Starting Net Worth: $272,572
March was a reminder that investing is not always a smooth ride. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. During the month, we experienced our second largest monthly decline in net worth. This was driven by increased volatility across global markets. Because our portfolio is positioned aggressively for long-term growth, we felt that volatility more than a conservative portfolio would. Even with continued contributions to our retirement accounts, our overall investments declined by about 12%.
That kind of drop is never easy to watch. As your portfolio grows, the dollar swings become larger, and a down month can feel more significant even if the percentage change is within expectations. This is one of the psychological challenges of investing that often gets overlooked. It is one thing to understand volatility in theory and another to experience it in real time.
However, this is exactly where having a clear financial plan becomes valuable. Despite the market movement, nothing about our long-term strategy changed. We continued contributing to our retirement accounts through payroll and stayed committed to an aggressive allocation that aligns with our time horizon and goals.
At the same time, we remained focused on strengthening our overall financial position outside of the market. Throughout March, we continued making progress on debt reduction. By the end of the month, we had positioned ourselves to make the final payment on Natasha’s car loan in April. Reaching that milestone is something we are genuinely excited about, as it represents both discipline and forward momentum.
The key takeaway from this month is simple but important. Market volatility is inevitable, especially when you are invested for growth. What matters most is how you respond. Staying consistent with your plan, continuing to invest, and making progress on controllable factors like debt can help you navigate even the most uncomfortable periods. Over time, it is not the months of decline that define success, but the discipline to stay the course through them.
Ending Net Worth: $254,613
None of the above information is a recommendation. This blog is purely intended as commentary on things that have happened along our financial journey.