Every year, NFL fans gather around their TVs to watch The Big Game, placing bets, wearing jerseys, and asking one key question: Who’s going to win it all? While predictions fly and analysts argue over stats, there’s one metric with nearly a 90% accuracy rate in determining the winner—and it’s surprisingly simple.
The team with the fewest turnovers usually wins.
In the 60 years of NFL championship bowl games, the team that committed fewer turnovers lost only six times. That means in 54 of those games, either the team with fewer turnovers won, or both teams had the same number. That’s a compelling pattern.
So, what’s the key to winning a championship?
No fumbles. No interceptions. Protect the ball. This principle of protecting what you have doesn’t just apply to football. It speaks directly to our approach to investing—and what we call the “arithmetic of loss.”
The Arithmetic of Loss: A Wake-Up Call
Imagine you’ve invested $100, and the market drops your portfolio by 50%. Now you’re left with $50. How much do you need to earn to get back to even?
Most people might say 50%, but the truth is more sobering:
You would need a 100% return just to recover your original investment.
This is the arithmetic of loss. The deeper the loss, the steeper the climb to recovery. This reality isn’t meant to stir fear—it’s meant to encourage wisdom. Markets go through ups and downs. Bull markets give us confidence, but a sharp downturn can set investors back years if they’re not careful. That’s why wise stewardship means focusing not just on gains, but on guarding against losses.
Faithful Stewardship Requires Protection
Many investors focus solely on growth: “How much can I make?” But a wiser question might be:
“How much can I afford to lose—and still stay on track?”
As faithful stewards of God’s resources, we’re called to be diligent and thoughtful in how we manage what’s been entrusted to us. That includes planning for market downturns, evaluating risk tolerance, and avoiding “turnovers” that can derail our progress. Just like a football team needs a strong defense, your portfolio needs protection. That’s where active management becomes vital—regularly monitoring your investments, aligning them with your goals, and adjusting based on market conditions.
Don’t Fumble Your Financial Future
The team that protects the ball has the best shot at winning. Likewise, the investor who avoids large losses has the best chance of long-term success. It’s not just about scoring big gains—it’s about not giving up ground.
So, what’s your financial defense strategy?
Are you protecting what God has given you?
Are you prepared to handle market volatility without making costly turnovers?
Let’s build a strategy together.
A strategy rooted in wisdom, stewardship, and long-term vision.
Contact a CCI advisor today to ensure your portfolio is aligned with your risk tolerance and future goals.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.
This material is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss.
