Five common investment mistakes to avoid

Morningstar.in

It's not just about what you must do to create wealth but also what to avoid.

Ever noticed how most investment advice is centred on telling investors what they must do. But the opposite i.e. what investors must refrain from doing is as relevant. In this article, we list five common investment mistakes that investors must avoid.

1. Trying to get even with investments

Even the best of investors end up making poor investment decisions once in a while. However, what separates them from regular investors is that they don't try to get even with their investments.

Investors must be patient and give their investments sufficient time to prove themselves. However, if a subsequent evaluation reveals that an investment has failed to deliver as anticipated, investors should not hesitate to cut losses and exit the investment.

Staying invested in a 'dud', hoping to get even (read recover losses and eventually exit at a profit) may further aggravate the situation. The key lies in being dispassionate while making investment decisions.

2. Investing in top performers based solely on performance

Surprised? Isn't investing in top performers always a good idea? Not necessarily!

This one is applicable to investors in market-linked avenues like mutual funds. When investments are made based solely on performance, an important evaluation parameter is overlooked -- risk. And investing in line with one's risk appetite is a fundamental tenet of investing.

Investors must try to understand the reason behind the impressive showing. This in turn will help them evaluate if the performance is sustainable. Consider a situation wherein a fund's performance can be attributed to simply riding rising markets by investing in stocks that are the season's flavour.

In such a case, the impressive performance is unlikely to be sustainable over the long haul and hence is misleading for investors.

Therefore, making investments based solely on the performance is fraught with risks.

3. Investing in an ad hoc manner

Several investors believe that the investment process begins with making an investment. Crucial steps like setting investment goals and creating investment plans are overlooked. Ideally, the investment process must begin with setting tangible goals, followed by the drawing up of an investment plan. Making an investment should be the result of the aforementioned and not the starting point.

Investing without goals and plans, amounts to investing in an ad hoc manner.

As a result, investments may become directionless and fail to achieve desired results. Investors must appreciate that investments are not an 'end', rather they are 'means to achieve an end'.

Hence the importance of having goals and plans in place at the outset.

4. Mirroring someone else's investments

While it's one thing to ape someone else's lifestyle choices, using the same approach to investing might be stretching things a bit too far.

Investing in this manner can have disastrous results. Investing is a personalised activity. Consequently, the investment avenues chosen have to be right for the investor. They should mirror her/his risk-taking ability and investment goals.

What might be suited for one investor could be completely unsuitable for another. For instance, the investment portfolio of a retiree seeking assured monthly income cannot be the same as that of a risk-taking investor who intends to build a retirement kitty.

Simply put, investors would do well not to mirror someone else's investments. Instead, they must seek investments that are right for them.

5. Not reviewing the portfolio

We have already discussed the importance of holding an apt investment portfolio. Similarly, the importance of conducting periodic portfolio reviews cannot be overstated either.

Investing isn't a one-time activity. After creating a portfolio, monitoring its performance is as vital. Furthermore, the review should be conducted in a timely manner, so that deviations (if any) can be identified and rectified.

A portfolio review is also necessitated by a change in the investor's risk profile and needs. With passage of time, a new set of needs may emer#8805 also the investor's risk-taking ability might change. The portfolio should be suitably modified to incorporate these changes.

Ideally, the investment advisor must play a significant part and aid the investor in the review process.

Source: Five common investment mistakes to avoid

You guide to winning in a fight

How to get your own way

RealBuzz

You guide to winning in a fight

At times, relationships can feel like tight-ropes. Carefully, you have to shimmy along a thin line using your best skills to stay firmly on the right side of your partner. One false move and SNAP – you’ve upset the entire balance and you both fall blindly into the ugly side of a bust-up. If, when you both fly into an argument, you always find yourself losing or caving into whatever demands or accusations are flung your way, use these tips to make sure your voice is heard. You never know, you might even get your own way next time that tight rope snaps.

1. Get your own way: Listen

When your partner accuses you of seeing your friends too much or not contributing enough to the house it can be really difficult to listen. Naturally you spring into the defensive, which means that you are suddenly incapable of listening to whatever the other person says. This is infuriating for you both and won’t help you to get your own way.

