from such great heights

They won’t see us waving from such great heights,
“Come down now,” they’ll say
But everything looks perfect from far away,
“Come down now,” but we’ll stay…

– Such Great Heights, The Postal Service

Is this the top?

How about now, is this it?

The S&P 500 is now printing 1725, a new all-time record high. The Russell and Mid Cap 600 beat it there and the Dow is right behind it, perhaps.

The timers and tactical guys will now point to inflation-adjusted measures to convince you that it’s not a record high but it is. The newsletter guys will rail about the Fed as they have been for five years now and the TV people will obsess over whether or not you should be “playing it” with retailers or banks or tech stocks.

Take a moment, from this peak – or way-station toward some higher, future peak – to reflect on who’s been wasting your time and distracting you from your retirement goals. Who’s been filling your head with nonsense. The average 401(k) balance has doubled since the market lows of 2009, has yours?

Growing as an investor is never about how much you can add to your routine, it’s always about discovering what you can leave behind.

Think these thoughts and adjust your consumption habits accordingly.