Category: Concepts and Survival

Learn the power of financial therapy that bridges gaps between financials and emotional resilience. As you navigatethrough a complex world of investing and finance and stocks, it’s important to not only focus on numbers but also on your mental and emotional well-being.

That’s where financial therapy comes into play.

Get ready to turn your investment stress into unparalleled success!

​Financial therapy combines financial advice with emotional support to help investors make better, more informed decisions. It’s not just about growing wealth; it’s about understanding the emotional aspects of money management.

The Financial Advice

​Unlike traditional financial advising that focuses purely on numbers and strategies, financial therapy delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of investing. It helps you understand why you make certain financial decisions and how to improve them. People struggle with a finance issues.

The Financial Therapy For Financial Gain

​By incorporating financial therapy into your investment strategy, you can achieve:

• Enhanced Financial Decision-Making Skills In Therapy

Clarity in Choices: Financial therapy aids investors in understanding the ‘why’ behind their financial decisions, leading to clearer and more strategic choices. By dissecting the emotional influences, investors can distinguish between impulsive decisions and those based on sound financial reasoning.

Risk Assessment and Management: With a deeper insight into personal emotions and behaviors, investors can better assess and manage risks, aligning their investment strategies with their true risk tolerance.

Emotional Resilience

Coping with Market Volatility: Financial therapy provides investors with tools to handle the emotional stress of market ups and downs. This emotional resilience is crucial in maintaining a steady course in the face of market fluctuations.

Long-term Perspective: By focusing on long-term goals and strategies, investors are less likely to react hastily to short-term market changes, fostering a more resilient investment approach.

Understanding Of Financial Behaviors

Identifying Patterns: Through financial therapy, investors can identify and understand recurring patterns in their financial behaviors, such as overspending, under-investing, or over-trading.

• Changing Unhealthy Habits: Recognizing these patterns is the first step in changing them. Financial therapy helps in developing healthier financial habits that contribute to long-term wealth building.

Improved Overall Well-Being

Reduced Financial Anxiety: By addressing financial concerns in a structured and supportive environment, financial therapy can significantly reduce anxiety related to investments and financial management.

Holistic Approach to Wealth: Financial well-being is intrinsically linked to overall well-being. Financial therapy promotes a holistic approach, considering not just financial wealth, but also mental and emotional health.

Better Communication About Finances

Openness in Financial Discussions: Financial therapy encourages open and honest communication about money or financial state, which can be particularly beneficial in relationships where finances are a common source of conflict.

• Family Financial Planning: It also aids in making more inclusive family financial decisions, considering the needs and goals of all family members.

Personalized Financial Therapy Guidance

Tailored to Individual Needs: Financial therapy recognizes that every investor is unique. It offers personalized guidance that aligns with individual financial situations, goals, and emotional needs.

Adaptable Strategies: As personal circumstances and market conditions change, financial therapy helps in adapting strategies accordingly for the benefit of personal finance and ensuring they remain relevant and effective.

Modern Investor’s Financial Dilemma

In today’s fast-paced financial world, the modern investor faces a unique set of challenges. While unlimited access to information and investment tools has never been easier, this abundance can also lead to increased stress and emotional turmoil. Understanding these challenges is the first step towards overcoming them.

Financial Stressors

1. Information Overload: With constant news updates, market analyses, and an endless stream of data, investors often feel overwhelmed. Deciphering what information is relevant and what can be ignored is a significant stressor.
2. Market Volatility: The unpredictable nature of the stock market can induce anxiety. Short-term fluctuations often lead to knee-jerk reactions, impacting long-term investment strategies.
3. Pressure to Perform: There’s a prevailing notion that investors should always ‘beat the market,’ which adds immense pressure and can lead to unwise decision-making. It can make them behave differently and have negative emotional responses.

Impact Of Emotion On Investment

According to the National Association of Finance Experts, emotions play a significant role in financial decision-making. Understanding how emotions influence these decisions is vital for every investor.

