When we released our last episode a couple of weeks ago, COVID-19 was barely making waves in Canada. But in the blink of an eye, it seems as if our entire world has been turned upside down.
Here at Explore FI Canada, Money Mechanic, Ryan and I have discussed how we’d like to proceed with the show.
On one hand, it seems out of place to ignore the pandemic. Clearly, that would make us appear to be tone deaf and unsympathetic to the struggles many are going through.
On the other hand, we don’t feel we can add a lot to the pandemic conversation. The various science and news outlets have that well covered. Plus, we’re just as weary as you with the constant bombardment of info, and we don’t want to add to the noise.
Additionally, ChooseFI has done a fantastic job of covering the coronavirus with their new daily format. We think the info is helpful and applicable to Canadians, so we suggest that you follow them for FI-focused pandemic info.
So, where does that leave Explore FI Canada? I briefly considered a hiatus, out of respect for the gravity of the situation we’re all facing.
Also, life’s been a little crazy the past couple of weeks. It’s not been easy fitting the podcast into pandemic preparations.
But my co-hosts (and a vocal fan named Shaidah) convinced me that our show is exactly what everyone needs during this difficult time.
We all need to keep hearing the FI message and keep following the basic tenets. FI can buffer us and get us through tough times like these.
By taking the show off the air, even temporarily, we could be taking away a needed place for Canadians to share and talk about FI and how it still works—even in uncertain times like these.
And so, we’ve decided to continue our show, with the aim to keep up with regular biweekly releases. We’ll touch on COVD-19 as-needed. But, for the reasons mentioned already, we’ll avoid focusing exclusively on it.
For now, here are our brief thoughts on the pandemic:
As it relates to our investments, we’ll reiterate the best piece of advice ever given to investors during uncertain times—stay the course. Don’t panic sell, don’t look for the bottom and don’t look for the top.
You can’t predict where the stock market is going, and neither can anyone else. Just keep adding to your investments as you can, and according to your goals and plans. And above all, make sure you have an appropriate emergency fund (or plan) in place.
As for dealing with the virus itself, please continue to observe physical distancing. This will be the fastest, most effective way out of this.
You are helping the elderly, the immuno-compromised, our healthcare workers… and in the end, yourselves, by flattening the curve to prevent a medical system collapse.
The message is simple, but it works: Stay home, save lives.
As always, we are grateful for your support and encouragement, and we love hearing from you. Get in touch if there’s anything you’d like us to cover or if you’d just like to say hi.
Feedback and comments are physical distancing friendly, so we welcome all of it! We look forward to continuing to converse with you, and hope you and your loved ones stay healthy and safe. We will get through this, and we’ll do it together.
Help us grow by:
- Leaving a review and subscribing in your favourite podcast directory.
- Sharing our show with family and friends.
- Using our referral links on the Our Recommendations page.
The show must go on. Thank you
Thanks Bob… and it will!
Good to hear that you’ll still be kicking ass and taking names.
Besides financial prudence and abiding by the edicts of public health, I would humbly suggest that we all make sure to keep “building the temple.” Consider your body as a “bank account of health” (which includes immunity). The better you feed it and exercise it and allow it to recover, the better off you’ll be.
Public health interventions (including social distancing) are the FIRST line of defence against the pandemic. The healthcare system is the LAST line of defence. But the SECOND line of defence is your body and immune system.
This next part is a bit politically incorrect, so please calmly consider it before blasting me. If you look at the health messaging re: “underlying conditions” they always mention things like: hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. What they do NOT mention is obesity, even though it is one of the major comorbidities for those who succumb to this pestilence. The ICU guidelines from leading medical experts in Italy (eventually translated to English – if you Google “SIAARTI guidelines covid english” and poke around, you’ll find them), mention obesity as being an almost universal risk factor.
If you Google the names of those who have died of this virus who are relatively young (i.e. 20 to 50), you’ll see what I mean.
This post is not about “fat shaming,” but it IS about a rejection of the cult of “fat acceptance.” If obesity isn’t a disease, it is at least a risk factor. You may not be able to lose all of your excess weight in a matter of weeks (especially while locked down in your apartment), but you can significantly increase your cardiovascular fitness such that your chances of survival are much greater if you are unfortunate enough to be infected.
Stay healthy people.
Hey Fringe Doc—great message. It’s so important to keep ourselves healthy throughout our lives, but even more so when battling an epidemic like this. I LOVE what you said here:
“Public health interventions (including social distancing) are the FIRST line of defence against the pandemic. The healthcare system is the LAST line of defence. But the SECOND line of defence is your body and immune system.”
You’re absolutely right. We need to look after ourselves first and work at preventing poor outcomes. Many of us have more time on our hands as we spend time in isolation. It’s the perfect opportunity to start healthier routines.
Thanks for the insightful comment. I hope you and your family stay healthy and safe.