Castlebay Monthly: March 2026

Mar 6
5 min read

We understand that the news feels heavier than usual and the world seems more uncertain than it has been for a while. Geopolitics, entire industries being disrupted and ongoing trade uncertainty.

This month's article explores a question that you may ask yourself often: "Am I saving enough?". It questions whether you are going too easy on your "present self" at the disadvantage of your "future self".

The next few weeks are likely to be noisy. When things get noisy, the temptation is always to react, to do something. As always, we encourage you to stand at a distance and let your plan do its job.

The rest of this month’s newsletter is packed with ideas and links that you may find interesting. As always, we’re here if you'd like to discuss how any of these ideas might apply to your unique situation.

The Stock Markets

The Uncomfortable Numbers

"Am I saving enough?"

This is a question even the most disciplined investors ask themselves from time to time. And while a financial plan can go a long way towards answering this question, there's always the unknown unknowns we cannot factor in.

Educated investors understand the logic well enough. By putting money away today and letting it grow, we will enjoy the benefits later. While there's no mystery around this concept, the big question becomes whether we are putting aside enough money for our "future self", someone who feels like a complete stranger to us right now.

If you're already saving, that's great. But if it feels perfectly comfortable, there's a reasonable chance it's not enough.

In many cases, we've seen that the amount that actually builds real wealth is the amount that feels slightly uncomfortable on an ongoing basis.

The Negotiation You're Always Having

Every financial decision you make is really a negotiation between two versions of yourself. While "present you" wants ease and comfort, "future you" needs you to stretch and make a little sacrifice.

We know from both research and practical experience that we naturally overvalue what feels good right now while discounting what we'll need decades from now. It's why the contribution amount that feels right often isn't. We set it based on today's comfort and desires rather than our future well-being.

The slightly uncomfortable savings amount is where these two versions of you meet in the middle. It's the number where "present you" feels a genuine pinch. This may mean pausing before you pay for that holiday or making the deposit on a new car. Sometimes, discipline means saying no more often than you'd like.

That tension may be a sign that you are doing the real work of building wealth.

More Than A Number

The personal finance world loves percentages. Many investors will know the general advice to save 15%, and if you started late, maybe 20% of your net income.

But your life goes beyond rules of thumb, and while they are a brilliant way to get the average investor onto the right path, true financial planning should incorporate real numbers based on your own unique circumstances and goals.

However, we think that this topic goes beyond numbers. Your correct savings number is better understood as a feeling. You need to be able to sustain it month after month, but it also requires intention and occasional sacrifice. That's the sweet spot. If it feels easy, you're probably selling your “future self” short. If it feels impossible, you'll abandon ship at the first unexpected expense.

Somewhere in the middle, right between where it feels like a pinch and where it feels impossible, is most often the right answer.

We think this mental model carries over into other topics, too.

Your emergency fund should probably feel slightly larger than strictly necessary. Cutting back spending works best when there's some friction to it. Even career moves that lead to higher earnings usually feel uncomfortable before they pay off.

An Ongoing Challenge

As life evolves, so should your number. Every pay increase is an opportunity to widen the gap between what you earn and what you spend, and annual nudges that push you gently back into that discomfort zone will keep your "future self" on track

In summary, being easy on your "present self" harms your "future self". We encourage you to aim for some discomfort now so that you can enjoy significant comfort later. That's the trade-off, but we think the sacrifice will be worth it in the long run.

Our job is to continually push you into this discomfort zone so that your "future self" can enjoy the comfort you crave.

😀 Life is for Living

While we always encourage smart saving and financial prudence, enjoying the life you're working hard to build is just as important. That means making space for experiences, community and a little fun now and then!

Here’s a roundup of upcoming events that might pique your interest. Treat yourself because balance is key; life is meant to be lived.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival🤣 Numerous venues will be hosting the long list of famous comedians as they come to Glasgow! See if your favourite comedian has made this year's cut [11th to 29th March]

St Patrick's Festival🍀Dublin is the place to be this March with lots of events and live music to celebrate St. Patrick's Day over the weekend! [14th to 17th March]

Mother's Day 🌷Celebrating Mothers and all Mother figures on Mothering Sunday. Treat your loved one to an afternoon tea or flowers. It seems to be the most popular gift for the Castlebay recipient (bar Lesley, who much prefers a case of beer!) [Sunday 15th March]

📰 Read

10 Rules For Dealing With Uncertainty [5 minutes]. Ten reminders for staying steady when the world feels uncertain, ending with the most underrated investment decision of all: doing nothing.

The Three Real Causes of Retirement Anxiety [8 minutes]. A retired doctor identifies the three real sources of retirement anxiety.

What happens when you stop feeling needed? [8 minutes]. A thoughtful look at why middle age feels so unsettling, and what the research says about building a life where you still feel like you matter.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2026 Predictions — Growth of $100 in Different Assets

The Castlebay Corner

International Women's Day! Sunday 8th March

This International Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate the strong female contingent here at Castlebay. In a sector like Financial Advice that has traditionally been male-dominated, it is especially important to recognise and champion the incredible women who help shape our industry.

Here’s to all the women, past and present, who inspire us to dream bigger, aim higher and keep pushing boundaries. And to the men who stand beside them as allies and supporters.

Happy International Women’s Day!🌸