Today’s world is all about “smart” technology—smartphones, smart TVs, and a variety of other smart gadgets. People want everything to be smart, and this trend extends to personal finance, where individuals seek “smart” solutions for managing their money and investments. Have you come across the term “smart strategies for your investment portfolio”? How often have you heard this phrase in conversations?

Many people believe that investing should be a smart strategy that allows them to make profits and become wealthy quickly. However, the reality is that the majority of individuals do not understand the basics of investing or the various investment products available, such as mutual funds and stocks. Those who invest in these risky assets often don’t fully grasp what they are buying; they are primarily driven by emotions—fear of missing out and the thrill of potential gains—rather than making rational, informed decisions. They mistakenly assume that swift profits made by others indicate that smart investing involves taking risks in the stock market.

The simplest way to invest money or create wealth is often seen as boring, such as investing in an index fund and holding onto it for the long term. Yet, this approach doesn’t seem exciting to many people. They are lured by stories of profits made through stock investments. I’ve had numerous individuals reach out to me for classes on stock market investing basics, but when they realize that my classes focus on financial literacy, I often don’t hear back from 90% of them. The common outcome is that many were looking for a class that would teach them how to trade and generate regular income.

Many still believe that the stock market is a place to make substantial money and that working as a trader guarantees a steady income. Surprisingly, women are also active in this pursuit; about 70% of those who contact me are women. They often think that trading is an easy job—an opportunity to work from home while generating regular income.

But this is far from the truth. No one consistently earns regular income from the stock market or becomes rich overnight through stock investments. If that were the case, everyone would be trading stocks instead of holding traditional jobs or engaging in other work.

As Warren Buffett says, “Our favorite holding period is forever.”

When it comes to investing our hard-earned money, it’s essential to adopt a long-term perspective. Instead of attempting to time the market or resorting to short selling in pursuit of quick profits, we should focus on allowing our investments to grow and flourish over time. By cultivating patience and a strategic approach, we can let our money work for us, ultimately leading to more substantial and sustainable financial rewards.

It’s crucial to understand that consistent income from the stock market is unrealistic, and the notion of becoming wealthy through smart strategies is simply a short-term mantra.

The truth is that successful investing requires patience, knowledge, and a solid understanding of financial principles. Let’s keep investing simple, uncomplicated, and boring.

“When there are multiple solutions to a problem, choose the simplest one.” – Jack Bogle