When I was an accountant, I was frequently amazed by the choices of my clients. They spent more time choosing a household appliance than they did learning how to handle their investments. When it came to buying an appliance, they spent hours trying to save $50. Would they trust the appliance store salesperson to tell them if they were getting a good deal? Nope, they would do the comparing on their own because the salesperson has a conflict of interest - commissions! However, when faced with investment decisions, they leave the major decisions up to the investment salesperson (broker, insurance agent, banker, etc).



Why are people so willing to let someone else control their investment accounts? The reasons might surprise you:

1. It's human nature to follow others - parents, fellow employees, siblings, best friends, etc. It is easier to follow the lead of others, and some people feel safer by staying "in the group."

2. It's easy to rely on the "professionals." They have spent years saying "it's too complicated for you; leave the decisions in our hands, we can handle it for you". It is amazing to see how powerless people have become by letting other people make their investment selections.

3. It's scary to consider making investment choices. Most people feel that they lack the education and the practical experience (and they are probably correct). It takes education and practice to become a good trader, but it is well worth the effort.

4. It takes time and effort. So what! If you could double your profits by learning a few techniques, would it be worth the time? YES, especially when you realize that you can earn money over and over as you use those techniques.

5. It's easier to let someone else choose the investments, that way someone else can be blamed if something goes wrong. I call this "security through blame." Meaning that people seem to feel safer if they can blame someone else for the mistakes. However, when it comes to investments even if you can blame someone else, you alone are the injured one - you are the one with less money as a result of it. Your broker received commissions whether you win or lose!

Nobody cares about your money more than you, nobody.

Therefore, nobody but you should control the destiny of your investments. It can be a rewarding form of work as you learn basic strategies and successfully apply them. If you wanted to, you could become a professional too! Just go take a three day cram course to pass the exam, pay the license fee and if you pass go get your business cards printed! I am being a little obnoxious intentionally to make an important point. Don't be fooled by letting someone else manage the precious funds you critically need for your future. You are the best one to appreciate how hard you worked for your money, and how important it is to avoid losing it. You can handle your portfolio in a way that is right for you, with safety nets and sensible trading techniques.

I am an expert in this field. I know how to trade successfully and I know how to teach others so they can do the same. Come to my two-day seminar "LIFESTYLE TRADING WITH LEAPS", let me help you profit as you gain confidence by applying powerful trading techniques, and by using "safety nets" and "insurance."

Darlene Nelson with BetterTrades