Summer Holidays Are Over – What If You Could Enjoy a Year-Long Vacation?
In August, I celebrated my 38th birthday surrounded by family and friends, and it gave me a chance to reflect on the past year.
It’s been a whirlwind, and I wanted to share a few thoughts with you.
This past year has been the best one yet for my business, and the momentum keeps building. I’m committed to thinking long-term—making decisions today that will benefit me 10, 20, even 30years down the road. I love what I do, the industry I’m in, and most importantly, the relationships I have with my clients. I’ve welcomed some incredible new clients this year, and I’m excited to build lasting relationships with them. I’ve also introduced new types of investments that will help my clients diversify and achieve strong returns.
On a personal note, I’ve been focusing more on my own development. There’s been this growing feeling inside me, something I’ve heard before but hadn’t fully listened to until now—my inner voice. With the help of a habit coach and by dedicating time and resources to this journey, I’ve already seen my life improve in so many ways. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but the progress has been worth it.
I’ve also had the privilege of some unforgettable trips—hiking the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal with my wife, traveling to South Africa with my family and parents, exploring Scotland together, and spending time with my best friends in Spain. Visiting family and friends in the Netherlands multiple times was a special highlight too.
Watching my little girls grow over the past year has been both beautiful and a bit daunting. Time seems to fly by, and while it’s scary how fast things change, I’m making a conscious effort to be present for all their little milestones.
That’s a bit of my reflection—how about you? Do you ever take time to look back on your year after your birthday?
Investment psychology tip
"Home bias" is a term in the investment world that describes the tendency of investors to favor assets from their own country over those from abroad. It's a bit like staying in your comfort zone—people naturally feel more familiar and confident with investments that are close to home.
For instance, if you’re in the Netherlands, you might be more inclined to invest in Dutch companies, even though there’s a whole world of opportunities out there.
This bias stems from a few understandable reasons. People are more likely to trust what they know; they might be more familiar with local companies, the economy, and the political landscape. There's also a sense of patriotism—supporting businesses in your own country can feel like contributing to the local economy.
However, while home bias might feel safe, it can limit an investor's potential. By focusing too much on domestic markets, investors miss out on the diversification that international
investments offer. Diversification is a key strategy to manage risk; when your investments are spread across different regions, industries, and currencies, you’re less likely to be hit hard if one area suffers a downturn.
For example, if the Dutch economy were to face a significant recession, an investor with a home-biased portfolio would likely see a substantial decline in their investment value. But if they had diversified globally, the impact might be cushioned by gains in other regions where the economy is thriving.
The disadvantages of home bias include reduced growth potential, as investors miss out on booming markets elsewhere. There’s also the risk of overexposure to local economic conditions, which can be particularly volatile or influenced by factors like government policy changes, currency fluctuations, or natural disasters.
In essence, while home bias feels comfortable, it often comes at the cost of missed opportunities and increased vulnerability to local economic downturns. Expanding beyond borders can open up a world of potential and provide a more balanced, resilient investment portfolio.
Highlighted investment of the month
LIMITED OFFER for LAST UNITS: London Property - Only GBP35K GBP Required
I’m excited to announce the launch of our new London development,
EQUINOX at One One Six Cockfosters.
This property offers an attractive payment plan with substantial early reservation discounts, making premium London property more accessible than ever.
Investment Highlights:
These discounted units are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss this chance to add exclusive London property to your portfolio.
EQUINOX at One One Six Cockfosters
is just 100m from Cockfosters tube station (Piccadilly Line). This gated development offers modern living spaces with high-quality finishes, communal areas, and an unbeatable location that combines the tranquility of suburbia with easy access to Central London.
Key Facts:
With Cockfosters Station next door, you’ll enjoy quick commute sand a vibrant local scene, including the green spaces of Trent Park and nearby eateries.
If this opportunity interests you, please reach out via email, phone, or WhatsApp without delay.
Imagine landing your dream job with a 6 figure salary
Imagine landing your dream job, the one with the 6-figure salary, the title, and the freedom to finally enjoy the finer things in life. For my client, this dream became a reality. But what followed was a nightmare she never saw coming.
Sarah was ecstatic when she landed a high-paying job at a top tech company.
With her new income, she upgraded her apartment, bought a luxury car, and started dining at expensive restaurants. It felt like she had finally made it.
But under the surface, a silent threat was growing—lifestyle creep.
Her expenses were rising as fast as her income, leaving little room for savings or investments.
Then, out of nowhere, Sarah's company went through a major restructuring.
Even though she was performing great, her position was eliminated.
Suddenly, her salary vanished, but her high expenses remained. Panic set in as she realized her financial safety net was almost non-existent.
That's when Sarah reached out to me for help.
She was desperate to regain control of her finances and avoid future pitfalls. Together, we devised a comprehensive plan to not only stabilize her current situation but also build a foundation for long-term financial security.
Our first step was to establish an emergency fund.
Sarah started by setting aside three to six months' worth of living expenses. This fund became her financial cushion, providing peace of mind and protection against future job instability.
And with her expenses under control, we turned our focus to investing.
Sarah diversified her portfolio, spreading her investments across different asset classes to minimize risk. We developed a strategy that aligned with her long-term goals and risk tolerance, ensuring her money would grow steadily over time.
Six months later, Sarah's financial outlook had completely transformed.
She no longer felt the stress of living paycheck to paycheck.
Instead, she had the confidence that she could handle whatever life threw her way.
