Business

The Gamification of Investing

Published

3 years ago

October 21, 2021

“The Emeritus Wealth Team pictured at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ after donating over $15K to Cancer Research with their proceeds from their annual charity golf outing.”

As the global pandemic forced us inside and online, it also had some interesting side effects. Being unable to spend our time on the pre-pandemic activities we were used to, people began turning their attention and focus to other at-home activities. Some took up DIY home renovations, others tried their hand at the culinary arts, but many began dipping their toes into the world of investing.

With easy access to online investing platforms such as Robinhood, Acorns, Coinbase and more, investing became a part of everyday life for many. Wake up, put the coffee pot on, turn on your favorite investment channel and check your stock trading app. This seemed to be the daily routine for both greenhorn and seasoned investors alike.

Armed with freshly minted pandemic checks from Uncle Sam, it was time to start chasing those returns. When the stock market was down 30% during the height of the coronavirus, Robinhood opened nearly 3 million new accounts—and half of those accounts were opened by first-time investors.

Turning to online forums and word of mouth, the American public was infatuated with capturing the riches that the markets have to offer. It started with looking at companies that were fundamentally sound, but may have gotten caught up in the pandemic panic selling. Somewhere along the line, things changed.

Today’s online financial “gurus”, Tik Tokers and crypto fanatics have taken over the internet. The influence these talking heads have not only on the psychology of their followers, but on the markets themselves was unprecedented.

But at what risk?

Newer investors should be careful (the term “investor” is used very loosely here). No one should rely solely on a 30-second video to determine which stocks, funds, or index are best to invest in. Adding to market risk, there needs to be consideration when it comes to taxes, business risk of individual stocks, and other systematic risks. For example, you just sold AMC for a gain of $15,000 in your brokerage account. Time to go buy that Tesla!

It’s time to pump the brakes. You could have triggered a short-term capital gain. Do you know how that is taxed? Is there a way for you to offset this? What’s the difference between a short-term gain and long-term gain? Will my exposure to market volatility impact this at all? When are the taxes due? What is the “wash sale” rule?

I guess Reddit didn’t explain this part to you. Don’t worry, keep reading, we have you covered.

What are the next steps?

Get educated, do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The internet is an amazing tool, but when looking for investment advice, every investor’s situation is so unique that you have to be careful what you are following on YouTube and Tik Tok. As a relatively new investor, it may benefit you to consult with a financial advisor to make sure you’re investing to meet your specific goals.

The right financial advisor understands the tax liabilities, risk levels and evaluations that come with investing. These are topics that shouldn’t be ignored when building a long-term investment strategy.

Working with a financial advisor means you won’t go into investing blind. You’ll have a stable strategy and feel secure in your financial future.

Invest the Right Way with Emeritus Wealth Group

The Emeritus Wealth Group, a financial advising and wealth management firm are licensed wealth managers with clients throughout the country.

Their passion stemmed from seeing many clients who were uneducated on how to build wealth. This led them to start Emeritus Wealth Group in 2019.

If you’re looking for financial advising and wealth management to protect your assets and build wealth, contact Emeritus Wealth Group.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

4 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.