"It's all about asking the right questions."
~ Joe Matson
Teachers are some of the most important and under-appreciated members of our society. They take on the role of educating our kids so that they can learn and grow into who they are meant to be, and that is no easy task. Those of you who still have school-age children right about now are probably understanding that more than you ever have. It's a difficult job, so it comes as no surprise to me that one thing teachers love to see more than anything else is a student who is engaged.
At the start of each new year, I can remember how my teachers would always encourage us to ask questions. In particular, I remember very clearly that my 6th grade teacher tried to encourage us by saying, "There's no such thing as a dumb question."
As you can imagine, 6th graders are masters of asking dumb questions.
Our teacher spent the next several minutes being pelted by the most ridiculous questions our middle school brains could come up with. Sorry, teachers. Bad questions do exist, and, unfortunately, it's not just 6th graders who ask them.
Most of us are guilty at some point of asking the wrong questions, and it usually comes from us not knowing what questions to ask. How many times did you find yourself sitting in statistics, biology, chemistry, etc. and just staring blankly at the professor, so confused but with no idea where to even begin to ask a question.
This is a problem many investors and, quite frankly, advisors face when it comes to investing. Without a clear understanding of what questions to ask, they wind up chasing what's hot, getting in and getting out at the wrong times, and following five star fund managers in hopes that they will "beat the market." This kind of speculating and gambling with money can be devastating not just to your portfolio, but also to the future that was riding on it.
So, the question then becomes, "What questions do I need to ask?" That is an excellent question. I'm so glad you asked!
Here are just a few questions you should be asking:
- Do you have an academic method for measuring your risk tolerance and do you know what that number is?
- Have you measured the total amount of commissions and costs in your portfolio?
- Do you know where you fall on the Markowitz Efficient Frontier, or how far under it you are?
- Do you have a system to academically measure portfolio volatility?
- Do you know the three warning signs that you may be speculating with your money verses prudently investing it?
By being engaged and asking good questions, you can gain more clarity around your investments, understanding about how markets work, and relate to your portfolio in a powerful way.
The best way to get these answers is by attending our upcoming investor coaching class Investing Reimagined, where we will be exploring the questions mentioned above and other questions investors should be thinking of. We look forward to seeing you there!
What Will It Take?
by Mark Matson
Your portfolio is trying to tell you something. Are you listening?
It is amazing the number of investors whose risk tolerance does not align with their portfolio allocation. "I'm aggressive" or "I'm conservative" is no longer adequate or suitable in today's investing environment.
How much risk do you feel comfortable with? How much risk do you need to reach your goals? How much risk are you currently taking? Your portfolio is desperately trying to tell you this and much more. Are you listening?
To find your Risk Number, click the link below.
Blue Wahoo's Baseball Season Opener Postponed We will send out ticket information as soon as the Blue Wahoo's announce new opening dates. (call Sena McDaniel for ticket information)
Investing Reimagined - Thursday, May 14, 2020 Online Investor Coaching Webinar
Guernsey Sporting Clay Shoot - Friday, May 22, 2020 For now we are going ahead with this event. Sign up now!
Be An Advocate
Do you want to empower families in discovering their True Purpose for Money?
Do you want to help equip others to defeat the Wall Street bullies?
Do you want to see families discover for themselves how investing works and to be left with the knowledge to make powerful choices for themself, their family, and their future?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you can be an advocate for those you love and care about.
Here's how simple it is:
1) Invite someone to join you at one of our upcoming events.
2) Forward this to someone you care about.
Most people will not pursue these things without someone like you advocating for them.
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