Why I Advocate Simplicity for Traders and Investors

If you have read this blog regularly, you probably know that I've been involved in the financial industry for almost 20 years. I've talked about how I've developed financial software for insurance companies, financial firms, and the Chicago Board of Trade. How I spent several years as a full-time trader, and served as a vice-president at a major bank.

My success in developing financial software and rising to vice-president were due to my skill of breaking down "complex" issues into simple solutions - and being able to communicate them to audiences of various technical levels.

This pasion for simplicity and minimalism also served me when I was day trading full time.

In the 1990's, I was glued to screens, phones, and CNBC. I felt like I was running hard just to stay in the game. I felt pressured to leverage my portfolio with futures and options. In short, I worked hard, suffered stress, and failed to meet my performance goals.

Then, I swallowed my ego and admitted that day trading wasn't right for my personality and decided to adopt a KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) approach.

I switched to long term trading, downsized to one technical indicator (constant value formula), and focused on stock and fund selection.

I now "surf" in flow with the market, obey my system, and won't let minor fluctuations trigger fear and greed. I'm no longer stressed and enjoy better results.

I share my journey, thoughts, system, and stock picking ideas in my book Stock Trading Riches.

Snowstorm AND Earthquake

We had a snow storm last night and we had a 4.3 earthquake at 4 am this morning. We slept through it and didn't even know there was an earthquake until we heard about it later. But most of our friends said it woke them up and scared them.

Free Ebook: Capital Gains Tax Tips for Traders and Investors

Stocks, mutual funds, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) bought and sold outside of qualified accounts (i.e. IRAs, 401Ks, etc.) may trigger capital gains taxes.

Many people are more familiar with paying taxes based on w-2's from their regular jobs. The concepts of calculating a cost basis and figuring out capital gains or losses are a bit confusing.

My own father had trouble in this area a couple of years ago. Luckily, the IRS agent was very helpful and patient with him.

I have created a free ebook which provides basic information about capital gains and taxes for traders and investors (with the understanding that I am not a financial planner or accountant - this is just information, not advice).

You can download it from this link http://www.box.net/shared/9did0qmmqz

Fw: This is nuts!

This is nuts!  A very big over-reaction:   http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/education/2010/02/04/2010-02-04_big_trouble_over_this_tiny_toy_mom_fuming_at_a_lack_of_common_sense_as_son_buste.html

Sullenberger Flight Simulation

This is cool.  He was the pilot who landed his plane in the Hudson. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=tE_5eiYn0D0#t=109

Clothing Drive

An example of viral marketing... http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1125919467?bctid=63259762001