Many investors make decisions based on emotions like fear, greed, or excitement rather than on sound financial analysis. This can lead to impulsive buying, panic selling, or holding onto investments for emotional reasons.

In addition to that, investors are also prone to herd mentality. The tendency to follow the crowd can result in investors making decisions based on what others are doing, rather than their investment strategy or risk tolerance.

Finally, in an era of rapid information sharing, investors often experience Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), leading them to make hasty investments without proper research or consideration.

Principles Of Financial Therapy

Emotional Intelligence In Investing

Just like behavioral therapy, when we talk about financial therapy, emotional intelligence really takes the spotlight. It’s all about getting a handle on how our feelings – like fear, excitement, or even greed – play into our investment decisions.

Think of it as being more aware of what’s happening inside your head and heart when you’re about to make a financial move. It’s about not letting those gut reactions run the show but also not ignoring them completely.

Instead, we aim for a sweet spot where your instincts and the hard facts get an equal say. In the end, it’s about making sure your emotions are in the passenger seat, helping to guide you rather than grabbing the steering wheel and leading you off course.

Identifying And Overcoming Psychological Barriers

Another critical principle of financial therapy is recognizing and overcoming psychological barriers that can impede sound investment decisions. Investors often face cognitive biases such as confirmation bias, leading them to favor information that aligns with their beliefs and ignore contradictory evidence.

Additionally, the sunk cost fallacy can unduly impact future investment decisions. Financial therapy aims to recognize and address these barriers, shedding light on psychological patterns. Understanding these tendencies empowers investors to devise strategies that steer clear of common pitfalls and make well-informed choices.

Building A Resilient Financial Investor Mindset

Developing a resilient investor mindset is a core goal of financial therapy. This principle revolves around cultivating an attitude that can withstand market fluctuations and the inherent uncertainties of investing. It involves accepting that market volatility is a natural part of investing, not a deviation from it.

According to Financial Therapy Association experts, a resilient mindset also entails adopting a long-term perspective, prioritizing enduring goals and strategies over being influenced by short-term market fluctuations. This approach enables investors to stay dedicated to their investment plan, even during times of market stress or downturns.

Financial Therapy Techniques

Mindful Investing – What It Is And How To Practice It

Mindful investing is all about being fully present and intentional with your investment decisions. It’s a technique that requires you to pause and reflect, ensuring that each decision aligns with your long-term goals and values.

To practice mindful investing, start by taking a moment before making any financial decision. Ask yourself: “Is this choice driven by emotion or strategy?” Regularly practicing mindfulness, like meditation or mindful breathing, can also help you stay centered and reduce impulsive decisions.

Goal Setting And Emotional Alignment

Setting clear, achievable goals is fundamental in financial therapy. These goals should not only be about numbers and returns but also about how they align with your personal values and emotional well-being.

Start by defining what financial success means to you. Is it security, freedom, or perhaps providing for your family? Then, create a roadmap of how to get there, with specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Regularly review and adjust these goals to reflect any changes in your life or financial circumstances.

Stress-Reduction Strategies For Volatile Market Conditions

The stock market can be a rollercoaster, and it’s normal to feel stressed during downturns. However, there are strategies to help manage this stress. First, educate yourself about market cycles to understand that ups and downs are part of the investing process.

Develop a personal coping toolkit for stressful times – this could include activities that relax you, like walking, reading, or yoga. Also, consider speaking with mental health professionals or a certified financial therapist or joining a support group where you can share experiences and strategies with fellow investors. This way, you can secure your mental health while dealing with financial aspects.

Creating A Financial Plan That Suits Your Emotional Needs

According to the financial industry regulatory authority specialists, an effective financial plan takes into account not just your financial goals but also your emotional needs and risk tolerance. Work with financial professionals on creating a plan that feels comfortable yet is effective in achieving your objectives andfinancial competencies.

