Optionwits, San Diego, CA (2026)

06/10/2025

If you’re new to investing and feel like you have no idea what you’re doing with individual stocks, relax. That’s normal.

You’re not dumb. You’re not behind. You’re just early. And here’s a truth not enough people talk about:

Even the best investors mess up.

Seriously. Warren Buffett, Howard Marks, Charlie Munger, they’ve all made bad calls. But they’re still legends.

Why? Because they know how to handle being wrong. That’s the real skill.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re doubting yourself right now.

1. Everybody Makes Mistakes, Even the GOATs

Buffett once bought Dexter Shoe Co. It turned out to be worthless. He still talks about how bad that move was.

The point? Being a great investor doesn’t mean getting it right every time. It means playing the game well over time.

Great investors expect to be wrong sometimes. They make peace with it and move on.

“If you’re not willing to own a stock for 10 years, don’t even think about owning it for 10 minutes.” — Warren Buffett

2. Pros Cut Their Losses, Beginners Cling On

New investors often hang on to bad stocks, hoping they’ll bounce back. Why? Because they don’t want to admit they were wrong.

Veterans? They reassess. If the reason they bought the stock is no longer valid, they don’t take it personally. They just sell and move on.

Ask yourself:
• Has the company changed direction?
• Did I misunderstand the business?
• Is my original reason for buying still true?

If the answer is no, then don’t wait for a miracle. You’re not breaking up with a friend. You’re managing money.

3. Focus on Process, Not Prediction

You don’t have to be a genius or see the future. That’s not what investing is about.

The pros focus on process:
• Learn how the business makes money
• Read the financials (or at least understand the cash flow)
• Don’t overpay! Find a margin of safety

The more consistent your process, the less you’ll panic. Confidence comes from clarity.

4. Emotions Will Cost You More Than Mistakes

Most new investors blame their losses on bad picks. But often, the real problem is how they react.

You get scared. You panic-sell. Or you double down when you’re emotional. That’s the danger zone.

The best investors? They keep their cool. They trust their process. They prepare for volatility instead of fearing it.

You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be less reactive.

5. You Don’t Have to Pick Stocks at All

Here’s a secret: Most people shouldn’t bother with individual stocks.

Index funds are your friend. They’re low-cost, diversified, and super effective. Buffett himself recommends them for most investors.

If you do want to pick stocks, start small. Learn as you go. It’s okay to treat it like a side project—not your whole retirement plan.

Final Thought: Don’t Let Doubt Stop You

Doubt is healthy. It means you care. But don’t let it turn into paralysis.

Every investor screws up. The pros just recover faster. They don’t marry their mistakes. They learn and move forward.

You don’t need to be perfect. Just stay curious, stay humble, and keep showing up.

Quick Tip:

Write down why you’re buying each stock. Just a few sentences. Then, when things get rocky, check your notes. You’ll know if you’re still on track, or if it’s time to pivot.

You’re already ahead just by caring enough to read this.

Keep going. You’ve got this!

05/31/2025

When you think about investing, what comes to mind? Fancy suits? Wall Street drama? Fast-talking traders shouting into phones?

Forget all that.

The real superpower of successful stock investors isn’t adrenaline—it’s boredom.

The Myth: “I Have to Do Something!”

A lot of people think they need to constantly do something with their stocks—buy, sell, adjust, tweak. It’s like they’re afraid that if they don’t stay busy, they’re missing out.

Here’s the secret:
Most of the time, the best thing you can do is absolutely nothing.

That’s right—nothing. Zip. Zero. Just sit there.

This is what separates the average investor from the pros. The average investor can’t resist the urge to tinker. They panic when prices dip and celebrate a little too hard when they go up. They’re riding an emotional rollercoaster.

Meanwhile, the cool-headed investor is just sitting there, sipping coffee, reading a book, and letting their money grow quietly in the background.

Why Boredom Wins

Let’s break it down.

🔸 Markets Go Up and Down – Duh. But the people who stay calm during the “down” part are the ones who see the “up” part pay off.

🔸 Overreaction Creates Deals – When everyone’s freaking out and selling, prices drop like crazy. That’s your chance to snag great companies at a discount, while everyone else is running for the exits.

🔸 Compounding Takes Time – The real magic isn’t in the flashy trades. It’s in letting time do the work. Good companies grow. Dividends get reinvested. Money multiplies. You just need to stay out of your own way.

