We are beginning to sound like a broken record — you remember what a record is, don’t you? Again, we’re discussing the incredible sustained growth of tech stocks in the U.S. even though many of them, like Peloton and Tesla are not posting ANY profits. What’s going to happen with this tech bubble bursts? Are you putting yourself at risk?

And why are some people so afraid of the stock market? It’s one of the only investment vehicles that on average, always goes up. That may sound like an exaggeration but it’s not. Listen to this episode to find out why we can say that, what it means for smart investors, and how you can make sure that your investment strategy is proactive rather than reactive.

• The mind-numbing tech stats (worth more than all of Europe) [0:38]

As one example of the insanity happening with tech stocks right now, Tesla stock continues to go up — and what does Tesla do? They issue more stock. That only benefits Tesla, not retail investors who keep buying up their stock. There are lessons to be learned here friends, and some of it comes from looking at history. Back in 2007 the European stock market was worth four times the U.S. Tech sector. Today it’s just the opposite. So, why not buy European stocks now while U.S.tech is so high as an investment in the future? 

The point is this: the tech stock bubble will not continue forever. Smart investors like Warren Buffett and Tim Cook (Apple’s CEO) know this. Warren is buying in Japan right now, as well as energy, and Bank of America Financial (all of which is being poo-pooed on the financial channels right now). Tim Cook just sold $130M worth stock in his own company, Apple (a tech company, by the way). What does that tell you? Would you sell your company’s stock if you were convinced the company would go up 1000-fold in the next few weeks? Diversification is a good play right now, to prepare for what’s coming.

The reason people feel like the stock market is risky is that they’ve listened to too many horror stories about someone who lost their shirt in the market. But most people who tell that tale are guilty of buying a few favorites without keeping a balanced portfolio. Yes, tech is doing extremely well right now, and nobody can tell you the day and time the current tech bubble is going to burst. So should you ride it out, hoping for the best? Hope is not a good investment strategy. You need to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to investing. Diversifying your money makes sense and it’s the strategy that’s hiding in plain sight during this tech insanity.

Because people always do what’s in their best interest, many are holding cash right now, waiting out the pandemic and the upcoming election before they decide what to do with their money. But that's unwise thinking. The reality is this: holding cash is MORE risky long-term than stock market investing. Here’s why: Inflation goes up by 3% every year, so you have to grow your money to keep up with what it costs you just to live. With the average Money Market account yielding 1%, you can see what’s happening if cash is your current strategy. 

If you understand how the stock market works and keep a balanced portfolio, all you can do is win. The market may adjust from time to time, and when it does people become afraid, but your shares don’t disappear when the market goes down. You still own them. So should the market drop, and you keep your cash IN the market until it goes back up (and it will), you will reap the reward. Just know that the fact is that stocks have gone up over your entire lifetime, even though they pull back at times, and you can be at ease. 

• Warren Buffett

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