCoach a local sports team or lead activities for youth organizations like Scouts or 4-H.

Enhancing the work culture:

Contribution IdeaDescription
Team BuildingOrganize team-building activities that promote collaboration and positive work culture.
Employee WellnessAdvocate for and help implement employee wellness programs, including mental health days and fitness challenges.
Green InitiativesLead or participate in workplace sustainability projects like recycling programs or energy-saving initiatives.
Professional DevelopmentOffer to conduct training sessions or share knowledge with colleagues to enhance their skills.
Corporate Social ResponsibilityInitiate or join CSR projects that allow your company to give back to the community, such as charity drives or volunteer days.
Diversity and InclusionAdvocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a more equitable workplace.
Peer SupportStart or join peer support groups that address work-related stress, career development, or work-life balance.
Innovation ProjectsLead or participate in innovative projects that can improve company processes or products.
Internal MentorshipMentor junior employees to help them navigate their career paths within the company.

Conclusion: Our discussions of The Courage to Be Disliked and The Courage to Be Happy have profoundly impacted our perspectives on happiness and self-fulfillment. These books challenge us to break free from the shackles of past traumas and societal expectations, encouraging us to live authentically and contribute meaningfully to society. By embracing self-acceptance and personal responsibility, we can truly find the courage to be both disliked and happy. These insights have enriched our book club meetings and have also inspired us to implement positive changes in our own lives.

Mohamad Mrad

A Game Changer

Mohamad Mrad Leave a comment

Moving around the world today, that is living in the age of information, everybody recommend the need to keep learning something new everyday. Well this idea doesn’t come from absolute coincidence, take a moment and observe pioneers in any field of choice or distance to you, from Elon musk, Warren buffet, Jeff Bezos as some global pioneers to some other pioneers that you know within your own circles of friends or businesses or industries. Those pioneers have been beating the game by knowing a little bit more information then others in their domain of expertise and field of service.

Obtaining that edge is a constant process of being informed, this is a key factor to successful dominance over the field of choice. Trying to stay informed comes in many shapes and forms, the most common and commercialized form is when you hear everywhere try to learn something new everyday. This is a great! I wanted that power of learning something new everyday. Yet I wasn’t always systematic or on target with this quest not everyday. I learned to meet people and try to see what I learn from them, or go through experiences and try to see what I learn from them on a daily basis some knowledge that may help me improve my business, some knowledge that may help gain edge over crowded competition. I admit this process is challenging, it doesn’t guarantee a win of new information everyday and it doesn’t make me consistent with my pursuit of winning the right type of information everyday.Now the quest became what can I change to insure that I learn something new everyday, as I don’t want to keep it for the luck!!! We don’t always meet the right people or have the right experiences, and most of the time when the routines of the day and its noise get going this pursuit of learning something new drops in priority and might be forgotten.

After trial and error, I have indulged myself with a new habit that helps me conquer this quest even before the day starts, and tick that box of my list along with some other very important chores that are necessary yet we drop them in the noise of the day like training, meditating or balancing thoughts. I discovered that having two hours a head start in the morning while the rest of the world is sleeping help me accomplish those tasks. It definitely guarantee that i learn something new everyday from the list of books that I must read to excel in the field of my service.

A quick 15 minutes reading taking notes of the new ideas learned from the author experience, is helping me enhance my business by converting these notes into actionable points of business. it help save or accelerate the business vision at least by a period of 1 year. Imagine the costs saved, the gains made by accelerating 1 year into your own business. The only difference is insuring I’m reading the right books, in the morning, taking the notes into actionable business ideas everyday. a game changer habit that guarantee the quality information and accomplishing four very important tasks in the day before normal people day start.If you are in pursuit of new knowledge please share what is your favorite habit?

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.