Investment 101- A Safe Way To Double Your Money

The investment opportunities available today are varied and numerous. Unfortunately so are the investment vehicles with little or no possibility of making money for anyone other than those promoting their own particular investment wares.

Today’s frenzied financial markets—both the stock and gold markets—provide possibilities for both big profits and big losses. Frenzied markets also provide opportunity for honest individuals with limited abilities to create or promote questionable investment vehicles. These same volatile markets also provide individuals with above average abilities—but limited moral compunctions—opportunity to scam the unwary.

Some investment ideas begin legitimate then turn sour. Usually the idea was dubious and the management inept. Other investment ideas were frauds to begin with.

Then there are individuals in positions of trust who get into financial trouble. Unwilling to sacrifice ego or high-life style, they sacrifice their ethics and begin using their investors' funds for personal or business use. Others, however, start out to be swindlers. And are good at it.

There is no typical con man or con woman profile. You can't tell by their dress, looks, or personal demeanor. They do have three things in common: they are crooks, they are convincing, they are after your money.

And since they don't have to make good on their promises, they promise or guarantee whatever it takes to persuade you to part with your money: They promise low risk and large profits in a short time. They promise the advantage of inside tips—information not available to less enlightened investors. And there is always the urgency, the high-pressure to "act now" or lose out.

Find a well informed full-time professional with market knowledge, one with a proven reputation and experience—two qualities that only come with time. And remember, if an investment is good today, it will be good tomorrow. Don't be rushed. It is better to lose an opportunity now, than lose your money later.

Now, want to double your money? The only safe way is to take the advice of Will Rodgers: "Fold your money over once and put it in your pocket."

_________ Michael E. Odell

For Other Posts by Michael E.Odell —click on "Blog Archive" at upper right
03-03-08 Real Men or Girly Men
02-29-08 A Cup of Hemlock for Washington State
02-13-08 Death & Suicide Initiative 119 Are Back
02-12-08 Thorns or Roses - The Choice Is Ours
02-12-08 Recession & Inflation - Government the Problem
12-08-07 A Hamburger Today & Pay Tomorrow