Why I Advocate Simplicity for Traders and Investors

If you have read this blog regularly, you probably know that I've been involved in the financial industry for almost 20 years. I've talked about how I've developed financial software for insurance companies, financial firms, and the Chicago Board of Trade. How I spent several years as a full-time trader, and served as a vice-president at a major bank.

My success in developing financial software and rising to vice-president were due to my skill of breaking down "complex" issues into simple solutions - and being able to communicate them to audiences of various technical levels.

This pasion for simplicity and minimalism also served me when I was day trading full time.

In the 1990's, I was glued to screens, phones, and CNBC. I felt like I was running hard just to stay in the game. I felt pressured to leverage my portfolio with futures and options. In short, I worked hard, suffered stress, and failed to meet my performance goals.

Then, I swallowed my ego and admitted that day trading wasn't right for my personality and decided to adopt a KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) approach.

I switched to long term trading, downsized to one technical indicator (constant value formula), and focused on stock and fund selection.

I now "surf" in flow with the market, obey my system, and won't let minor fluctuations trigger fear and greed. I'm no longer stressed and enjoy better results.

I share my journey, thoughts, system, and stock picking ideas in my book Stock Trading Riches.