801 West Bay Drive Suite 707 Largo, FL 33770

(727) 210-7795
marc.delia@premierplanninginc.com
Download Brochure
Premier Planning Partners Home
Premier Planning Partners Home
  • Home
  • About Us 
    • Meet Our Team
    • Financial Planning Philosophy
    • Business Philosophy
    • Investment Philosophy
  • Services 
    • A Blueprint for Business Succession Planning
    • Comprehensive Financial Planning
    • Levels of Partnership
  • Our News 
    • Premier Insights
  • Resources 
    • Retirement
    • Estate
    • Investment
    • Insurance
    • Tax
    • Money
    • Lifestyle
    • Glossary
    • Tax Resources
  • Contact
  • Account Access 
    • Client Login
    • Wealth Management Platform
    • American Funds
    • Lincoln Financial Group
    • Midland National
    • Nationwide
    • Ohio National
    • Symmetry Partners
Download Brochure
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.

Share |

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!

Related Content

5 Keys to Fiscal Fitness

5 Keys to Fiscal Fitness

These basic moves, if done consistently, can help ensure that you are fiscally fit both now and in the future.

The 12 Steps to Living Confidently: How to Cut Your Expenses

The 12 Steps to Living Confidently: How to Cut Your Expenses

“Cut spending.” “Slash expenses.” “Avoid shopping.” The overwhelming advice about cutting expenses makes it sound downright unappealing. No wonder many of us haven’t learned to be good financial managers.

Business Boosters: Holding on to Talent

Business Boosters: Holding on to Talent

No matter what business you’re in, once you start hiring employees, you get into the people business.

Contact

Office: (727) 210-7795

Fax: (727) 245-6900

801 West Bay Drive

Suite 707

Largo, FL 33770

Send an Email

Quick Links

  • Retirement
  • Investment
  • Estate
  • Insurance
  • Tax
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
  • All Articles
  • All Videos
  • All Calculators
  • All Presentations

Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck.

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. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of 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 representative, 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.

We take protecting your data and privacy very seriously. As of January 1, 2020 the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) suggests the following link as an extra measure to safeguard your data: Do not sell my personal information.

Copyright 2023 FMG Suite.

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

This website is for educational or informational purposes. It is not intended as investment, legal, retirement or tax advice.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

The LPL Financial registered representative(s) associated with this website may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.