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December update: news, opinion and comment for your financial wellbeing
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And now for the good news
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We don't think anyone will argue with us when we say it's been a tough year.
But as we approach the season of goodwill and (hopefully) a well-earned festive break, let's hear if for some of some of the good news of the last few months.
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1. Good things come in threes
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2. Electric cars are driving the market
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3. The FTSE100 had its best month for 31 years
Yes, we know it's long-term returns that matter for evidence-based investors, but even the most passive amongst us found something to cheer about on the back of the vaccine news.
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4. Captain Tom is launching his own brand of gin
Everyone's favourite centenarian is raising even more money for the philanthropic foundation established after his record-breaking garden walk earlier this year. This time, he's doing it with gin.
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5. Three million galaxies are finally on the map
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Stick with it
Sticking to your principles, even when it seems inconvenient and counter-intuitive, is something evidence-based investors may have found especially tricky in 2020. The urge to do something in the face of short-term challenges is hard to resist, so we liked this short piece by Seth Godin on the value of consistency and staying the course when bailing out would be easier.
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Last minute Christmas gift guide
Don't worry, we're not going to list a load of scarves, gloves and jewellery your family don't want and don't need. The people who really need your support this Christmas are local independent retailers who have borne the brunt of Covid restrictions and lockdowns.
So if you still have a few last minute presents to buy, could we suggest your local High Street rather than Amazon this Christmas? In 2020 the internet has made it easier, with websites like Bookshop and Shop Here Not There combining the convenience of online shopping with support for small businesses and retailers.
A good book is a great present, and one that's definitely caught our eye recently is 'The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed and happiness', which sounds like something Dickens may have written but focuses on the way people think about money in the real world. It's fascinating and available on Bookshop if you can't find it 'in the flesh' in your local shop.
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Links we like that you may like too
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That's it for 2020!
We'd like to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Oak Four will be closing for the Christmas break on Friday 18th December and reopening on Monday 4th January
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