Ask Doc When I've asked folks who don't invest why they avoid the stock market, I often get the same reasons over and over...
"Investing is too hard."
"There's no way I could do as well as experts."
And they're right – to a point. It's tough to gain an edge when the market is made of some of the smartest financial minds in the world who have access to information and technology everyday folks don't.
Gurus just always seem to know what they're doing. Most of you know the story of legendary investor Warren Buffett. He went from selling chewing gum as a child to becoming one of the richest men in the world.
But Buffett didn't become one of the best investors overnight. He spent decades learning his trade and growing his wealth.
Today, Buffett isn't just an investor – he's a stock market signal. The mention of his name can bring companies back from the dead.
None of us will have that kind of influence (unless Buffett's reading Health & Wealth Bulletin).
My goal is to help regular folks add new tools to their toolboxes. These are things like smart asset allocation, knowing the right way to trade options, and the power of compounding in your portfolio.
And I'm not alone in that goal...
Marc Chaikin started on Wall Street as an analyst more than 50 years ago. During his time, Marc created proprietary stock indicators – like the industry-standard "Chaikin Money Flow" – that are used by the biggest Wall Street firms and traders all over the world.
If you've ever used an online broker to manage your money, you've likely already benefited from Marc's work without even knowing it.
A decade ago, Marc decided to help teach everyday investors how to do as well as the "pros" on Wall Street. As Marc describes...
After the financial crisis in 2008, I saw the little guy get creamed by Wall Street. So my focus shifted. I developed a set of tools for individual investors. They're specifically designed to turn trading and investing into a fair fight, for those who aren't Wall Street elites.
Together, this set of tools is called the Power Gauge. And I've poured everything I've learned over my more than 50 years of finance into it.
Recently, Marc revealed the financial story no one's telling right now that's keeping him up at night. According to Marc, millions of American investors are about to drive straight off a cliff... and miss one of the greatest money-making opportunities of their lifetimes.
During a special presentation, Marc also explained how his Power Gauge can help you avoid dangerous times in the market and show you the best opportunities to grow your portfolio.
If you haven't watched it yet, see all the details here.
Keep your questions coming our way at [email protected]. We read every e-mail. Here are some of the things on your minds this week...
Q: I know you said you drink some water and tea when you fast, but is there a limit to how much you can drink? I find I drink several large glasses of water throughout the day. Is that OK to do when I fast? – K.G.
A: If you're thirsty, it's a good idea to drink something. The topic of "how much water properly hydrates a person" is one of great debate. If you're a longtime reader of mine, you know that I don't subscribe to the "eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day" mindset.
Generally, if you're hydrated, your urine will be a light color. It's perfectly fine to drink water when fasting. Some folks believe it interferes with ketosis and metabolic switching... but I think it's more important to stay hydrated. So I say, drink if you're thirsty.
Q: While you seem to be more or less accepting and say you have not recommended any other artificial sweetener but stevia, I am a fan of xylitol. Have you considered it? – C.N.
A: Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol (and a common ingredient in sugar-free chewing gum). Sugar alcohols are partially broken-down carbohydrates. They taste sweet, but our small intestine can't absorb them well. That means they generally pass through our bodies without disturbing much. No studies point to increased blood sugar or higher insulin levels, for instance.
However, some folks report diarrhea, nausea, and similar bowel issues when eating large amounts of sugar alcohols. Researchers believe the inability of our intestines to absorb the sugar substitute means it passes through too quickly, which leads to loose stools. And any symptoms also depend on an individual's tolerance. So xylitol might work well for you but cause issues for someone else.
Also, make sure to keep foods containing xylitol away from your pets. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and, depending on the brand, as few as 10 pieces of gum can cause acute liver.
What We're Reading...
- Did you miss it? My magic formula for winning in the market.
- Something different: Big changes are coming to your 401(k).
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
April 8, 2022