THE INVESTOR'S COOKBOOK

Book excerpt: A solid strategy, the acquisition of knowledge, the selection of the best investments, and the dissection of said investments according to their characteristics is Dr. John Baxevanis’ proposal for procuring a healthy relationship with investing. In other words, what at first may seem rather chaotic, perplexing, or just plain confusing can often be broken down into easily distinguishable parts, provided the investor is armed with the right tools. The Investor’s Cookbook is a break-it-down approach to investing. It involves understanding the investing landscape, honing the power of observation, and acquiring the basics of monetary policy, economic history and, as Baxevanis put it, “the machinations of the oldest streets in Manhattan.” Successful investing should never be a product of luck, but instead a methodical process that involves allowing the mind to process new information. A Ph.D. is not necessary for successful investing, just the assembled ingredients in a well-developed investment recipe— knowledge, prudence, confidence, asset diversification, risk management, patience, and discipline—and a slow and steady wins the race mentality.