Friday Finance 9/30/2022: Winter is coming...

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It is time again for another Finance Friday/Friday Finance. This is a series I started where I talk about random bits of financial stuff that I have seen, gathered, or experienced during the week. I hope as a reader you find it informational, entertaining, or both. I also hope it can generate some good discussion and edify the Leo community.

More like Winter is here... Besides the fact that he markets are mired in this awful bear phase that has been beating us down for the past couple of months, the actual temperatures have dropped too. @mrsbozz and I actually had to turn our heat on last night.

Okay, maybe we didn't have to, but as we get older, we are used to a certain level of comfort. While 65 degrees might be okay for some of you, it was a bit too cold to feel at home in our house!

Capital Group

This is the time of year when I excitedly run to the web page for some of the major mutual funds that I invest in and look to see what my year end distributions are going to be. Given the state of the economy, I had a hard time getting as excited about it this year as I usually do.

I did eventually make it over to the page, but to say things were dismal would be a bit of an understatement. I think some of the funds aren't even paying out. Most of them are paying capital gains a good 4 or 5 percentage points lower than in past years. Dividends are still there, but also at a reduced level. It seems businesses are shoring up and preparing for what we all know are coming.

Gains are gains, so I shouldn't be too upset I guess, but I think many of us are really starting to embrace this feeling of dread from what we know is probably about to happen.

Dead Hive

This isn't directly a finance thing, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that it feels like posting and engagement has hit an all time low on Hive. I am sure people out there have graphs and charts that say otherwise, but I can attest to the fact that some of the familiar faces I have seen on my feeds seem to be dormant.

I know a lot of it has to do with the current markets, but I never really understood that. We all know that growing your stake in the bear sets you up for the bull. It seems like people would be more eager to be posting now and not less.

I get it. It's not as fun and exciting when your rewards aren't what they used to be. It will turn around though. We just need to have some patience and faith.

The Crypto Cult

Speaking of faith... I was thinking the other day about how much being involved in crypto sometimes feels like we are part of a religion. We listen to all of these charismatic speakers and we get all pumped and hyped about this project or that project. Then in the back of your mind, you just have to wonder it it is all going to happen the way people say it is. Despite all of the underlying reasons, justifications, proof(?) that crypto is going to change the world, there is still an element of blind faith that keeps driving us to that point.

Let's be real, it could all end up being worth nothing one day. I'm not the first to say that, so it shouldn't come as a shock to you. I don't really think that is the case, and I honestly hope that isn't the case, but when all is said and done, what if we were absolutely wrong about all of this?

Maybe those are just bear market thoughts, but these are honestly some of the things that kick around in my head in the middle of the night.

Just like religion(s), what if we are dedicating such a huge part of our life to something and we are totally off the mark? Then again when it comes to life changing wealth or the eternal salvation of your soul, do you really want to take a chance on missing out?

I'll leave you with that. Have an awesome weekend!

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All pictures/screenshots taken by myself or @mrsbozz unless otherwise sourced