🎸Making Sure Your Investments Rock
Thanks for reading History Lessons for the Modern Investor! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.On November 24, 1991, Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, died from AIDS-related complications. Born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946, in Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania), he is remembered as one of the most iconic and influential figures in rock music history. He was of Parsi descent, and his early years were shaped by the vibrant culture of Zanzibar and later India, where he attended boarding school near Mumbai. As a child, he showed a keen interest in music, learning to play the piano and participating in school bands. His family fled Zanzibar during the 1964 revolution, settling in England. It was there that he immersed himself in the British music scene of the 1960s. Freddie studied graphic design at Ealing Art College, a skill he would later apply to create Queen’s iconic logo. His big break came in 1970 when he teamed up with guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor, and bassist John Deacon to form Queen. The band’s unique blend of rock, opera, and theatrical flair set them apart, with Mercury’s powerful voice and charismatic stage presence as the driving force behind their success. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Queen released a series of groundbreaking albums, with hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Somebody to Love," and "We Are the Champions" cementing their place in music history. Mercury’s ability to command a stage was unparalleled, most famously showcased during Queen’s legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985, where his energy and interaction with the audience became the stuff of legend. Despite his flamboyant public persona, Mercury was known to be a private individual, carefully guarding his personal life. By the late 1980s, rumors about his health began circulating as his appearance changed, and in 1991, Mercury publicly announced he had been diagnosed with AIDS. Just a day later, on November 24, 1991, he passed away at the age of 45. His death marked the end of an era, but his influence on music, fashion, and pop culture has endured. Mercury's legacy is celebrated for his unique vocal range, theatrical performance style, and ability to transcend genres, making him a lasting rock music icon. His story is one of triumph over adversity, from a shy young boy in Zanzibar to a global superstar whose voice and spirit resonate with fans worldwide.So, you want to be a rock superstar? Here are seven lessons from the Queen songbook for the modern investor.🎸1. "Bohemian Rhapsody" — Embrace Complexity with CautionThis rock-operatic masterpiece is complex and unpredictable, much like the stock market. When investing, it’s tempting to dive into complicated strategies. But before you "open your eyes" to these advanced tools, make sure you fully understand them. Otherwise, you, too, will be signing sad songs for your “mama.” 🎸2. "Don’t Stop Me Now" — The Power of MomentumIn this energetic anthem, Freddie Mercury sings about an unstoppable force, perfectly capturing the essence of momentum investing. Just as a great night out can gather speed, so can strong-performing stocks. But remember, like any rocking party, momentum can fizzle out—so keep a close eye on your risk management strategy and don’t hesitate to leave the party early when necessary.🎸3. "Another One Bites the Dust" — The Reality of Market LossesInvesting isn't always smooth sailing, and sometimes you have to face losses. Queen's hit reminds us that even seasoned investors see stocks or sectors "bite the dust" occasionally. The key is not to get discouraged by short-term losses. Instead, use them as learning opportunities. Stick to your plan, and adjust your tactics. 🎸4. "Under Pressure" — Handling Market VolatilityIn "Under Pressure," Queen and David Bowie explore stress and the weight of expectations. Similarly, market volatility can put investors under pressure. The best approach is to stay calm and avoid emotion decisions. A proper plan for retirement and investing should have hard times baked into the calculations at a ratio that you can endure. Selling investments is sometimes a good tactic. But panic selling never is.🎸5. "It's a Kind of Magic" — The Miracle of CompoundingAlbert Einstein reportedly called compound interest the "eighth wonder of the world," and it truly is a kind of magic. Just as Queen captures a sense of wonder and surprise in their song, compounding creates surprising growth over time. So save early for more enjoyment later. 🎸6. "Radio Ga Ga" — Avoiding the Noise of the MarketQueen's homage to radio reminds us of the flood of information investors face daily. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest news and trends—what Warren Buffett calls "market noise." Instead of reacting to every headline, focus on your long-term goals and eliminate unnecessary distractions. Most of the chatter is just "radio ga ga."🎸7. "The Show Must Go On" — Resilience Queen released this song as Freddie Mercury battled illness, yet it is a powerful message of perseverance. You will have difficult days, but the show must go on. Seasoned investors understand that keeping to your strategy, playing defense when necessary, and being disciplined make investing kings…and queens out of all of us. The real champion investors are those who invest with a plan. So crank up your Queen playlist, take these lessons to heart, and let the power of rock 'n' roll inspire your investing journey. Thanks for reading History Lessons for the Modern Investor! This post is public so feel free to share it.The History Lessons Podcast is evolving! Enjoy “This Week in History,” and tune in for the HL4TMI Pod… interviews with history writers and makers. The Episode 👨👩👧👧Your Family History Shapes Your Financial Mindset with Roni Robbins is out now. See it here:🎯Patrick Huey is a small business owner and the author of three books on history and finance as well as the highly-rated recently-released fictional work Hell: A Novel. As owner of Victory Independent Planning, LLC, Patrick works with families and non-profit organizations. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and an Accredited Tax Preparer. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. Patrick previously served as a Naval Flight Officer from 1996-2005, earning the Strike Fighter Air Medal during combat operations and two Navy Achievement Medals. 👉🏻 Reach him at 877-234-8957 or schedule a time to talk using this link: https://live.vcita.com/site/VictoryIndependentPlanning/online-scheduling?service=qqnvdgx7ri5j5cz#PodcastLife #PodcastShow #Podcaster #PodcastCommunity #NewPodcast #HistoryBuff #HistoryNerd #LearnHistory #HistoricalEvents #HistoryMatters #InvestingTips #FinancePodcast #MoneyTalks #StockMarket #FinancialFreedom #QueenBand #freddiemercury #HistoryAndFinance #RockAndInvest #FreddieAndFinance #MusicAndMoney #HistoricalRockStars #RockLegends #QueenFans #BohemianRhapsody This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hl4tmi.substack.com
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