Self-taught, long term & conservative investor. I don't time the market, I pick good companies when their industries have been unfairly beaten down. I avoid the "me too" rushes -- when the masses enter, I'm the one selling because I've been sitting on the stock for some time. It takes a lot of patience, holding stocks many years sometimes, and picking those where others are missing the value prop. I take hits like everyone, but usually it's when the whole market is fighting me or some unforseen risk is realized. Hopefully, I'm collecting some dividends while I wait it out. I do miss big run-ups often, and I don't short individual stocks. But I'm still very happy with my overall returns, considering that I ...More have a day job and a family, which come first.
Every bad investing decision teaches valuable lessons. Meanwhile, most good ones lead to future mistakes. This balance keeps me in check.
skiz