Let's talk about stock market benchmarks, because they're really screwing up your finances. I know, I've seen it happen time and time again. Those benchmarks are everywhere, plastered all over the news, boasting about the highest highs and the lowest lows. And even if you don't know their names, you're exposed to them every single day. But here's the thing, you get so damn attached to these benchmarks, like a 3-year-old to their favorite stuffed animal, that you forget about everything else that actually matters in your personal finance.

Let me give you a little background. Benchmarks are industry standards for measuring how the market is performing. But here's what you forget: there are thousands of them out there. Each benchmark is specific to the market segment you're looking at. There are benchmarks for the US, Canada, Asia, emerging markets, global markets, equity markets, bond markets, and the list goes on. So depending on what you're comparing it to, your benchmark will be different.

But here's the problem - you focus way too much on these benchmarks. The first issue is that you compare your balanced portfolio (50%equities, 50% income) to something totally unrelated, like the S&P 500 index (100% equities). It's like trying to fit a square block into a star-shaped hole - it just doesn't work. And then you get upset when the "market" outperforms your portfolio by twice as much.

The second issue is that you get so caught up in comparing returns that you forget to acknowledge all the other things you're doing right on your journey towards your financial goals. It's like comparing yourself to a neighbor or a friend who has a fancy new car - just because they have it, doesn't mean you deserve it too. Or like feeling entitled to the same 20% return that the stock market had. Instead, focus on what you've actually achieved. Did you pay off that debt? Increase your investment amounts? Go on a vacation? Get that promotion? Those are the things that matter, not some arbitrary benchmark.

And here's the kicker - comparing yourself to benchmarks often leads to taking on more risk than you can handle. The news loves to promote those big benchmarks that promise huge returns, but also huge losses. So when the market is up, you're bound to feel frustrated that you didn't get the same return. And what do you do? You end up taking on more risk, thinking that's the only way to catch up. But guess what? When the market drops, and it will, you'll be freaking out because you're losing more than you can handle.

So here's the truth - market benchmarks suck. Your financial plan and success should never depend on matching or beating a benchmark. Instead, focus less on how you compare to the benchmark and more on how you're doing in meeting your goals. Are you on track to meet your deadline for a certain goal with a 6% return? Yes? Well, who cares if the market return was10%. You hit your goal and you're on target - that's what really matters. Not some extra 4% return that doesn't align with your plan.

So, I challenge you to stop obsessing over those damn benchmarks. Take a step back, focus on what truly matters to you, and make informed decisions based on your own goals and values. Your finances will thankyou for it.