This might mean diversifying your portfolio to spread risk or setting up automatic contributions to your investments to reduce the temptation of emotional trading and handle therapeutic and financial competencies. Regular consultations with financial advisors or financial therapists can help ensure that your plan stays aligned with your emotional and financial health.

Journaling And Reflection

You know, keeping a financial journal is kind of like having a chat with yourself about your financial state. Just take a few minutes every now and then to write down what’s going on in your head when you make financial moves.

To Sum It Up

Think of financial therapy as your secret weapon in the investing world. It’s all about blending savvy financial strategies with a solid grasp of your emotions. Nail that combo, and you’re setting yourself up for smarter, more chill investing. Believe me, it’s the evidence-based practices that really pay off! Consult only a certified financial planner or financial advisor to help you process informed details about financial counseling or therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does financial therapy work?

What is the five-step model of financial therapy?

What are the questions for financial therapy?

What is financial psychology?

Is there therapy for spending money?

Can you talk about financial matters in therapy?

What are financial modeling techniques?

How is financial modeling done?

What is basic financial modeling?

What is the therapy for financial obsession?

What are the emotional benefits of financial advice?

What makes a good financial advice?

Why is financial psychology important?

How do emotions affect financial decisions?

What is the psychology of financial anxiety?

I have been stock trading for more than six years now. I started doing it in my last year in college out of sheer interest in the field, even though my collegiate background was too different from it. (I studied Theater back then.) A friend showed me how I could monitor the stock market and make money out of it without leaving the house, and that’s what I have been doing ever since. I merely did theatrical acting part-time, but my full-time job now involves stocks.

Despite the sense of fulfillment that I got whenever I traded stocks, many people still questioned my focus. Most of them believed a job that could be done at home was not a job at all – it was more of a hobby than anything. My own parents often told me, “You are not getting any younger, Doug. If you do not want to become an actor anymore, then we will be more than happy to send you back to school and get a law or business degree.”

While I often responded with a laugh or the waving of a hand, hearing the same thing – the same lack of trust in my ability to excel in my chosen profession – began to wear me down. I used to maintain a happy disposition even when the Great Depression caused the stock market to tank; I did not feel hopeless when it went on for months. I just waited patiently for things to improve. However, the more I listened to my non-supporters, the more I wondered if I was genuinely doing what’s right for me.

Spiraling Down

My self-confidence continued to crumble when two of my five investments went on a slow but steady decline. I had this 80-inch flatscreen TV in the office where I watched the stock market graph every day, and it saddened me to see that those two might not recover anytime soon. When the third one dropped all of a sudden before my eyes, I lost it. I started weeping and feeling helpless, like a little boy who could not find his parents at the mall.

That’s how my wife found me. She was rooted to her spot for a moment (probably because she never saw me cry before), but then she eventually ran towards me and asked what was wrong. Though I tried to contain my sobbing, I couldn’t. I blurted out all my worries about the stock market and how I could not seem to think of a way to reduce my losses.

My wife looked at me in the eyes. “Baby, perhaps it’s time for you to see a psychologist. I know you have been spiraling down little by little, but this – the crying and the negative self-talk – is on another level. I would honestly appreciate it if you get mental illness help sooner than later.”

My tears stopped falling for a minute. I had not thought of that before – the possibility of having a mental disorder. When I agreed, my wife contacted her psychologist friend once, and we went to her house in the same afternoon. The psychologist did a few tests until it turned out that I most likely had a bipolar disorder, although I experienced depression (all-time lows) more than mania (all-time highs). It was mild, and I was apparently lucky to have it detected early, but I still had many questions about my new health (bipolar disorder) condition.

My Health Recovery From Depression Disorder

The psychologist prescribed me a mood stabilizer, which I took religiously every day. I also began therapy and started writing down my thoughts, which was a way to better understand my feelings. I also created a support system with family and friends who were willing to listen and help me in any way they could.

