Mountain Vista Wealth Management

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Q4 2025 Investment Letter

INTRODUCTION

“Far more money has been lost by investors in preparing for corrections, or anticipating corrections, than has been lost in the corrections themselves.”                                                                           

– Peter Lynch

Looking back at 2025, financial market investors have much to celebrate.  Equities, fixed income, and gold have all delivered strong returns. Bitcoin and other crypto assets stand as the sole disappointment in what has otherwise been a remarkable period.

With hindsight, investing may appear straightforward.  But it’s crucial to remember that capturing these gains required staying invested through April’s turbulence, when “Liberation Day” tariffs sent the S&P 500 plummeting 12% in a single week—nearly 20% from its peak.

[Read more…] about Q4 2025 Investment Letter

Q3 2025 Investment Letter

INTRODUCTION

“October. This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August, and February.”                                                                           – Mark Twain

Over the years, we’ve often discussed one of the most consistent challenges investors face: the difficulty of timing the market. Too often, investors buy near the highs when optimism is strongest and sell near the lows when fear is most intense. While the reasons are many, the root cause is usually human nature—our instincts are wired for survival, not successful investing.

[Read more…] about Q3 2025 Investment Letter

Q2 2025 Investment Letter

INTRODUCTION

“Volatility is the price of admission. The prize inside are superior long-term returns. You have to pay the price to get the returns.” 
– Morgan Housel

Short-term stock market investing is not for the faint of heart. In April, we were reminded once again that stocks can suffer substantial mark-to-market losses in a very short period. During these times, it is prudent to avoid converting a temporary loss into a permanent one by selling. Furthermore, if you have additional capital to invest, you should consider buying during market downturns. [Read more…] about Q2 2025 Investment Letter

Social Security: Beyond the Basics

Most Americans know that Social Security provides retirement benefits, but many are unaware of the program’s full scope and the various benefits available. From spousal benefits to disability coverage, Social Security offers financial protection that extends far beyond what many people realize. This article explores some lesser-known aspects of Social Security that could significantly impact your financial planning. [Read more…] about Social Security: Beyond the Basics

Q1 2025 Investment Letter

INTRODUCTION

“The markets take the stairs up and the elevator down.” 
– Tim Egart

While the stock market has historically delivered impressive 9-10% long-term returns, many investors fail to capture these gains. When market conditions deteriorate, prices adjust rapidly, making it challenging to exit declining positions during negative news cycles. More critically, selling after a market decline can erase years of accumulated wealth. [Read more…] about Q1 2025 Investment Letter