They say you shouldn’t sweat the small stuff, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore the big stuff, either. When it comes to finances, and especially investing, it’s important to get the big moves right. Mark Biller joins us today to go over the things that need special attention.
Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Today, we’ll cover some key takeaways from Sound Mind Investing’s recent article, , which explores seven critical investment decisions that can make or break your financial future.
As the old saying goes from the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, "If you don’t know where you’re going, it doesn’t matter which way you go." A successful investment strategy starts with a plan—one that outlines:
Your target retirement date
The amount you hope to have saved by that date
The steps needed to achieve that goal
Without an investment plan, it’s easy to drift or make hasty decisions based on emotions or short-term market fluctuations.
2. Commit to Investing Consistently
One of the most significant factors in successful investing is how much you invest each month. While everyone’s situation differs, investing 10–15% of your monthly income during your working years is a general rule of thumb.
Your age, retirement timeline, and savings goals will influence this percentage, but the key is to make investing a consistent habit—not something you do only when you have extra cash.
3. Get Your Asset Allocation Right
There’s no such thing as a “perfect portfolio” that always wins in the market. Instead of chasing returns, focus on the right mix of investments for your:
Time horizon (how long you have until retirement)
Risk tolerance (your ability to withstand market fluctuations)
At SMI (Sound Mind Investing), their members start with a risk tolerance quiz to determine the best balance between stocks and bonds. A well-diversified portfolio ensures that when one part of the market struggles, another part can provide stability.
4. Choose Investments Wisely
Many investors fall into the trap of buying stocks or funds based on hype or following the latest market trend. Instead, focus on:
Process-driven investment strategies that guide decisions based on long-term goals
Diversification across asset classes to minimize risk
Avoiding emotional investing based on fear or excitement
Rather than constantly adjusting your portfolio based on short-term news, stick to a disciplined investment approach that aligns with your financial plan.
5. Measure Success with the Right Benchmark
Too many investors compare their portfolios to popular stock indexes like the S&P 500, but this can be misleading.
If your portfolio contains more than just large U.S. stocks, using the S&P 500 as your benchmark may lead to unrealistic expectations. Instead, measure success based on:
Your personal financial goals
The average return needed to achieve those goals
In other words, success isn’t about “beating the market”—it’s about making steady progress toward your investment objectives.
6. Limit How Often You Check Your Investments
One of the biggest emotional traps investors fall into is checking their portfolios too frequently.
Daily monitoring can lead to panic-driven decisions
Overtrading increases costs and reduces long-term gains
Market fluctuations are expected, and checking too often can create unnecessary stress
At SMI (Sound Mind Investing), they recommend checking investments monthly—or even quarterly—to maintain a long-term perspective.
7. Stay Committed for the Long Haul
Many investors struggle with "grass-is-greener" syndrome, constantly switching:
Investment strategies
Financial advisors
Individual stocks and funds
While there are appropriate times to make changes, they happen far less frequently than most investors think. Choose your investment strategy carefully, then stick with it—even when market conditions fluctuate.
What to Let Go of for Investment Success
Once you’ve nailed the big investment moves, free yourself from these distractions:
Daily Market News—Most headlines are designed to create fear or hype, not provide useful long-term advice.
The “What-If” Game—Don’t waste time thinking about missed opportunities—focus on future decisions.
Portfolio Micro-Management—Diversification means some investments will perform better than others at different times. Stay patient and trust your strategy.
Investing isn’t about perfection—it’s about faithfulness and consistency. Here’s how to ensure long-term success:
Create an investment plan
Stick to your strategy
Commit to steady investing
Monitor progress with the right benchmarks
Limit emotional reactions to market noise
The key to financial freedom isn’t found in chasing quick gains—it’s in making faithful, long-term decisions that align with wise stewardship principles. Above all, trust God as your ultimate provider. Investing is a tool for wise financial stewardship, but our true security is in Him—not in our portfolio’s performance.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
I have a $410,000 universal life insurance policy that I opened in 2020. I now have $30,000 in cash value built up. My children are grown and independent. What would be the best way for me to move that $30,000 somewhere else?
My dad is starting to retire and has equity in his home. Would it be a good idea for him to take out a reverse mortgage to pay off his significant credit card debt so he can live comfortably in retirement? He still has a mortgage on the home.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
