MAGIC Equity Partners

It’s the second Wednesday of May—what's been catching your attention this week?

As we move further into the month, we’re bringing back a sharp and timely article, “It’s the Debt, stupid.”

This piece dives into the often-overlooked impact of debt on our economy, our decisions, and our future. If you haven’t explored it yet, now’s a great time to take a look and share your perspective.

Let’s keep the dialogue going and dig deeper into what really drives the conversation.

All kinds of discussions going on out there about the interest rates, the Fed cutting or not. Hyperspeculation on whether or not we’ll see reductions this year, next year, never…

But way out in the forest, where the prime evil still prevails, there are some small, faint voices of another kind... “What about our debt? What if we cannot make our payments?”

Not since WWII has our national debt reached the proportions of today. We are spending more to service our debt than the government coffers are bringing in. AND the BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ADDED MORE DEBT (with forgiveness). It’s not clear yet how much the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION will add, but I’m betting it will be substantial.

Most Americans must live on a budget.
Credit card debt is TABOO.
There is a whole industry on that. Cars, Boats, Miscellaneous, all of that ‘STUFF’, when financed, can be toxic and too expensive. We will run out of money.

As a country… WE ARE THERE!!!
Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan is clamoring about that now. So are a number of other “big wigs” who believe that we’ll be pushing over the edge. Ray Dalio has been carping about it for a while also. It is interesting that the guy with the biggest bank (most deposits) is worried about the biggest risk. It’s also curious that one of the biggest Hedge Fund beneficiaries of the economic crash is now so worried about the debt..They are both the proverbial “canary in the coal mine”.

Below is a chart with additional data that supports the notion that we’re overspending. It’s something we all need to be thinking about. If you’re an investor, be it equity, debt, or real estate, you had better be thinking about these kinds of things, highlighted in the St. Louis Fed Report. Ignore them at your own peril.

To learn more, BOOK a call with Bruce!
https://calendly.com/bruce-mandel/30min

Visit MAGIC Equity Partners’ website for more information
https://magicequity.net/

Building your Investments? NOW IS FOREVER!
https://magicequity.activehosted.com/f/10

It’s the first Wednesday of the month of May—what’s setting the tone for you this month?
As we settle into spring and fresh perspectives, we’re revisiting a past article, “What To Do About Millennial Stew? 🥘” It stirs up conversation around generational trends, workplace culture, and shifting values.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the perfect moment to read and share your thoughts.
Let’s start May with insight and open dialogue!

Do your children create conundrums for you?

Are there moments when your adult children think you're the child and treat you that way?

Are there times when you just want to scream at them and let them know you’ve actually done something and have REAL EXPERIENCE?

Well, it’s having its week here. Moments where you just want to lash out and yell that you weren’t born yesterday and that you might have a clue on how to fix something. Or better yet, you offer up a chance, an opportunity to learn something new and you get cast aside like a dirty dish rag. I keep telling them that “experience is a great teacher, and it comes with some really expensive lessons”. But to no avail. As my father would say… “I guess you’ll just have to get a bit bloody to learn”.

Life is that way.
Work.
Family.
Investments.
It doesn’t matter.
✅Life is EXPERIENTIAL,
❌NOT VIRTUAL.

It is scary/exciting to think that the AI process is actually moving forward at such a rapid pace. HOWEVER, virtual life isn't “real” life. It’s part, imaginary, part illusionary, and sometimes actual. Living with your head in “blue light” and spending much of your time indoors vs. outdoors is proving to be a SIGNIFICANT ISSUE FOR THE HEALTH of the public.

Sunlight, Vitamin D and the processing of light through your eyes and skin is ESSENTIAL for balance and well-being. It’s proving to be a very necessary component for one’s physical and emotional health. Independent and Institutional studies are corroborating data to that effect. Look it up. Search it out. You’ll find it fascinating.

Remember when Mom told you “go outside and don’t come back until Supper”?
I do. Little did I know it was also good for me. Skinned knees, bruised elbows, and all make up a “prepared” person for the work world…

Sunlight and movement... essential. A REAL REAL EXPERIENCE.

Hoping that your Millennial Stew is cooking up a good batch…🥘
Cheers! 🥂

It’s the fourth Wednesday of April—what’s been standing out to you this month?

As we move through spring and deeper into 2025, we’re revisiting a timely article, “Not Everybody Gets a Trophy 🏆.”

It’s a candid take on effort, recognition, and what true achievement really means in today’s world. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, now’s a great time to give it a read and share your perspective.

Let’s keep the conversation going as we aim high and stay grounded!

Most have seen by now that the markets, Real Estate and Equity, have shown that it’s going to be a tumultuous year and that there isn’t any “one way” to make sure that you’re in the chips this year. For many, it’s been several years that we’ve/you’ve been working around the fact that returns may not have been great and that strategic management of the investment process is very important.

Investors don’t win all the time. Recent conversations with several investors and former clients centered around the fact that over extended periods of time, the results didn’t live up to the expectations. One former client’s returns are about 2.5% below the SP500 benchmark.

Why? Digging deeper, the client had fees and expenses that were just slightly higher and had directed the manager to avoid certain companies that would have offered enhanced returns. The client had sought other investments, borrowed from the portfolio and the returns weren’t as robust.

