First of all, Merry Christmas!
I have to admit, I punted around the idea of skipping this edition of Greatest Hits, what with the biggest holiday of the year and everything.
But it just didn’t feel right.
First of all, it’s our twenty-fifth, anniversary edition. If there’s one thing I learned as a married man, it’s that you do not forget anniversaries. Not if you know what’s good for ya.
After launching this bi-weekly roundup just over a year ago, it quickly became really popular with readers – and a great way to distract the audience from my own writing share interesting articles I’ve come across.
But a far more important reason I wanted to keep the streak going is that this Christmas, many folks will yet again find themselves self-isolating due to Covid.
If you are in that camp, I wish you a speedy recovery – and hope the links below provide an extra dose of entertainment over the next few days.
For everyone else, it’s a nice and easy distraction from that annoying relative who still thinks Covid is a conspiracy, a good alternative to whatever it is they call TV these days, or simply something to scroll through while you are roasting that Christmas turkey.
Next week we’ll be doing our big recap of 2021.
But in the meantime, I hope you have a nice and relaxing holiday – and wish a very Merry Christmas to you and your families.
Right – I’m off to open some presents!
From Yours Truly
Is Index Investing Still Relevant in 2022?
Hunters, Farmers, and Financial Independence
When Your “Number” Becomes Irrelevant
Building Wealth
House Money – Jack Raines (highly recommended)
What Happened To 2021’s Biggest Thrill Rides For Investors? – Monevator
The Age Of Financial Misinformation – Dollars and Data
Are 5 Stocks Really Carrying The Entire Stock Market? – Ben Carlson
Early Retirement
Retirement Is Nothing Like I Thought It Would Be – The Retirement Manifesto
Lifestyle Design
What You Are Really Worried About When You Are Worried About Money – The Atlantic
You Are Not Rich (If You Are Constantly Doing This) – Rad Reads
What It’s Really Like To Win The Lottery – Metro
Why Rich People Avoid Consumerism – Darius Foroux
Banker Bonus Mini-Special
Not everyone is going to be totally relaxed at Christmas dinner this year.
For many bankers, December was a hectic month of jockeying to elevate themselves up the pecking order when it comes to banking bonuses.
Most US banks pay out in January and European banks follow suit in February and March. Expect a lot of drama, disappointment, and hidden delights, because:
Goldman, JP Morgan Plan Bumper Payout For Investment Bankers – Reuters
and
This Is What A Real Bonus Looks Like At JP Morgan – Daniel Davies
but also
Wall Street Ends Crazy Year With Big Bonuses – And Existential Angst – Bloomberg
Finally, if you care for my perspective, here’s how I felt about bonuses before I became a banker – and here’s what I know about them now.
All Around
Elon Musk: Interview With The FTs Person Of The Year – Financial Times
Recommended Books
If there’s one thing I’ll be doing lots of over the next few days, it’s reading.
Below are my top 5 picks when it comes to easy, entertaining, yet informative books on money, investing, and life.
In other words, perfect for your Christmas reading list.
#1: The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness – Morgan Housel
#2: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide To Wealth and Happiness – Eric Jorgenson
#3: Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results – James Clear
#4: The Simple Path To Wealth: Your Roadmap To Financial Independence, and a Rich, Free Life – JL Collins
#5: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup – John Carreyrou
Merry Xmas all!
Note: the above post may contain affiliate links. You can read up about our affiliate policy here.
About Banker On Fire
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Banker On FIRE is an M&A (mergers and acquisitions) investment banker. I am passionate about capital markets, behavioural economics, financial independence, and living the best life possible.
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Thanks for the Christmas reading. Those banker bonuses are eyewatering..
Indeed, though there’s definitely a selection bias there (at least in Pinto’s case).
Merry Christmas!
Enjoy your holiday and your reading, thank you for the content you provide.
Cheers – and likewise, enjoy the holidays!
Thank you for the content. Enjoy the holiday break.
Thank you – Merry Xmas to you also!
Merry Christmas Damian – and all the best in the new year (And with the bonuses!)
Mr C
Thanks Mrs. C, and likewise – all the best wishes to you and your family!