We were on our way to Key West when my phone buzzed.

“You crazy Aussies, you!” a friend texted.

We had barely made our flight out of New Orleans, racing to the gate at the last second. Hurricane Milton was expected to hit later that day, and the flight ✈️ was leaving early. By the time we landed in Miami, the warnings piled up—Tropical Storm. Flooding risk. High winds. A tornado watch. And, of course, a hurricane.

I debated whether to tell my cousins, but they figured it out soon enough.

We drove south, stopping to reassess. Our planned tourist stop was closed. Now what?

I kept checking emergency alerts, wind speeds, and whether the bridges would stay open. Finally, we called the local police.

“Will the bridges be open?”
“We don’t close bridges for a tropical storm.”

“Is it safe?”
“Are you comfortable driving in a tropical storm?”

Over bridges? 😬 No thanks. Luckily, my cousin’s husband was fine with it.

If you’ve ever driven across the Seven Mile Bridge, you know how long it feels. Add gusting winds and the drop to the sea below, and it’s even more unnerving. But my cousins in the back? Chatting away like it was nothing.

Forty-two bridges later, we made it. 🎉

Here’s the thing: Some of my friends wouldn’t have taken that drive. Others, like my cousins, weren’t fazed by the weather at all.

Investing is the same way. Your tolerance for risk is personal. What works for someone else may not be right for you.

A few key takeaways:

✔️ Comparison may be misleading. Someone else’s risk tolerance isn’t yours.

✔️ Check your financial safety net. More savings? More risk might feel okay. Tight budget? A conservative approach may be better.

✔️ Manage your emotions. If market dips keep you up at night, your strategy may need adjusting.

✔️ Where are you heading? Investing for retirement in 30 years is different from needing cash in five.

Taking risks isn’t the same as being reckless. Just like we checked emergency updates and called local authorities before deciding to drive, smart investing means understanding the risks before making a move.

Do your research, seek expert advice, and make informed decisions. Ultimately, the only investment strategy that matters is the one that aligns with your goals and comfort level.

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Prepared by Heart Strong Wealth Planning, Copyright 2025.