In today’s issue:

• Weekly Wisdom - From @naval…

• Best Links - Markets, crypto, and mortgage rates…

• Deep Dive - Living a first-class life…

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WISDOM

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BEST LINKS

The most interesting things happening today…

 📈 MARKETS

Buffett Indicator Flashes Warning

Warren Buffett's favored market gauge signals stocks are dangerously overvalued.

Global Markets Dip

Global markets slide as mixed data and earnings fuel uncertainty ahead of Fed meeting.

🏠 REAL ESTATE

Trump's Rate Cut Push…

President Trump demands immediate interest rate cuts, but the Federal Reserve's independence means it's not that simple.

₿ CRYPTO

Crypto Custody Greenlight…

The SEC's new stance lets big banks hold crypto for clients, shaking up the financial world.

BlackRock's ETF Shake-Up…

BlackRock's new Bitcoin ETF filing could redeem crypto directly, aiming to boost Wall Street's crypto game.

💎 THE GOOD LIFE

Luxury Suburbs' New Must-Haves…

In upscale suburbs, seven-bedroom homes with en-suite bathrooms are now the standard.

DEEP DIVE

The First-Class Mindset That Changes Everything

If you’re earning six figures, flying coach might be costing you more than you think.

Peter is a longtime reader of The Shrewd Investor.

He’s 38 years old, earns $180,000 per year as a software consultant, and has been making solid financial decisions for years.

But recently, Peter’s been struggling with a question that might sound familiar:

Am I wealthy enough to start flying first class?

For Peter, the idea of spending $1,000 or more on a plane ticket feels like a splurge.

It’s not that he can’t technically afford it—he’s just not sure it’s the “right” thing to do.

Like many of us, he’s been conditioned to think that first class is for the ultra-wealthy, not for someone who’s still building their financial future.

So, Peter does what most of us do: he books coach.

But here’s where it gets interesting…

Peter travels frequently for work, often heading to conferences where he needs to be sharp and ready to network as soon as he lands.

The problem?

Coach class flights leave him exhausted.

Between the cramped seats…

The constant jostling for armrest space…

The inevitable delays getting off the plane…

Peter arrives at his destination feeling drained.

And that’s just the beginning!

After every flight, he spends 3-4 hours recovering—trying to shake off the brain fog and frustration so he can get back to his usual high-performance self.

For someone like Peter, who earns $180,000 a year and thrives on clarity and focus, those wasted hours are more costly than he realized.

“I don’t know,” he said. “First class sounds great, but I feel guilty spending that kind of money. How do I know when it makes sense?”

Here’s the advice we gave Peter—and the advice you should consider if you’re facing the same dilemma:

The Real Cost of Flying Coach

Flying coach isn’t just about saving money on a ticket. The hidden cost of coach is the time and energy it takes from you.

Let’s break it down.

Peter earns roughly $90/hour. On a typical coach flight, he spends about 3-4 hours recovering afterward each way—hours he could have spent thinking strategically, networking, or even relaxing with his family.

At $90/hour, that’s $540-$720 in lost productivity or quality time per ticket.

Add that to the ticket price, and the savings start to look a lot less attractive.

When Does First Class Make Financial Sense?

Don’t forget to value your time…

For example, an upcoming trip from Chicago to Miami for a conference, he could pay $200 to fly coach, plus pay baggage fees for the materials he needs to bring, or he could pay $700 to fly first class, which includes his baggage.

It’s a $500 difference, so if he values his time properly, he would happily take the first class flight.

For Peter, that means spending more on first class tickets isn’t just an indulgence—it’s an investment in his productivity, focus, and well-being.

At $180,000 per year, Peter doesn’t need to fly first class every time he travels.

But for flights where he knows he’ll need to hit the ground running—or when a coach ticket will leave him drained—it’s a smart decision.

What Happened When Peter Finally Made the Leap

Peter decided to give it a shot. The first time he booked a first class ticket, he admitted, “It felt weird at first. I kept thinking, ‘Do I really belong here?’”

But something changed as the flight progressed…

Instead of rushing to board, Peter strolled onto the plane and settled into his wide, comfortable seat.

He had space to work, a meal served to him without fumbling with a tray table, and no one slamming their seat into his laptop.

By the time he landed, he felt relaxed and ready to go.

“I realized I wasn’t just paying for the seat,” Peter said. “I was paying for my time, my energy, and my focus.

When I looked at it that way, I started wondering why I waited so long to make this change.”

Why Most People Wait Too Long

The truth is, most people undervalue their time and energy.

We tell ourselves we’ll start flying first class once we’ve made it—but the reality is, flying first class can help you get there faster.

Today’s high earners don’t win by grinding endlessly.

They win by slowing down, thinking strategically, and making smarter decisions. And that starts with valuing your own time and well-being.

Flying first class isn’t about being flashy or showing off. It’s about protecting your time and your energy.

Takeaway

If you’re earning six figures and you’re spending hours recovering from every flight, it’s time to rethink the “cost” of coach.

Next time you’re booking a ticket, ask yourself:

• What’s my time and energy worth?

• Am I really saving money—or am I just trading away hours of my life?

You might find that first class isn’t just a luxury—it’s the smarter, shrewder choice.

The content provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as specific advice for any specific individual. The information is prepared by knowledgeable individuals and is not written by certified tax professionals or investment advisors. For personalized advice tailored to your unique financial situation, consult with a qualified tax professional, financial advisor, or attorney.

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