Instead, when you are accused of something or when you feel hurt by something your partner has said or done, take a deep breath and really listen to what they are saying to you. This way, you’ll be able to take on board what they are saying and build a strong counter-argument. Plus, by listening you might be able to understand their perspective a little easier which will help you both come to a solution.

2. Get your own way: Breathe

Arguments are always going to be heated and most of us see red when we come to blows with our partner. Yet, losing your temper doesn’t help you get your own way. It does in fact do the opposite. When you lose your temper you become irrational, erratic and inarticulate; all of the qualities that will disarm you in a fight and make you an easy target for your partner.

Instead, you need to take a few deep breaths and make a conscious effort not to raise your voice. When you shout, the situation quickly escalates and a small disagreement can turn into WWII within seconds. Remember, a controlled, quiet voice is far more powerful and staying calm will help you get your own way.

3. Get your own way: Evidence

If watching re-runs of Ally McBeal and Law & Order has taught us anything, it’s that every case is won with hard evidence. If you want to get your own way you need to have proof that you are in the right.

The next time your partner accuses you of spending too much money, be armed. Tell them about all of those times you worked overtime and about how you didn’t buy that great item you’d really wanted two weeks ago. Come up with examples of times you’ve saved money and gently point out that they have also splurged out as well. Being prepared with this kind of evidence and using it to back-up your point will help you get your own way next time you two come to blows.

4. Get your own way: Be realistic

There is no surer way to lose an argument than being unrealistic. If you wildly claim things that are clearly not true then your partner will simply laugh at you and this will give them ammo against you and your argument.

So, avoid saying things like ‘You are never here’, even though your partner lives with you. Instead, be realistic. If you don’t feel your partner sees you enough, tell them that ‘Although I see you in the evenings, we don’t actually spend proper time together after work. That’s why, when you go out at the weekend, I feel like I never see you’. Swapping generalisations for realisms will make your argument more solid and it will be difficult for your partner to argue back.

5. Get your own way: PEC

A good argument is all about the structure, yet when you’re in the middle of a crazy fight and insults are flying at you it can be very hard to get the structure right. Your thoughts become jumbled and excuses fly out of your mouth with no real sense or point. However, remember point two and breathe, then think of PEC.

This simple little structure will help you get your point across and help your partner to see your point of view. The P stands for point. The E stands for evidence, which you should use to back-up your point. Finally, the C stands for comment; this is where you explain what the point and the comment mean. So, using this structure if you wanted to explain that you are not a lazy slob you would say ‘I am not lazy’ (the point), ‘Yesterday I worked late so I could not do the dishes’ (the explanation), ‘So, I’m not actually lazy, my schedule is just a little busy and I can’t manage everything at the moment’ (the comment). Use PEC and you should always get what you want.

Source: How to get your own way

Absolutely Beautiful

SIMPLE BUT LIFE CHANGING AND ENHANCING ADVICE

An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future..  If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'

1.    Pray

2.    Go to bed on time.

3.    Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4.    Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5.    Delegate tasks to capable others.

6.    Simplify and unclutter your life.

7.    Less is more. Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.

8.    Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9.    Pace yourself.  Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10.  Take one day at a time.

11.  Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety.. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12.  Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13.  Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14.  K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut).  This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15.  Do something for the Kid in You; everyday.

16.  Carry a spiritually enlightening book with you to read while waiting in line.

17.  Get enough rest.

18.  Eat right.

19.  Get organized so everything has its place.

20.  Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21.  Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22.  Every day, find time to be alone.

23.  Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24.  Make friends with Godly people.

25.  Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26.  Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you GOD'

27.  Laugh

28.  Laugh some more!

29.  Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30.  Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31.  Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32.  Sit on your ego.

33.  Talk less; listen more.

34.  Slow down.

35.  Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36.  Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.  GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?'

6 Habits that give you a paunch

Meghna Mukherjee

TOI lists out the things that contribute to your burgeoning waistline.

We tend to overlook on certain habits that affect our life. We list down seven such habits that give you a belly pudge and how you can get rid of the unwanted fat gathering around your increasing waistline...

