Does It Matter?

How we present ourselves—especially online—often reflects the message we want to convey. Being visible and active within my network is essential in a role like mine. But just as important is staying true to my principles. That second part can be tested frequently, particularly in the noisy world of social media, where many seek to present their way as the only way.

Investments

Part of my professional background was building investment portfolios for clients. That meant meeting fund managers, doing in-depth research, and constructing portfolios—largely using actively managed funds. Naturally, I lean towards active strategies, even though there is plenty of evidence suggesting passive approaches (like index investing) often outperform active funds over time, especially when factoring in costs.

Over the past twelve months, I've spent more time exploring other investment styles—index-based, factor-based, and hybrid strategies. Many advocates of these approaches present compelling data to support their case, and they’re not wrong. The data can be impressive.

But the real question is: does it matter?

If the research is robust and the process is sound, we shouldn’t need to proclaim that our strategy is the only way. The risk comes when we become too attached to any single narrative—because no strategy works all the time. When our chosen method underperforms, what then?

Sure, history provides helpful context. But if historical data could predict the future with certainty, we’d all be millionaires by now.

Income in Retirement

This same debate extends to how we plan for retirement income. Some argue that their 4% rule, bucketing, or annuities approach is the only sustainable path. They, too, have data to back it up.

But once again, does it matter?

What matters is whether the strategy delivers what the client needs—a reliable, sustainable income supporting their lifestyle throughout retirement. It’s not about winning theoretical debates but meeting real-life needs.

In Summary

This short blog asks a simple but essential question: Does it matter?

For some, it does—especially if it raises their profile on social platforms. But what we do matters more than how we present it. Our responsibility lies with our clients, not our follower count.

So let’s focus on what works for them. Ultimately, that’s what matters most.