At first, it seemed like a never-ending tunnel with no light at the end. But slowly, I began to feel better. I was more in control of my emotions and I was able to think clearly. I was even able to look at the stock market again without feeling hopeless.

The most important thing I learned from my journey was that bipolar disorder does not define me. I can still do what I love and be successful at it. I may have to be extra careful with my finances, but I can still make money from the stock market. This is something I’m proud of, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and learn.

How I Feel Now

In the end, it was a long and arduous journey, but I was so fortunate to have been able to beat depression. I had the support of my family and friends, and I was able to find a psychologist who could help me better understand my condition.

I’m still taking my medications and attending therapy, but I’m feeling much better now and no experience of side effects at all. I’m more confident in my ability to trade stocks and make money from it. I’m more in control of my emotions and I’m more aware of my actions. I’m happy to say that I’m now living a life free from depression, and I have so much to be grateful for.

Winning Against Depression: Tips For Traders

If you’re a bipolar trader, you know that managing your condition and your investments can be a difficult balancing act. Beating depression for bipolar traders can be double the hard but manageable. Here are a few tips that can help you stay on top of your game:

1. 1. Stay organized and keep track of your finances. It’s important to keep track of your investments and know how much you’re making or losing. This can help you make objective decisions and keep your emotions in check.

1. 2. Take regular breaks. Investing can be stressful, so it’s important to take breaks throughout the day. Take a walk, take a nap, or just take a few minutes away from the computer to clear your head.

1. 3. Seek professional help. It’s important to be aware of any signs of depression or mania. If you start to feel overwhelmed or if your symptoms are getting worse, it’s best to seek professional help.

1. 4. Get plenty of sleep. Make sure you’re getting enough rest each night to help reduce stress and keep your energy levels up.

1. 5. Eat healthily. Eating a balanced diet can help you reduce stress and improve your overall mental health.

Final Thoughts

Bipolar disorder symptoms can make it difficult to stay in control of your finances, but with the right strategies and support, you can be successful as a trader. With the right mindset, you can make smart investments, minimize losses, and maximize your profits. With patience and dedication, you can find success in the stock market and live a life free from depression and mania.

What Is The Number 1 Cause Of Depression?

Experiencing life challenges for a long time is the primary cause of depression. Imagine, if you cannot find work, someone always bullies you, and your relationships are strained, you may be unable to help but feel like everything is going against you. Worse, you may believe that the situation will never change.

What Is The Most Reliable Symptom Of This Mental Health Condition?

A sense of worthlessness is the most reliable symptom of depression. It is evident in most – if not all – types of mood disorder. Because of this symptom, you may not want to talk to anyone or do anything, to the extent that opportunities pass you by, thus depressing you further.

What Methods Do You Do To Improve Your Mood Better?

• Listen to music. The more upbeat it is, the better. It may be better if the songs have been sung by your favorite singers so that you can sing along and feel the lyrics.
• Walk in the neighborhood for at least 15 minutes every day. Getting exposed to sunlight is ideal for improving your mood.
• Look for a reason to laugh daily. The act of laughing tends to increase dopamine production in the brain and oxygen in the body.
• Clean your house. This activity can clear your mind, especially when you see that everything is in order.
• Offer a hug to someone. Experts say that a simple touch allows your brain to produce more oxytocin, a love hormone. In case you are alone, doing a self-massage will do the job.
• Count your blessings every day. Ask yourself, “What good things happened today?” Write them down or think about them to feel better.
• Confide about your issues with a loved one. Often, your mood will not improve if you keep on harboring negative feelings.

What Is The Most Severe Form Of Depression?

Atypical depression is most likely a severe form of mood disorder. It is a subtype of dysthymia that often appears for the first time during teenage years. People with atypical depression experience the following:

• Hypersomnia
• Weight gain
• Intense sensitivity to failure and rejection
• Feeling leaden
• Excessive fatigue
• Suicidal tendencies

What Are The Four Types Of Depression?

