Investment Read Time: 3 min

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

One of the most well-known investors of the 20th Century, Benjamin Graham, said that "the investor's chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself."

What Graham understood—and modern research is catching up to—is the idea that we all have emotions and biases that affect our decision-making. The innate wiring built to survive pre-modern times can be counterproductive in our modern world, especially when it comes to investing.

Let's take a quick look at a few of the human emotions and biases that can adversely impact sound investment decision-making.

Fear and Greed — These are the two most powerful emotions that move investors and investment markets. Each emotion clouds our capability for rational and dispassionate decision-making. They are the emotions that lead us to believe that prices may continue to rise (think the Tulip price bubble of 1636) or that everything has gone so wrong that prices may not recover (think Credit Crisis of 2008-2009).

Some investors have found a way to conquer these emotions, be brave when everyone else is fearful, and resist the temptations of a too-exuberant market.

Overconfidence — Peter Bernstein, a noted economic historian, argued that the riskiest moment may be when we feel that we are right. It is at that precise moment that we tend to disregard all information that may conflict with our beliefs, setting ourselves up for investment surprise.

Selective Memory — Human nature is such that we tend to recast history in a manner that emphasizes our successes and downplays our failures. As a result, we may not benefit from the valuable lessons failure can teach. Indeed, failure may be your most valuable asset.

Prediction Fallacy — Humans have an innate desire to recognize patterns and apply these patterns to predicting the future. We erroneously believe that because "A" occurred and "B" happened that if "A" happens again, we can profit by anticipating that "B" will repeat. Market history is littered with examples of "rules of thumb" that have worked until they no longer worked.

Financial markets are complex and unpredictable. Our endeavors to tap their opportunities to pursue our financial goals are best realized when we don't burden the enterprise by blindness to the inherent behavioral obstacles we all share.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Free Retirement Guide

It's never too soon to start preparing for retirement. But do you know what to look out for? Download our free ebook, "Retire Happy: A Simple Guide to Your Next Big Adventure."



Thank you! Oops!
 

Related Content

Questions to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home

Questions to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home

Doing your research is key before buying a vacation home.

Yours, Mine, and Ours: Estate Strategies for Second Marriage

Yours, Mine, and Ours: Estate Strategies for Second Marriage

Second marriages are a trigger event to revisit any existing estate strategies.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Pickleball in Retirement

Learn about the latest sport to sweep the nation with this informative article.

Does Your Portfolio Fit Your Retirement Lifestyle?

Lifestyle considerations in creating your retirement portfolio.

What Is a 1035 Exchange?

1035 exchanges provide a way to trade-in an annuity contract or life insurance policy without triggering a tax liability.

View all articles

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Historical Inflation

This calculator shows how inflation over the years has impacted purchasing power.

Potential Income from an IRA

Estimate your monthly and annual income from various IRA types.

View all calculators

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

View all presentations

Perception vs. Reality

There’s an alarming difference between perception and reality for current and future retirees.

Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?

There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.

Encore Careers: Push Your Boundaries

Ready for retirement? Find out why many are considering encore careers and push your boundaries into something more, here.

View all videos