Over the past year, I noticed myself becoming overly preoccupied with growing my net worth. What began as disciplined monthly portfolio tracking gradually turned into an unhealthy habit—even minor market fluctuations started affecting my mood, despite the minimal time commitment involved.
Initially, watching my assets grow each month—whether through salary savings, dividends, or paper gains—gave me a sense of accomplishment. But when recent tariff announcements caused a market dip, particularly in my NVIDIA holdings, the sudden drop in portfolio value triggered unexpected anxiety. Thankfully, I avoided emotional selling and instead took a breather—focusing on family time and reassessing my approach.
This experience made me realize that monthly check-ins were doing more harm than good. I’ve since shifted to quarterly reviews, which feels far more sustainable. A three-month perspective helps me focus on gradual progress rather than short-term volatility.
My ultimate goal hasn’t changed: building long-term, self-sustaining wealth. Right now, about 80% of my portfolio still stems from accumulated salary investments rather than investment returns—a reminder that I’m still in the early phases of wealth generation.
Moving forward, I’ll prioritize career growth while letting my investments compound. With two children and a household that requires nearly $5,000 monthly just to cover essentials, I won’t have much extra cash to invest. Instead, I’ll rely on reinvested dividends and occasional bonuses to keep growing my portfolio passively. This slower, steadier approach aligns better with both my financial reality and mental well-being—proving that sustainable wealth isn’t just about returns, but about balance.
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