• Clinical depression: This severe mood disorder causes individuals to feel helpless, hopeless, and unworthy of love and attention. It is typically not caused by grief or physical condition.
• Chronic depression: You experience depressive symptoms for no less than a year, but they are milder than what people with clinical depression deal with.
• Manic depression: Its new name is bipolar disorder. When people have manic depression, their mood swings tend to be extreme and may last for days every time.
• Seasonal depression: This mental disorder is usually experienced during the wintertime due to a lack of light exposure.

How Do I Know If I’m Bipolar?

The following symptoms characterize bipolar disorder (BP):

• Excessive sleepiness or sleeplessness
• Low or high moods
• Impulsive thoughts and behavior
• Sense of worthlessness and hopelessness
• Faster speech than usual

What Are The Four Types Of BP?

• Bipolar 1 disorder: You experience extreme mood swings for an extended period.
• Bipolar 2 disorder: The manic and depressive symptoms are somewhat mellow, although they are still noticeable.
• Cyclothymic disorder: You deal with depression and hypomania, but they do not last long.
• Mixed bipolar disorder: You experience varying symptoms simultaneously.

What Triggers BP?

Several factors can trigger bipolar disorder, such as:

• Abusing alcohol, drugs, and other substances
• Being in the presence of a mother, father, brother, or sister with the same condition
• Dealing with excessive stress or traumatic event

What Are The Signs Of BP In A Woman?

When a woman has bipolar disorder, the following symptoms can be observed:

• She gets irritated quickly.
• She has more energy than usual for various activities.
• Her self-esteem increases.
• She does not sleep much.
• She talks a lot, to the extent that people may not understand all the words.
• It is challenging for her to concentrate on a single activity.
• She gives in to impulsive thoughts without worrying about repercussions.

Can Girls Be Bipolar?

Yes, girls can be bipolar. In truth, people with bipolar disorder, particularly women get diagnosed as frequently as men. They tend to experience this condition’s symptoms more often, considering women deal with hormonal changes every month.

Are Tattoos A Sign Of Mental Illness?

Studies reveal that individuals who get tattoos tend to use ink to cover up their lack of self-esteem. They are also more likely to get diagnosed with a mental illness than others. In that sense, it may be safe to say that having tattoos indicates a person’s poor mental health.

How Do Doctors Test You For BP?

In reality, there are no specific medical examinations for bipolar disorder. When you see a doctor for the first time, they will want to run brain scans and thyroid function tests first. The latter is important, considering a malfunctioning thyroid gland can cause a mood disorder like depression. Once hypothyroidism has been ruled out and the symptoms of depression – and mania – are still there, the doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a mental health evaluation.

The thing is, you cannot expect to receive a diagnosis after your first evaluation. Besides talking to you regarding the symptoms and their duration, the mental health professional may want to discuss the matter with your loved ones to figure out what other signs have still not been mentioned. Only when they manage to rule out other mental conditions they can diagnose you with bipolar disorder.

Can Bipolar People Tell They Are Bipolar?

The answer is no. Many bipolar people do not realize that they have the disorder, especially if they have been previously diagnosed with ADHD or depression. As you know, depression is one of the primary symptoms of bipolar disorder. But if your sense of worthlessness gets replaced by manic symptoms sometimes, you should see a psychiatrist ensure whether you have bipolar disorder or not.

Is Bipolar Inherited From The Mother Or Father?

It is quite rare for people to inherit the bipolar disorder from any parent. However, when it happens, it is typically from the mother. One study backed up this idea, citing that between mothers and fathers that they have tested, the latter failed to pass down bipolar traits to their kids.

Is The Type 1 Or 2 Worse?

Bipolar 1 disorder is worse than bipolar 2 disorder. When you experience the former, you tend to have severe manic symptoms. You feel invincible; it’s as if nothing can hurt you. But with bipolar 2, the manic symptoms may be diminished, albeit slightly.

