Humans don’t run on data.
We run on stories.
And the most powerful of those stories? Myths.
A myth isn’t a lie. A myth is a deeper truth wrapped in a narrative. It explains why we act, who we are, and what we believe - especially when times get tough.
In financial planning, one of the most powerful myths we can hold onto is this: the market rewards the patient.
It doesn’t sound exciting. It’s not a stock tip or a trading strategy. But it’s a foundational myth - one that, when embraced, can save your financial life.
The Hero’s Journey… of Staying Put
In classic myths, the hero leaves the comfort of the known world, battles dragons, gets bruised, doubted, and tempted - but comes back wiser, with treasure in hand.
Staying in the market is the same.
You're the hero.
The dragons are volatility, bad headlines, panic, and impatience.
The treasure? Long-term compounding.
Many investors abandon their journey halfway. They sell in fear, buy in greed, and repeat the cycle. They forget the myth.
They forget that this story only works if you stay in it.
The Market Always Comes Back
This is another myth.
It’s not a guarantee - but it’s a belief built on history and reinforced by every recovery after every crash.
1987. 2000. 2008. 2020.
Each time, those who held on were rewarded.
We don’t stay in the market because we love risk.
We stay because we believe in the myth of human progress. That over time, people build, grow, create, and solve. That innovation wins. That the future, however bumpy, is worth investing in.
Myths vs Maths
Financial planners can show you the numbers.
Graphs. CAGR. Monte Carlo simulations.
But what keeps you from selling when the market drops 30% isn’t a spreadsheet - it’s the story you believe.
That’s why at Town Close, we focus not just on your portfolio - but on your perspective.
We don’t sell certainty. We offer stewardship.
We help you write a story you can live with and stick to.
One Last Myth: You Can Time the Market
Spoiler: You can’t.
Not consistently.
Not accurately.
And not without a crystal ball.
The real myth here is the seductive belief that we can outwit the system. But legends aren't written about the guy who sold before the crash - they’re written about the ones who stayed the course.
So what’s your investing myth?
If it’s one rooted in fear, it might cost you.
If it’s one rooted in patience, progress, and perspective - it just might save your financial life.
Let’s write that story together.
Client FAQ – Investing Myths That Matter
1. Why do you talk about "myths" in financial planning?
Because humans don’t act on data alone - we act on stories. Myths give us a framework to understand uncertainty and stay committed during tough times. In investing, the right myth can save your financial life.
2. What’s the core myth that keeps investors on track?
"The market rewards the patient."
This simple belief has outlasted crashes, corrections, and crises. It reminds us that wealth is built not by reacting to noise, but by staying invested through the ups and downs.
3. What if the market crashes again?
It will. That’s part of the story. Crashes are the dragons in the hero’s journey. But every recovery in history has rewarded those who stayed the course. Panic is expensive - patience is powerful.
4. Can’t I just get out before things get bad and back in later?
That’s the myth of market timing. While it’s tempting, no one does it consistently well - not even professionals. Missing just a few of the best days can wreck long-term returns.
5. How do I know I won’t run out of money if I stay invested?
That’s where planning comes in. At Town Close, we don’t just invest - we plan. Your goals, income needs, and risk tolerance are all baked into your strategy. Staying invested isn’t reckless; it’s responsible when done with a plan.
6. What’s the role of a financial planner in all this?
We’re the storytellers, guides, and guardians of your financial myth. We help you hold the line when things get tough and remind you of your long-term journey. Data matters - but belief is what gets you to the finish line.