Comments on Triaging My Way To Financial Success: 30% today vs. 50% tomorrow:

Well said and I agree Nurse B 911 with key point o...

2010-05-27T02:40:30.641-04:00

Well said and I agree Nurse B 911 with key point of preserving capital. My first mutual fund of $100 I sold for a few dollars. I was happy that I made more than 30 days of interest compared to a savings account.

Progressing forward into stock investing with brokerage account I was just happy to have the number of trades and reduced commission fee's in starting to invest and build experience; all the while preserving my capital.

Saying "Oh should have waited to sell" or "Missed that opportunity" is easy but keeping in mind one cannot always time the market and the unknown is always to be expected; selling and making any profit is better than nothing.

I have sold positions as a result of emotions, reduction of risk, dislike of company(s) new direction, investment cycle(s) and or course profit. The profit may be small, large and even a loss in some cases (overall portfolio is positive and changed accordingly).

I consider loss if 20% change in value and I consider profit in 3%-10% usually with my experience/comfort level (Newbie DIY). Capital gains above annual dividend percentage return and above inflation are great; even greater when taxes taking into consideration.

Preserving capital, having profits to re-invest (if chosen) with market dynamics is so true. Thank-you for wonderful write-up.

Regards RRI

I noticed some of my mutual funds are showing a 70...

2010-03-31T12:22:04.348-04:00

I noticed some of my mutual funds are showing a 70% return from one year ago (market low). Do you agree it's a good time to sell some now and wait for a dip in the major indexes before getting back in? I'm of course talking about my funds invested in US equities.
John

Thanks Anon. Its a general rule of thumb that led...

2008-10-18T05:34:00.000-04:00

Thanks Anon. Its a general rule of thumb that led to some very good gains in my Value Portfolio over the past 2 years. It's all about capital preservation because you never know what might be around the corner.

I like this article because it is something simple...

2008-10-18T00:27:00.000-04:00

I like this article because it is something simple that a beggining investor such as myself can see clear logic in.