No One Is Self-Made

“There is no such thing as a self-made man.” - George Adams

Everything you possess, every accomplishment you claim, is the result of countless contributions from others. What a beautiful and humbling realization.

Behind every achievement is a quiet army of contributors: parents who nurtured us, teachers who guided us, mentors who challenged us, and even the critics who spurred us forward. Success is never solitary; it is a collaborative, sometimes invisible, effort woven together by many hands. The myth of the self-made individual is just that—a myth.

November, National Gratitude Month. It is a time not only to appreciate the blessings in our lives but to honor the people who have helped shape us—those who, in their own way, have made our successes possible.

I encourage you to think of those who have contributed to your journey, those whose influence has shaped who you are today. And then, send them a note. Not a quick text or an email, but a heartfelt note—something tangible, something timeless. Let them know how they impacted your life, how their presence mattered.

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives,” - John F. Kennedy.

Let’s express our gratitude and recognize that none of us rise alone.

Notes that Resonated

The calmer you are the clearer you think, move with strategy not emotion
Are you becoming what you are capable of becoming?
If you get good at the little things, you will get good at the big things
Action creates inspiration. If you're waiting for inspiration, you've already lost.
Fear = What if
Faith = Even if
Faith and fear both require you to believe is something you cannot see. You choose- Bob proctor
Be patient and keep playing

Things to read

Great book for loan officers and managers to plan and get ready for a new year and help your business take off in any market.

https://a.co/d/czDQoM1

Market Update

The Bond Market Tightens as Election Uncertainty Looms

Last week’s weaker-than-expected jobs report didn’t offer the bond market the relief many were hoping for. Instead, we saw a continued rise in yields as the market braces for what’s coming next. The benchmark **10-year Treasury hit 4.361%**by Friday afternoon, the highest level since July. With fears of inflation still looming, and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election has traders hesitant to make big moves this is making mortgage rates stay elevated.

The bond market seems to be sending a clear message: rates are likely to stay higher for longer. Inflation remains the bogeyman, driving up Treasury yields and pushing gold prices to record highs. This compounded by concerns that the next administration, along with new Fed policies, could exacerbate inflation even further.

So, what can we expect next week? Volatility. With election uncertainty still looming large, rates could cause rates to move in either direction.

The November Fed meeting is expected to be less dramatic than September’s jumbo cut, but traders are still betting on a 25-basis point cut this week, with a 95% probability according to CME data. Another 25-bps cut is on the table for December, but it’s not a sure thing. This again could cause rates to move in either direction. So be cautious when locking and floating rates. Anything can happen.

Meanwhile, Warren Buffett is quietly de-risking his portfolio, shifting out of tech stocks, and accumulating T-bills to the tune of $288 billion. His strategy of being greedy when others are fearful seems to be in play. Buffett’s moves could add downward pressure on stocks, signaling that he knows something we don’t.

All this sets the stage for another busy week in the bond market. With inflation still a concern and the Fed expected to tread carefully, keep an eye out for volatility in both directions. The Fed’s two-day December meeting may give more clarity to the ongoing bonds drama, but until then, the ride is far from over.

Videos to watch

Rest for the Weary

Productivity

Life tracking and starting the month strong. This is a great way to track your daily sales calls and buyer conversation.

Top Quotes

“Show me the incentives and I will show you the outcome” - Charlie Munger
You must make a choice to take a chance, or you will never change.” - Naina Sanghvi
“What comes easy won’t last, and what lasts won’t come easy” - Ntsiki Kacaleni