Everyone talks of changing the world. Few talk of changing themselves. ~Leo Tolstoi
Fortunately the U.S. Presidential election only happens once every four years. Rather than focus on this once every four years event, we thought we’d draw attention to some costly attitudes that are in effect every day. Jim Parker, an Australian based vice president with Dimensional Funds Advisors makes the observation of investor behavior in Australia that we recognize as universal. He writes:
Human beings have an astounding facility for self-deception when it comes to our own money. We tend to rationalize our own fears. So instead of just recognizing how we feel and reflecting on the thoughts that creates, we cut out the middle man and construct the façade of a logical-sounding argument over a vague feeling.
These arguments are often elaborate, short-term excuses that we use to justify behavior that runs counter to our own long-term interests.
He created a top ten list of short term excuses we use to justify poor long term behavior. Have you heard any of these? Do you have any to add to the list?
- “ I JUST WANT TO WAIT TILL THINGS BECOME CLEARER.” It’s understandable to feel unnerved by volatile markets. But waiting for volatility to “clear” before investing often results in missing the return that can accompany the risk.
- “ I JUST CAN’T TAKE THE RISK ANYMORE.” By focusing exclusively on the risk of losing money and paying a premium for safety, we can end up with insufficient funds for retirement. Avoiding risk can also mean missing an upside.
- “ I WANT TO LIVE TODAY. TOMORROW CAN LOOK AFTER ITSELF.” Often used to justify a reckless purchase, it’s not either-or. You can live today AND mind your savings. You just need to keep to your budget.
- “ I DON’T CARE ABOUT CAPITAL GAIN. I JUST NEED THE INCOME.” Income is fine. But making income your sole focus can lead you down a dangerous road. Just ask anyone who invested in collateralized debt obligations.
- “ I WANT TO GET SOME OF THOSE LOSSES BACK.” It’s human nature to be emotionally attached to past bets, even losing ones. But, as the song says, you have to know when to fold ’em.
- “ BUT THIS STOCK/FUND/STRATEGY HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME.” We all have a tendency to hold on to winners too long. But without disciplined rebalancing, your portfolio can end up carrying much more risk than you bargained for.
- “ BUT THE NEWSPAPER SAID …” Investing by the headlines is like dressing based on yesterday’s weather report. The news might be accurate, but the market usually has reacted already and moved on to worrying about something else.
- “ THE GUY AT THE BAR/MY UNCLE/MY BOSS TOLD ME …” The world is full of experts, many who recycle stuff they’ve heard elsewhere. But even if their tips are right, this kind of advice rarely takes your circumstances into account.
- “ I JUST WANT CERTAINTY.” Wanting confidence in your investments is fine. But certainty? You can spend a lot of money trying to insure yourself against every possible outcome. While it cannot guard against every risk or possible outcome, it’s cheaper to diversify your investments.
- “I’M TOO BUSY TO THINK ABOUT THIS.” We often try to control things we can’t change—like market and media noise—and neglect areas where our actions can make a difference—like the costs of investments. That’s worth the effort.
Given how easy it is to pull the wool over our own eyes, it can pay to seek independent advice from someone who understands your needs and circumstances and who holds you to the promises you made to yourself in your most lucid moments.
Call it the “no more excuses” strategy. It’s not either-or. You can live today AND invest for tomorrow. MFA is here to help you craft a plan that you can, will and DO follow.
We are always available to speak with you if you have any questions.
