In A World That Demands Instant Gratification, It's Hard To Sell Boring

In my world, boring is good. 

A slow, steady, gradual, low volatility, predictable rate of growth is a good thing.

Now, of course, we are competing with those that want to tell you that you have to do something and you have to do it now or you will miss out on the big opportunity that awaits you!

They are selling excitement!

It's easy to buy excitement because it is entertainment and we all know that we want to be entertained!

Speaking of which, I just finished season 1 of Dwayne Johnson as Financial Advisor Spencer Strasmore:

(HBO)

Or perhaps even more exciting is Jason Bateman as Financial Advisor Marty Byrde:

(Netflix)

Now these guys sell excitement (comedy and drama)!

They even talk it up like a few financial advisors I have witnessed in my past, you know: "grab the opportunity now" (and other standard financial advice cliches) kind of stuff.

But, alas, the real world is not like that (not the one that I know anyway). 

Here it comes, you may be thinking, he's going to say something about planning...

Boom!

You are correct. How boring is that?

So many folks don't have a plan. You need to have a plan before you can take advantage of any exciting "opportunity" because you need to be able to figure out how that opportunity is going to fit into your future.

But its August, its the summer, its just not the right time.

Ok, so should we wait until September? If you have kids, then that is such a good time because you won't be running around with back to school issues? Perhaps October? Maybe after Thanksgiving, or November, such a boring month! Not December, way too busy. January? Yes, to start the new year!

And before you know it another 6 months passes on by and there is no plan.

Obviously that little lecture is not for High Rock clients, because they all have plans and are well on their way to having their portfolios built, achieving their goals and getting a wonderful nights sleep (that is where boring is very helpful) in a methodical, disciplined way.

If you think that gambling is exciting, then you should take a trip to Vegas (but keep in mind that the "house" has the odds stacked heavily in its favour).

If you want to be a steward of your families financial future, then you are going to have to get a plan together. 

Be fearful of the exciting sales pitch. Go with the boring folks, who talk about how managing risk (and cost) is their biggest priority.