The seasons change—and so do the markets. The question is: are you ready for both?

Can you believe we’re already halfway through October?

The calendar always seems to speed up this time of year. One moment you’re sipping iced tea on the patio, the next you’re pulling sweaters out of storage and talking about Thanksgiving plans. The days feel shorter, the nights cooler, and suddenly the end of the year doesn’t look that far away.

It always makes me pause and think about how quickly time slips by.

And here’s what I realized…

Investing works a lot like the turning of the calendar. Seasons change whether you’re ready or not. Markets go through cycles. Some years bring steady growth, others bring storms. And while we can’t control the seasons, we can prepare for them.

The biggest mistake I see people make is treating investing like a sprint instead of a marathon. They get caught up in today’s headlines—interest rates, inflation, politics—and forget that retirement is lived out over decades, not days. They chase short-term returns, and in doing so, they lose sight of the long game.

But here’s the truth: the market will have its Octobers. It will have its “shorter days.” And if you’re not prepared with a strategy, those seasons can shake your confidence and leave you second-guessing every decision.

That’s why investment planning matters. It’s not about predicting the next big thing—it’s about building a portfolio that can weather all seasons. Growth for the sunny years. Protection for the stormy ones. Balance so you don’t live in fear every time the news changes.

If you’re looking for practical ways to think about that balance, I share insights and resources regularly on our Pelleton Capital Management blog. It’s where we take a deeper look at strategies to help your money work for you across every season of life.

Because here’s the truth: time moves whether we plan for it or not. Half of October is already behind us.

The question isn’t whether the seasons will change—it’s whether we’ll be ready for them when they do.

If you have questions let’s talk about them—give me a call at 480-513-1830.

 All the best, Charles

 Charles C. Scott AIF®, CDP®

ACCREDITED INVESTMENT FIDUCIARY®CERTIFIED DEMENTIA PRACTITIONER®

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