(06-08-2020, 11:01 PM)pirkster Wrote:

(06-08-2020, 06:09 PM)StroudCrowd1 Wrote: Investing is gambling no matter which way you cut it.

Depends on how prepared you are.  I completely agree, if you don't know what you're investing in... you shouldn't.  If you want no risk, then no... do not invest.

At the same time, that decision also guaranteed no reward.

There are "safe" investments that follow the indices.  Your returns will rise and fall with the market.  In the long run, this is about as safe as it gets.  If you don't have long before retirement and are completely risk averse, then yes... that's a valid reason for not risking your money.

Higher the risk, higher the reward.  There are funds that consistently beat the indexes.  If you are no risk, don't invest in the market.  If you are low risk, invest in an index fund that mirrors the markets.  If you are medium or moderate risk, invest in an index fund that historically beats the indices.  If you want bigger rewards, you will have to accept higher risk and try 2x/3x leveraged index funds and inverse leveraged funds.

Caveat - don't do any of it if you don't understand what you're getting into.

100% agree. It depends on how prepared you are, how much work you are willing to put into it, and if not, are you willing to hire a fiduciary type advisor who will look out for your best interest over theirs.

Nothing is guaranteed, which is why I said investing is gambling no matter which way you cut it. It is all about being diversified, but that goes back to being prepared, which if you aren't, it is gambling.

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