Contributed by: Sandra Adams, CFP®
As we approach Super Bowl Sunday, considered the greatest American sports day, the farthest thing from our minds might be our investments. And given the volatility of markets thus far in 2016, that might be a welcome break! However, the quarterbacks in Super Bowl 50 provide us the opportunity to observe two very different personalities in sports that we can relate to our investment personalities. Which quarterback are you more like?
Peyton Investors:
Value consistency of performance over the long term. Peyton Manning has been a quarterback in the NFL since 1998 and will be playing in his 4th Super Bowl on Sunday at the age of 39 and 320 days (the oldest quarterback to play in the Super Bowl). He is a five-time league MVP and is one of the NFL’s ELITE quarterbacks. He is the epitome of performing at a high level over the long term.
Desire to use experience and wisdom built over time to make low risk decisions, even in times of high stress. Peyton has experience in the playoffs – while it is his 4th trip to the Super Bowl – he has done so under 4 different coaches. He has worked with different players, different coaches and in different situations over a lot of years, giving him the ability to handle himself and his team in almost any situation.
Aim for balance and an even keel. Just like when investment markets are stressful, the Big Game can get stressful, but Peyton seems to always have a cool head and not overreact based on emotion.
Cam Investor:
Get a rush from a new and exciting investment opportunity. Cam Newton was drafted into the NFL in 2011 by the Carolina Panthers, so is still very new to the league. His youth, size and athleticism make him a clear standout amongst current NFL quarterbacks. In addition, he has a clear affinity for excitement and taking risks – dazzling the crowd with exciting plays and athletic feats not seen before.
Desire change on a more often basis. Cam changes up his play selection on a more often basis; surprising the defense is his goal. For an investor, this translates into someone who change his portfolio to the newest investment idea on a regular basis.
Wish to celebrate successes. Of course I had to go there…we’ve all seen Cam celebrate…it’s his thing. Whether it’s the chest pumping or the “Dabbin” – Cam likes to celebrate his successes. The only problem with too much gusto – what happens when the success ends?
So, as we approach Super Bowl Sunday and you sit down to enjoy the big game, keep an eye on Peyton and Cam and see if you can identify with either of them – as a quarterback or as an investor. And no matter which team wins, know that we at The Center were watching and cheering along with you. And don’t think of us as the Cam or the Peyton – we’re the coach with the eye on the ball and the experience to help you call the plays.
Sandra Adams, CFP® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Sandy specializes in Elder Care Financial Planning and is a frequent speaker on related topics. In addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she is regularly quoted in national media publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Research Magazine and Journal of Financial Planning.
This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Sandy Adams and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and investors may incur a profit or a loss regardless of strategy selected. Holding investments for the long term does not insure a profitable outcome.