Why Traditional Investing Is Programming You For Misery. (What to Do Instead)

Are you being programmed to invest in a way that lines the pockets of the ultra-wealthy, to prioritize "low-cost strategies" upfront while setting yourself up for misery down the line?

For decades, the elite Buffett/Munger/Bogle have preached the virtues of long-term, growth-focused, DIY investing. You've read the books, been told what to do and copy-pasted like a good student.

Buy and hold. Keep costs low. Stay the course.

If you're a GCC salaried expat, you've likely been told:

• You're a long-term investor with a 30-year horizon.
• Thinking in 5- to 10-year timeframes is too risky.
• You should self-manage, do your "due diligence" or "buy everything".

Just prioritize these principles and wait 30 years to reduce risk.

This advice might sound reasonable. Except it's suffocating you and making you miserable.

As if you have no plans for your life for the next 30 years other than to watch paint dry.

What if "low cost ETFs" set you up the highest cost of all?

Your life. Your energy. Your time. Your happiness. Your dreams.

What seems "reasonable" will set you up for a life of financial restriction for most GCC expats who are salaried professionals, especially if you:

• Plan to start your own business in a few years and want to be financially secure before taking that leap.
• Want the flexibility to travel, learn new skills, or switch careers without sacrificing your family's options.
• Prefer to enjoy life’s luxuries without playing some credit card points game for years or constantly worrying about your budget.

What looks good on paper won't make you happy.

If it doesn't make you happy and give you financial freedom?

I say - don't do it. Life isn't worth suffering extra for no reason.

If you only want to walk the path of both happiness and freedom?

That's when you know my work is for you.

Here's why traditional advice is dangerous for those who want to achieve an extraordinary financial life i.e. financial freedom while they're young (30s/40s).

1. Sequence of Returns Risk—The Hidden Danger in "Holding Forever"

Let's say there three early retirees with an initial $1 million in a corpus, all earning an average annual 5% rate of return, and withdrawing 4% annually (adjusted for inflation).

• Retiree A earns a steady 5% annually.
• Retiree B starts with great returns but faces a downturn later.
• Retiree C starts with poor returns but finishes strong.

As the chart shows, Retiree B clearly comes out ahead, with an income stream that lasts for 30 years and an ending balance that’s far higher than that of the other two. In contrast, 30 years later, Retiree A has significantly less wealth than Retiree B. And Retiree C has run out of money.

This "exit period" of 1-3 years after achieving financial freedom or early retirement can be devastatingly stressful "even if you have enough years of your life for the market to recover". It's an absolutely miserable experience to watch your capital be drained while you're not earning an income and living off returns.

Blindly following buy-and-hold means you have zero control over when downturns hit, facing tremendous risk in your initial years of early retirement / financial freedom or "market exit" i.e. when you start withdrawing.

Your financial freedom could evaporate before you even enjoy it eg if you're starting a business or learning new skills in this time period.

Why would anyone what their "best case scenario" after 20 years of investing to not eliminate the likelihood of this misery destroying their options, forcing them to re-enter the rat race?

2. The Fear of Spending—Why Traditional Investors Stay Miserable

A study by Blanchett & Finke (2021) found that retirees consistently underspend, along with experience higher stress levels, when their capital is fully exposed to the market both due to behavioral and rational factors. In contrast, those with guaranteed income live happier and longer lives.

This is why after decades in the workforce a portfolio of only "low cost stocks, bonds, ETFs" sounds restrictive and miserable to me.

Why?

• Volatility makes people afraid to spend.
• The risk of running out of money will keep you trapped in a scarcity mindset.
• The possibility of medical costs and inflation add unpredictable pressure as you age.

Traditional investing strategies often leave people terrified of touching their wealth.

Save diligently but never fully enjoy your life?

I refuse. My clients:

• Have money
• Spend and enjoy money
• Be happy, free and live your life

3. Traditional Investing Doesn't Fit Anything But A Linear Life

Most financial plans assume you’ll work for 30+ years and consistently invest along the way. Are you a robot and not allowed to have any feelings or dreams beyond your net worth?

• You might want to take a sabbatical.
• You might want to start a business in a few years.
• You might want to travel, switch careers or move countries.

If your strategy doesn’t fit your needs, you won’t stick to it to it long enough for any results.

The Appeal Of Growth-Focused Strategies

The "buy everything and hold it forever" strategy thrives on the uncapped potential for growth. Participating in growth markets is essential, not only to beat cash in the bank and inflation but also to expose your capital to the possibility of explosive gains.

However, as you accumulate more money, you're likely to be even more caught off guard in the next market cycle with greater capital at stake.

Beyond the market, time itself introduces the possibility of selling at a loss due to:

• AI disrupting your career or changing your career preferences
• Increased competition in the GCC job market due to talent influx
• A shift in personal priorities, valuing happiness and fulfillment over net worth

When You Work With Me, You Have The Option To Access Consistent Income Even in Bull Markets

Traditional investment strategies often struggle during strong bull markets, as seen in 2013 and 2017. These periods of rising stock prices, low volatility and suffering bond performance led to significant downs for many investors.

In contrast, my short-term investing strategies incorporate at least three layers of downside protection, even more for my clients who are already living off the consistent cash flow.

This ensures my clients enjoy their financial freedom without stress, regardless of market conditions, a life without worrying about bills or portfolio performance.

Short-Term Investing That Knocks Out Your Freedom Before 2030

99% of GCC salaried expats in 2025:

• Won’t actually work continuously for the next 30 years.
• Won’t consistently invest at the same rate with a growing family.
• Don’t want the same career for three decades from now.

Instead of locking yourself into a 30-year plan, what if you could:

• Earn 13–20% annual net returns in USD of cash in a globally portable portfolio
• Enjoy protection against downturns with at least 3 layers of capital protection
• Achieve financial freedom before 2030 without zero hassle so you can enjoy your life

Source: JP Morgan