Random Thoughts: A conversation about investing with my son

Recently, I had an engaging conversation about investing with my Secondary 4 son. We were discussing the concept of self-learning, and I shared how I've learned about investing through books and online forums, without ever attending formal classes. This led him to ask an interesting question: Is investing in shares the same as gambling? Our discussion turned into a thoughtful exploration of the differences.

I explained that I've been investing for over 20 years, and while I’ve had my share of ups and downs, I’ve managed to achieve positive returns overall. When he asked when I started, I had to admit that my journey began in university, where I unfortunately lost most of my student savings during the CAO fiasco.

I also shared a candid reflection: despite my two decades of investing, the total gains from realized profits and dividends are likely less than my annual salary. I consider myself one of the worst investors, and I emphasized that it makes more sense to leverage one’s human capital and climb the corporate ladder. However, I also mentioned that I know people who have achieved financial independence through investing—some of whom I've met in person. Financial literacy plays a crucial role in their success.

I told my son that while I may not have made a fortune, the knowledge I've gained about investing is invaluable. Learning to navigate the emotions of "fear and greed" has been a liberating experience, and he found that perspective quite interesting.

Additionally, I've had the opportunity to meet many bloggers who are part of the investing community. They are fascinating individuals, each taking very different paths in life. Their diverse experiences and insights provide a broader understanding of the investing landscape.

In closing, I told my son that investing is not just about the money—it's about the journey, the lessons learned, and the people you meet along the way. As he continues to explore this topic, I hope he finds his own path, balancing the risks and rewards of investing with the wisdom gained from others.