I just don't play hockey anymore. I used to play on some of the best rinks in the Midwest and years later, I realize that I don't play often enough and I'm not in good enough shape at that level anymore.
I got new for you - the competition on Wall Street is better than at the legendary Arena on Ouelette Street in Windsor, Ontario. Surprisingly, that doesn't seem to stop anone from coming out to play.
Just one short decade ago, less than 30 percent of US households owned stock...That number has more than doubled today. Even after the popping of the tech bubble in the late 90's, wreaking emotional heartbreak and personal financial havoc on millions, the number of households owning stock in the US has continued to gain momentum.
I'll tell you what statistic I'd like to see: The percentage of households who have actually made a dime in the market. Investing isn't easy. It requires a lot of homework, discipline and patience. Ask any hedge fund manager who puts more hours in than a hockey rat in Windsor. All that time, just to do his homework, define his disciplines and hone his patience.
My advice to anyone who asks - and trust me, being a Denver based Financial Consultant means fielding all kinds of financial questions - before taking your hard-earned money and betting on some hot stock tip courtesy of your local barber or business partner, you whould consider who is selling you that stock; it just might be the next George Soros or Warren Buffet (the Wayne Gretzky of investing). It might even be those guys themselves. Just as Gretzky might shoot some in for the wannabees at a rink near his home, so too do Soros and Buffett bring their "A: game to the Street.
Wall Stree is full of smart folk working really hard to take your money away. I'm often awed by the itellectual prowess of the guys that trade there every day. They put together trades and hedge their risks with moves that rival any behind-the-back pass that Joe Sakic can finesse. They spend all their time navigating macroeconomic trends and geopolitical developments as well as researching stocks and stories. And guess what? And all they want to do every waking hour is take your money away.
Investing is, after all, a zero-sum game. For every software programmer buying WorldCom stock in 2001, there was a fund manager who sold it. For every secretary at that now-defunct website company that went public in 1999 and filed banruptcy in 2002 who never sold a share of their millions in "on-paper" profits, there's a hedge fund manager who did short those shares at the top.
You've got winners and you've got losers on Wall Street, just like you do at your neighborhood pick-up game on an ice sheet. The difference is, if you lose your shirt in the market, it takes a heck of a lot longer than a five-minute water break to get back into the game.
It's not that there aren't great stories of people who bought Microsoft in 1990 or Dell in 1993 and made millions just sitting tight watching their investment grow. But the reality is that those lucky few people are the exception, not the rule. Wall Street is one tough playground. In fact, my point is: If you think investing is just a game where you can buy a stock here and some options there, you're kidding yourself. Given a statistically significant number of trades over a reasonable amount of time, it's almost impossible for the armchair investor not to lose money.
I always encourage people who want to invest to take it deathly seriously. You've got to put in the time and homework and stay on top of things if you want to make a dime out there. Or even better, invest your money with a professional and stay on top of your statements to make sure he's working the rink right.
There are far better ways for you to obtain serious gain without the risks of the market. We're that Professional who can assist you bring your "A" Game to your financial portfolio..after all, we've been doing it for twenty-five years and still going strong. Am I making myself clear? There are better ways! Anybody for an "A" Game?
Please visit me at www.dennisbukantis.com for a brief look at where you might get that "A" Game.
Our goal is to make our planning and products a trustworthy, affordable and efficient experience. Every client should have a reliable cash flow, stable capital growth and superior performance - these are the keys to creating a long-term mutually beneficial relationship. Our Mission is clear; to serve our customers by living our core values of service, excellence, integrity, value and completion.
Dennis A. Bukantis, Founder and President
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