Countdown To Fifty

With the stock market in its recent tizzy and the credit markets still trying to decide if the sub-prime mortgage mess will send us head long into recession I got to thinking about asset allocation, investing over time, and its media correlation to sports.

If your like me you have heard the experts speak about the importance of time when considering your asset allocation strategy. The theory says that the more time you have, the more you can afford to ride the swings of the market. This would mean that investing in stocks should be a sound strategy. So for the last 25 years I have been faithfully invested in equities of all kinds: large, mid, small, domestic, international etc.

This has served me well.

But now I wonder when to scale back. When should I begin to rotate out of stocks and into bonds?

My gut says that it’s way to premature. It’s the 300 point swings, in both directions, that give me moments of weakness. The 300 point swings and the endless blather of the media. I am convinced that the worst thing an investor can do is listen to CNBC or FOX during the day. These folks approach investing like it’s a sport and they are ringside for the main event. I have heard enough of the reporter screaming from the pit of the COMEX. Do I care if oil has made a top?

Is Maria Bartiromo really going to inform me in a meaningful way – this former ‘money honey’?

I think not.

Here is a reminder to all and to myself: TV and newspapers are in one primary business: SELLING AD TIME and MAKING MONEY! Next time they go on a rant take a deep breath and consult your financial adviser, best friend, parent, or other trusted trusted adviser.

Do nothing on the advise of a TV talking head – no more than you would take financial advise from John Madden!