Have you noticed how impossible it feels to escape the news these days? There are constant breaking alerts on your phone, endless commentary on social media… world events follow us everywhere. Information isn’t just available anymore, it’s unavoidable. As I write this (3rd January), the news is dominated by coverage of U.S. military strikes on Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro. I mean… probably not legal under international law, but let’s be real, the rules don’t seem to apply evenly anymore, do they?

Not too long ago, things were different. Investors might learn about market movements days after they happened, flipping through the morning paper at breakfast. Many successful investors built their wealth in an era where they could go weeks (sometimes a month) without checking how their investments were doing. That distance created a natural buffer against emotional decision-making. But those days are gone.

The New Reality

Today’s investing environment couldn’t be more different. What used to take effort to discover now takes effort to avoid.

Financial media knows fear and anxiety drive engagement, and they’re alarmingly good at turning tiny market moves into full-blown crises. “Markets in turmoil” is the default headline, whether the decline is 2% or 10%.

More information doesn’t make us better investors. Our brains weren’t built to process this much data. We’re pattern-seekers, wired to react - but the market often moves randomly in the short term. The result? Research consistently shows that investors who react to every headline underperform those who stay the course.

How to Stay Disciplined

So, how do you stay grounded in this age of constant alerts? Here’s what works:

1. Set boundaries. 

Check your portfolio on your terms, not the news cycle. For long-term investors, an annual review is often enough, unless something significant changes in your life. Weekly checks rarely help. As Warren Buffett said: “The market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.”

2. Focus on fundamentals, not prices.

The true value of your investments lies in the earnings and dividends of the great companies of the world. During periods of market volatility, remind yourself that you own businesses, not stock tickers. Ask yourself: has the long-term outlook for these businesses fundamentally changed, or just their prices?

3. Keep your North Star front and centre.

The most successful investors never lose sight of why they’re investing. For most people, it’s about family security, independence, or peace of mind. During volatile periods, reconnecting with your purpose keeps the noise in perspective.

Taking Control

Yes, the modern investing landscape is noisy, but the principles haven’t changed. Patience, discipline, and clarity of purpose remain the hallmarks of success.

The good news? You can control your information environment. Turn off notifications. Designate “news-free” days. Limit financial media consumption. Protect the mental space you need to make thoughtful decisions.

The role of financial advisers isn’t just about managing your money. It’s about protecting your peace of mind. We stand between you and the noise so you can focus on what truly matters: your long-term financial well-being.

In a world that seems more complex by the minute, simplicity and staying the course are more powerful than ever. 🩷