The S&P 500 just reached a new milestone and closed above 5,000 for the first time in history on February 9th. I love looking back at the previous milestones to remember just how far we have come and how much higher the market will likely go in our lifetimes.

I thought it would be fun to look at the milestones in my own life and where the S&P 500 was at for each one.

My parents were born in 1953 when the S&P 500 was about 25. I was born in 1979 when the S&P 500 was around 100.

I started my career as a financial advisor in 2001 with the S&P 500 at 1,200. It climbed to around 2,000 when Jake and Emma were born and was just over 4,000 when we founded Presilium.

As I plan out my family’s financial future, I expect the market will continue to move higher and reach new highs as we reach our own milestones- just like it always has. Consequently, I keep most of our savings invested in stock to take advantage of this long-term trend to make sure we have the wealth my family will need as we reach each new milestone.

Now, since my parents were born in 1953, the market has temporarily declined more than 20% 11 times. Anyone who remained optimistic, held their investments, and believed the market would eventually resume moving up one day has seen amazing growth over that time.

It took about 38 years for the S&P 500 to 20x from 250 to 5,000. At that pace, we should see the S&P 500 cross 100,000 and 20x again by the time my future grandchildren start college.

Thank you and I look forward to talking with you again soon.

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