This blog post is overdue.
It has been on my (human) mind for quite some time. And yes — appropriately — I am using AI to polish my own writing and contribute additional perspective.
The question I keep hearing is this:
What does AI mean for financial planning, investing, and the broader economy?
Technology Has Always Changed the World
Over the decades — and centuries — transformative technologies have disrupted industries, displaced workers, and reshaped the global economy. Each time, the adjustment felt significant. And each time, humanity adapted. In fact, living standards improved.
Here is a short list of true technological game‑changers:
1440 – Printing Press (Johannes Gutenberg): Enabled mass production of books and the spread of knowledge.
1712 – Steam Engine (Thomas Newcomen): Revolutionized industry and transportation.
1837 – Telegraph (Samuel Morse): Enabled instant long-distance communication.
1879 – Light Bulb (Thomas Edison): Brought practical electric lighting to the world.
1903 – Airplane (Wright Brothers): Enabled powered, controlled flight.
1928 – Penicillin (Alexander Fleming): Transformed medicine.
1947 – Transistor (Bardeen, Brattain, Shockley): Foundation of modern electronics.
1959 – Integrated Circuit (Jack Kilby & Robert Noyce): Miniaturized computing onto a chip.
1969 – Internet (ARPANET): Laid the groundwork for global digital communication.
1973 – Mobile Phone (Martin Cooper): Portable telecommunication.
1976 – Personal Computer (Apple I): Brought computing to individuals.
1990 – World Wide Web (Tim Berners-Lee): Made the internet accessible to the masses.
2007 – Smartphone (iPhone): Combined phone, internet, and computing in one device.
As a side note, I personally experienced part of this history. In 1990, I was an engineer assigned to the SEMATECH joint research project in Austin, Texas. My desk was just around the corner from Robert Noyce, co‑inventor of the integrated circuit. It felt like having Thomas Edison down the hall.
So What About AI?
Artificial Intelligence is clearly the next major technological wave. It is already disrupting industries, and its impact will only expand.
No one — not even AI itself — has a crystal ball. But we can make informed, educated observations.
My Perspective on What Comes Next
Yes, certain jobs will disappear. But new ones will emerge. Historically, technological revolutions ultimately created more opportunity than they destroyed.
Almost every business will become more productive. Over time, productivity gains tend to support economic growth and corporate earnings. Investment diversification will continue to capture the big winners.
Short‑term traders may chase companies directly building AI tools and services. That space will likely be volatile. Picking long‑term winners in advance is extremely difficult and when it happens occasionally, lucky..
Individual workers should embrace AI and learn to use it. Those who become more productive with these tools will add value to their organizations, and themselves.
Physical industries — energy, manufacturing, construction — will remain essential. They will benefit from AI-driven productivity but still require skilled, hands‑on professionals. The most valuable workers will combine technical skill with technological fluency. People with trades skills like plambing, electrical, carpentry and specific high level knowledge such as in semiconductor manufacturing and nuclear power operation, will be highly sought after.
There will likely be unintended consequences. Some AI-related harm to humans and/or property will occur, prompting regulatory responses and potentially slowing adoption.
Concerns About Career Disruption
If you are concerned about AI disrupting your career — or the careers of younger loved ones — you are not alone.
A recent article by Matt Shumer (February 9, 2026) www.shumer.dev gained significant attention. This article is found widely on LinkedIn, X and many have posted it. The core message was that AI progress is accelerating rapidly, public perception lags reality, and knowledge‑based work may face meaningful disruption in the next several years.
His central themes included:
• AI capabilities are improving faster than most people realize.
• Technology workers are experiencing the shift first.
• AI systems are increasingly contributing to their own improvement.
• White‑collar industries may see significant displacement in a short timeframe.
• The best strategy is engagement, adaptability, and preparation — not panic.
My Advice
Here is my balanced view as an investment advisor and business owner. Stay informed. Stay invested in a diversified approach. Stay adaptable.
Technology revolutions create disruption, but they also create extraordinary opportunity.
The individuals and businesses that lean into change — rather than resist it — historically fare best.
AI will reshape the economy. It will not end it.
I hope you found this article interesting and helpful. Please reach out to me at roadmap@oreillywa.com with any questions or comments.