Ignoring expert means false bottom also ignored 

My worst investment has to be when I convinced my wife (who is also my asset manager) to buy UBS Group AG (Swiss multinational investment bank [UBSG:SW, UBSG.S, ]) shares in 2009 or so after the bank had almost gone bankrupt and its shares had tumbled from 68 Swiss francs (CHF) to 20 CHF.  

Disliked bank takes on flawed new luster 

Actually, I had never liked UBS as a company, but I had thought that its share price had hit its bottom, that such a solid bank would never go under and that it would recover quickly. My wife thought it was a stupid idea but she allowed herself to be talked into the play.

Investor shuns inner voice, cheers for wrong underdog 

The share price has never really recovered (remains at 13.64 CHF at the time of writing). Which is only half the reason why this was my worst investment. The main reason is that despite not liking UBS, I was suddenly forced to wish them well, even having to follow the news about these idiots.

What was learned 

I gained two valuable insights: a) leave financial matters to my wife (a financial professional), b) only invest in companies that I actually like (their business model, passion, image, culture and the like).    

Andrew’s takeaways – Avoid these errors to become a better investor 

Just because it’s cheap 

When I was young, my mother often said: “Just because it’s cheap, doesn’t mean you have to buy it.” Many people jump into an investment because they think it’s at a once-in-a-lifetime price. When the price is “cheap”, they ignore so many factors, such as the future outlook. Think about when you’ve gone shopping and found a deeply discounted item. It was neither exactly the right color nor exactly the right size, but the price was so low it was irresistible. This type of buying is usually a waste of money. 

Write a plan and follow it 

One of the most important steps in the process of investing is to write a plan and follow it. The benefit of writing a plan is that it requires you to think ahead about what it is you want to invest in. The plan also serves as a guide that you can compare your actions to see if you are investing the way you want. So, make a plan and follow it. 

Mistakes in this story 

1. Failed to do their own research 

• Failed to test the investment thesis 
• Ignored a professional’s advice 

3. Driven by emotion or flawed thinking 

• Let emotions drive their investment decision

The post Classic Bike Collecting Dust Is Better Than a Dog of an Underdog  appeared first on My Worst Investment Ever.

Don’t buy a home unless you really want to live there 

After I acquired the land, my parents lived in the area for a few months on my suggestion because I thought it would be best for them that they get a feel for the area before building the house; it ended up being a good decision because they didn’t like the area at all.  

Basic questions to ask yourself before a cent is spent  

In an ideal world, I would have let my parents experience the area before buying the land in the first place, but it was a good lesson. Nowadays, before making an important decision I ask myself two simple questions: “Is there any way to test it first before committing?” and “What would I recommend my best friend to do, if he was making the investment?” Other great questions I like to ask are: What don’t I know? What don’t I see? And what assumptions am I making that may or might not be true?  

What don’t I know? What don’t I see? 

To emphasize the importance of these questions, a friend of mine started a business that sells nitro coffee* from small mobile vans around Bangkok. He made the assumption that he would have few competitors due to the time and expense of getting started. Almost immediately after setting up his company, Starbucks started selling nitro coffee!  

—————— 

*Nitro coffee – Cold-brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas is released through a pressurized valve with tiny holes. As high pressure forces the brew past a disc, it creates a creamy, stout-like effect. 

Andrew’s takeaways – Avoid these errors to become a better investor 

Try before you buy 

Land is usually a very illiquid investment because when you want to sell it, it can be very hard to find a buyer, especially at the price you want. Therefore, it makes sense to do a considerable amount of research, but that research should be done before you buy the land, not after. 

Mistakes in this story 

1. Failed to initially research 

• Inadequately researched type of investment 
• Failed to test the investment thesis 

The post ‘Try Before You Buy’, If at All Possible appeared first on My Worst Investment Ever.