Final Thoughts

My wife and I had a long conversation that night about what I should do to get better. I was more depressed than manic, so we both thought that was nice – it meant that I would not have daredevil moments in the future. As for depression, we chose counselling and therapy – and lots of exercises – over antidepressants.

A couple of months later, my chosen treatments seemed to be working as different ideas on avoiding significant losses in the stock market flooded my mind again.

Depression-Busting Insights: Frequently Asked Questions for Bipolar Traders

Can Bipolar People Be Successful In Business?

Yes, absolutely. The mental health condition is characterized by extreme mood swings, along with manic episodes and depression. While the condition presents unique challenges, management through medication, lifestyle changes, and a supportive system can help anyone with this disorder to succeed in their chosen endeavours, even in the business world.

How To Deal With A Bipolar Person During A Depressive Episode?

People suffering from mental disorders need empathy, understanding, and support. When dealing with someone during their episode, it is important to let them know that their feelings are valid and that you are there for them. Moreover, it is crucial to encourage them to seek professional help and if possible, assist them in connecting with the right mental health professionals.

You can also encourage them to do some self-care activities, such as gentle exercises, practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, keeping a regular sleep schedule, etc. You can also offer to help them in practical tasks or assist them in their daily responsibilities to help alleviate some of the burden.

More importantly, the depressive episode takes time. Thus, it is important to be patient with them and avoid judgment so they can express their thoughts and emotions.

Can Bipolar People Control Their Depression?

While there are things they can do to manage and minimize the impact of the condition, people with bipolar disorder have no direct control over the manic episode of the condition.

The medically reviewed treatment plan includes a combination of techniques, from long term holistic to medication, such as lifestyle change, therapy, and prescription medication. Moreover, developing coping mechanisms is crucial for people with this disorder. Regular exercise, a healthy sleep schedule, and practising stress-reduction techniques, as well as having strong support from an immediate circle (and support groups) can make a huge difference in positively managing the condition.

How Do You Make A Bipolar Person Happy?

Happiness is subjective and varies from one person to another. Not to mention one’s happiness is dependent on their current mood state. Generally, however, those who suffer from bipolar condition need support and understanding, while being respected for their needs. People suffering from episodes of hypomania need encouraging engagement in activities they enjoy. Moreover, they need to spend quality time together with their family and loved ones.

During depressive episodes, on the other hand, they will need empathy, non-judgment, and their support system’s presence for support. Help them cope with the episode by validating their feelings and listening actively. Remind them of their strength and resilience. Moreover, encourage them to seek professional help to get the proper treatment plan.

When Does Bipolar Depression End?

As with other mental health conditions, bipolar depression can vary greatly from different factors, including the individual and the specifics of their condition. Episodes of this condition can last for a few weeks to months. However, each episode can vary in intensity and length. Whatever the specifics are, it is crucial for anyone experiencing this condition to seek professional help and get the proper treatment plan.

It is important to note that bipolar disorder is a chronic condition. The goal of the treatment plan is to help the individual to recognize the symptoms and manage their emotions and mood. This is the only want to reduce the intensity and frequency of each episode. Regular treatment and monitoring and working with a mental health professional is crucial for managing this mental health (bipolar disorder) condition.

As of today, the world already has more than 9 million people infected by COVID-19, with 471,754 deaths and 4,513,310 recovered.  In the Philippines, we have reached 30,682 cases, with 1,177 deaths and 8,143 recovered.  This is genuinely a health crisis we are facing, and it seems it has affected all aspects of our lives: economically, politically, psycho-emotionally, socially, culturally, and spiritually.

Continue reading “Economy Is Down – COVID-19 Effect”

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How many times had a spur-of-the-moment decision led to a feeling of misery because you were too emotional? According to psychology, emotions can get in our way when making decisions. At times, emotions cloud our decision-making, and it makes us regret our actions.

