Lexington Times (December 2024)

2024 in Review

As we wind down to a time that will, for many, be filled with family, special celebrations, and rest, let us reflect on a few lessons we’ve taken from 2024.

Key Updates from the Autumn Budget

We wanted to share some important updates from the Autumn Budget 2024 that may impact your financial planning.

The Stock Markets

(Updated December 2024)

The key benchmark you should care about is achieving all of your financial and life goals and not running out of money.

The Unimportant Numbers – 1 Month

Monthly figures are a distraction from your long-term goals, we’ll help you avoid the noise.

The Important Numbers – 30 Years

Investing in the Great Companies of the World has produced life-changing returns for the disciplined and patient investor.

Inflation – The Real Enemy (Updated December 2024)

The number one enemy of the long-term investor is the financial dragon called inflation (the silent but steady increase of prices over time).

The only sane definition of money is purchasing power, and over the last 30 years, inflation in the UK has almost halved the value of your money.

But an investment in the global share market has consistently provided protection from this enemy.

RATIONAL OPTIMISM

The media is not a friend of the disciplined and patient investor. Whether it’s on TV, Print or Online, the media prefers to focus on short-term returns, market predictions, and negative news. Which is not suitable for a long-term investor.

Below are the stories, podcasts, and images which we wanted to share with you this month, which are uplifting, interesting and informative.

These links below will take you to articles on other websites.

Interesting News

We present the following as an antidote to the onslaught of negative news.

  • ​The Many Reasons to Feel Thankful in 2024​
    Amid the continued effects of pandemic-era inflation, the ravages of natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene, intensifying culture wars, not to mention ongoing actual wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, some may find it hard to feel thankful even during a holiday devoted to thankfulness. Yet there remain many real reasons for gratitude—regardless of whether your preferred candidate won or lost.
  • ​Scientists Discover World’s Largest Coral in the Solomon Islands​
    Scientists discovered the largest known coral in the world on a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition to study ocean health in the Solomon Islands. 
  • ​How mines control driverless trucks
    Giant trucks the size of townhouses, capable of hauling 300 tonnes, criss-cross red-earth roads in various sections of this open-pit mine complex.

Further Reading

Here are some articles you may find interesting this month.

Listen & Watch

  • ​​The Collective Delusion (ITunes)​
    Explores the powerful beliefs society attaches to money, and how these narratives can mislead us.
  • Real Life Financial Success Stories (YouTube)
    Warren Shute & Paul Cleworth highlight inspiring financial success stories from their clients. From conquering complex tax problems to building a secure retirement plan, they break down the strategies that helped turn financial chaos into clear, achievable wins.

A Picture is worth 1000 Words