Skipping meals

When you skip meals, you end up overeating later and the fat inevitably finds a way to your midsection. Make it a point to eat small to medium-sized meals every three to four hours daily. Says nutritionist Jivesh Shetty, "We have to trick our body into having smaller meals every two to three hours to keep our metabolic rate high, not making us feel hungry and binge later."

Binge drinking

When you binge-drink, you are inviting flab to settle down on your mid-section. Alcohol contains lots of calories and you often tend to feel hungry while you are drinking. If you want to go out drinking with friends, make sure you opt for red wine — it helps fight paunch. Nutritionist Namita Nanal, says, "The consumption of alcohol in moderation is fine during weight maintenance. You can choose to have wine as it is a rich source of antioxidants."

Crazy about crunches

Sit-ups tone the muscles and does not affect the layer of fat covering them. Doing 50 or 100 crunches will not make your jeans fitting loose. Instead of doing 50 crunches a day, it is advisable to jog or brisk walk in the park or on the treadmill for half an hour daily to get rid of the belly pudge. Nanal says, "Only doing too much of crunches will not help. A proper combination of a good workout along with diet will help you to lose the fat faster."

Consuming 'lite' products

Remember that opting for sugar-free sweets, yoghurt, low-fat snacks or diet sodas will not help in the long run. These artificial sweeteners trigger your metabolism to increase the storage of fat.

Staying away from bread

Whole-grain breads and cereals allow insulin to rise and gradually reduce the chances of adding fat to your belly. Make it a point of include wild rice, whole wheat chappatis and oatmeal in your meal plan once a day. Says Shetty, "Bread made from whole wheat and other processed grains have usually more fibre and are usually no different from homemade chapattis. It is healthy to have some amount of carbohydrates to help in the digestion process."

Fatty foods: a big no-no

Not all kinds of fats are unhealthy. Monounsaturated fats are good for you. Nutritionists opine that if you consume one-quarter of an avocado either in your sandwich or salad, you will lose the fat around your belly soon. Nanal adds, "Good fats are essential for your body. For example, you can have nuts, healthy oils like sunflower and olive oil. Avoiding them completely will not benefit your body completely."

Source: 6 Habits that give you a paunch

Homing / Carrier Pigeon

How Does a Homing Pigeon Know Where It's Going?

By April Sanders, eHow Contributor

Homing Pigeons

The homing pigeon comes from the family of "Columba livia domestica," or Rock pigeons. These birds have been bred to find their way home from long distances, as wild rock pigeons always return home to their nests. Homing pigeons can fly as fast as 30 mph, with small bursts of speed as fast as 55 mph. The longest flight ever recorded in pigeon racing was over 1118 miles (1800 kilometers).

Sometimes homing pigeons are used to carry messages. In this case, they are called carrier pigeons. Messages are written on the lightest paper possible, rolled into small tubes and tied to one of the pigeon's legs.

Homing pigeons, which are sometimes white, are also frequently used in place of doves in ceremonies such as weddings and sporting events where they are released for dramatic effect.

Using the Earth's Magnetic Field

Scientists have always known that homing pigeons use the Earth's magnetic field to navigate, but it wasn't until 2007 that scientists discovered minute, iron-containing particles of maghemite and magnetite in the branches of nerve cells in the skin of the upper beak of homing pigeons. These branches are arranged in a three-dimensional pattern that allows the pigeon to analyze all three parts of the magnetic vector field, much like a three-axis magnetometer.

Homing pigeons can analyze the magnetic field regardless of how they are moving, therefore identifying their position. Homing pigeons use this skill when traveling long-distances, even for the first time.

Using Familiar Landmarks and Roadways

Homing pigeons navigate in another way as well. When traveling short distances or longer, more familiar routes, homing pigeons use ground landmarks. This often includes roads. Studies of homing pigeons show that these birds will follow the line of a road, even going around roundabouts, when they are traveling familiar routes close to home.

Pigeons also use the position of the sun, comparing it to their internal clocks. They have also been known to use the stars and the moon to find their way. Even when skies are overcast, they can still find their way home, although usually more slowly. Finally, homing pigeons have also shown that they have the ability to smell "home," although not from long distances. It is thought that the extent to which these different methods of finding their way home are used varies a bit, depending on the pigeon's breed.

