I was a value trap. My own stock was cheap for a reason.

Running through Central Park on the west side of Manhattan

— the financial capital of the world, and arguably the easiest city on earth to compare yourself to others.

Skyscrapers to your left.

Young ambition on the right.

And there I was, ten years ago, deeply jealous of a more successful friend.

But in investing, we compare companies with one another to see if one is cheaper or more expensive.

If there is a catalyst to either short the expensive one and/or

buy the cheaper stock.

But cheap stocks might be cheap for a reason.

This is called a value trap.

I was that stock. I was a value trap.

Listening to Mel Robbins recently, she reminded me that comparison is evil — unless you use it as fuel.

Back then, I was using it as a prison.

Then a catalyst hit me.

A spark.

I realized I wasn't being held back by my friend's success, by the market, or by the city.

I was being held back by me.

I was my own worst enemy.

The moment I stopped comparing my price tag to everyone else's and made a decision about who I wanted to become — everything changed.

That defining moment became the greatest discovery of my life.

What is standing in your way... becomes the way.

Are you finally ready to reprice yourself? It all starts with a spark!

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide

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This commentary offers generalized research, not personalized investment advice. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment services or performance. Nothing in this commentary should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future investment returns. All investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with an investment & tax professional before implementing any investment strategy. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.