| If you are one of the millions of small investors in | | | | over time, so there is no reason why you should |
| the stock market today, chances are that you | | | | not be able to see your investment grow with it. |
| are not investing with the intent to get rich | | | | The key is to invest in the types of companies |
| overnight. It is far more likely that your goal and | | | | that are likely to see continued growth and |
| intent is to realize a return on your investment, | | | | success for years to come. In other words, don't |
| grow your overall net worth, and prepare for | | | | bet your retirement fund on the horse and buggy |
| retirement. For many people, however, buying | | | | industry - or anything that seems headed toward |
| stocks with money that you might otherwise | | | | the same demise. |
| merely save for your retirement can seem like a | | | | The second element necessary for successfully |
| huge gamble with the future. It need not be. | | | | buying stocks for the long term is to research |
| There are ways of buying stocks for the purpose | | | | the companies in which you plan to invest - and |
| of future financial security that entail reduced risk | | | | periodically research them again. Never buy a |
| and thus reduced fear of a total loss. To protect | | | | stock for long term growth and then ignore it for |
| yourself and your investment, however, you need | | | | years. Revisit your purchasing decisions on a |
| to have both a strategy of investment and the | | | | regular basis, to ensure that you take note of |
| discipline to follow that strategy even during | | | | industry and company trends that may affect the |
| adversity. Panic and fear cannot be an option | | | | value of your investment. |
| when you are involved in something as serious as | | | | Finally, when buying stocks you have to keep |
| planning for your future. | | | | your eyes on the goal. That goal is the steady |
| The first part of your strategy has to involve | | | | increase in value of your personal net worth, and |
| attitude. You must always remember that you | | | | your ultimate retirement. The market will rise. The |
| are buying stocks for the long term growth | | | | market will fall. Through it all, the steady-minded |
| potential - not short term gains that may or may | | | | investor will maintain his or her cool and find |
| not be realized. In general, the market gains value | | | | success where others see only failure. |