How to Get Good at Doing Nothing

I get it—sitting still is hard. Here are a few tricks:

✅ Set It and Forget It – Automate your investments and stop checking your account every five minutes. Seriously. Your stocks don’t need you hovering over them.

✅ Have a Shopping List Ready – When the market dips, instead of panicking, look at your list of solid companies you’ve been waiting to buy on sale.

✅ Read, Learn, and Chill – While you wait, level up your investing knowledge. Read some books, listen to podcasts, or just take a nap. It’s amazing what a little patience can do.

Final Thought: Play the Long Game

In a world where everyone’s chasing the next shiny object, the real pros know that boredom is their best friend.

So next time you’re itching to hit “buy” or “sell” because the market moved 2% in one direction, just remember:

🚀 Big money isn’t made by doing more—it’s made by waiting longer.

05/18/2025

Let’s be real: investing can feel like rocket science mixed with magic… and a dash of emotional trauma. But some legendary value investors have been there, done that, and still sleep at night. Whether you’re just starting out or wondering why your “hot stock tip” turned cold, these classic lessons from the greats might just save your portfolio — and your sanity.

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1. “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” – Warren Buffett

Translation: Just because a luxury-brand t-shirt costs $300 doesn’t mean it’s better than the $15 one that lasts three times as long. Focus on the intrinsic value of a business, not just the sticker price.

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2. Invest with a margin of safety – Benjamin Graham

The OG of value investing believed in leaving room for error — like wearing a helmet while rollerblading. Don’t pay full price for a stock unless you’re 100% sure it’s worth it. Actually, don’t do that even if you’re 100% sure.

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3. Be greedy when others are fearful – Buffett, again

Warren’s greatest hits continue. When the market freaks out, value investors go shopping. It’s like Black Friday, but with stocks… and less elbowing.

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4. Know what you own – Peter Lynch

If you can’t explain what a company does in one sentence, maybe don’t buy it. (Unless your sentence is, “I have no idea, but my cousin said it’s going to the moon.” Then definitely don’t buy it.)

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5. Patience pays – Charlie Munger

Munger once said the big money is not in the buying or the selling, but in the waiting. So yes, sometimes your best investing move is to do… nothing. And no, refreshing your portfolio every five minutes doesn’t help.

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6. Don’t try to predict the market – Seth Klarman

Value investors don’t time the market. They value it. Big difference. Think of it as planting a tree, not betting on a racehorse.

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7. Boring is beautiful – Joel Greenblatt

Some of the best investments aren’t flashy. If it’s in the news every day, it’s probably too expensive. Real value often comes from “boring” businesses with solid, predictable cash flow. (Hello, toothbrush factories.)

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8. Avoid emotional investing – Howard Marks

Your emotions are not your portfolio’s friend. Fear, greed, and FOMO can make you do dumb things. Be the calm person at the party—not the one dancing on tables after one earnings report.

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9. It’s not about being right all the time – Mohnish Pabrai

Even great investors are wrong sometimes. The goal is to win big more often than you lose big. So don’t beat yourself up if a few picks go south — just don’t double down on them out of pride.

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10. Do your homework – Every value investor ever

There’s no shortcut. Read financials, understand the business, study the management. If you wouldn’t buy the whole company, maybe don’t buy a tiny slice of it either.

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Final Thoughts:

Value investing isn’t sexy. It’s not flashy. You won’t see it trending on TikTok (and that’s a good thing). But it works — slowly, steadily, and with fewer heart attacks. Stick to the timeless principles, and your future self (and your retirement account) will thank you.

Now go forth, avoid meme stocks, and invest like a legend. 💼📈

05/04/2025

If you learned to invest in the stock market on your own, see if you recognize yourself in any of these common behavioral patterns—mistakes that many beginner investors make and should avoid:

1. You heard about a “hot stock” from a friend, coworker, family member, or even a stranger.

2. You felt the fear of missing out (FOMO) and rushed to figure out how to get started and set up an account.

3. If you’re a risk-taker, you bought in without doing any research—just hoping for a quick win.

4. If you’re more risk-averse, you Googled the company, read both positive and negative news, and convinced yourself you’d done your due diligence—then bought in, hoping your money would grow.

5. You became obsessed with checking your account to see if your balance was going up.

6. When your stock dropped, you felt disappointed and walked away from investing entirely.

7. When your investment grew, you felt like a genius—or just lucky—and repeated the process or chased more tips.

8. You started following financial “experts” and copied their portfolios without fully understanding the strategies behind them.

