'Twas the Friday Before Christmas

Commentary December 16, 2022 at 01:11 PM
Share & Print

'Twas the Friday before Christmas, I stared at my screen,

Markets shut at 1, only closing prices seen.

Why am I still here? I thought to myself,

It's time to make merry, like a jolly old elf!

I'm here because clients wait till the last second,

To get year-end stuff done, they need me, I reckon.

There's a knock on the door and who should appear,

A thoroughly soaked client, I'm out of the rain, dear.

I hung up her coat and gave her a seat,

Poured her a coffee and turned up the heat.

So what brings you out in weather like this?

The shops are all closed, it's almost Christmas.

The market, she said with a sad little smile,

I sat down in my chair; we might be here awhile.

So what's on your mind, oh client of mine?

You should be at home where it's warm, sipping wine.

I'll pour drinks if you like, I brought wine in my bag,

The market's upset me, but I don't want to nag.

The Nasdaq, the Dow are down on the year,

But in the long term, there's little to fear.

The dollar's been strong, for most of the year,

Foreigners like our markets, their money comes here.

But what about inflation, my bills I must pay?

Prices are rising a bit every day.

The Fed has raised rates, they are at four point five,

Stocks have held steady, not taken a dive.

The plan of the Fed is to slowly raise rates,

When the economy cools, prices will abate.

Interest rates, they are rising, that's bad for debt.

Credit card rates have risen, up payments have crept.

You needn't be worried, you're wildly rich.

If you were a bond, you'd rate trip-A from Fitch,

Ne'er have you owed but a dime in your life,

We manage your money, we keep you from strife.

But what about bitcoin, about FTX I have heard,

I'm told crypto is great, so says a little bird.

Prudent investors assume a risk that is slight,

Things you don't understand, backsides they will bite.

We can try a little, if you want just a taste,

But don't bet the farm, there's no money to waste.

One more worry, of which I would like to be rid,

It's been three long years, are we done with COVID?

You want an answer to quell all your fear,

The virus is still with us, but good news is near,

Medicine has advanced at a very fast pace,

We make new vaccines, we are winning the race.

You have calmed me down, my fears I can lose,

Now it's my turn, to share some very good news,

The Powerball winner, wonder who it might be?

I'm now pleased to tell you, that person is me.

Being $2 billion richer was quite a surprise,

My husband and I, we doubted our eyes.

If we handle it ourselves, we might be a wreck.

We want you to invest it, so here is the check.

She put on her coat and then slipped out of sight,

I'll have a great Christmas, so I'll call it a night.


Bryce Sanders is president of Perceptive Business Solutions Inc. He provides HNW client acquisition training for the financial services industry. His book, "Captivating the Wealthy Investor" is available on Amazon.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Related Stories

Resource Center