A ‘Ulysess pact’ refers to the pact that Ulysses (the legendary Greek King of Ithaca) made with his men as they approached the Sirens (dangerous creatures, who lured nearby sailors with their enchanting music and singing voices). Ulysses wanted to hear the Sirens' song although he knew that doing so would render him incapable of rational thought.

He put wax in his men's ears so that they could not hear, and had them tie him to the mast so that he could not jump into the sea. He ordered them not to change course under any circumstances, and to keep their swords upon him and to attack him if he should break free of his bonds.

Upon hearing the Sirens' song, Ulysses was driven temporarily insane and struggled with all of his might to break free so that he might join the Sirens, which would have meant his death.

Successful investors create a Ulysess pact with themselves. In essence the pact would say:

“I will never sell my investment portfolio as a result of market or economic conditions, I will only ever sell an investment portfolio if my financial plan dictates it and I require the cash to support my lifestyle.”

Successful multi-decade investing is simple if you can act with equanimity during all market cycles. Below shows a historical snapshot of the volatility experienced in three of our model portfolios.

My families life savings are invested in Maven Invest 100. I will never sell my portfolio in reaction to economical or market conditions. Your investment portfolio was perfectly set up on day 1 of our ongoing relationship, my job is to spend the next 10,000+ days ensuring you stick to it.

Ulysess Investment Pact - Your commitment and agreement