The mistake most tech professionals make with their money

Ditch the earn-more, spend-more trap
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3 companies

Frank has worked for three tech companies over 25 years.

He's done everything right: bought company shares, held them for years, never panic-sold.

But when I looked at his portfolio, I nearly choked on my coffee.

The shocking numbers

The stock market had grown 90% over five years.

Frank's company shares? Basically flat.

One company barely beat the market. One was stagnant. The third had dropped 60%.

Frank was a victim of what I call "employer worship".

The dangerous belief that your company's shares are somehow safer than the entire global market.

Here's the brutal truth: Most individual companies underperform the market.

Even the good ones. Even tech darlings. Even companies you love working for.

While Frank was being "loyal" to his employers, he was missing out on the biggest bull run in history.

The irony that frustrated me most

Frank is brilliant at diversifying risk in every other area of his life.

Multiple income streams. Different skill sets. Various networking groups.

Yet with his money? All eggs in three baskets.

The moment I showed him how easy it is to buy the entire global stock market through ETFs, everything clicked.

"Why didn't anyone tell me this before?"

Good question, Frank.

He was about to make it worse

Frank was about to double down on this mistake by signing up for an Irish insurance company's "savings plan", a fee riddled plan that makes money for his adviser and insurer.

He cancelled that immediately.

What Frank did instead

Sold most of his company shares. Bought a simple global ETF. Now he owns pieces of 3,000+ companies instead of just three.

His risk dropped. His expected returns increased. His stress vanished.

Frank's message to you:

"If you're thinking of working with Sjoerd, do it. Your future self will be grateful. This should be mandatory knowledge for anyone early in their sales career."

The question for you

How much of your investment portfolio is tied up in your employer's shares?

If it's more than 10%, we need to talk.

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That is it for this weekend. I'm in my hometown of Den Helder and there is a beach waiting for me in the sunshine.

Have an amazing weekend!
​
To your financial freedom,

Sjoerd

P.S. If you are looking for reading tips for your holiday, check out my LinkedIn this week.
I'll be sharing a list of 60 books that had the biggest impact on my wealth and my life.