Learn From Arnie-Keep It Simple And It Will All Workout

Investor's, Learn From Arnie,
Keep It Simple And It Will All Workout
by: Brendan Magee

Like a lot of people I was sad to hear of the passing of golfing legend Arnold Palmer. I worked as a fore caddie in the 1981 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club. and by that time he was pretty well past his golfing prime, but that could not affect the love that his fans, Arnie's Army, poured out to him. When he was coming to the hole I was working on each day all of a sudden the crowds got a little bigger and people hung on his every shot. There was just something about him.

Although his accomplishments on the golf course are impressive, it is his accomplishments off the course that made a lasting impression on millions of people. It was how he treated people that made the difference. It didn't matter if you were the President of the United States of America or a regular hard working individual. He took the time to shake peoples hands and actually take an interest in what they had to say. 

I can remember countless times in interviews Arnie being asked where the motivation came from to treat people as well as he did, and I always remember him saying that his father told him to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Shake peoples hands, look them in the eye, listen to them and help people when you can. He said he always remembered those rules his father taught him throughout his life. Low and behold, not a bad word have I ever heard spoken about Arnold Palmer. 

Investors can learn a lot about investing from the example set by Arnold. Keep it simple, follow a few basic rules and in the long run you will be better than fine. The rules for successful long-term investing- Own equities, diversify, buy low/sell high. Do those things and in the long run you will be successful as an investor. Arnold has almost 75 years as a professional golfer and celebrity to back up his rules and investors can rely on 88 years worth of academic research to back up the rules mentioned above. 

Of course this doesn't mean every day will come up like roses. Arnie lost golf tournaments, some he had in the bag. Investors will also experience years where their investments are taking a beating. Unfortunately, as Arnie's fans sadly learned things do not last forever, good days and bad. Just follow the rules and the good days will far outweigh the bad.

Brendan Magee is the founder and president of Inevitable Wealth Coaching With questions or comments e-mail brendan@coachgee.com or call 610-446-4322.