Stilettos or Savings

Some days, I wake up feeling like I’m nailing this whole “adulting” thing. The mortgage is almost paid off, my investments are on track, and my net worth is comfortably sitting in seven figures—hello, financial freedom.

But other days? I stare at my portfolio like it’s a cryptic text from an ex-lover. Am I making the right choices? Is this all really going to pay off? Or is this just one long con, and I’m the mark?

Lately, the world has felt like it’s caught in a never-ending economic roller coaster. One minute, the stock market is soaring, promising financial bliss. The next, it’s dropping like it’s trying to take us all with it. And honestly? It’s enough to make me question if I should be stashing away gold bars in a bunker—though that’s more of a vibe than a practical investment strategy, right? Though this is investment advice I have overheard at my workplace.

Is My Job Safe?

I mean, yes, I’ve built my career on smart decisions and calculated risks, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that job security is becoming about as reliable as the weather app. Some days I feel like I’m playing a game of corporate Jenga, and the next shake could send it all tumbling down. But then I remember: I’m not just a product of my job. I’ve diversified. My investments are as solid as my financial planning.

But still… the economy? Well, let’s just say I’d trust a self-driving car to get me across the country before I trust the government to fix anything. And Congress? Watching them try to solve the national budget is like watching a toddler trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube—confusing, a little terrifying, and with no clear resolution in sight. Does it count if they cheat and peel off the colored stickers to make it appear solved?

Inflation, Meet My Grocery Bill.

Speaking of terrifying—hello, inflation. It’s like the party guest who shows up uninvited and stays too long. My gas bill is up, my grocery bills are up and hello electricity!

Is it time to start raising chickens? At least then I’d have an endless supply of eggs—and who knows, maybe a second income stream to boot. The whole “Farm to Table” lifestyle is starting to feel less like a trend and more like a practical survival strategy.

Investing: The Smart Person’s Stress.

They say investing is about patience. That’s great in theory, but when I see my portfolio dip, I’m like, “Are we playing a long game or is this just an infinite waiting game that I didn’t sign up for?” The truth is, my financial plan is built on wisdom, risk management, and diversification. It’s not just about waiting for things to turn around—it’s about being prepared for whatever comes next.

Still, if you told me that a side hustle involving Instagram and goldfish crackers could make me a millionaire, I’d start researching it immediately.

So… What’s the Plan?

Between navigating this economic rollercoaster and dealing with all the external forces trying to pull the rug out from under us, I’ve decided that, like my investments, my life needs to be a well-diversified portfolio. It’s not just about money—although I’m doing just fine there—but about the little things that make life worth living: time with loved ones, quiet mornings with my coffee, and moments of peace in between the chaos.

And yes, I still believe in balance. Financial security doesn’t mean you don’t laugh at the absurdity of it all.

So, until this whole thing calms down, I’m adopting a new mindset:

✔️ Invest in what matters—not just my portfolio, but my time, my health, and my peace of mind.
✔️ Laugh at the absurdity of the world—because, really, what’s more ridiculous than us all pretending to have it together?
✔️ Take things one day at a time. Yes, I have a plan. But plans change—and I’m flexible.

The Cats Have It Figured Out.

Speaking of flexibility, let’s take a moment to check in with the true rulers of my household: the cats. These little creatures live a life of luxury, doing exactly what they want when they want. Nap. Eat. Watch Birdies. Climb Trees. Repeat. And they’re completely unbothered by the financial state of the world.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my cats, it’s this: I can’t control everything. But I can control how I react, how I approach life, and how I spend my time. And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to adopt a little more of their mindset.

So, what’s your plan? Are you doubling down on smart investments, eyeing the latest entrepreneurial hustle, or just embracing the chaos with a glass of wine in hand? Whatever it is, let’s keep the conversation going. After all, if there’s one thing this financial rollercoaster has taught me, it’s this:

We might not have control over the big picture, but we can damn well enjoy the ride.