Let’s be honest. The market is unstable. Fuel is expensive. Rates are low. Stress is high. And the economy hasn’t recovered since the war in Ukraine started three years ago. It feels like we’re at the bottom. But maybe that’s the best place to start climbing.

At DOXA LLC, we believe now is the time to become wiser, stronger, and more prepared so when the market turns, we’re ready to win. Here are 7 things we recommend focusing on:

CUT EXPENSES FOR REAL

As we mentioned before, now it's time to cut our expenses. It’s time to look closely at your daily spending. We waste money on things we don’t need: extra subscriptions, too much food, piles of stuff sitting in garages. Why does this matter? Because small spending habits become big money decisions. Now is the time to see exactly what is necessary and what is just a liability and money pit.

LEARN LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT

Learning is the key! Now is the perfect time to learn more about money, taxes, investments, and business. Now is the time to see what the difference is between 95% and 5% of the population. What makes a company go from GOOD to GREAT (read “Good to Great”, by Jim Collins if you can). Learning about finances will help you to make wiser decisions based on numbers and facts, not on news and neighbors’ advice.

CHOOSE YOUR CIRCLE CAREFULLY

You become like the people around you. If your friends are smart with money, you'll learn to be smart too and make more money. If they waste time gossiping or complaining, that’s what you’ll do. Next time you're with friends or family, talk about useful things: how to buy a car the right way. Most people don't know how to do it, and they just go to a dealership and pay the exorbitant price then see on the tag. This is just a simple example. Surround yourself with people who make you better.

DON’T SELL IN A BAD MARKET

If you own a house, truck, land, or stocks hold on to them. Now is not the time to sell. Prices are too low. If you wait 2–3 years, you could sell for 20–30% more. Be patient. The hard times will end. They always do. Instead of selling, if you have the possibility, now it's the time for investment because everybody is scared and you can find very good deals. Now, just make a SURVIVING PLAN and you will be happy at the end.

KEEP FAITH

Have faith and put your trust in God. Things happen with a reason around us and sometimes is to make us better. Have faith in God and pray more than ever so you can find the good way. Pray to find peace and love. Pray to help you forgive others. The problems we see around us usually are because of us. Fix what’s inside first, and you’ll start to see change on the outside too.

Remember: We as humans are stronger than we think. We can adapt, learn, survive and win. The market may be cold now, but your future doesn’t have to be.