From Big Wheels to Ford Escapes: A Father’s Car Payment Hack That Pays for Life

Dear Mr. Market:

Isabel and her "new" and full paid Ford Escape!

I usually write to you…this fictitious embodiment of economic mood swings and investor psychology, to share thoughts on the markets, interest rates, fiscal policy, or whatever headlines are currently flashing red or green.

But today’s note is personal.

It’s about a different kind of return… not just from stocks or bonds, but from a mindset shift that I believe can serve people for a lifetime. One that came full circle this past weekend when my daughter, Isabel, got engaged and drove off in her first “new” car (a gently used 2024 Ford Escape). As a newly minted TCU graduate about to begin work as a NICU nurse in Fort Worth, Texas, she’s stepping into adulthood with independence, purpose… and a financial hack I hope will serve her for decades to come.

Read more: From Big Wheels to Ford Escapes: A Father’s Car Payment Hack That Pays for Life Continue reading

The Best Worst Days Ever

Dear Mr. Market:IMG_1253

Behind the curtain of this investment blog and our series of letters to a fictional market character (Mr. Market)…there are actual human beings. We’re certainly not hiding behind a fluffy topic, but on days like today we want to share how life can parallel with things like the stock market; it can also really put things in perspective as we look back at where we were at certain points in life. Additionally, it sometimes helps people know that unlike many other articles and financial advisors you’ll find on the internet, My Portfolio Guide doesn’t cut and paste regurgitated garbage or use a ghost writer to relay our message.

Today is March 13th…Friday the 13th! Today it’s also me, Matthew Pixa, who is writing to you and letting you know that it’s the day my daughter Isabel turns 18. Perhaps we’ll do more of these personal articles but it won’t hurt our feelings if you don’t want to read about my baby girl’s birthday when the stock market is down -25%. You be the judge, but please read on and see where I’m going with this. Continue reading