The continued quest for financial balance

The one factor that weighs most on investor peace of mind is balance. It seems like such a simple premise-just a comfortable, equitable relationship between elements. We seek it in every area of our lives-between work and rest, between health and indulgence, between being aggressive and being passive. But balance isn't always easy to find or choose-especially when it comes to money. Somehow a lot of people have a much harder time saying no to risky investments than they do to an extra slice of cake or one too many cocktails-even though the fallout of one terrible investment mistake can last a lifetime.

Here's the bare-bones truth: If you are an investor, somewhere along the line you need to get settled with the way you manage your assets, finding the balance that allows you to both achieve gains and be at ease with your strategy. If you don't, you'll end up an emotional mess-always looking back, wondering what if, bogged down with regret. You could spend years chasing and losing. That's not just a worst-case scenario-it's a reality I see investors living every day.

In Stay Rich with a Balanced Portfolio, Ted Oakley explores the concepts and strategies every investor should consider in the continuous quest for financial balance and the confidence that comes with it.