h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I exchanged opinions with unknown acquaintances on a stock trader site (I dabble a little in stock trade with whatever lose change I have in my pocketses).
Many expressed hope of buying the right stock so they could retire from work and do what they wanted.
One of us said: - I actually did this, but it turned out not to be what I had hoped for. My identity seems to be too closely defined by what I work with. So I am back in the job market again, even though it is not necessary - and I enjoy it every day!
But he added that he was aware this might only apply to him and that we others had to think and feel whatever we wanted.
So we did. And agreed that it is individual for the individual.
I told them I retired six years ago and still have something meaningful to get out of bed for every single day: Life.
It pleased me muchly that several people liked this comment. It's not what you would normally expect from a site like this

I seem to be in demand as an occasional tree-planter. Digging holes is also something I could do if anyone needed a gravedigger .

I am relieved to hear that, paulh, but I hope I won't need your services for the next 20 years or so

"Many expressed hope of buying the right stock so they could retire from work and do what they wanted."

This is a common idea about the stock market, but it is not a very smart one.

Chasing individual stocks is a losing strategy. It's just another form of gambling. It's fine to do for fun, and occasionally people do get lucky, but don't think of it as a wise plan for future financial stability.

I can't recommend enough the book by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack, _The Index Card_.

Personal finance was a topic that used to make my eyes glaze over and my brain go on hiatus. And that's what most financial advisers WANT. They make it sound so complicated that you need to fork over significant percentages of your investments to them to pilot you through their ineffable domain. This book cleared the fog for me.

The best investment for most folks is simple, low fee, index funds.

I know this thread is of a more philosophical nature, but I do seriously recommend everyone read this book. I give it away as Xmas presents.

I use index funds for part of my holdings. I especially like the ones that invest in small-cap stocks.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: you generally get paid for taking risks, but not unless you are diversified.

I will now try to get back on the topic, if I can remember what it was. There are some who think that the amazing diversity of human temperaments and interests is an example of a survival strategy for our species. Sometimes I like to take a step back and marvel at how different we all are.

warning dont ever move to england or you,ll be in a world of fun i dont think brexit is not a breakfast ceariel my spelling lol, its a long ongoing nightmare lol jim

Apparently it *is* a breakfast cereal
http://oddstuffmagazine.com/funny-pictures-december-13-2018.html/brexit-bites

LOL, good one, paulh

As a cereal, it probably does you more good than the original version.

stock exchange/money etc

The grand canyon in America was formed by a Yorkshireman he dropped a sixpence and started digging to find it

"warning don't ever move to England or you'll be in a world of fun" [Jimcracker]

By the time I decide to move there, it won't be England any more. Besides, I live in New England, which is new enough for me.

opps a glitch im in the library lol

if bradford where i live is anthing to go by the rest is in a real mess your missing nothing in new england lol jim

We enjoy tropical heat, polar cold, and all the Japanese Knotweed anyone could want.

england can do what it wantsI'm only interested in Yorkshire (and it WOULD be a Republic if I had the power)

Have you lost your electricity again?

If I had the finances (he wishes ) I'd start a political party up - Y.I.P. Yorkshire Independence Party!

Maybe the rest of England would be happy to let Yorkshire be independent.

we have everything we need - industry/sea ports/airports, We're self contained to support ourselveswho needs england! We don't but THEY need us

A;as, poor York, I knew him.