What Are Investments Worth?
Anyone who has anything frets about the value of investments these days. Markets up. Markets down. Is the economy recovering? Or not? Is anyone, anywhere, really getting a decent return?
We all make investments. Every morning, we launch ourselves into the world, and we invest in stuff. All day long. Careers. Family. Extracurriculars. People. Whether we acknowledge it or not, everything we undertake is an expenditure of our living capital.
In spite of my training in numbers, I am not a very good investor. I am loyal to a fault. Once I care about something, I am prone to giving more, hoping it will turn around and realize the error of its ways. Give more to me.
If I gambled, I would probably be one of those sweaty, desperate people, sitting all alone at the table. Nursing a drink. Willing the cards to go my way.
What I’m saying is this: it takes time to make good investments. Slowing down. Reading the signs. Understanding when to throw out chips and when to stay. Or fold.
Sure, luck is involved in a payday. But, taking the time to know the table, to divine when to give more to the game. That’s really the trick to winning.
So I’m told.
Like I said. I’m not very good at gambling. Obviously. Or I wouldn’t have been crying.
For days.
I am shaking up my portfolio. Looking for investments that provide me a return; that will pay back what I invest. If you have the time, I’m in the market.
I promise I will do my best. Because, I know what it feels like when investments don’t perform. When projections don’t pan out.
When others disappoint.
Tip… don’t buy into Facebook,
Even I knew that would be a bad investment.
Chalk one up for me.
Having never made a single sound investment I am fret free. I’m also money free:)
Money does seem to go hand in hand with fretting. Since I don’t have any either, I wouldn’t know.
I am in the process of converting my 401-K to a lovely lottery ticket, should go well.
Good luck with that, Lou.
The only thing we can invest in is ourselves and love. Love is the only element that endures. Though you can’t feed yourself solely on love. And it’s not hard currency for the bank deposit.
As with Lou, I do continue to work my lottery retirement plan.
Ha. The only way MTM and I will ever be able to retire is to win the lottery…….
We’re all paddling the same canoe then? Or betting on the same horse. Or some other platitude because to think of it any other way, makes me want to yowl.
YOU are one of my best investments – I receive A LOT from you and also those that I’ve “met” when I invested in you.
Lori, I’m so glad you are here. When I think of my list of friends, you are always close to the top, and I’ve never even met you. xo
A provocative post, Andra. Methinks you may be talking about a different kind of investment, which is the only kind we can afford these days. Family, friends, you know?
Exactly what I’m talking about, Penny. Even those investments don’t always work out, though.
I just read investment advice this morning:
Invest in acts of love. Love yields high returns.
Holly, I have always tried to follow this advice. And, I will continue, in spite of the fact that acts of love can sometimes leave one disappointed.
Lovely post as always Andra and very thought provoking. I am thinking that my riches must be laid up in heaven because I do not have many here on earth. Well….. now that I said that… Maybe that is the thought process when I start to compare myself to those who are ultra wealthy and have things that I fight not to covet over. KWIM? When I consider GRACE, family, church friends, online friends, social media friends and my health. Well….. now I think I am wealthier than most rich people I have. I believe the bible says something along these lines. It would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into heaven. How much is enough? Solomon had it all and you probably remember what he said about all of that. I am glad that I know you and MTM. I count both of you as one of my riches investments.
Thank you, James. You and Katy are wonderful.
I was thinking the other day about how much time and effort I “invest” into outside relationships and often, too often, I am left standing empty handed. But when I invest time, love and energy in my children…I feel rich beyond words.
You are lucky to have them, Bonita.
So timely. Investing in myself these days. Trying to fend off the fretting and terror that accompanies such a leap.
From where I sit reading, you’re not even a gamble. I’d bet on you. And until such time that I have hard currency, you get the investment of reading and unwavering faith.
Your investment in yourself is going to pay off with huge rewards, Cam. I can’t wait to read your book. When will it be ready? I keep looking, but haven’t seen an announcement.
And, thank you. xo
Oh noes! The Kindle version launched on my blog/FB on Tuesday. I have had it with the internets being broken!
Here’s the launch post link:
http://camerondgarriepy.com/2012/10/23/bucks-landing-the-official-release/
The metaphor for emotions here is so large. And our emotional investments take so much more of a toll than the financial ones at times.
Yep. I don’t think I’ve ever cried over lost money.
Hope you get a proper return on your investment . . . with no tears attached.
Thank you, Nancy. I hope so, too.
I think that as we move into new stages of our own development we realize that our emotional coffers have limited funds, to stay with your metaphor. We can continue to pour our lives out in an attempt to stay connected and vital with others, but when there isn’t a reciprocal benefit, we also lose non-renewable energy that could be better placed in healthy, vital relationship. I’m struggling right now with the loss of a friend. Someone very important to me over decades, but I can’t “do it” alone. I’ve emotionally let go and it’s the right decision, but yes, there are tears. You have very deep pools of care and concern, Andra. That makes your spirit beautifully rare, but also vulnerable. oxo
Debra, this is the perfect response and continuance of the metaphor. Thank you. It is often easy to know what to do in our heads. It’s those dang feelings that get me in trouble. xo
Fascinating to think of the portfolio in emotional terms. Great metaphor, Andra. I need to ask myself where I’m investing. Jeez. Thanks for that realization.
Hugs,
Kathy
I can stop being an accountant, Kathy, but sometimes those metaphors are the best ones.
Only ever do your best, nothing more, nothing less. As long as you know you are doing that, Andra, you’re doing OK. Things will work out.
Thanks, Tom. I know you’re right.
So you got your third quarter report, too??
Haha, Ruth. Great comment.
“Like” does not seem an appropriate response here but sadly my mental reserves are at an all time low.
You and me both, Robert.
Oh, Andra, this sounds like a sad place to be.
Your investment in your writing makes us all richer
I love investing in my writing most of the time, Fiona. No worries there.