Annual review 2021
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela
Well, here we are again, the end of another year, and the beginning of 2022. Firstly, I hope you are all well and have enjoyed the Christmas & New Year. I am writing this in advance of publication and scheduling it for release on New Year’s Eve. Be careful not to get too carried away… a bit too much over exuberance can cause some regret tomorrow morning! A little tip: try taking L-Cysteine before bed. I discovered it before Fr. Christmas arrived, and it has been a game changer: significantly less anxiety (‘the fear’) and nausea. It aids liver function, and based on a small study, did have an impact. As with investments, do consult a professional before taking anything, as everyone’s circumstances are different :)
So as always, it is worth looking back at last years performance and seeing what, if anything, has changed on an investment basis:
What has changed?
Well….was 2021 the year that risk came home to roost? #BOTB was a major holding in the portfolio and also led to a complaint against AJ Bell to the FSCS (still awaiting a result on this, for anyone interested). Once a result is passed down, I will probably be moving my family accounts back to interactive investor.
I’ve also traded significantly less. I’m particularly pleased with this as it is ongoing work in progress with me. Doing nothing is often the correct approach in many situations, but a killer in others.
I think I’ve been grumpier on Twitter than I have in previous years. I put this down to a combination of things, but certainly the pandemic has caused significant sadness, frustration & malaise. Therefore, if I have caused upset this past year, I apologise. I will do better next year and aim to be more positive, upbeat and jovial in my interactions in 2022. Please hold me to this!
I’ve been fitter than ever. I racked up 5075km on the bike with 42,651m of elevation. Not bad. I hope this will be royally smashed next year, as my new Strael 3.0 from Fairlight arrives in March.
What has remained the same?
Continuing in a positive vein, I remained decisive when I needed to be. Once I realised the impact, and associated risk, with having such an oversized position in #BOTB, this was eliminated. I can’t see circumstances where I would ever revisit it, in truth.
I also sold things far to early, as has been the case in previous years. Something to work on in 2022!
I’d like to hold another Steak night in Summer, 2022. We raised a lot of money for both Zane & The Bay foodbank in North Shields when we did hold it, and I know everyone really enjoyed it, and I do love steak…so really, there’s no excuse not to do it again - hopefully some of you can make it!
I ‘read’ more than I expected (I usually listen to audiobooks whilst running / on the smart trainer.
Top 5, in no particular order
‘And Away…’ by Bob Mortimer
Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green
Wanting by Luke Burgis
Think Again by Adam Grant
The Warren Buffet Way by Robert G Hagstrom
Looking ahead
As we move into 2022 I don’t think I’m alone in throwing caution to the wind. I will always continue to drip feed into the markets, but as things currently stand today, my cash weighting in my ISA is 76.83%. I am happy with this, for now. My top 5 positions are #MACF, #CNS, #GAW, #CLX & #VLE. So, the big reveal… *drumroll please*
2021 returns within my ISA wrapper were +16.18%
It’s funny, if you offered me this at the beginning of the year, I would have taken your arm off. Now, it feels somewhat lacklustre, but in truth, I am very pleased with the return considering my significantly high cash weighting for most of the calendar year.
#Jet2 shareholders will be pleased to hear I already have two breaks with them in the diary: a family trip to Menorca, and a cycling trip to Majorca. It has been suggested, as it is my 40th next year, I should complete the set and go to Ibiza - we shall have to wait and see!
I wish you all the best for the new year. May you find success in the markets, but, more importantly, happiness and contentment away from them, in 2022!