9. When the market took a downturn, you did one of three things:

• Panic-sold to salvage what was left
• Held on, hoping to recover your losses
• Bought random stocks just because they were cheaper than before

10. When the market rebounded, you (if brave enough) jumped back in—often buying at higher prices again.

These behaviors might feel intuitive when you’re just starting out, but each one is a rookie mistake that can be avoided with some basic knowledge and hands-on experience.

Let me help you save time, money, and frustration by learning the basics of investing the smart way. Get started today at www.optionwits.com.

04/13/2025

Alright, this might sound a little wild—but just roll with it for a sec.

What if the U.S. president is intentionally trying to crash the stock market?
Not by pulling a single move, but by stirring up just enough uncertainty to shake things loose.

Crazy? Maybe. But let’s break down the possible benefits from that kind of chaos.

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1. Calling Out What’s Fake

Let’s be real—sometimes the market is all smoke and mirrors. Stocks can go way up just because people feel good about them, even if the companies behind them are barely hanging on.

A crash forces a reality check. It separates what’s solid from what’s just hype. Like tipping over a Jenga tower to see what blocks actually mattered.

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2. Giving Regular People a Shot

When markets boom, most of the money flows to the already-rich—because they are the ones holding most of the stocks.

But when things crash? Prices drop. That could be a rare chance for everyday people to buy in—stocks, homes, whatever—if there’s help from the government. It could even help close the wealth gap a bit.

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3. Slowing Inflation—Without the Fed Going Nuclear

Normally, the Fed fights inflation by hiking interest rates. But that can slow the economy a lot—sometimes too much.

A market crash kind of does the same thing. People spend less, demand cools off, and inflation starts to come down. Harsh? Yes. But faster than waiting on interest rate hikes to work.

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4. Shaking Up the Global Game

When the U.S. market crashes, the shockwaves hit everywhere. Trade, currencies, foreign economies—all of it shifts.

If the president had a bigger play in mind—like reshuffling global power or pushing other countries to rethink their strategies—then a crash could actually be part of the plan.

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5. Crisis = Excuse for Big Changes

In politics, nothing gets people moving like a crisis. A crash could make it easier to say, “The system’s broken—time for something new.”

That might open the door for big reforms, more government control, or even a full-on economic reset. Risky, but some leaders thrive in chaos.

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6. Saving Trillions on National Debt

The U.S. owes over $34 trillion—and just like a credit card, interest adds up fast.

If a crash tanks the economy and the Fed has to cut rates, that’s a chance to refinance the debt at lower costs. That could save the government trillions in interest over time. Wild, right?

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So… Is This Really Happening?

Who knows?! But it’s an interesting (and kind of spooky) theory.

04/06/2025

When the stock market takes a dip, it’s tempting to treat it like a clearance sale—stocks are down, so now’s the time to buy, right? Not necessarily.

While broad market declines can create opportunities, just because a stock is down doesn’t mean it’s cheap. A lower price might reflect deeper issues: declining revenue, rising debt, management problems, or long-term shifts in the industry. In other words, a falling stock can still be overpriced if its future prospects are weak.

That’s why it’s crucial to do a little digging.

Before you buy, ask: What is this company actually worth? Look at earnings, cash flow, growth potential, and competitive position. Compare that to the current stock price. Is it a fair value? Is it trading at a premium? Or is it truly selling at a discount?

Smart investors don’t just buy because something’s cheaper than yesterday—they buy because it’s worth more than what it’s selling for today.

So yes, take advantage of the sale—but know what you’re buying.

Sign up at www.optionwits.com to learn how to look for great deals.

03/23/2025

Are You Playing the Odds or Stacking Them in Your Favor?

Entrepreneurs take risks—it’s practically in our DNA. But there’s a huge difference between calculated risk (investing) and blind hope (gambling). Confuse the two, and your financial future might look less like Warren Buffett’s and more like the guy at the blackjack table yelling, “Double or nothing!”

Let’s break it down.

Casino Night vs. Smart Investments: Luck vs. Logic

Picture this: You’re in Vegas, feeling lucky. You step up to the roulette table, throw down a stack of cash, and bet it all on red. If you win, you double your money instantly. If you lose… well, time to rethink that five-star hotel stay.

That’s gambling—no skill, just chance. And the house? It always has the edge.

Investing, on the other hand, isn’t about crossing your fingers. It’s about strategy, risk management, and playing the long game. No hoping. No praying. Just smart moves that put the odds in your favor.

