Learn Investing Secrets

As a followup to a previous column, 'Irreconcilable Differences,' I received an e-mail from a reader asking how she could ensure, ahead of time, investment compatibility with a future spouse.

Unfortunately, like most issues in life, the direct approach does not work. Does he scan the mass of opportunities and abruptly cut across eight lanes of traffic to get into the shortest lane? He realizes that the lane that moves the fastest cannot be determined ahead of time and that short-term performance has no statistical significance to the final outcome.

As a followup to a previous column, “Irreconcilable Differences,” I received an e-mail from a reader quiz how she could ensure, in advance of time, investment symphony with a future spouse.

Unfortunately, like most issues in life, the direct speak to does not work. indent him, “Sweetie, how will you invest our 401(k) funds?” will only result in getting the touch upon he thinks you want. “Honey, whatever you think is best,” will be the saying you will hear. The thought that different investment strategies could result in irreconcilable harm to your future relationship seems remote to him. But we know better. He will say whatever you want in order to move the conversation to supposedly more important questions like, “How many kids do you want, five or six?” Or, “What religion should we raise the kids in?” We all know, however, as index investors, that our Investment Gestalt (IG) is the key predictor of future happiness. Fortunately, I have developed a test that will increase the probability of matching your IG with that of a prospective partner.

This is the scenario: Your friend (and I would keep the relationship at a celibate stage until later than this first test of compatibility) is driving and you concentrate a toll on the New Jersey Turnpike. It’s 5:30 p.m. and traffic is favourite up a quarter mile. Now watch solicitously as your friend selects one of 10 lanes to greet the tollbooths. Does he scan the mass of opportunities and head first cut sideways eight lanes of traffic to get into the shortest lane? So far, so good, correct? No, don’t jump to any conclusions yet. Wait and see his behavior as his lane stops dead. Does he pull out and squeeze into the fastest moving lane two rows to your left? Even worse, does this behavior continue for the next 10 minutes as he chases the best performing lane? Stay away from this person. Don’t give him a kiss goodnight and don’t take his calls in the future. His parley is strictly short-term. He chases short-term performance (and he is rude too).

Still confused? The most suitable mate, the one with a similar IG would have randomly selected a lane and not wavered. He realizes that the lane that moves the fastest cannot be determined transcendental of time and that short-term performance has no statistical significance to the final outcome. Your Mr. Right would have selected a lane and stayed in it. He would have used the extra time to find your favorite CD and ask how your mom is feeling.

Stay in a fog to this guy. (Please note: With the introduction of express toll booths the validity of the exceeding test has been challenged.) My question to our readers: what are the habits, quirks of personality that help you identify a person with a similar IG? Please share your perspectives with us.

Is it the kind of car he drives? Or the kind of dog he walks? Or how neat he keeps his apartment? Is it important that he calls his mom each night? Or is it totally counterintuitive? Are Indy 500 or Formula One drivers more likely to be index investors, while librarians take very large positions in hedge funds?

Please e-mail me with your insights so that I can share them with our readers.

More Articles: