In May I attended a few high school graduation events here in metro Atlanta. Gazing across the crowds, I've witnessed young adults with much promise, excitement, and uncertainty behind their innocent smiles. I wanted to reach out and say, "Follow your instincts! Be bold! Have fun! Take some chances!" In my mind, those opportunities include things like living in a different country for a few years, asking a boss for a raise, starting your own business, accepting an invitation to speak in front of a large audience, investing when the markets are volatile or uncertain, or so many other brave actions. I’d like to ask, “What do you have to lose?” I would like them to understand that the experiences gained through these efforts are typically priceless.

For example, consider investing when the markets are volatile. April this year ended up being just the seventh time that the S&P 500 has rallied back 10%+ to end a month after trading down 10%+ at its intra-month low. [1] In the year following all six of those occurrences, it was higher every time for an average gain of 22%.[1] The advice I share with our relationships: don't focus on the average return of 22%, focus on the trend (i.e., positive returns the following year). Yet guess what - there were still some individuals who were hesitant to invest in April, only to be ready to invest in mid-May when the markets had fully recovered.

In my profession, I meet people who find it difficult to take chances once they have achieved a personal sense of financial security and are in their perceived comfort zone. In my view, the best way to counterbalance the notion of, “I have nothing to lose,” and “I have a lot to lose,” is to continue seeking new and different opportunities to challenge yourself personally and professionally while conducting a risk/return assessment.

Driving home from a graduation party I attended, I thought about my own high school graduation and my personal journey over the past 35 years. While I don't believe anyone who knew me as a teenager would have pegged me as a risk-taker, ironically, I, and my team, demonstrated a willingness to take a calculated risk in launching Regent Peak Wealth Advisors. The rewards would have been unimaginable to me 6 years ago. Lessons learned? You bet! A few embarrassments along the way? Oh yeah! That risk has been analogous to the fastest roller coaster I've ever ridden with the highs and lows, sharp turns, unforeseen precipitous drops, and the feeling of excitement and satisfaction once it's over - it's been a wild ride.

I'll complete this latest Craig's Corner with a quote from Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta who turned 41 years old on May 14th, and knows a thing or two about taking some chances as a young professional, yet continues to push the proverbial envelope for both himself and his company: "The only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking any risks."

[1] Bespoke Report, May 2, 2025, page 8.