The Key Difference: Guess vs. Educated Guess

Let’s put it simply:
• A Guess → No logic. No research. Just pure luck.
• An Educated Guess → Uses data, strategy, and critical thinking to increase the probability of success.

If your investment strategy is based on “I have a good feeling about this stock” or “My Uber driver said crypto is making a comeback”—congratulations, you’re gambling.

If you’re analyzing financial reports, studying market trends, and diversifying your portfolio—you’re actually investing.

Would You Trust a “Lucky” Surgeon?

Imagine needing surgery, and your doctor says, “I haven’t studied this procedure, but I have a great feeling about where your appendix is.”

Terrifying, right?

That’s exactly what gambling with your money looks like. Would you trust an investor who’s done their homework or someone relying on a lucky streak?

The Bottom Line: Are You Betting or Building?

Entrepreneurs thrive on risk—but the right kind of risk. Gambling is hoping to get rich overnight. Investing is making smart, strategic moves to build long-term wealth.

Want to stack the odds in your favor? Visit www.optionwits.com and book a session. Because when it comes to your money, you should be playing to win—not just rolling the dice.

03/16/2025

Alright, fellow entrepreneurs, let’s talk about something we usually ignore until we hear someone made millions overnight—the stock market.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I’m busy building my own empire! Why would I invest in someone else’s?” But hear me out—playing the stock market can actually serve YOU, the entrepreneur, in more ways than just a side hustle.

1. Your Money Works While You Build

Your startup is your baby, but babies are expensive. While you’re bootstrapping, stocks can be a great way to grow some extra cash on the side—just in case your genius idea takes longer to catch fire than expected.

2. Learn From the Pros

Investing in stocks forces you to study successful businesses. By watching how top companies operate, grow, and (sometimes) crash and burn, you gain valuable insights for your own venture. Consider it free business school—except, well, nothing in life is truly free (it’ll cost you some time and a few learning curves).

3. Diversification = Less Stress

Startups are risky. Stocks can be risky. But having both? That spreads out your risk. If your business has a rough quarter, your investments might keep you afloat—or at least keep you from stress-eating an entire pizza.

4. Potential Exit Strategy

Let’s be real—entrepreneurs love shiny new ideas. If you ever sell your business, you’ll need somewhere to put that cash. Smart investing means you’re not just sitting on your earnings—you’re making them work for you long-term.

5. Networking & Credibility

Being an investor helps you speak the language of money. Imagine pitching to an investor and actually understanding market trends, valuations, and earnings reports. That’s instant street cred—and it makes you a more well-rounded entrepreneur.

The Bottom Line

You’re already betting on yourself—why not bet on a few other winners too? Stocks aren’t just for Wall Street suits; they can be a powerful tool for entrepreneurs to grow, learn, and hedge their bets. Just… maybe don’t YOLO all your startup funds into meme stocks.

I can teach you how to avoid the traps and find winning stocks. Let’s make your money work for you.

- Raquel Gumabon
Stock Market Teacher
www.optionwits.com

03/01/2025

Invest Your Way to Peace of Mind

Living in survival mode is like being trapped on a financial treadmill—no matter how hard you run, you never seem to get ahead. The cycle of earning, spending, and stressing can feel endless. But there’s a way out: investing. With a few smart moves, you can trade constant worry for a future filled with peace and possibilities.

What is Survival Mode?

It’s that relentless grind where:
• Paychecks vanish faster than you can say “utility bill.”
• Unexpected expenses (looking at you, car repairs) derail your plans.
• Long-term goals feel as distant as winning the lottery.

Staying stuck here drains not only your wallet but also your mental health. Enter investing—a way to build wealth that works for you instead of the other way around.

Why Start Investing?

Investing is like giving your money a job—except it doesn’t call in sick or ask for a raise. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• Compound Growth: Start early, and your money grows exponentially over time.
• Passive Income: Earn money from stocks, real estate, or dividends while you focus on living.
• Financial Security: A diversified portfolio protects you from life’s surprises.

Steps to Escape Survival Mode
1. Build a Safety Net: Start with 3–6 months of living expenses to handle emergencies without touching your investments.
2. Use Employer Perks: If your job offers a 401(k) with matching, max it out. Free money is the best kind of money.
3. Start Small: Begin with low-cost index funds—they’re simple, diversified, and reliable for beginners.
4. Automate Everything: Set up auto-transfers to make investing consistent and hassle-free.
5. Simplify Your Lifestyle: Cut unnecessary expenses, avoid lifestyle inflation, and focus on what truly matters.