How to Raise Carrier Pigeons

Carrier pigeons are heroic birds that have carried messages over enemy lines in battle for thousands of years. Though true carrier pigeons are a relatively rare breed, homing pigeons carry messages for today's hobbyists. You can raise homing pigeons or carrier pigeons with the same basic approach.

Instructions

1.    Cultivate a love of pigeons as a whole and a love of your individual birds. Pigeons are fascinating birds and can be quite affectionate if you spend time with them.

2.    Provide suitable housing for your carrier or homing pigeons. An airy, but not drafty, loft is required for pigeons' health. An elevated loft is more recognizable to birds you are training to be carrier and homing pigeons as they can easily see it from the air.

3.    Start training in your carrier or homing pigeons' first year by acclimating your pigeons to the basket or crate that you will transport them in. Leave them in it for 1 to 2 hours at a time until they are familiar with it and it causes them no alarm.

4.    Take your pigeons a mile from home for the first training flight. Release them and then return to the loft to await their arrival. Reward them with food when they get to the loft.

5.    Gradually increase the distance of the training flights, adding a mile for each flight. When your pigeons' training flight is more than 10 miles, begin releasing the pigeons singly or in pairs rather than in groups.

6.    Increase the distance until you reach 70 miles, which is a good distance for a young pigeon to travel. Some races can be hundreds of miles long, but they must be carefully prepared for.

7.    Attach a message to your carrier pigeon by affixing it to the pigeon's leg is a small capsule if you want him to carry a message home.

Tips & Warnings

Though raising pigeons can be a competitive hobby, keep the birds' interests in mind as you raise them.

Source:

·         How Does a Homing Pigeon Know Where It's Going?

·         How to Raise Carrier Pigeons

Top 10 most romantic quotes

When the right words don’t come to you, having a sneaky peak at someone else’s can be extremely helpful. So whether you need some romantic words to impress on a date, on a birthday, at a wedding, or you just fancy reading something starry-eyed and dreamy, these top 10 most romantic quotes will make you swoon:

RealBuzz

Romantic quote 1:

“What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you’ve been in love you know that at times it can feel like nothing else in the world matters other than what happens to the two of you. This is a great line to use in a card to a loved one when the words just won’t come.

Romantic quote 2:

“Journeys end in lovers meeting” – William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night (II, iii, 44)

This simple line is a great example of Shakespeare’s skill; he is able to sum up the sheer satisfaction and completeness we feel once we have found that special someone. Three cheers for Shakespeare!

Romantic quote 3:

“When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.” – Louis de Bernières, in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

Hands up if you’ve felt slightly insane when you’ve fallen in love? We think pretty much everyone’s hand will be firmly in the air right now. This quote captures the essence of that madness and reminds us that once those initial feelings lessen, other feelings and challenges lay ahead.

Romantic quote 4:

“A kiss makes the heart young again and wipes out the years.” – Rupert Brooke

We all know love’s a powerful beast, but Rupert’s clever words remind us how important a quick kiss is and shows us that love is not dependent on age. Rupert Brooke was clearly a very wise man and a great poet.

Romantic quote 5:

“If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.” – Michael D. Montaigne

That is the tricky thing about love; at times we don’t know why we fall for one person more than another. Next time you’re stuck for an answer to that all important question (‘why do you love me?’), borrow Michael D. Montaigne’s words.

Romantic quote 6:

“Ever thine ever mine ever ours” – Ludwig van Beethoven, The Third Letter

This sign off for one of Beethoven’s esteemed love letters would work perfectly in a wedding speech or an anniversary card. The simplest words seem to pack the most punch when it comes to romance.

Romantic quote 7:

“Love like you've never been hurt” – Unknown

Although you may not like to whip this quote out whilst trying to impress your guy or girl on a date, in that post-fight moment this line can really help ease the situation. It implies we should always give our all to those we love, and forget our past – wise words to say the least.

Romantic quote 8:

“Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every part of your body... For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away.” – Louis de Bernières, in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

We know it’s snuck onto our list twice, but Mr Bernières seems to understand love so well. This is a perfect quote for those couples who have been together for a little while, but understand that love is not just about those heady few months or year at the beginning of the relationship. Love is about that long-lasting commitment.

