February 3 ,2004

Something unusual is happening, my investments are growing. Steady, slow, but percentage by percentage, month by month. And, wow do I feel better - and boy, does that ever confirm that emotions and investing are paired together - like "peas and carrots". When the chips are down, you really have to really on your existing plan and knowledge. When investments are up, suddenly you feel better about what you do, but you still need to stay steady regarding your plan.

The rewards of patience in executing your plan is success. And that feeling helps stay steady during questionable times. Patience really is a virtue, when my portfolio was sinking, I could have just sold - and ran for the safety of a money market fund, but that would have just locked in my losses. Patience allows time for the rebounding process to occur, it also allows time to refocus if need be.

As I have mentioned in previous articles, once you have a good plan, sticking to it is the most important part, as it is consistently the most important part of your investment plan .