Will R. Young CFP®, a behavioral finance strategist and avid surfer, is introducing a fresh approach to financial decision-making by blending psychological insights with the focused mindset of wave riding. Combining a foundation in behavioral science, Stoic philosophy, and hands-on experience, Young is reshaping how individuals engage with investing, offering a more adaptive and emotionally disciplined framework for navigating risk, uncertainty, and personal growth.
Unlike traditional financial models that seek to predict future events, Young’s philosophy treats financial markets as unpredictable yet manageable systems, similar to the ocean. His approach emphasizes preparation, observation, and emotional discipline, as opposed to relying on conventional forecasting methods. By equipping investors with the mental and emotional tools needed to adapt to dynamic market conditions, Young aims to empower individuals to thrive in today’s volatile and information-heavy environment.
At the heart of Young’s strategy is the psychological concept of affective forecasting—the tendency for individuals to inaccurately predict their future emotional responses, often leading to poor decision-making. Drawing on the influential work of behavioral scientists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, Young translates these complex theories into practical strategies designed to make behavioral finance accessible to everyday investors.
Young’s personal experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping his approach. Having faced unique challenges in social settings from an early age, he developed an interest in understanding human behavior. This curiosity led him to study decision science, social cognition, and motivation, ultimately creating a set of frameworks designed to help individuals refine their decision-making processes and gain greater clarity in uncertain situations.
One of Young’s key methods is “Matching and Looping,” which encourages individuals to align their actions with their core values and the external context. Complementary tools such as “Metacognition” and the “Decision Competency Scale” offer structured ways to reflect on thought processes, assess risks, and make informed decisions in volatile environments. These frameworks are part of a larger system of daily meditations and reflections, set to be featured in his upcoming book.
A Philosophy of Continuous Improvement:
Central to Young’s work is a philosophy rooted in continuous improvement, intellectual humility, and consistency. Inspired by Stoic principles and contemporary psychological research, Young emphasizes focusing on what is within one’s control—such as effort, preparation, and mindset—while remaining detached from outcomes beyond one’s influence. This alignment with Stoic ideals helps individuals maintain inner calm and clarity, even in the face of external challenges.
Young often uses surfing as a metaphor to explain his approach to financial decision-making. Just as surfers wait for the right wave, maintain balance, and avoid unnecessary risks, investors must cultivate patience, composure, and emotional resilience to navigate market volatility. In this framework, surfing serves not just as a sport but as a model for adaptive thinking and emotional regulation.
This analogy translates into practical investment strategies: reading the waves equates to market analysis, maintaining balance corresponds to effective risk management, and recovering from wipeouts mirrors the emotional resilience needed during financial downturns. By developing awareness of cognitive biases, emotional drivers, and situational context, Young encourages investors to move beyond conventional metrics and adopt a more nuanced approach to navigating uncertainty.
Long-Term Thinking and Consistency:
Young places significant emphasis on long-term thinking and consistency, advocating for a strategic, patient approach over short-term reactive decisions. He stresses the importance of developing solid, tested beliefs and strategies, rather than revising them based on fleeting trends. As he says, “In the short term, you are as good as your intensity. In the long term, you are only as good as your consistency.”
One of Young’s core tenets, “Don’t daytrade your opinions,” highlights his belief that decisions should be grounded in well-considered beliefs rather than external pressures. He encourages individuals to take time in forming opinions, rigorously test them, and resist the temptation to constantly change them based on short-term noise. This emphasis on intellectual rigor and patience defines Young’s approach and reflects his broader philosophy of intellectual growth and personal discipline.
Achieving Forecasting Accuracy:
In addition to his work in behavioral finance, Young has contributed to the field of forecasting through his participation in the Good Judgment Project, a global forecasting competition. He uses the Brier Score, a statistical tool for assessing the accuracy of probabilistic forecasts, to measure his performance. Notably, he has outperformed institutional forecasters such as JPMorgan, showcasing the effectiveness of his methodical, evidence-based approach.
For instance, in a forecasting challenge concluding on April 1, 2025, regarding the 12-month percentage change in the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March 2025, Young achieved a Brier Score of 0.019, far outperforming the median score of 0.136. Similarly, for a question on the weekly average interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, Young’s Brier Score of 0.042 surpassed the median score of 0.073. These results underscore his commitment to disciplined forecasting and strategic thinking.
Building a Digital Presence:
In addition to his written work, Young is expanding his presence through podcasts, speaking engagements, and other media platforms. These efforts enable him to share insights on long-term thinking, narrative framing, and emotional discipline, both in investing and life decisions. Young invites others to join him in a practice of reflective living, grounded in clarity of thought, behavioral realism, and strategic patience.
Young’s involvement in Social Edge, a community for high-performance thinkers, has also helped refine his ideas and messaging. This group has played a crucial role in ensuring his frameworks remain practical and impactful.
A Culture of Reflective Reasoning:
At the heart of Young’s approach is a commitment to reflective reasoning and intellectual curiosity. He encourages individuals to question their assumptions, refine their beliefs, and update their views based on rigorous, evidence-based processes. By fostering a culture of reflective thinking, Young aims to inspire individuals to develop the mental clarity and emotional resilience needed for sound decision-making in both their personal and professional lives.
Through his work, Young is pioneering a new paradigm for financial decision-making—one that emphasizes self-discipline, intellectual humility, and long-term consistency. His unique blend of behavioral finance, philosophy, and personal development offers a powerful framework for those seeking to enhance their decision-making process and achieve lasting success in an unpredictable world.
For ongoing reflections and insights, follow WiLL R Young or connect via @liamliamwood.bsky.social.