Sarah's journey is a testament to the power of financial planning and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.
While losing her job was a tough experience, it ultimately became a positive change.
Today, Sarah is not only financially secure but also more mindful of her spending and better equipped to handle future challenges.
Remember, while a high-paying job is a wonderful achievement, true financial stability comes from smart money management and preparation for the unexpected.
Recommended by LinkedIn
The perfect day starts, and you follow your daily routine, but for how long?
The perfect morning starts with your daily routine ☀ You wake up, stretch, and see the sunlight streaming through your window.
The start of a new day feels promising, doesn’t it? The routine is comforting—familiar faces, a warm cup of coffee, and the daily grind.
But here’s the hard truth: How many more days like this do you have left? Every day, life changes. Some of those changes bring
joy, but others can turn your world upside down.
Think about it—how many of your colleagues have disappeared from the office? Some retired early, some moved on, and others faced an unexpected end to their working lives.
One day, it will be your turn. What happens when your routine suddenly stops? Will you be ready, or will you be caught off guard, scrambling to make ends meet?
Will you still wake up, go through the motions, and hope for a paycheck that’s no longer there? The clock is ticking. Every day you wait is another day you’re risking your future.
Don’t let the sun set on your dreams because you didn’t take action when you had the chance. So, ask yourself: What can you do today to make sure your future is as bright as this day?
Your future self will thank you for the decisions you make now—before it’s too late.
My father was forced to retire early
At 55, my father was forced to retire—a moment that could have been filled with panic and uncertainty. Instead, it became a time of opportunity and peace.
Why? Because he had prepared.
My father didn't just rely on his salary, thinking it would last forever. He was smart. He dedicated himself to saving and invested wisely.
When the time came to hang up his hat, he wasn’t caught off guard.
Instead, his years of planning paid off, allowing him to enjoy his retirement without the fear that often scares those who are unprepared.
This story isn’t just about my father. It’s about you and everyone who believes that their salary will carry them through life with a guarantee.
The hard truth is, your salary is not meant to be forever.
It’s a means to an end—a tool to build the future you want. But that future doesn’t build itself. It requires planning, discipline, and the right guidance.
You might be thinking, “I have time. I’ll start saving and investing when I’m older.” But life doesn’t always go according to plan.
My father didn’t expect to retire at 55, but he was ready when the time came.
Can you say the same for yourself?
Imagine being forced into retirement tomorrow.
Would you be able to maintain your lifestyle, or would you be scrambling to figure out what to do next? The truth is, you can’t afford to wait. Every day that passes without a plan is a day that puts your future at risk.
Listen, figuring out the world of savings and investments can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
I’ve seen firsthand the difference that proper planning can make. It’s the difference between a retirement filled with worry and one filled with joy and fulfillment.
The lesson here is simple: Start now.
Don’t wait for a surprise retirement to force your hand. Be proactive. Save with intention. Invest with purpose. And most importantly, seek guidance from someone who can help you make your money work for you.
Remember, retirement should be a time to enjoy life, not to stress about finances.
My father’s story is the power of preparation.
Let it be a warning and an inspiration to you.
Take control of your financial future today, so that when retirement does come—whether expected or not—you’re ready to embrace it fully.
The choice is yours: Will you be prepared, or will you be caught off guard?
Start planning now, and make sure that your retirement is everything you’ve dreamed of—without the fear.
Services we offer
Investment Advisory Services
A bit about me
I’m a Dutch expat who’s proudly called Dubai home for over a decade. I’m fortunate to share this life with my wonderful wife and our two lovely daughters .
In the early years of my career, I dove into the early education and childcare business my father built. Those five years were incredibly formative, giving me hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the business world at a young age.
But as valuable as that experience was, I soon realized my true passion lay elsewhere. I craved a career that challenged me and sparked my enthusiasm, which led me to the financial industry. Here, I’ve found the fulfillment and excitement I was searching for.
For the past ten years, my focus has shifted from growing businesses to helping individuals navigate their financial journeys. Along the way, I’ve built strong, lasting relationships that I deeply cherish.
As both an expat and an investor, I understand the challenges of finding the right investment opportunities and trustworthy partners. It’s not always easy, but it’s crucial. That’s why I prioritize honesty, doing the right thing, and building relationships rooted in trust. My commitment is to provide solutions that truly work, offering sound advice and striving to be the best at what I do.
I know I can add value to expats and investors not just here in Dubai but across the globe. In fact, 50% of my clients are based outside the UAE, spread across various countries.
If you’d like to connect sometime, I’d love to chat.
Influential Founder • Investor • Entrepreneur • Financial Innovator • Philanthropist• Forbes Women • LinkedIn Top Negotiation Voice• Christ Follower
3moHappy birthday Simon Snelder
Chief Information Officer at Valens Research and CTO at FA Alpha
3moGood on you for thinking long term!
Software Engineer / Technical Lead / Navigating Complex Systems
3moSeems like you're finding balance in life, happy for you Simon.
LinkedIn Lead Generation Expert | Helping Businesses Achieve 5-15 Warm Leads Weekly | Content Marketing Specialist | We help business owners improve their lead gen and sales development | 💲DM me today!💲
3moTime flies! Enjoy these moments.
Helping Aspiring Scrum Masters Land Their Dream Jobs in 90 Days | Proven 1-on-1 Coaching | Consulting, Mentoring & Training | 6X Author | Book a Free Agile Career Strategy Session!
3moCan’t believe how much you’ve packed into the year!