Why Inaction is an Investor's Best Friend - E58

Today’s episode starts in Minnesota, during an experiment where young men were intentionally starved. They knew starvation would affect their body, but were shocked by how it affected their brains. We then travel to Johnsonburg, a small town in Pennsylvania, where an unexpected event involving deer and a newly constructed bridge made headlines.    Did you know that mammal brains, including ours, share a common trait? It's called the amygdala, a remarkable part of our brain responsible for our fight or flight response. Just like the deer that instinctively jumped off the highway bypass, we too have an impulse that urges us to take drastic action when faced with fear. In the context of investing, this impulse often leads us to panic sell our portfolios during market downturns.   But is this fear-driven response always rational, or is it short-sighted? Fear, after all, is a survival mechanism designed to prompt us into action that alleviates the feeling of fear. However, when it comes to our investments, is it more crucial to survive negative outcomes than to chase maximum returns during favorable times?   Today, Jesse explains the psychology of investing including the answer to a popular question, should you have bonds in your investment portfolio? Only when the tide goes down do we discover who’s been swimming naked. Don't let fear dictate your financial future, and instead learn why the true cost of investing is all psychological.   Mentions: Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast episode:  https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history/the-department-of-physiological-hygiene   More of The Best Interest: Check out the Best Interest Blog at bestinterest.blog Contact me at jesse@bestinterest.blog   The Best Interest Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Om Podcasten

Why is personal finance so complicated? The internet is flooded with personal finance “experts” sharing short-sighted, error-prone advice. But long-term financial success requires thoughtful, patient, and well-researched strategies. Hosted by Jesse Cramer, a former aerospace engineer turned fiduciary financial advisor in Rochester, NY, Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors simplifies complex financial topics. With relatable stories, in-depth research, and practical tips, Jesse helps you master financial planning for families, make smart decisions about tax-efficient investing, and build strategies for retirement planning and beyond. Formerly known as The Best Interest Podcast, and inspired by Jesse’s award-nominated blog The Best Interest, this podcast is your trusted resource for comprehensive financial planning and smart investing. Whether you're looking for optimal investment allocations, retirement planning advice, or generational wealth transfer ideas, this show makes personal finance approachable, enjoyable, and actionable. A richer tomorrow starts with learning today. Invest in your knowledge with Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors.