The title of today’s entry is a quote made famous by Leonardo Da Vinci. It seems that even back in Leonardo’s day, people were faced with too many choices, too many possessions and too much to think about. I wonder what Mr. Da Vinci would think if he were alive today? Maybe he is and he is trying to tell us the same thing through another medium? If so, the word’s “I told you so” must be a part of his presentation. There is no doubt that choices create paralysis. People want simple. Don’t you?
If you answered yes, then why do things often seem so complex? Have you ever thought about that?
Let me explain one answer to you. It’s on purpose. Laws are purposely written to be confusing. Then you’ll need a lawyer to translate for you. Who wrote the laws? Lawyers did.
Oh, did you think that was a coincidence?
Did you know that there are millions of people that keep their money either in cash under their bed or in a bank account that gives them basically the same return as if they kept their money under their bed? Why? Simple. Because they don’t know what to do with their money. Why? Because they are scared. Why? Because they are confused. Why? Too many choices.
So in order to delay feeling the fear they delay making a decision. Do you do this?
Since you come here for advice, let me give you some. Change your thinking. Every day that goes by with your money in a bank account is another wasted financial opportunity. If you were investing in quality stocks right now (rather than in your stagnant bank account) you would be making progress even if the market was going down. Why? Simple.
Even in a declining stock market, an investor is making progress because he is picking up quality stock at reasonable prices. The more you buy at lower prices, the more you’ll make later when values go up. And they always do. Did I just say “always”. Yes I did. I didn’t say they “only” go up. I said they “always” go up. And anything that goes up, must eventually come down. If you have been following the action, then you know the market has been down from it’s highs of the past few years. Does it make sense that you would buy “low” and sell “high”? If so, now is the time to be buying. You buy when the market is low. You sell when the market is high. Simple. Even more simple is that if you had a good broker doing it for you, it would be getting done with no need for you to do anything but contribute some money regularly.
Could it be any simpler than that?