Manager’s fault… partially.
Clients fault. Primarily.

This just goes to show that you cannot believe everything you think. Yes… I said it. Everything you think doesn’t necessarily bring you great results. In fact, it may not bring you positive results at all. For many, partial information brings misguided assumptions which lead to poor outcomes. Do your homework and SEEK COMPETENCE. We’re always better when we collaborate. Seek counsel. Build your TEAM.

Keep your POP… PERSPECTIVE, OBJECTIVE, and most of all PEOPLE.

To learn more, BOOK a call with Bruce!
https://calendly.com/bruce-mandel/30min

Visit MAGIC Equity Partners’ website for more information
https://magicequity.net/

Building your Investments? NOW IS FOREVER!
https://magicequity.activehosted.com/f/10

Investing is a Matter of Time
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Investing is a Matter of Time Investing is a Matter of Time

It’s the third Wednesday of March—what’s driving your perspective this week? As we continue through 2025, we’re revisiting a thought-provoking article, "ESG investing isn’t political, IT’S POLITIKILL."

It’s a sharp look at how environmental, social, and governance factors influence markets—and the political narratives that surround them.

Now, March of 2025, the ENTIRE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE HAS CHANGED!!! This article from last year was a very accurate foreshadowing of what was to come.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in and share your thoughts.

Attached is a "hot off the press", March 19, 2024 article reported by Chief Investment Officer magazine about a very well-known firm being removed from the investment committee for their ESG/social investment agenda. As you might suspect, the actions taken were by a south-central "red state" with strong conservative, energy leanings.

WE ALL make investment decisions based upon our personal, intellectual, and emotional biases. Decide for yourself. BUT don’t kid yourself. Much of the investment mandates today are, as they’ve always been... POLITIKILL.

To learn more, BOOK a call with Bruce!
https://calendly.com/bruce-mandel/30min

Visit MAGIC Equity Partners’ website for more information
https://magicequity.net/

Building your Investments? NOW IS FOREVER!
https://magicequity.activehosted.com/f/10

Stay focused on your goals, but flexible with your strategy
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Stay focused on your goals, but flexible with your strategy Stay focused on your goals, but flexible with your strategy

YPI: Bruce Mandel—Start early, Invest wisely, Live fully
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Start early, Invest wisely, Live fully Start early, Invest wisely, Live fullyyoungprofessionalinvestor

Uncertain Markets Demand Clear Objectives
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Uncertain Markets Demand Clear Objectives Uncertain Markets Demand Clear Objectives

It’s the last Wednesday of February—what stands out to you as we wrap up the month?

As we reflect on the past few weeks, we’re revisiting an intriguing article, "IT’S DIFFERENT THIS TIME 🧐." It’s a thought-provoking take on patterns, cycles, and whether things really change or just appear to.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in and share your thoughts.

Let’s close out February with fresh insights and meaningful discussions!

When uncharted waters are encountered, the cry often is, “It’s different this time.”
Well… not really.
The basic economic concepts still apply.
The fundamental idea of supply and demand still applies.

My millennial children keep telling me that this is a COMPLETELY different market. That prices are way out of whack, and that they cannot even think about buying property. It’s cheaper to rent… That they will NEVER be able to increase their net worth and live comfortably.

True?🤔 Let’s take a look🧐…

In 1980, I turned 25 (Yes, it’s true!!!).
If you examine the inflation of the dollar from 1980 to 2024, according to research (OMB and Investopedia), $1 is equivalent to $3.87 today. According to the experts, that's 3.125% compound inflation annually. Interestingly enough, if you were to purchase a home in 1980, the average 30-year mortgage rate at the time was 13.4%!!! (and we think that 7.5% is high)

Why do I bring this up?
Because we were talking about “partnering” with others and purchasing real estate.
That is EXACTLY what I did with my longtime friend in 1980. We bought a $28,800, 2 bedroom, 2 bath Quad-style townhome. Common wall, no garage (carport), no yard, no storage.

The response was, “That’s so CHEAP!!”
At the time, we didn’t think so. But is it really? Do the math.
You’ll find that prices and interest rates today are pretty comparable.
Check out this REAL LIVE EXAMPLE:

Remember, we paid

$28,800 x 3.87 = $114,456
(adjusted for the inflated value of the dollar)

The interest rate adjustment is:
Former rate (13.4) divided by the current rate (6.5) is the multiplier factor = 2.062

So the equalized value is:
2.062 x 114,456 = $236,008

Our mortgage was around $240/month. That is equivalent to $929 in today’s dollars.
With 20% down payment, the mortgage payment would be about $1000/month.
Still pretty close. And when interest rates drop, refinance and value will go up.

For millennials,
young professionals,
and strong trades workers,
getting into the real estate market now will only benefit you if you have the cash flow.

It’s NOT DIFFERENT THIS TIME. ❌
It’s just a matter of PERSPECTIVE. 🔎

Sophisticated Investors
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Sophisticated Investors Sophisticated Investors

Accredited Investor
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Accredited Investor Accredited Investor

The best way to learn investing? Surround yourself with the right PEOPLE
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The best way to learn investing? Surround yourself with the right PEOPLE The best way to learn investing? Surround yourself with the right PEOPLE