Investing is a long game. The longer you’re in it, the more likely you are to make money. But it’s not always easy to stick with it, especially when things get rocky. I’ve been investing since 1995, and I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs. I’ve seen people panic and sell when things look bad, like during the dot-com crash in 2000, the 2008 financial crisis, and the start of the pandemic in 2020. But I’ve learned that having a solid investment strategy can give you the courage to stay the course.
Let me give you some examples of how having an investment strategy has helped me. Back in 2016, I predicted that more people would start moving to cheaper parts of the country because of technology and the ability to work from home. I also thought that Trump’s win would lead to more interest and growth in red states. So, I invested in real estate in these areas. Eight years and $954,000 later, I’ve seen some good returns, especially in Texas.
When I moved to San Francisco in 2001, I noticed that real estate was cheaper than in New York City. I figured that prices in San Francisco would eventually catch up because of the tech boom and the better quality of life. So, I invested in real estate and tech stocks. Despite some setbacks after the pandemic, I believe that the city will bounce back and real estate prices will recover.
I’ve also been investing in artificial intelligence (AI) companies. I think AI is going to be a big deal in the next 20 years, just like the internet was 25 years ago. I’m not just investing for the potential gains, but also as a way to protect my kids’ future job prospects.
I recently had to decide what to do with my old house. I didn’t really want to be a landlord again, but after considering the local economy and the potential impact of AI, I decided to rent it out and hold onto it for the long term.
I’ve been an Apple shareholder since 2012, and I’ve been happy with the returns. When Apple released the Vision Pro in 2024, I saw it as an opportunity to invest more in the company. The Vision Pro is a tool for the visually impaired, and with over 2 billion people worldwide with some form of visual impairment, I think it has a lot of potential.
I’m a proud American, and I believe in the future of this country. That’s why I’m bullish on American assets. I think the entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, stable government, and kind people will continue to make this country great. I encourage everyone to invest in America, whether it’s through the stock market or real estate.
So, what makes a good investment strategy? It should be clear and concise, backed by research, aligned with your goals, and adaptable to changing market conditions. It should identify investment opportunities, analyze risks, define your time horizon, and outline your exit strategy. And don’t forget to share it with others to get their input.
Remember, having a good investment strategy won’t guarantee success, but it can help you stay the course and potentially make more money in the long run. So, keep investing for the long term, and don’t try to time the market. Your future self will thank you.
