I think I’m going to try to brag more about how much I suck. Maybe if I do that, it might actually be contrarian to what actually happens. So far, the other way around definitely seems to be contrarian for me..

[quote=paramount]To be honest flu, thanks to you I’ve done very well with phot. Thanks.[/quote]

Did you not listen to me and decide to short it ? Lol

This is a very scary time to try to navigate the investment world, IMHO. Even holding dollars is scary. 🙁

[quote=CA renter]This is a very scary time to try to navigate the investment world, IMHO. Even holding dollars is scary. :([/quote]

I totally agree with you CAR. Everyone trying to chase yield. The “poor” savers (no pun intended) are getting pummeled as interest rates are so low. So they too feel like they have to get into higher risk type investments.

I was just talking about this with someone the other day at lunch. The problem is that everyone says they are “long-term investors” but relatively few are and they look at the market the past few years and what a tear it’s been on and they feel like they are missing out.

Like some, I haven’t gotten in the stock market as heavy as I wish I did watching the way it’s gone on a tear.

It will be interesting to see how things turn out in the mid-term.

[quote=flu][quote=AN][quote=flu][quote=paramount]To be honest flu, thanks to you I’ve done very well with phot. Thanks.[/quote]

Did you not listen to me and decide to short it ? Lol[/quote]
I too benefit greatly from PHOT. Thanks flu[/quote]

So you shorted it too? :)[/quote]Thank goodness I didn’t :-D.

My word of advice for everyone is less is more…

This means that trying to block out all the financial and political and world media would be a big benefit to your investment performance.

Having worked in the financial industry in the past, it is very unlikely you will be able to time anything well, especially when the game is stacked against all everyday investors.

More often than not, you will see a “report” on a news channel or some “guru” saying this Russia problem will cause massive problems that you get out or get in at the worst possible time. Bottom line is most investors have no clue how to value companies so hearing and reading these articles and reports which tends to sensationalize everything will only hurt you.

That said, I’ve “heard” that Russia does about 1% trade with the US. That’s pretty much nothing and this is also why the US can’t do a thing to Russia about the issue. Europe is MUCH more connected since they depend on the energy from Russia. They are also LESS interested in pissing off Putin so this is also why no one thinks anything will come of this and no force will occur.

Again, you could have some crazed people do something, but again, nothing could happen also so why gamble on what you have no control over or speculate on this happening on that?

At times, I see one report (like yesterday) and human nature tells me that I should sell (thinking of dumping my FB which has doubled). Then today, it’s all up and up again…damn, nasdaq up 1.75% today.

This is why most investors sell at the worst possible times. I think most people would be better off just having a holding of most everything and if the shit hits the fan, those utilities and “safer” companies that pay you a nice 4% dividend will keep you well covered if you needed some income.

If you need the money soon, you shouldn’t be in stocks at all to begin with.

I’m still waiting for some pullback since there hasn’t been many over the past 5 years and we had to get out due to a personal financial issue, but no rushing in or out either way 100% since that’s just usually not going to work out well for you.