by Eldari Visser
In South Africa, the northern side of the country is going into its rainy season and that is always known for big thunderstorms, heavy winds and heavy rain, whereas in the southern parts you get the “non-stop for days” rain mostly during winter. Each of these natural occurrences has a mesmerizing effect. Just watch a thunderstorm with all the lightning and you will understand.
What is even better is to take a walk outside after the rain. Everything feels new, fresh, smells good and the dopamine for our bodies are lifted. How many of you had the experience to encounter puddles of water during the walks and then had to jump into that puddle? The joy, splashing yourself and others. We even start kicking each other with the water, hey? It brings back such fun, childhood memories, or even still memories that are part of your adult life. How many of you have misjudged the depth of that luring puddle and ended up in a much bigger hole than you thought? In these circumstances, the fun part turns out to be not so very nice. Even a sprained ankle could be the after effect!
What is the lure of a puddle of water? What makes a person take a jump? I have never seen anyone testing the depth first - no, we just jump with all our might. Adventure is always more satisfying than caution. Be honest, we don’t want to look like Betty Blues, but rather like Wonder Woman who can do anything.
This mud pool can be a figurative example of how we handle our money, or a big cash injection, or some extra moola that came your way. We feel brave, courageous, adventurous, and many other “feel good “ sensations. Money does this to anyone. It creates emotions you haven’t yet noticed. Just think of the depression people have without money.
Back to our example.
Why do so many people take their investments and jump into the muddy pools of uncertainty? Why do they expect the joy of money splashing back in their “face”? It could be because as humans we like to trust other people with our investments and trust them with our money, etc. We hardly do enough homework to know what we are getting ourselves into. The mud pool might end up being a very deep hole that swallows all your money.
Here are some safe “mud pool” tips for your investments.
Test the water....
Ask the right questions, even the uncomfortable ones - don’t be shy to ask.
Look at the fund fact sheets - teach yourself if you don’t know how it works, but it will tell you all that you need to know on the investment strategy, who heads up the fund, where it is invested, and much more.
Why does an investment seem like that mud pool? Does that raise a red flag to you? Then don’t jump!
Take the journey with someone that you can trust - if the pool becomes dangerous they must be able to get you out of trouble fast enough.
Not all pools are dangerous - many are fun to invest in. Enjoy the ride!
Why do I write about something that you have heard over and over already Because business women still make the same mistakes over and over again. We hear this literally once a week. Seriously!
Read the contract, understand what you are signing, and if it is a good deal..... then enjoy the feeling of freedom. Remember also, some mud pools become bigger - so money can grow! That is your biggest focus - GROWTH.
Here’s to the wonder of rain and wealth!
Eldari Visser and her unique company, Picketfence Life, is providing access to information, advice and a powerful network of experts to help consumers find solutions to various serious issues. The company focuses mostly on easy blogs written by financial coaches, lawyers, accountants and tax practitioners, life and business coaches, and even psychologists. It gives practical tips and help and is the expert on your side of the fence. --- You can contact or follow Eldari at www.picketfence.life | Facebook | Twitter | #Junglewealth series
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