Worst Investment Tools

Everyone has to save for the future, right? What if you're behind the 8-ball, eyeing retirement in the not-too-distant future, and barely 2 cents to rub together? If this is you, then the sound advice would be "get thyself to a financial planner," and quick. Probably better plan on working a few extra years past 65, as well.

Well, not everyone is as savvy as you and me. People do some crazy things with respect to saving money. You won't believe what some actually call a "retirement plan."

1. Playing the Lottery

Who needs to save money? It can be given to you by the state, right? Lotto games are alluring with their promises of big payouts, but those who repeatedly play the game generally lose far more than they ever put in. Did you know that your chances of being struck by lightening are greater than winning the Lotto jackpot? The multi-state games have even greater odds... against you! I've read that the lottery is the tax the state levies against those stupid enough to play. At least you can look around at the new prisons and other facilities funded by your state and be proud of your investment. Click on this tool that will actually calculate your chances of striking it rich. Now, maybe you should take your dollars and buy a latte instead.

2. Waiting for inheritance

Sure, maybe grandma has a nice pearl collection, or even some enviable property. But to await the day when you may (emphasis on the term may) inherit some money is ludicrous. First, who knows how long your relative may live. Second, if your relative has expensive medical bills or needs long-term hospitalization, the pot will definitely get depleted. Third, how many other vultures... er, cousins, are also waiting for their piece of the pie? What is actually set forth in grandma's will may be surprising - even shocking. Just look at Leona Helmsy's will. She gave most of her fortune to her dog! $12 million! Finally, remember that a will must go through probate and be subject to taxes. After the government and the lawyers get their share, there may be slim pickings left over.

3. Get-Rich-Quick Schemes

We've all seen them. The infomercials that promise a quick buck for not much effort. "Buy real estate and re-sell it for much more!!!!" To me, this is even worse than gambling. At least when you enter the lotto, you should know that your chances of winning are next to nil.

Many countries outlaw Ponzi schemes and pyramid schemes. And some "business investment" models dance pretty close to the edge of what is, and is not legal. Just so you are aware, a "pyramid scheme" is a business model wherein the person gets money just for enrolling others in the scheme. In other words, the emphasis is not on selling products, but getting others to sign up to sell products, as well. Its questionable whether products are ever actually sold or delivered. Pyramid schemes are illegal in the United States, Canada, France, Australia, and New Zealand, among other countries.

As described on Wikipedia, a "Ponzi scheme" is "a fraudulent investment operation that involves paying abnormally high returns ("profits") to investors out of the money paid in by subsequent investors, rather than from net revenues generated by any real business. It is named after Charles Ponzi."

In addition, the allure of being able to earn a lot of money selling goods on eBay, or signing up to do medical billing or sales as a stay-at-home mom should definitely be taken with a grain of salt and a hugely skeptical eye. The people that they trot out as their successful models are always the exception to the rule. Selling goods on eBay can be expensive and time-consuming. And once again, you are gambling on someone bidding on your products and following through with a purchase. So many of those "make-money-at-home" promises also require inordinate effort that is rarely rewarded. Be careful before signing up. You will likely be sorely disappointed.

4. Taking out another mortgage on the house

Talk about gambling! Even if you have owned your home for quite some time, the idea of taking out a second mortgage or refinancing to get more money out of your home is definitely risky. To state the obvious, when you mortgage your house, you're taking out a loan against it. Because the house is the collateral for the bank's money, you could risk losing your home if the market goes south and prices plummet. Just look at the current real estate market situation that some people are in! If your house becomes less than what you bought it for - or mortgaged - you are stuck. You don't want to risk bankruptcy by leveraging your home ownership to the max. Think carefully before you risk one of your most important investments!

Some retirees even consider the option of a "reverse mortgage." At first blush, it sounds promising. But without proper guidance, people who take out these loans - and yes, they are loans that have to be repaid - may not realize that they are potentially losing the ability to pass down the property to their inheritants. Read more in the link below about how this significantly impacted one woman:

Investing for the future is a long-term goal. You must work towards retirement for a number of years, rather than think that chance will sweep in and save you for your lack of foresight. If you are within 5-10 years of retirement and have little to show for your savings, it is highly recommended that you seek professional advice as soon as possible. But even if you are still under 50, you can correct early mistakes now. Don't wait for someone - or something - else to fund your golden years. Plan ahead now and take appropriate steps that will situate you and your loved ones for the best retirement possible. This is not something that should be left to chance!

Don't leave the best years of your life to chance. Plan ahead now, particularly if you are close to retirement. Don't take unnecessary chances. Most of all, you should not rely on someone else, beyond your control, with respect to your financial future!