Article

Pumpkin Spice Latte in a Plain Vanilla Portfolio?

Pumpkin Spice Latte in a Plain Vanilla Portfolio?

In the world of investing, it’s easy to get distracted by trends. But the reliable kinds of investments are those that can help you build wealth in a steady, sustainable way. One of the keys to making good investments is looking at long-term, such as thinking of your portfolio as “pumpkin-spiced” rather than “candy-coated.”

September 29, 2024
Pumpkin Spice Latte in a Plain Vanilla Portfolio?
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

As Fall rolls in and pumpkin spice lattes take over coffee shop menus, it’s a great time to think about how seasonal favorites like these can influence investment decisions. So often, investment professionals use terms like “consumers” or “customer base” when discussing a company’s growth potential. While these terms sound professional, they obscure a simple truth: businesses thrive because of everyday people, like you and me, who make purchasing decisions based on what brings them joy, comfort, or utility.

Whether it’s a fizzy seltzer or a warm pair of fall boots, those seemingly small purchases add up, driving significant business growth. And when it comes to investing, it’s important to find companies that create these timeless products, ones that people return to year after year, season after season.

As investors, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing the latest trends – the “flavor of the month” businesses that everyone’s buzzing about. But as with the tale of the tortoise and the hare, it’s often the steady, reliable companies, not the flash-in-the-pan trends, that win out in the long run. Here’s why it might be time to think of your portfolio as “pumpkin-spiced” rather than “candy-coated.”

Pumpkin spice lattes might seem like a trend, but every fall, without fail, people line up for them. Starbucks, the company behind this iconic fall favorite, is a great example of a business that’s tapped into a consistent, seasonal demand. This kind of recurring consumer behavior is what makes some businesses stand out as solid, long-term investments.

In the world of investing, it’s easy to be attracted to the latest trend – whether it’s a new tech stock or the hottest fashion brand. But trends fade. Think of companies that were once the talk of the town but are now struggling or irrelevant. These are the “candy-coated” investments: they look shiny on the outside, but they lack staying power.

On the other hand, businesses that offer well-made, enduring products or services are more like pumpkin spice lattes – they may not always be front and center, but they are consistently reliable, bringing value to customers and, by extension, their investors. When evaluating potential investments, look for companies that can weather seasonal shifts and continue to meet consumer needs year after year.

Recognizing Patterns and Preferences

When we talk about investment opportunities, we’re really talking about human behavior. Consumers, after all, are just regular people making choices about how to spend their limited resources. Whether they’re buying a seasonal coffee or a subscription to a streaming service, those choices drive business growth.

If you’ve noticed how many people, year after year, line up for their pumpkin spice lattes, that’s a signal: some products resonate deeply with consumers and keep them coming back. When considering investments, pay attention to what you and your friends are spending money on consistently. It might give you clues to which companies have a reliable customer base and aren’t just the “flavor of the month.”

For example, companies that focus on comfort, convenience, and emotional connection – whether through food, clothing, or entertainment – tend to have more durable business models. Think about how often people make repeat purchases of their favorite comfort foods or splurge on small luxuries that improve their everyday lives.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Thinking

One of the keys to successful investing is thinking long term. Flashy trends come and go, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the latest stock that everyone’s talking about. But investing wisely means thinking beyond the hype and focusing on businesses that can grow steadily over time.

Take a look at companies that have a strong history of performance and that create products or services that will still be relevant years from now. A good example is consumer goods companies that cater to everyday needs – people will always need food, beverages, and clothing, regardless of economic cycles or market trends.

The goal is to find companies that are pumpkin-spiced – not because they’re trendy, but because they’re dependable. They’re not chasing the latest fads; they’re delivering consistent value to their customers, which ultimately translates into consistent value for their investors.

Finding Your Own Pumpkin Spice Lattes in the Market

You don’t need to be an expert to recognize a good investment opportunity. In many cases, the products and services you already use and love can be a great starting point for building a solid portfolio. If you enjoy a company’s products and you see a loyal customer base around you, that’s a sign the business has staying power.

Start by looking at the brands you trust and use regularly. Do they offer something that brings people back season after season? Are they innovating to stay relevant without straying too far from what their customers love? These are the companies that are likely to stand the test of time.

Building a Steady Portfolio

In the world of investing, it’s easy to get distracted by trends. But a steady, reliable portfolio is built on companies that offer well-made, enduring products – just like a pumpkin spice latte, which continues to capture hearts (and wallets) every fall.

So as you sip on your favorite seasonal treat, take a moment to reflect: What businesses bring you joy, and which ones are likely to keep delivering value year after year? Those are the kinds of investments that can help you build wealth in a steady, sustainable way

Other content you may like

  • Signs You Need a Financial Planner

    Signs You Need a Financial Planner

    January 4, 2022
    Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you need a financial planner’s help with a problem or if you can handle it yourself. As happens often in life, not reaching out to a professional can delay you reaching your goals and cause you to incur more out-of-pocket expenses and lots of headaches.
    Read this Article
  • May Student of the Market

    May 27, 2025
    In 2025, diversification helps with stock market volatility, and April saw the volatility index rise to its highest point since the pandemic. We also look at alternative strategies, bond performance, and scenarios surrounding interest rate cuts later in the year.
    Read this Article
  • Understanding Interest Rates and Your Financial Situation

    Understanding Interest Rates and Your Financial Situation

    January 18, 2022
    There is a lot of speculation going on in the news lately about the Fed raising the interest rates in 2022 or 2023. This quick read reviews the basic concept of interest rates, to help you understand how changing interest rates may affect your saving and borrowing habits.
    Read this Article
  • How will the 2020 elections shape the financial market?

    August 13, 2020
    This special report looks at the historical market returns in the context of presidential elections, which parties are in control of Congress, and various government election outcomes. While nobody can predict the future, and past results don't guarantee future outcomes, this report gives some insights as to what the financial landscape might look like after the 2020 elections.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset