Investing in Uncertain Times

I am not a professional investor, first of all. I'm just sharing what I think is useful during these times.

With the value of the dollar falling against almost all currencies except the Yen when I look around I think about what will be a useful investment over the long haul since I think of myself as a long term investor. Even though the stock market is at its highest point in several years now that is counteracted by how low the dollar is presently.

So, many investors are looking for safe havens. I don't see any safe havens long term anywhere. However, the two investments that might be good to have over the next 10 to 20 years are investments not directly tied to the dollars rise and fall. One of these likely is real property that is completely paid for that you can afford to pay the yearly taxes and and can afford to maintain during those years.

Another investment that might be useful but not as an investment and rather as a survival liquidity tool is gold. I have never ever found gold to be an investment rather than what one needs in a real emergency to stay alive and to stay solvent. For example, people who were just hit with a tornado who had gold in a home safe or in a safety deposit box somewhere likely will be okay(or cash in home or bank safes or safety deposit boxes). People who were hit by the tsunami, same thing or by other calamities. So, from tornadoes, to earthquakes to tsunamis to other disasters (cash and gold) properly stored in a safe or safety deposit box might be useful the next 10 years or so. But only to be cashed out in an extreme emergency.

Because of the dropping value of the dollar at present in relation to other world currencies one must protect themselves from the devaluation one way or another. However, selling stocks if you are already invested long term might not be useful because of capital gains taxes unless it is only a small amount. So, it is important to consider all the ramifications and potential ramifications of any action you could potentially take. Staying calm and making rational decisions is best. Decisions acted on in panic most of the time don't turn out well at all in the end. So, unless you can stay calm enough and talk to people knowledgeable on the subject that you trust it is better to stay pat.