Financial pundits are busy offering promises of how next Tuesday’s Presidential election will impact markets. The truth is, no one knows exactly how the result will affect portfolios. Fortunately, long-term investors shouldn’t be too worried.

If we declared September 30th the end of 2016, the return of a typical Vista portfolio (65% stocks, 35% bonds) would be close to its long-term average of 8.8%. An average year may not sound like news until you realize how rarely it has occurred historically. 

It’s often thought the vacation home, unlimited free time or travel in retirement will satisfy our heart’s desire. The momentary satisfaction we feel, however, often doesn’t translate into lasting happiness. We get used to the good life, and that happiness is too often short lived.  

Anyone who’s purchased a car knows the party most prepared to walk away from the deal has the advantage. It is the motivated buyer, or seller, who is most often forced to make the biggest concession. It’s no different in investing.

Index funds turned 40 last week. Not everyone, however, is in a celebratory mood.