Why Long-Term Investing Doesn’t Work

Now that I have your attention, let me say it again: ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Long-Term Investing Doesn't Work. Now that I have your attention, let me say it again: As we know it, I think long-term investing doesn't work. As a matter of fact, I don't think short-term investing does either. But honestly, don't take it from me. Take it from Tom Gardner, who famously uttered these words during the last financial crisis of 2007-2008. Now this might sound sacrilegious, given Tom's and guiding principle of buying great companies, and holding them for the long-term. Heck, it's how he built The Motley Fool Stock Advisor into one of the most successful investing services, helping millions of individual investors beat the market and achieve financial freedom. But if you think about it…long-term investing doesn't work for everyone. You need to be strong willed. You need to be patient. You need to be willing to learn and put the work in. Do you have what it takes? Tom calls it the Four T's. Temperament. Time frame. Training. Tacking on. Only then can you reap the returns that investors can only dream of. Warren Buffett himself even called the stock market "a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient." And get this: While long-term investing doesn't work for everyone…the fact remains: evidence still shows that multi year or multi decade holding periods will generate the highest real rates of return. "Lifelong stock investing is the most broadly available way, across the world, to become a millionaire" — Tom Gardner Just look at master investor Shelby Davis, who turned $50,000 into $900 million in over 50 years investing. And yes, 50 years is a lot. So is $900 million. So yes, long-term investing isn't for everyone. Which really is too bad, because they're missing out on what Davis, Buffett, Lynch, and Gardner have shown is possible. But for those wanting to perhaps join those ranks… Joining Stock Advisor, The Motley Fool's flagship investing service could be the first step on that journey. And with a track record of beating the market, plus a generous refund policy should you not be pleased…honestly what's there to lose? Join the thousands of investors already a step ahead of you by joining Stock Advisor. Your future self will thank you. Join Stock Advisor now and see how investors can beat the market To your wealth, Sam Barker The Motley Fool How did you like this email? 1 Based on $199/year list price. Introductory promotion for new members only. Stock Advisor will renew at the then current list price. We work fervently, feverishly, and Foolishly to make sure all the facts and figures we publish in our emails are 100% accurate and up to date. This is a promotional message from The Motley Fool | 2000 Duke St. | Alexandria, VA 22314 Legal Information. Copyright ©1995-2022 The Motley Fool. All rights reserved. To prevent this from getting swept up by overzealous email filters, add Fool@info.fool.com to your address book. If you no longer wish to receive this email, please unsubscribe now. Please do not respond to this email as this mailbox is unmonitored. Go to our help center for answers to frequently asked questions and for options on how to contact us