Romantic quote 9:

“I may not be your first, but to be your last would be perfect.” – Anonymous

It may be cheesy, but we love this romantic quote. Sometimes the fun one-liners are perfect for lightening the mood with your guy or girl. While it nods towards the physical aspects of love, its deeper meaning is sweet and heartfelt.

Romantic quote 10:

“We’ll always have Paris.” – Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), Casablanca

Every couple has that one place that means a lot to them; whether it’s the park, the bar they met or that special holiday destination. Feel free to adapt this quote and make it your own, but we warn you, “we’ll always have Hooters restaurant” doesn’t have the same ring to it, so choose wisely.

Source: Top 10 most romantic quotes

Kids Say the Funniest Things

By The Circle of Moms Editors

There's nothing like an unexpected one-liner from your child to remind you how fun it is to have kids. Here we've rounded up some of our members' best stories about the funny things their children have said.

1. Sex Ed

"We have twin boys [who] wouldn't stop asking EXACTLY how the Labrador dad got the lab in our 'Labradoodle.' This was the moment we were waiting for to explain the birds and the bees. I didn't expect to be alone with them in a drive through. After my 'sex education 101' in a chicken joint parking lot, they sat open mouthed and silent. There [were] head tilts and scrunched noses and finally one of the boys said, 'Aren't you glad you only had to do THAT once to get two babies?' -Abbie of All that makes you...

2. Five Senses of Bananas

"The other day my 6-year-old said, 'Mom, I don’t like all five senses of bananas. I don’t like to taste them. I don’t like to smell them. I don’t like to see them. I don’t like to feel them.' 'And you don’t like like to hear people eat them?' I asked. 'I don’t even like to hear people talk about them!' he said. I guess he really doesn’t like bananas!" -Gina of I Choose Joy!

3. Baby Almonds

"The absolute most hilarious thing my daughter ever said was when she was around 2 years old. Myself, being a vegan, I wasn't crazy about the idea of her drinking cow's milk, so I tried one day to introduce her to almond milk. I told her, 'Cow's milk is for baby cows, not people, so I want you to try this almond milk and see if you like it.' My little 2-year-old answered back, 'Is that what baby almonds drink?'" -Boho Mom of Bohemian Single Mom

4. Manners

"When my son was little, and he sneezed, he would say, 'Splash You.' Quite descriptive. . . . My youngest once crawled into my husband's lap and tenderly told him, 'Daddy, your breath not stinky today.' The ultimate compliment!" -Lisa Smith Molinari of The Meat and Potatoes of Life

5. Life-Changing Decisions

"Here's one from our 6-going-on-14-year-old daughter: 'I just made a decision that could be life changing. I'm going to start coloring more with crayons than markers.' I guess if your life consists mostly of coloring, I can appreciate that. :)" -Lynn C.

6. Whoa!

"I was getting ready to get in the shower when my 3-year-old son busts open the bathroom door and yells 'Woah, BIG BOOTY!!!'"  -Alexis R.

7. Talking Too Much

"The funniest thing my twins have ever said (and they still say it all the time) is, 'Mom, you talk TOO much!' - it's funny because they are 100% right! I'm a talker - as a mom, for my work, and in life. I love to chat." -Laura Rossi of My So-Called Sensory Life: 365 Unexpected Gifts from Motherhood

8. Out of Nowhere

"My 11-year-old makes up all these weird stories, like how Betty White drinks a half gallon of pure evil every morning before a jog." - Veronica

9. Public Bathrooms

"While in a stall in a busy public restroom with my 3-year-old, she loudly annouces that 'Mommy has a penis!' I started giggling before I could correct her and then she says, 'No, I mean Mommy has a big vagina!' The ladies' room erupted into a cacophony of laughter. I was mortified." Shannon Lell

10. Just Asking

"My son asked me the other day, 'Mum can I have a baby sister?' I said no, you already have two big sisters. He turned to me and said 'Oh well I just thought I'd ask. You don't get anything if you don't ask so just thought I'd ask.' Then he just walked away, leaving me laughing." -Lindsey W.

Source: Kids Say the Funniest Things