Better Living Notes

Are Leveraged ETFs Really Worth It? 10-Year ETF Reality Check Series_part 2 This post is part of a 4-part series analyzing long-term ETF strategies, risks, and smarter investment paths. “Stocks always go up.” If that’s true, why not invest in 2x or 3x leveraged ETFs and make more money, faster? It sounds logical—until you face your first major drawdown. What Leverage Really Means Leveraged ETFs like SSO, UPRO (for S&P 500) or QLD, TQQQ (for Nasdaq 100) amplify your gains—and your losses. They aim to double or triple the daily movement of the underlying index. While they outperform during strong bull runs, they can destroy value in sideways or volatile markets due to daily rebalancing effects. Performance Comparison (2015–2024) We tested VOO/SSO/UPRO and QQQ/QLD/TQQQ from January 2015 to December 2024 with a $10,000 starting investment. Growth Simulations The charts below show portfolio growth. While leverage increases upside, the volatility and drawdowns grow ev...

VOO vs QQQ: Which Index Fund Wins Over the Long Term? 10-Year ETF Reality Check Series_part 1 This post is part of a 4-part series analyzing long-term ETF strategies, risks, and smarter investment paths. The Same $10,000 — Two Very Different Outcomes What would have happened if you had invested $10,000 in VOO or QQQ on January 1, 2015? We ran the numbers. The results are surprising — and a bit emotional. What the Last 10 Years Really Show Between 2015 and 2024: VOO grew to $33,714 , with a 14.46% annual return. QQQ grew to $48,963 , with a 19.30% annual return. QQQ clearly outperformed. But it came with more bumps along the way: VOO’s worst year : –18.19% QQQ’s worst year : –32.58% Higher volatility = more emotional stress Higher Returns = Higher Stress The numbers tell a story, but not the whole story. What’s often missed is how much emotional strength it takes to hold onto a portfolio when it drops by 30% or more. It’s easy to say “I’ll stay...

React to Your Emotions — Like You React to Others 1. Why Ignoring Your Emotions Doesn’t Work We often say, “I just let it go.” But emotions don’t just disappear. They’re signals — from your body, your values, your deeper self. When ignored, they resurface in unexpected ways: a poor decision, a reactive comment, or a sleepless night. Your attitude toward life is shaped by how you treat your emotions. The confidence you feel (or don’t), the regret you carry — all stem from how you’ve responded to emotions over time. 2. We React to Others — Instantly One comment from a coworker. A short message from a friend. We react immediately. We feel something, and we do something about it. But when it comes to our own internal emotions? We dismiss, postpone, or suppress. But the version of you that others remember… is the one shaped by how you respond to your own emotions. 3. Emotional Reactions Deserve Their Own Routine You don’t need to overthink every feeling. But ...

What Beyoncé’s Discipline Can Teach Us About Routines, Focus, and Real Presence 1. Everyone Is Watching Her — And They Should Be Beyoncé just launched the Cowboy Carter Tour, and the internet is on fire. From Twitter threads full of stunned fans to Rolling Stone’s glowing recap, everyone is asking the same question: "How does she do it — again and again — at that level?" It’s not just talent. It’s not just charisma. It’s routine, focus, and intentional presence — day after day. 2. Behind the Curtain: A Glimpse Into Her Routine Her secret is no secret at all — it’s structure. Morning starts with silence : meditation, prayer, or family time Workout consistency : interval training, boxing, battle ropes Clean nutrition : unprocessed, plant-forward meals Family-centered scheduling : everything planned around what matters most 3. The Unseen Patterns: What Her Routines Have in Common Beyoncé’s life may look extraordinary, but her core habits are dee...

How Routines Protect Your Mind, Your Wallet, and Your Life In a world that constantly demands more, faster, and bigger, routines offer something radical: stability. Stability that not only shields your emotions, but also guards your financial decisions, your lifestyle, and your future. 1. Emotional Routines: The True Antidote to Impulse Spending Impulse spending rarely happens when your mind is calm and your days are structured. Emotional volatility breeds financial mistakes. A structured morning routine—waking up, light exercise, a planned breakfast—can break the cycle of chasing quick highs through emotional purchases. The best antidote to emotional buying? Predictability and emotional calmness. 2. Physical Routines: Strengthening the Mind-Body Connection Exercise routines are not just about fitness. They are emotional discipline in motion. Running, cycling, walking—any form of steady movement resets your nervous system. When your body has an outlet for stress, your mind no lo...

How Cardio Saved My Investing Routine in a Volatile Market — Comparing the Best Cardio Options for Stress and Focus The Market Was Crashing — But My Heart Rate Wasn’t A few weeks ago, the market was rattled again. Trump's tariff policies sent shockwaves through global sentiment. But while the charts dipped, my daily routine didn’t. I didn’t panic. I went for a run. Cardio Isn’t Just for Fat Loss Most people associate cardio with weight loss or summer abs. But the real benefit? It clears your mind, resets your emotions, and builds decision stamina. I see it as emotional detox. Not just a workout. 5 Cardio Workouts Compared Cardio Energy Burn Equipment Space Need Best for Running ★★★★★ None Medium Emotional reset + fat burn Indoor Cycling ★★★★☆ Yes (bike) Low Structured routines, time-saving Step Box ★★★☆☆ Box/step Small Lower body tone, intense burst Jump Rope ★★★★☆ Rope Very small Coordination + high burn Outdoor Cycling ★★★★☆ Bike + gear High Long rides, scenery,...

From Reaction to Routine: My Real Investing Transformation (Olivia Investing Series Part 4) I Used to React to Everything When I bought a stock, I expected it to rise immediately. I was obsessed with buying at the lowest point. If the market closed in red, I worried the next morning would start even lower. These thoughts ran through my head all day, breaking my rhythm at work and draining my evenings. I once spent dinner just staring at post-market charts, like someone addicted to financial drama. The hours flew by. My life blurred. The Breaking Point: I Couldn’t Keep Chasing As I started investing larger amounts, chasing the bottom became impossible. That’s when I discovered the power of split entries and exits. If I didn’t catch the bottom, that was okay—I’d sell in parts over time. No more pressure for perfect timing. I began to look up from my screen. I noticed my body. I noticed my breath. I realized that long-term investing only works when your health and your mind are i...