We feel emotions because we are humans and our surroundings affect us. Emotions can dictate our actions if we let them control us. Regulating your emotions is like honing a skill or changing a habit. It is possible with time, but it is hard.

“Many people mistakenly believe that if they just had more money, all their stress would disappear and they’d be blissfully happy.”  Bahareh Talei, Psy.D. stated. Being in control of your feelings, especially in the stock market, is a gamechanger. Follow these steps if you are having trouble controlling your emotions to avoid emotional stock investing.

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Take A Breather After Consecutive Wins Or Losses

Consecutive successful investments make you want to invest again and again because of euphoria. You feel unbeatable and invincible.

On the other hand, consecutive losses make you not want to invest again because of fear—fear of being wrong (again), fear of losing money (again), and fear of leaving money for others to take (again). You feel crushed and shattered.

“Although any stress can take a toll on your health, stress related to financial issues can be especially toxic.” Elizabeth Scott, MS, a wellness coach emphasizes. Taking a breather is a simple yet effective way to regain rationality. It can be in the form of taking a deep breath, having a short break, or temporarily stopping after consecutive wins or losses. Assert to yourself that what you are experiencing is only temporary. This mantra is a powerful motivator for you to try again.

Research, Research, Research

Indeed, knowledge is power. Studying the stock market by analyzing charts, discussing with people, and reading journals can help you make fact-based decisions. An investor who knows more about investing in the stock market will most likely have more investing opportunities.

In addition, the use of different techniques has proven to give investors confidence in allocations in the market. This way, you lessen, if not eliminate, the emotions that may influence your decisions. Instead, you make your decisions based on facts. Being able to make decisions without second thoughts, backed up by research, is a healthy way of balancing a lack of confidence and overconfidence. 

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The Bottom Line

Thinking rationally will get you anywhere. Our emotions must always be in check to avoid emotional stock investing. Take a short break and think about the reasons why you invested in the first place and the pros and cons of that investment. Furthermore, doing in-depth research, especially in your area of expertise, can help you overcome fear and be confident in making decisions. “We all have money issues and quirks of one kind or another. If we don’t know what those quirks are, they will emerge in a time of real stress or panic.” Eric Dammann, PhD used to say.

Stock investing is a game of emotions. Understanding the effect of your feelings in the stock market and, better yet, the psychology behind the stock market is already an advantage. While you should not take investing lightly, you also should not take the outcomes of your investment to heart.

Detach. Adapt. Adjust. There’s no single approach to being a successful stock investor. But the earlier you learn to take your emotions out of the equation, the faster you’ll rise in the stock market board. Trust yourself. You can do this.

Nowadays, more people are deciding to invest in stocks. Thus, people cannot help but invest hurriedly without adopting the correct attitude needed from a stock investor. These people who hastily spend their money risk losing all of it if they do not have the appropriate mindset and outlook. Here are some of the approaches required to be a successful investor to help you in your journey in the stock world.

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Patient

Patience is a virtue, and it is a crucial one in the stock world. Just like any other business, stocks can be challenging to manage. However, you need to know that learning the right temperament will be one of your recipes for success. It means that you can control yourself in deciding your moves. Being impatient can cause poor decision-making regarding investment.

It is also crucial for investors to accept that returns are not immediate in the stock world. Most investors spend years before witnessing growth in their money. Aside from these factors, the right temperament also involves not only being motivated but also being realistic.

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Analytic

Whenever people engage in a new venture, it is imperative to know the how-tos. However, in the stock market, there are no specific how-to’s to be a successful investor. There may be instructional materials about the technicalities, but these cannot adequately teach you how to be a leader in the stock market.

Nevertheless, it is still important to educate yourself regarding finances and consumer habits. That way, you can analyze the predictions presented to you. Now you will not solely rely on stock market news and become a spectator in the stock market. You will be an actor in the stock market, and you will know how to manage your investment.

