Bear Market Advice w/ John De Goey
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Episode Description
Welcome to the Freedom Point Real Estate podcast! This week, Jeremy interviews John De Goey on how investors can build resilient portfolios, avoid behavioral traps, and adapt to emerging technologies like AI. Together they explore stagflation risks, advisor–client dynamics, and why sticking to a principled plan beats chasing market trends.
John De Goey is a Portfolio Manager at Designed Securities and a passionate advocate for investor rights and client-first practices. A CFP, CIM, and FP Canada Fellow, he brings extensive expertise and a commitment to evidence-based, transparent, and consumer-focused financial planning. Known for offering cost- and tax-effective, broadly diversified portfolio solutions to families with at least $250,000 in liquid assets, John emphasizes education, best practices, and realistic investing strategies over market timing or security selection. Twice named one of Canada’s Top 50 Advisors by Wealth Professional Magazine and recipient of the 2017 Donald J. Johnston Award, he continues to champion higher standards across the advisory profession.
CONNECT WITH JOHN DE GOEY!
Website: https://designedwealthmanagement.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndegoey/?originalSubdomain=ca
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/164ZrmvuxArL6kGYLCRPV3
CONNECT WITH JEREMY DYER!
Website: https://startingpointcapital.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingpointcapital/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingpointcapital
Book a Call! https://calendly.com/startingpointcapital/discuss-investing-with-jeremy-dyer?month=2023-12
Summary
Tip #1: Create and Follow a Pre-Agreed Investment Plan
“I’m not being opportunistic… I’m being principled. I’m doing what I said I would do.”
John emphasizes that the best decisions come from having a plan and sticking to it—especially when markets are volatile. Acting according to a pre-set risk profile and asset allocation reflects intellectual integrity. This approach helps investors avoid emotional decision-making and positions them to weather uncertainty more calmly.
Tip #2: Recognize Macro Risks Like Tariffs and Stagflation
“If tariffs are in fact put in place… it will likely be stagflationary.”
John warns that tariffs, sticky inflation, and other macro factors can dramatically affect markets. Stagflation—a mix of high inflation and slow growth—poses unique challenges because policy tools to fight inflation worsen unemployment and vice versa. Being aware of these risks helps investors recalibrate expectations rather than being caught off guard.
Tip #3: Diversify Across Hard Assets, Alternatives, and Cash Flow
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket… increase your exposure to hard assets and alternative assets.”
Instead of doubling down on one strategy, John advises building a diversified portfolio. Hard assets and cash-flowing investments provide resilience during prolonged downturns, helping investors meet obligations even in rocky periods. This proactive positioning protects against overreliance on traditional equities.
Tip #4: Customize the Advisor–Investor Relationship
“You need to customize the relationship… by asking more and better questions.”
Successful partnerships depend on clear expectations—about services, returns, communication frequency, and planning support. John notes that both advisors and investors are human, so setting and renegotiating expectations reduces friction. A transparent relationship can last decades and weather inevitable hiccups.
Tip #5: Don’t Blindly Accept the Industry’s Optimism
“The industry gives that narrative short shrift because being optimistic is good for business.”
In Bullshift, John critiques the financial industry’s tendency to always sound bullish to attract assets. While optimism can be correct most of the time, it leaves investors unprepared for severe downturns. Counterbalancing this narrative with realism helps build sturdier portfolios.
Tip #6: Build Portfolios You Can Actually Stick With
“The best portfolio is one you can stick to.”
John recommends recalibrating portfolios to match your true risk tolerance—not an idealized version of it. Many investors panic and sell low when volatility spikes because they were more aggressive than they could stomach. A realistic allocation supports confidence and consistency during tough markets.
Tip #7: Be Mindful of Behavioral Biases
“Advisers have [biases] as well as clients… nip them in the bud and be more purposeful.”
Biases like recency bias and overconfidence lead to poor decisions. John highlights that both professionals and clients are vulnerable, making self-awareness critical. Identifying these biases early helps investors counteract them with data-driven or rules-based processes.
Tip #8: Use AI and Technology Thoughtfully
“It democratizes investing… you have to know yourself and decide which platform you’d like to work with.”
John views AI and robo-advisors as largely positive but acknowledges they disrupt traditional models. Tech-savvy investors may thrive with DIY or hybrid (“cyborg”) approaches, while others prefer human advisors. Matching your personality and discipline to the right platform maximizes outcomes.
Tip #9: Prepare for Market Cycles Without Predicting Them
“Bear markets have not been eradicated… we will have them at some point.”
John stresses that no one knows exactly when downturns will occur, but they are inevitable. Rather than guessing timing, investors should review risk profiles and asset allocations proactively. This mindset shifts focus from prediction to preparation.
Tip #10: Keep Learning and Engaging with Expert Resources
“Give a follow to my podcast Make Better Wealth Decisions… and grab a copy of Bullshift.”
John invites listeners to continue learning through his book and podcast, which dive deeper into decision-making and investor behavior. Ongoing education helps investors adapt to changing environments and reinforce good habits. Staying connected to credible, balanced voices provides perspective during both bull and bear markets.
