Odd thoughts for the final trading day of 2025
Thinking about winning the money game
This is a strange week for the markets.
If you look through the headlines, you’ll notice that they’re full of fluff.
2025 was a wild year for markets. Here’s a look back.
These stocks are the market’s biggest winners and losers in 2025
Wall Street reflects on Buffett’s wisdom as he retires
Stock futures slip with Wall Street set to wrap up roller-coaster 2025
There’s just no breaking news this week.
And that’s okay.
In fact, I’m making a mental note of this for next year because it’s a good time to take a break and enjoy life outside of trading.
Sometimes trading can feel a bit like a game. Filled with monopoly money (digits on a screen) instead of the reality of a real portfolio ebbing & flowing.
If that happens, then it can be a good time to take a little out and spend it, if only to remind myself that the stakes are real.
And that winning this game means winning the money game in life.
Now, I’m not some “money is the most important thing” guy.
The Bible verse I put in the footer of each email should show that I have higher priorities.
But money does solve money problems, and there are a lot of those in life.
Still, by taking some time off from the markets and enjoying a little holiday vacation this time of year, I can get charged up to jump back in the money game next year.
After all, what’s the point of gaining all the money in the world but losing time, family, friends, or even my soul in the process?
Pointless.
I’d rather make enough to have the freedom to enjoy life and then spend it with the people I love.
That’s why I’m meandering my way through today’s email: to remind you why you want to trade in the first place.
I don’t know what sort of freedom you’re seeking, but I’m confident that adopting my trading system will likely help you get there.
Most of you reading this already have the system, so for that I say “Thank you. 2026 is going to be a fun trading year.”
But if you’re not inside my daily Community, consider joining up for the new year.
I’m personally available to answer your questions. I teach you how I trade and even show you live trades almost every day inside my own Roth IRA account.
Obviously, none of it is advice, but it’s a helpful, living case study to learn from.
If that interests you, click the Skool link in the footer of the any email.
(If you want the emails, just subscribe for free today.)
— Ricky Ketchum