Best of 2024: 10 Investment Truths I Wish I Knew at 20 That I Know Now
Dec 23, 2024
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The hosts share crucial investment insights they wish they had known at 20. They challenge the myth that higher risks always lead to better rewards, highlighting low volatility stocks. Understanding investments and emotional awareness are essential to success. They emphasize celebrating wins and managing losses gracefully. Additionally, the dangers of consuming excessive investing news can cloud judgment, urging listeners to adopt simplicity and consistency for better outcomes.
Investing in what you understand is crucial, as lack of comprehension can lead to poor financial decisions and losses.
Acknowledging that losses are a natural part of investing helps maintain emotional balance and fosters resilience in investors.
Deep dives
Risk and Reward Misconceptions
The belief that higher risk investments guarantee higher rewards is a common misconception among investors. Research indicates that low volatility stocks often outperform their high-risk counterparts, challenging the traditional high-risk, high-reward narrative. A study conducted from 1968 to 2008 revealed that low-risk stocks can yield better returns, prompting a reevaluation of investment strategies. This insight encourages individuals to reassess their understanding of risk and focus on sound investment practices rather than seeking out the riskiest options.
Understanding Before Investing
Investing in assets without a clear understanding can lead to poor decision-making and potential losses. Successful investors exhibit curiosity and are unafraid to admit when they do not grasp a particular investment opportunity. Instead of pretending to understand complex investments, it's wiser to say no and avoid the pitfalls of uninformed decisions. By prioritizing comprehension over appearances, investors can protect their financial interests and make more informed choices.
Dealing with Losses in Investing
Investors often feel the emotional impact of losses more acutely than the satisfaction from gains, leading to undue stress and self-criticism. Research on loss aversion suggests that individuals experience a stronger reaction to financial losses than to equivalent gains, which can distort their investment mindset. Accepting that losses are an inherent part of investing can help investors moderate their emotional responses and maintain perspective. Acknowledging the balance of wins and losses allows for a healthier approach to investing, emphasizing resilience over frustration.
This week, Sim and Maia dive into investment truths they wish they knew in their 20s, debunking the myth that more risk means more reward. They emphasise the importance of investing in what you understand and not letting losses feel personal. Plus, they share how consuming too much investing news can lead to poor decisions and why sometimes luck plays a bigger role than skill in investing success.