Mike’s Moments - December 2024 Edition

Invest in yourself, trust your instincts, and act today.

?? New Edition of Mike's Moments is Here! ??

What an incredible year it’s been and I’m beyond grateful to everyone who’s stuck with Mike’s Moments; you’re the real MVPs. As 2024 wraps up, one powerful takeaway for me is this: "Life is for Living" Make the most of every moment with your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your networks. But also…..

Balance is Key

I must also mention that having balance is important, so think about your future also. What goals do you need to put in place? How do you plan to manage your finances in the future? What party are you heading to for new year’s eve ??, all important questions that need to be considered. But seriously, Planning for the Future and Living for Today is what this is all about! We work hard to have it and work even harder to spend it away, but are you getting the time to fulfil the life you want? Will you look back and say, if only I…………[Insert your mishap here] ??.?

Take some time out this Christmas and New Years break and really sit down with yourself and your loved ones, your friends, your family, maybe that mentor or financial advisor (send me a message and I’ll respond in between sips of mulled wine ??), and think about what you want your 2025 to look like. If you want to look further than that, let me know and we can speak in the new year.?

Here’s to making 2025 unforgettable and the best year yet.?

Top 3 Highlights of 2024

1. Kyron’s Spotlight Performance at Newham Music One of my proudest moments this year was watching my son, Kyron, perform at the Spotlight Recital organised by Newham Music in November. Seeing him take centre stage and showcase his talent reminded me of the importance of nurturing passions and celebrating achievements—big or small. It was a powerful moment of joy and pride for our family, and a reminder that investing in your children’s growth is one of the most fulfilling ways to build a legacy.

Key Takeaways: Invest in your future to build a legacy.

2. Meeting Nas When I have grandkids, I’ll them about ‘The day Nas met Mike’ ??. Meeting the legendary rapper and entrepreneur Nas was an unforgettable moment. His story of perseverance and self-belief reminded me of the power of authenticity and inspired me to continue sharing my own journey unapologetically.?

Nas wrote a song called "Nas is like” from the I Am...The Autobiography’ album in 1999, and some of the lyrics for me still resonate today:

“But what's it all worth, can't take it with you under this Earth Rich men died and tried, but none of it worked They just rob your grave, I'd rather be alive and paid Before my number's called, history's made” – Nas is Like

Key Takeaways: Plan for the future, but also live for today.?

3. Gareth Southgate Charity Event Although short lived, a quick moment with Gareth Southgate earlier this year reinforced the importance of leadership and taking calculated risks. I told my sons, when I meet him, I’ll video call to say hi, and it happened!!! I had no idea how it was going to happen, but I knew what I’d do when it did and now my children got to see a goal achieved in real time.?

Key Takeaways: Whether in football or financial planning, having a clear vision and goal in place are key to success.

Invest in Yourself: Why You Should Start Today

The best investment you can make is in yourself. Whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a business, or improving your financial literacy, every step you take today creates a stronger foundation for tomorrow. Here are three ways to start:

1. Trust Your Instincts: Success often comes when you trust your gut. Stop waiting for the perfect moment and start taking small, consistent steps toward your goals.
2. Learn Continuously: Whether it’s through books, courses, mentors, or professionals, commit to lifelong learning. Growth isn’t automatic—it’s intentional.
3. Act Now: The best time to act is now. Waiting for tomorrow often leads to missed opportunities. If you’ve been holding off on a financial decision, setting a meeting to review your finances or personal goal, start today.

Future Trends: The Metaverse and VR Innovations

I thought I would note down some of the areas I am interested in the tech space that would be interesting to see what unfolds in the new year and beyond.?

1. Google’s AI-Powered Smart Glasses Google’s latest smart glasses integrate AI and a heads-up display (HUD) to enhance user interaction in both virtual and physical spaces. Collaborating with Samsung, Google is also advancing mixed-reality headsets to redefine productivity and connectivity.
2. The Metaverse in Business Metaverse: In 2025, expect hyper realistic environments, interoperable economies, and enhanced social VR platforms. The metaverse will integrate AI for personalised experiences and expand into various sectors, reshaping social interactions and business operations.

Ray-Ban VR Glasses: The Meta Ray-Ban Stories will gain traction as a wearable AR device, blending social features with augmented reality. Their investment potential hinges on the growing AR market and user engagement.

NFTs and Virtual Economies: Tokenized assets and NFTs are reshaping commerce within the metaverse, creating new opportunities for investment and innovation.

3. Cryptocurrency Regulatory Landscape?

Governments worldwide are developing nuanced approaches to cryptocurrency regulation, signalling a move towards mainstream acceptance and structured oversight.

4. AI Technology

Future advancements will focus on integrating AI into virtual experiences, enhancing personalisation and interactivity in both gaming and professional settings.

5. Gaming Evolution Blockchain gaming platforms are transforming entertainment by blending immersive storytelling with decentralised finance.

Final Thoughts: Trust Yourself, Act Today

As we step into 2025, don’t just dream big—live big. Taking bold steps can lead to life-changing opportunities, whether it’s pursuing a career goal, making a smart investment, or embracing a new adventure. This year reminded me of the power of trusting my instincts and taking action. Growth comes from investing in yourself and making intentional choices.

Working with a financial coach, accountant, or adviser can provide clarity and guidance for building a strong foundation. Having more than one, can set you on a good path to success. Plan wisely, but don’t forget to live for today. If you want to discuss how best to do that, let me know!

Wishing you joy and success in 2025!

Until next time,

Mike

Your Financial Tech Planner

Same Mike time, same Mike channel.