Getting in the game is, by far, the hardest part of investing and its been holding me back for far too long. When I was young and care free, not that I’m over the hill, or anything, I was infatuated with the stock market. I studied it and loved it, I got in and out on a whim. I had to ride my bicycle ten miles to open up my first brokerage account when I was just over 18. I wasn’t scared or nervous. While others bought video games, I bought stocks. Then something happened.
I don’t know what it is. But for years now, I have grown too attached to my money. It may come down to the love of watching my account balance grow with my monthly savings. However, the true deciding factor, I believe, was my recklessness during the 2000-2001 bust – when, like many I allowed my irrational excuberance blind me. Since then, I just cannot get myself back into the game. Sure, I understand the benefits, and, yes, I’ve been following along, at home; but I never did anything more than dip my big toe into shallow end. Now, I am finally to the point where I’ve concluded that the sidelines are no place to be, but its where I stand.
If you’ve read any of my other dozen posts, or so, you know that I started this site to force my hand (for just about everyone, you’re about caught up). To get me to go all-in. Well, it hasn’t worked. Sure, I’ve probably read a dozen books on investing this year. I’ve been reading IBD (http://investors.com). I’ve been watching the pundits. And I’ve been telling myself, bite the bullet. But until now, 10 months and 16 days into 2007, I have failed at my New Years resolution. Is anyone surprised? I doubt it. I admited in January, and confess, again today, I have had the same unfulfilled resolution to invest.
Today, I am making a November 16th Resolution – invest in my future. The time is now. OK… really I first have to do two things. One, open a brokerage account and fund that account. Well, that’s one thing, I guess. So, when all is said and done, my November 16th resolution will really be more like a December 1st one.
Now, where should I open up my account… another stumbling block? Wait and see. (Oooooh, the suspense.)
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I am an amateur trader and investor with over 15 years experience in the stock market. I was bred to be a fundamentalist and followed fundamental analysis until 2009. Following the 2007-2008 bear market, I began to shift from a buy-and-hold strategy to trend-following techniques.