Issue #19: January 2026

Congratulations to this month's sponsored giveaway winners:
Joseph S., Julie H., Julian K., and Cathy C.

Life

Disney Destiny 2026

I feel like I’m always writing these newsletters at the end of the month now. Life has been full lately — real estate is picking back up, I’m settling back into my old job, and I’m trying to protect family time in the middle of it all. We also just got back from a cruise on the Disney Destiny with friends.

I think this will be our last Disney cruise for a while. This trip actually redeemed the not-so-great cruise we took in November 2024 (that one was all weather-related, nothing to do with Disney). The weather this time was perfect. Snorkeling at Castaway Cay was a highlight — every time I go, I forget how much I love it. My wife rented gear for our older son, but we all ended up taking turns. There’s a snorkeling lagoon on the island with an area that drops off into deeper water where Disney has placed underwater statues. Everything is roped off with lifeguards nearby, so even the deeper areas feel safe. Flippers aren’t required, but they definitely help since some of the cool spots are a bit of a swim from shore.

The food was solid overall, but sometimes it just felt like too much. Cruises generate an incredible amount of food waste, and it’s hard not to notice. It also feels a little ironic hearing “follow your dreams” while seeing crew members from all over the world working incredibly hard for what I imagine isn’t amazing pay.

I still think my favorite Disney Cruise Line trip was our sailing on the Disney Wonder in Alaska. It was longer (a full week), slower paced, and we had two connecting rooms — which meant two beds and two bathrooms. Plus, Alaska was a refreshing change of scenery from the usual Bahamian beaches (which are great in their own way).

Here are a few photos from the trip:

Personal Finance

I recently finished The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. It’s a quick, easy read with short, bite-sized chapters—perfect for picking up a couple at a time. Here’s a quick summary of the key ideas.

The Psychology of Money explains that financial success isn’t about knowledge, spreadsheets, or IQ - it’s about behavior. How you think, react, and make decisions matters more than how much you know.

Here are the core ideas:

1. People’s money decisions are shaped by their personal experiences. Two people can see the same market and behave completely differently based on what they’ve lived through. Your financial worldview is built from your story, not universal logic.
2. Wealth is what you don’t see. Fancy cars and big houses show spending, not wealth. Real wealth is saved, invested, and quietly compounding in the background.
3. Compounding is the strongest force in finance. The biggest wins come from being patient for long periods. Housel emphasizes that the best investment strategy is sticking with a good plan for decades.
4. Control your behavior, not the market. You can’t predict recessions, interest rates, or stock returns—but you can control your savings rate, spending, time horizon, and ability to stay invested through ups and downs.
5. Saving gives you options. Money buys freedom: the freedom to leave a job you hate, handle emergencies, or take opportunities without stress.
6. Reasonable > Rational. You don’t need the “perfect” financial strategy. You just need one you can stick with long term. Simple and consistent beats complex and abandoned.
7. Everyone has a “number”. Know what “enough” means to you. Chasing more for the sake of more often leads to burnout, bad decisions, and unnecessary risk.
8. Luck and risk play a bigger role than we admit. Some people succeed because of timing and circumstances; others fail despite doing everything right. Humility and empathy are essential.

The book teaches that building wealth is mostly about patience, behavior, discipline, and managing your emotions—not about maximizing returns or outsmarting the market.

Real Estate

Northern Virginia Market Still Holding Strong

As I’ve been telling clients lately, the Northern Virginia market isn’t cooling the way the headlines suggest. If anything, it’s showing the kind of steady, durable strength that serious buyers and sellers should pay attention to.

Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground:

Prices continue to hold firm​
Across most of Fairfax, Loudoun, and Arlington, home prices are still edging upward year-over-year. We’re not in the explosive appreciation of 2021–2022, but values are stable and trending positive—exactly what a healthy market looks like.

Demand hasn’t gone anywhere​
Even with higher monthly payments, well-priced homes are still getting strong traffic and multiple offers. Families are still moving here for schools, jobs, and stability. Northern Virginia remains one of the most insulated markets in the country.

Inventory is improving, but still low​
We’re seeing more listings come online compared to last year, but supply is nowhere near enough to meet demand. That imbalance continues to support prices and keep competition alive in many segments.

Buyers finally have breathing room​
Unlike the frenzy of past years, buyers can take a bit more time, negotiate repairs, and avoid waiving every contingency. It’s a healthier environment without the fear of overpaying.

Sellers still have the advantage—if they price right​
Homes that are priced correctly and show well are selling quickly. Overpriced listings, however, are sitting. Strategy matters more now than ever.

While I was on the cruise, I ended up writing two offers for two different clients—one ratified mid-cruise and the other just after I got back to Virginia.

For the first home, we completed a pre-offer inspection, which allowed us to waive contingencies confidently. That gave us the edge we needed to beat out the competing offer.

For the second home, the strategy was completely different. We kept all the contingencies we wanted and secured seller subsidy to help with closing costs. The snow that week likely kept some buyers home, which worked in our favor and reduced competition.

Two very different situations, two successful outcomes—both built on smart strategy and timing.