Good Decision-Maker

News about stocks can be useful. However, it can also be overwhelming. Thus, investors must know when to let stock news affect their decisions. Patience and the ability to analyze stocks can help investors to make the right decisions.

Thus, you need to know how to balance your gut feel and what you know from the news. You do not need to read every report about the stock market since that can be extremely draining. Read and analyze reports which are beneficial to your decision-making.

Another important aspect of being a good decision-maker is the ability to understand risks. After studying the risks, balance them with perceived benefits and decide accordingly. Another great tip is to avoid stocks that are receiving too much public attention. Stocks that experience too much public awareness tend to become overpriced and unstable.

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Final Thoughts: What Makes A Stock Investor Successful

Learning how to be patient, how to analyze, and how to make the right decisions is what constitutes the proper attitudes that will guarantee a stock investor to be successful. Returns in stock investments are long-term; thus, its waiting time is also long-lasting. Learning about stocks is a commitment; therefore, those who want to become investors need to adapt to changes in their attitude to survive and prosper in the stock world.

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Can money buy you happiness? That is an age-old question asked and answered by everyone. If you ask this question to your older relatives and your friends, then you’ll likely find their answers to be very different. And you can see why: everyone’s relationship with money can depend on many factors, including their lifestyle, age, and even culture.

“Many people mistakenly believe that if they just had more money, all their stress would disappear and they’d be blissfully happy.” –Bahareh Talei, Psy.D.

Answering this question isn’t easy. But there are simple things that you can do now to make sure that your hard-earned money can reward you with maximum happiness. All you have to do is to remember these three numbers: 50-30-20.

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Setting Aside The Essentials

Who doesn’t want a new pair of shoes or a delicious meal at a fancy restaurant? We all do! But before you spend your paycheck on a shopping spree or a food trip with friends, you must know your priorities first.

We should start with the essentials: rent, utilities, groceries, and others. You might find this part dull, but these are the stuff you definitely cannot forget about. No one wants to get their lights cut off or get kicked out by the landlord.

“if you’re under significant financial strain, it’s associated with depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, and a sense of loss of personal control.”  Brad Klontz, PsyD said. List down all the essentials and sum it up to get your total. You’ll find that you need to allocate around 50% of your income on this. That sounds like quite a lot, but trust me: things will get better from here.

How To Spend On The Things You Love Guilt-Free

Now that you’ve made sure that you’ve set aside enough for your day-to-day expenses, it’s time to get to the best part: guilt-free spending! Set aside 30% of your income. You can use this to spend on the things that bring you happiness. It can be going to the movies, eating out with friends, and getting you that new pair of shoes (YAS!).

List down the stuff that you like the most. If you’re the sort of person who loves shopping for new clothes, then set aside more of the 30% for that. If you’re someone who likes traveling and going out of town, then devote more on that one and spend less on others.

Remember that 30% can be a pretty small amount, so knowing your priorities can help maximize it and make sure you waste less. If you have a magazine subscription you no longer read or spend a lot of fast food when you can cook cheaper, healthier food at home, then maybe it’s time to let them go. We can learn something from best-selling author and Netflix star Marie Kondo, “Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy.”

                                              Source: pixabay.com

Investing For Your Future

Being able to set aside money now to be ready for the future is a crucial part of any budgeting plan. The remaining 20% should go into any future goal, be it a vacation, a new car, or your dream wedding. These goals can be expensive, but saving up bit by bit can make it attainable. Note that “Learning to cope with financial stress and effectively manage your financial situation can help you feel more in control of your life, reduce your stress, and build a more secure future.” Elizabeth Scott, MS, a wellness coach explains.

A portion of that percentage should also go to preparing for any unforeseen expenses. The money you save now can save you headaches from future emergencies.

Whether money can buy you happiness or not, you can be confident that you can make the most out of this simple 50-30-20 budgeting plan. Take control of your expenses, spend on the things you love, and have peace of mind all without breaking a sweat.