Monday, September 29, 1997
A Spoonful of
Avarice
by Reynold Bourquin
([email protected])
I read with delight the Four Letter Word Fribble by Mike Williams. He offered a contrarian view about greed, espousing contentment as the antidote. I think it's great that his situation is so nearly perfect. In fact, I could have written that Fribble as recently as five years ago. My life was (and still is) rich, my wife of 30 years (now 35 years) loves me, my children are still excellent people, and I love my work... well, maybe some things do change.
Now my parents and my wife's parents are getting along in years and require more assistance. I want to be able to contribute to that assistance. With the investments I've made over the years -- mostly in my 401(k) plan -- the probability that I will be able to contribute has increased greatly. Not having to worry about how to make ends meet helps me to concentrate on the care-giving they need.
In addition, I've found over the years that it's beneficial to my well-being to be able to travel to my childrens' homes occasionally. Since my kids are such a joy to be around, it's great to see them. I want the freedom to come and go as I wish. Only when I have ready money do I have that luxury.
My point? As I experience more of what life has to offer, and my personal circumstances change, I realize that a little greed is beneficial. The bottom line is important. Avarice in small portions helps me to periodically trim my poorly performing investments, and to do the best possible analysis of my next investment. The results of that investment -- the returns -- will greatly determine my financial ability to do what I want.
The Motley Fool has such a wealth of information available that the mind boggles. Using that information Foolishly is our individual responsibility. Having the highest expectations for our investments seems to me to be akin to desiring the best for those we love. A little selfish avarice for the right reasons seems appropriate.
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