Pssst ... Want an Investing Secret? Know Thyself First

Take some time grazing through the business ordo (on occasion).
investing section of your favorite local bookstore andThough really... who knows how far a downturn can
you'll discover that virtually every literary business orgo? Timing is equally as important. Buy a penny stock
stock guru has some great secrets (sometoo soon and you risk some financial embarrassment.
simple...some not) that (apparently) can help you bustHmmm...embarrassment now, versus potential gain
the penny stock market wide-open.later.
For example, Warren Buffett advises: First, don't loseNo matter how you slice it...scandals and disasters do
money. Second, never forget rule number one. Andopen the door to potential bargains. Where to find
Third, wait for the perfect investment and dothe bargains? It may sound simple... but watch the
nothing until then.news... read the paper. Do your own due diligence and
Ben Graham (Warren Buffett's teacher) advised toascertain whether or not the market over reacted
buy stocks below working capital or below workingand what the bottom price is you're willing to pay.
capital less all debt. Peter Lynch used to say, followAs one analyst opined, "If you can do that, you can
the earnings. If they rise, so too will the stocks.make money when everyone else is losing their
Seth Klarman suggests you have two things: gutsheads."
and patience. For that is what you will need toHave a good sense of what you're looking for and
withstand the market panics and plunges; which isbe honest with yourself about your own financial
when Klarman recommends you buy.knowledge. Be realistic in your expectations of profit
The market, he says, is fond of making mountainsand return. It's easy to get carried away when things
out of molehills and making regular business setbacksare flying high... and to panic when they fall off
appear as catastrophes. Meaning... the vast majorityabruptly. Trust me.
of penny stock panics are overdone. In fact, that isWhile this may seem pretty obvious...it never is when
when Klarman says you should buy.you're in the heat of the moment. And for penny
What if there are no panics to buy into? You muststock investors that are accustomed to market
have patience. And yes...that is easier said than done.volatility...those moments are not as rare as you
While "guts" are recommended...how many of usmight think.
really have what it takes to buy penny stocks in theStill, after everything's said and done...when it comes
midst of crashes, disaster and downturns? I certainlyto penny stocks...there's never reward without risk.