All Psyched Up: Investing

By Linda Hancock on November 1, 2025.

The world has gone kind of crazy when it comes to pricing. Gold and silver have hit all-time highs as countries and individuals scramble to hold assets that they hope will maintain or increase in value. My condo has almost doubled in price during the four years since I bought it. Cryptocurrencies are climbing but so are grocery prices, gas and other living expenses.

We’ve come a long way from the day when my grandpa asked me to buy him a nickel scribbler and a nibbed pen because he wanted to write his history!

So, I hear people tell me that they don’t know how they will continue to feed their families or keep up with the costs of living. Some, like the cab driver I met last week, are concerned that changing times with Uber competition and employees who work from home are unable to make a living. Business and employment have changed a great deal.

Politicians are fighting about tariffs, sovereignty, deficits and still unproven solutions to turn the tide.

All this makes me think about where we should focus our efforts and how we might get the best return from our investments. Here are some ideas:

1. Physical – We only have one body and there are proven methods for taking care of it. Exercise, sleep, nutrition and self-care will help in maintaining good health. Limit caffeine, substances and sweets. I also always encourage people to take care of their appearance. When you dress up for you, you walk a little taller and feel a little smarter.

2. Mental – You have control about what you allow to build or prune the dendrites in your brain. Ancient scriptures recommend that we think about whatsoever things are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, in good report and of virtue. Yes, we need to deal with some negatives too but only with the intent of resolving them and moving on.

3. Financial – How well you do when it comes to money depends on the difference between what you earn and what you spend. You might need to increase your income with a part-time or casual job. All of us can examine our expenditures and reduce our outflow. One important thing is to know and practice is the difference between what we need and what we want.

4. Social – Choose activities and friends that are positive and inspiring. Make sure you laugh, sing and communicate in a positive manner. Take a chance once in awhile so that you can overcome the fear that might previously have prevented you from learning new skills or trying new adventures.

5. Relational – Be the person you want to be with. One of the books that I frequently recommend even though it was published in 1989 is “Light His Fire: How to Keep Your Man Passionate and Hopelessly in Love with You”. The theme of author Ellen Kreidman’s book is that a man wants to be with you when he feels good about himself in your presence. Same for women! And children! Are you creating an environment that people want to share with you or are you focused on criticism and misery?

6. Educational – The old adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a lie. We are never too old to learn. Challenge yourself to learn one new thing every single day.

So, you don’t need to have gold, silver, crypto or real estate to be rich. Work on the above six categories and you will indeed be or become a very wealthy individual!

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Calgary. She can be reached by email at office@drlindahancock.com

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