Can You Avoid The Next Financial Bubble?

Financial bubbles are as old as finance itself.  Examples include 1860's railroads (when people bought land anywhere just hoping the expanding railroads would buy them out), early 1900's car companies (more than a thousand went bankrupt and a handful survive).  More recent examples include 1980's Japan, 1999 Internet, 2006 Housing and 2011 Gold?

The trick is to identify a bubble and not participate because while the idea of a fast buck is appealing, the downside is worse.

Remember the secret to making money in any market is not to lose money, your gains will come over time but losing is hard to overcome.

If I double my money this year and give back 50% nest year, I didn't get anywhere, took on alot of risk and all for nothing and likely missed out on a real opportunity (we call that opportunity cost).

Most bubbles take on the form of the chart you see here when normal assets take on a life of their own and become something you must own ONLY because it has to go higher, right?  wrong!

If you stick to a boring old investment strategy of adding to an index fund on a regular basis and putting any extra cash into paying down the mortgage (aside from six months of cash for emergencies) then you are likely to avoid all bubbles simply because you are disciplined and don't have silly cash around to participate.  Good for you.

As an aside, I am not a prognosticator but I am willing to say that gold is in the bear rally part of the chart there and has already seen its best days.

Difference Between Gambling and Investing and your Stockbroker

There is a fine line between gambling and investing which many people cross sometimes with the help of their financial guy.

A study not too long ago showed that the majority of those buying individual stocks lose money.  I'd be willing to bet that a large percentage of those crossed the line.

Bottom line is that the odds are set against you as a gambler.  That's why casinos have no clocks, pump in oxygen, its all to keep you gambling because eventually, the odds which are stacked against you will take over.

But as an investor, odds are in your favor as long as you are buying quality, not trading, etc.

Problem is that most people who say they are long term investors really aren't.  Its human nature to want instant gratification and a few negative months in a row will test any investors confidence and resolve.  That is exactly when many investors cross the line over to gambling by buying and selling often or trading or purchasing penny stocks or buying into a hot trend - none of which classifies as investing.

This problem is exacerbated by financial professionals who by chance make money when their clients are active rather than non-active.

I can look at a statement and tell you immediately if you have crossed over the line from investor to gambler.  Feel free to email to set up a coaching call.