This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Invest or digress
Most people are scared to lose money to investing, but they aren’t scared to lose money to materialistic items, debt, gambling, and other pointless purchases.
The majority thinks that if they’re not losing money on paper, they’re saving money. But in actuality, inflation ensures your money burns if you don’t put it to use by investing.
The Investor’s Parable
“He said, ‘You’re right that I don’t suffer fools gladly – and you’ve acted the fool! Why didn’t you at least invest the money in securities so I would have gotten a little interest on it?’
“Then he said to those standing there, ‘Take the money from him and give it to the servant who doubled my stake.’
“They said, ‘But Master, he already has double . . .’
“He said, ‘That’s what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.
Luke 22–26, The MSG Bible
Who Hasn’t Lost Money In The Markets
Have you ever lost money in the markets? I know I have. As long as you invest, you’re going to lose money. It’s the name of the game.
You have to lose money occasionally to make money.
Investing is not for the meek, but something I’ve learned to do is to be unemotional about the losses. I often miss when the losses occur because I don’t look for them. I’m not in the daily weeds keeping track of all my wins and losses.
It’s all about what occurs over time that I care most about. You can financially accomplish a significant deal over time versus one day. Long-term investors know that time is their friend.
Savers believe time is their friend, but it’s the enemy. The longer they focus their efforts on saving, the more money they lose.
The Place Where They Burn Cash
Saving will lead you nowhere except the primary place where they burn cash – savings accounts.
Saving accounts are the enemy because they usually reap no interest and don’t accomplish anything for you.
Decades ago, savings accounts earned more interest than inflation. I remember when money markets earned you a minimum of 5% interest, but times have changed. I can’t remember the last time I saw a savings opportunity like that, except for when I was a kid.
Moral Of The Story
Don’t save. Invest.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.