Think Big: Visualize Your Future

Imagine a life where financial stress isn’t running the show. Maybe it’s traveling the world, starting a passion project, or just having the freedom to say “yes” to opportunities. Whatever your dream life looks like, investing is the ticket to getting there.

Final Thoughts: Start Now, Thrive Later

Breaking free from survival mode isn’t about earning more—it’s about making your money work smarter. The earlier you start investing, the closer you’ll be to financial freedom and a life you enjoy.

Learn how to invest in stocks at www.optionwits.com

02/17/2025

As an entrepreneur, you’ve put in the work to build your business—or maybe you’re still figuring things out. Either way, one thing’s for sure: protecting and growing your wealth is just as important as growing your business. If something unexpected happens, will you be financially secure, or is everything riding on one venture?

I help entrepreneurs and professionals learn how to invest in the stock market using simple, proven strategies that boost returns and lower risk. Whether you want a hands-off, automated approach or you’re excited to pick winning stocks and build a custom strategy, I can show you how to take control of your investments.

Now, you might be thinking, “Why not just hire a fund manager?” Here’s the problem—most fund managers don’t actually beat the market. Don’t just take my word for it—Google “what percentage of fund managers beat the market” and see for yourself. Plus, their 1% management fee adds up fast, especially when compared to the 0.03% cost of automated investing. Over time, that small difference can cost you a fortune.

This isn’t just about investing—it’s about financial freedom. No matter what happens with your business, you should have the peace of mind that your money is working for you.

Ready to take control of your financial future? Let’s chat! Schedule a free meet-and-greet today at www.optionwits.com

01/05/2025

2024 WAS TOUGH—Here’s Why Financial Preparedness Matters More Than Ever

Let’s not sugarcoat it: 2024 was an expensive year, at least for our family. Rising prices alone were enough to make anyone sweat, but on top of that, we faced medical challenges that cost us not just money, but also mental health and precious time away from the business I’ve been working so hard to build.

Looking back, I shudder to think how much worse it could have been if we hadn’t been prepared for life’s curveballs. Emergencies happen—sometimes all at once—and they don’t wait until you’re ready. That’s why I’m incredibly grateful we made financial education a priority years ago. It wasn’t about making piles of money; it was about creating a safety net so we could focus on what truly mattered: healing and family.

PREPARING FOR LIFE’S CURVEBALLS

I’m not here to brag about our ability to get medical help or take time off—it’s not about that. I’m here because I want to warn you: life will throw unexpected challenges your way. If you’re unprepared, those challenges can quickly spiral into disasters.

Imagine being unable to afford the care your loved ones need or having to push through a health crisis because you can’t take time off work. It’s a reality for many, but it doesn’t have to be. Preparing for the worst isn’t pessimistic—it’s empowering.

THE SPARK THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Ten years ago, something clicked for us. We realized we couldn’t leave our financial future up to chance. Back then, we weren’t prepared for emergencies, and the stress of “what if” loomed over us like a dark cloud.

So, we dove into financial education. We learned about budgeting, saving, investing, and creating a financial cushion to fall back on when life gets tough. It wasn’t easy or fast, but it was life-changing.

MONEY CAN’T BUY HAPPINESS, BUT…

You’ve heard it before: “Money doesn’t buy happiness.” And it’s true! But what money does buy is privileges and peace of mind. It gives you options:
• The option to focus on your loved ones during tough times.
• The option to take time off without fear of financial ruin.
• The option to get the care and support your family needs.

It’s not about luxury or showing off—it’s about having the freedom to navigate life’s ups and downs without constant worry.

MAKE 2025 COUNT

If you’re reading this and feeling like a curveball could knock your house of cards down, let 2025 be the year you take control. Financial health is one of the few things in life you can influence, and it’s never too late to start.

Here’s how to begin:
1. Build an Emergency Fund: Start with three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
2. Educate Yourself: Learn about budgeting, saving, and investing—there’s no shortage of free resources out there.
3. Take Small Steps: Begin with small, consistent changes, like automating savings or paying down debt.
4. Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst: You can’t control everything, but you can ensure your finances are strong enough to handle the unexpected.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Life doesn’t wait until you’re ready to throw challenges your way. But with financial preparation, you can face those challenges head-on, knowing you have the means to focus on what truly matters.

I’m grateful we started our journey to financial health a decade ago—it made all the difference in 2024. Now, I want to encourage you to do the same. Let this be the year you take control of your financial future, so when life throws its next curveball, you’ll be ready.

Optionwits

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