Hi, I’m a financial advisor working locally in both Maine and Montana—two places where the wild still runs free. My wife and I spend as much time as we can exploring Acadia, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, soaking in the beauty and awe of nature.
But we don’t take that wilderness lightly. Just like you wouldn’t step into a bear’s territory without knowing the rules, you shouldn’t walk into the markets without a clear strategy.
Why Wildlife Safety Matters—In the Wild and in Finance
When we’re out in Yellowstone or Glacier, we follow the safety rules to the letter:
- Keep your distance—especially from bears, moose, and bison.
- Never feed wildlife.
- Store food and trash securely.
- Stay alert, stay aware, and know your surroundings.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Don’t try to “get the shot” if it puts you—or the animal—in danger.
- DO NOT panic and run from a charging bear.
These rules aren’t suggestions. They’re what keep us safe in unpredictable territory.
Turns out, those same principles apply to personal investing and managing client portfolios:
- Keep your emotional distance from risky assets.
- Don’t feed hype or chase trends.
- Secure your long-term goals.
- Stay alert to market shifts.
- Have a plan for volatility.
- Don’t take reckless shots with your savings.
- DO NOT panic during a bear market. It can seriously damage your long-term plans.
Whether we’re deep in the backcountry or watching market conditions shift, the key is respect, preparation, and discipline.
The Big Picture
Nature doesn’t care if you’re careless—and neither do the markets. Over the years, I’ve found that the same mindset that keeps you safe around wildlife is the one that protects your financial future.
