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Inevitably, some "Why?" questions about this.
Here's why you should have a cursory understanding of geopolitics.
Thread... https://twitter.com/JamieMcSloy/status/1339185597919924224
Here's why you should have a cursory understanding of geopolitics.
Thread... https://twitter.com/JamieMcSloy/status/1339185597919924224
1st: Because most domestic politics in any given state is theatre.
Countries are run mostly by unelected people with fixed plans over the long term. Doesn't matter if it's China, the US, or a tiny little city-state.
By looking at long term, you realise how little drama matters.
Countries are run mostly by unelected people with fixed plans over the long term. Doesn't matter if it's China, the US, or a tiny little city-state.
By looking at long term, you realise how little drama matters.
2nd: "Why not focus on things we can control?" a tweeter asks.
Geopolitics a) affects what you can control, and b) shows you have more control than you think.
I'll explain these in next few tweets.
Geopolitics a) affects what you can control, and b) shows you have more control than you think.
I'll explain these in next few tweets.
1. What's in your control?
Let's assume that you have a plan. It's a safe economic plan; stay safe, make money, save that money, retire.
"The original life plan."
You absolutely should concentrate on this. It's in your control. It's practical and personal.
However...
Let's assume that you have a plan. It's a safe economic plan; stay safe, make money, save that money, retire.
"The original life plan."
You absolutely should concentrate on this. It's in your control. It's practical and personal.
However...
Let's assume that there's drought in China, famine in Africa, economic downturn in the US.
World is interconnected, & any of these things make your cost of living go up & your investable income go down.
Better to have some idea of what's this so you can prepare as you need.
World is interconnected, & any of these things make your cost of living go up & your investable income go down.
Better to have some idea of what's this so you can prepare as you need.
Note before I move on: Most of these things are (emphasis) not extreme.
We aren't likely to have Red Dawn, Nuclear War or the Zombie Apocalypse - no matter what you might hear or read. (See the very first point RE: Drama.)
But 5% higher bills here, 10% lower income there...
We aren't likely to have Red Dawn, Nuclear War or the Zombie Apocalypse - no matter what you might hear or read. (See the very first point RE: Drama.)
But 5% higher bills here, 10% lower income there...
2. You Can Control More Than You Think...
Interconnected world. Arbitrage opportunities exist. Forex opportunities exist.
If you know, for instance, the UK economy might dive, maybe better to put some GBP into $. (This, not a recommendation.)
contd...
Interconnected world. Arbitrage opportunities exist. Forex opportunities exist.
If you know, for instance, the UK economy might dive, maybe better to put some GBP into $. (This, not a recommendation.)
contd...
If you're down on your luck, and you think, "need a new job, maybe a new start somewhere..."
Maybe you think, "I'll teach English abroad for a couple of years?"
Where do you go and why?
Maybe you think, "I'll teach English abroad for a couple of years?"
Where do you go and why?
I use that example because I have a number of friends who've done this.
Some countries will allow you to save a lot of money so you can go home richer two years later.
At least one country doesn't let you transfer savings out when you leave.
Where would you rather be?
Some countries will allow you to save a lot of money so you can go home richer two years later.
At least one country doesn't let you transfer savings out when you leave.
Where would you rather be?
While that's a specific example; true of all international business.
You can invest in nearly any country in the world. Where do you choose to? Who does your manufacturing? Where is your retirement portfolio really stored?
All these things impact on your future & your decisions
You can invest in nearly any country in the world. Where do you choose to? Who does your manufacturing? Where is your retirement portfolio really stored?
All these things impact on your future & your decisions
Now, I'm not saying to devote your life to shipping and logistics and tax codes and the like.
But seeing as most of us spend far too much time thinking about or reading about politics, might as well divert that energy into something similar but more productive.
But seeing as most of us spend far too much time thinking about or reading about politics, might as well divert that energy into something similar but more productive.
