During the many years that I have been investing, there have been a number of rules which have enhanced my financial safety. Although I sometimes tend to forget some rules in pursuing investing objectives, the following "15 keys to financial safety" are generally good rules to keep in mind. These rules might even keep "greed" and "fear" at bay.

(1.) Remember that a person's career provides wealth. Investments only enhance career income; they don't supplant it.

(2.) Do not assume that wealth can be replaced if lost by speculation or lost by currency depreciation.

(3.) Do not use leverage for investments because things don't happen "on schedule"!

(4.) No one can accurately predict the future for more than a few moments ahead. We live in an uncertain world- - - changes are standard procedure.

(5.) No person can move in and out of investments with precise timing. A very successful investor once said that he always bought a bit late and always sold a bit early, but he typically made money.

(6.) No trading system will provide returns in the future as well as it has in the past.

(7.) Recognize the gap between investing and speculating. Investing is being satisfied with a reasonable return for the times; speculating is attempting to do better. (i.e. "The bulls and the bears make money; the pigs don't).

(8.) Make your own investment decisions. If you need an adviser, consider the possibility that your investments may be too complex.

(9.) Refrain from pursuing investments which you don't fully understand. (Like "I don't understand how Ponzi can guarantee those high returns").

(10.) Have (and maintain) some investments outside the USA, or outside your home country if the USA is not. (Sometimes the grass is really greener on the other side of the fence).

(11.) Beware of tax avoidance schemes. Many are like skating on thin ice (and see #9, above).

(12.) For safety, diversify into various vehicles.

(13.) Create a balanced portfolio. Also, re-balance regularly to maintain a balanced portfolio.

(14.) Speculation is sometimes valid, but speculate only with money that you can afford to lose. Remember, a 50% loss requires a 100% gain to get back to "even".

(15.) Enjoy your profits because money is an enabling device; it's not an end in itself.