Holiday gatherings are tough on The Prudent Man. Because while everyone is happy to tell you how well they’re doing in the stock market, it’s The Prudent Man who knows how fleeting temporary gains can be. The Prudent Man knows his course, his path. He’s not quiet about it. Hardly. He locks eyes with the storyteller, knowing the final chapter’s end before it’s written.
Yes, The Prudent Man tells his listeners the way he sees it—his vision—understanding that most investors won’t be able to handle his path. Temptation in markets, especially ones moving higher, is too much for lay investors to ignore. Little do they know. But know they will because they’re not even aware they’re enrolled in the school of hard knocks. One way or the other, investors will learn the lessons.
In his conversations around his family table, The Prudent Man preaches, “It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.” He tells his loved ones about the miracle of compound interest. He advises them to live within their means and save ‘til it hurts. He guides them like a shepherd.
When at social gatherings, The Prudent Man can be quiet. Quiet when he knows there’s too much hope in the zero-sum game of stock prices. He knows hope is not a strategy. He has his dividend religion.
When there’s too much at stake, he knows investors will never thank The Prudent Man for giving good advice. Conversely, he knows they’ll never forget the loudmouth for the bad advice. But hey, it’s only a yearly gathering, after all. No consequences.
Action Line: It’s hard dealing with the talking heads, who fill your mind with uncertainty. It’s during times like these when finding The Prudent Man within can be a lifesaver. When you’re ready to begin your search, let’s talk.
