Written on July 1, 2025
Endgame: Finishing Strong

BY MIRRIAM MBEWE

In the last two weeks, we discussed the opening game and middle game, likening them to the early and intermediate stages of your investment journey toward achieving your financial goals. Now it’s time to focus on the end game, similar to the final stage of our 5-step approach to investing- a crucial phase where the goal is to finish strong.

In chess, the endgame is the moment of truth—the stage where all prior moves come together to determine the outcome. It’s where precision matters most, as even a small misstep can turn victory into defeat. Similarly, in investing, the endgame is about securing your financial goals and ensuring the stability you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Most importantly, monitoring one’s progress pieces up the entire investment puzzle.

Our transparent reporting system enables you to stay as involved as much as you like in making your investment decisions. We advise you to inform us of any life changing events that alter your financial situation, needs, and goals, so that we align investment strategy as needed. Changes in your life may imply changes in your financial goals, risk tolerance and return requirements.

Focus on the Goal Every move in a chess match builds toward one purpose: protecting your King while cornering your opponent’s. Great players like Ding Liren and Gukesh Dommaraju succeed because they focus relentlessly on the outcome, planning each phase of the game to set up a winning position. This principle is equally critical in investments.

The first step in any successful endgame is clarity. What does financial success look like for you? Is it a secure retirement, your children’s education, or leaving a legacy for the next generation? Defining your goals allows you to align every decision with that objective.

As former World Chess Champion José Capablanca wisely noted, “To improve your game, study the endgame before everything else.” This is true in both chess and investments: having a clear picture of your desired outcome helps you make smarter decisions from the start.

A Real-Life Example One of our clients, a CEO nearing retirement, faced multiple obligations, including funding his children’s education. We designed a portfolio that included money market investments to ensure stable cash flow. Five years later, he had financed his children’s overseas education and grown his portfolio through equities. Today, his investments generate regular dividends, securing his retirement.

This is the essence of finishing strong: achieving your financial goals and setting the stage for a stable future.

Learning from Mistakes Even in chess, mistakes are inevitable. Players recover by understanding their errors and improving their strategy. Similarly, investors must evaluate risks, learn from past decisions, and adapt. With expert guidance, these mistakes can be minimized, ensuring long-term success.

At NICO Asset Managers, our investments advisors provide relevant information to empower clients to stay informed and make better investment decisions. Whether you’re starting, building, or finishing your financial journey, our team is here to guide you.

Finishing Strong Whether you define winning by moving the last chess piece to check mate or attaining financial freedom, a well-executed endgame in chess leaves no room for uncertainty—it ensures a checkmate, securing victory. Likewise, a well-structured investment strategy ensures that your financial future is not left to chance. It requires disciplined execution, continuous monitoring, and expert guidance to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.

At NICO Asset Managers, we believe that financial success is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about achieving meaningful, long-term financial security. Our team is committed to providing tailored investment strategies that align with your goals, ensuring a smooth transition into financial stability and beyond.

Your endgame is not just about avoiding loss—it’s about securing the win. Whether you’re planning for retirement, wealth preservation, or generational legacy, we are here to help you achieve your financial aspirations with confidence. Contact us today! INVEST TODAY FOR TOMORROW.

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