As the old saying goes, “you can’t take it with you.” And when it comes to your money, this couldn’t be more true. Eventually, we all must face the grim reality of death, leaving behind our earthly possessions and, ultimately, our wealth. Or as I like to call it, the ultimate financial planning fail.

But as my Dad used to say! There is a way to ensure that your money continues to grow and provide for your loved ones, by investing in stocks, of course.

You see, when you invest in stocks, you are essentially purchasing a small piece of ownership in a company. As the company grows and prospers, the value of your stock (and thus, your investment) also increases. And with a diverse portfolio of stocks, you can potentially see steady returns on your investment for years to come. Or, as we like to call it, a financial planning win.

But the benefits of investing in stocks go beyond just financial gain. It can also provide a sense of security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Imagine being able to leave behind a financial legacy that continues to provide for your family, even after you’ve left the planet.

Of course, it’s important to remember that investing in stocks carries inherent risks, as the value of your investment can fluctuate due to market conditions. A case in point: year 2022.

The year 2022 was a turbulent one for the stock market, particularly for the S&P 500 and tech stocks. The S&P 500, a broad index of large-cap stocks, fell by almost 20% during the year, while tech stocks, as represented by the tech-heavy NASDAQ index, declined by a staggering 33%.

Luckily already in December 2021 I received my first ever SELL signal and was warned about the coming global recession. I made this call when stocks were at all-time high before the bear market of 2022. And in addition to that my 2022 guideline was to stop investing new money and build cash reserves. That proved to be a great strategy.

But with careful research and a long-term investing perspective, the potential rewards of investing in 2023 and beyond can far outweigh the risks. Just make sure to do your due diligence and avoid any stocks that might involve actual biting of dust. Thankfully you can easily do that by investing in stock index funds.

There are several benefits to investing in index funds:

1. Diversification: Index funds offer diversification by tracking a basket of stocks, rather than investing in a single company. This can help reduce the risk of losing money due to the performance of a single stock.
2. Low fees: Index funds often have lower fees than actively managed funds, which means more of your money goes towards growing your investment rather than being eaten up by fees.
3. Consistent returns: Because index funds track a broad market index, they tend to have relatively consistent returns over the long term. This can make them a good choice for long-term investment goals such as retirement.
4. Simplicity: Index funds are a simple and straightforward investment option, making them a good choice for beginner investors or those who prefer a hands-off approach to investing.

So as you ponder your own mortality and the inevitability of death, consider investing in stocks as a way to not only provide for yourself and your family in the present, but also to ensure that your financial legacy lives on long after you’re gone. Or as I like to put it, the ultimate financial planning grand slam.

After all, death may be inevitable, but that doesn’t mean your wealth has to die with you. Invest in stocks and give your money the chance to continue growing and providing for those you leave behind. Who knows, you might even make a killing (pun intended).