How to Stay Away from Losing Financial Trends?

As someone who grew up in the 80s, I know all about investment trends. Back then, I remember being SO excited when I got hold of a “Cabbage Patch Kid” because they were all the rage.

I thought that just because they were extremely popular then, I was gonna be rich forever. I rode on that dream for quite a while, but of course, that (sadly) wasn’t the case. 

Dreaming Big

Sure, I was just a kid with BIG dreams, but I wasn’t the only one. Others were racing to the stores to get hold of trendy items they thought would provide them with wealth in the future. 

This ranged from anything like Pokemon cards to the Gameboy. And let me tell you—these people were serious about collecting. Take Cabbage Patch Kids, for example: adults would literally fight over them!

I’m dead serious. Don’t believe it? Well, take a look at this collector’s article, all about Cabbage Patch Kids. They were all the rage in the 80s, but would you pay a lot of money for one now.

For the most part, the answer seems to be no. Other than a couple specific Cabbage Patch Kids, these toys aren’t worth much. And yet, they were HUGE investment trends in the 80s!

Nowadays, not many people are interested in buying your gross old toy. But that wasn’t always the case. In 1983 these creepy little dolls were popular commodities. The public was obsessed with them, and then the craze just... ended. Cabbage Patch Kids may not be anything worthwhile to the eye today, but in that short time, they were everything. 

Just like any other fad, it ended almost as soon as it started. It set sail on the high of its popularity, but in the end, it sank to the bottom of the ocean. 

This is how it is with all investment trends: they blast off in popularity (even though it’s typically not a necessary item) and then go downhill fast. 

Want to know the worst part of this? If someone had put their money towards something else—the NASDAQ Index, for example—they could be rich now. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my Cabbage Patch stunt, it’s that trends are NOT our friends. 

It’s totally alright to like popular things, but maybe take a second before putting loads of money into them. Stop and answer a few questions first: 

Also read: Clear Habit Journal

Why is it Popular?

Why is this item popular? Is there actually a need for it or is it only popular because of the masses? Does it seem like something meaningful enough to be popular years from now? Thinking back to most investment trends, the answer to all of these yields resounding negatives.  

If it seems like it’s too good to be true, it probably is. One thing that trended pretty recently is Bitcoin. In 2017, Bitcoin was worth about $19k. This was the height of its popularity. 

Then it dropped steadily leading to today—the bitcoin is now only worth about $8k. Yet, just like with any other investment trend, people were enamored with it.

The thought of becoming wealthy in the future based on a smart purchase in the present is extremely appealing to most, and because of this want, bad investments are made with fads.

So, How Do You Keep Away From Investment Trends?

The answer, my friends, is to be careful. Make sure you’re truly thinking about the worth of a purchase before you put your money towards it. 

After that, if you really think that you’ve found something worthwhile (or it just brings you joy), you can go for it! But make sure you don’t swim out too far into those waters; stay in the shallow end to get a taste while keeping safe. Don’t follow investment trends just because they’re popular!

I recommend reading, How to Stop Impulse Buying

Wants vs. Needs

One of the biggest financial mistakes people make is confusing their wants with their needs. Just because you want something doesn’t mean you need it. Before making any purchase, big or small, ask yourself whether it’s a want or a need.

If it’s something you can live without, it’s probably a want.

Wants are not bad, per se. But if you spend all your money on wants, you’ll have little to no room in your budget for needs. This can lead to financial problems down the road. So, how can you tell the difference between a want and a need?

Needs are necessities, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Wants are items that would be nice to have but are not essential, such as a new car or a fancy coffee maker.

Some people might argue that certain items can be both a want and a need. For example, a new pair of shoes could be considered a need if your old pair is falling apart and you can’t afford to buy a new pair.

The key is to be mindful of your spending and to understand that not every purchase you make has to be a need. If you can stick to this mindset, you’ll be on your way to avoiding financial problems. The Shifting Landscape of Financial Services

One area that plays a significant role in the financial services sector today is the integration of technology and innovation. With the rise of artificial intelligence and data analytics, financial services organizations continually seek ways to enhance their services and stay ahead of the curve.

From online banking to investment management platforms, technology has revolutionized how we interact with financial institutions.

Moreover, venture capital firms are also making waves in the financial industry. They are actively investing in fintech startups and other innovative financial services providers, driving the evolution of the financial sector even further. These investments not only benefit startups but also create opportunities for banking customers to access cutting-edge financial products and services.

Also Read: Morning Routine Checklist for Adults

However, amidst all the technological advancements, data security remains a top concern for financial firms and banking customers alike. As financial institutions collect and process vast amounts of sensitive data, ensuring its protection is paramount.

Cybersecurity measures have become a crucial aspect of the financial services industry, with financial organizations investing heavily in safeguarding their systems and customer information.

As you consider your investment options, it's essential to keep an eye on the trends shaping the financial services industry. The integration of technology, the rise of venture capital firms, and the focus on data security are all crucial factors to consider.

With the financial landscape constantly evolving, it's vital to keep your financial life well-balanced. Review your investments regularly, both in the stock market and other financial institutions, to ensure they align with your objectives.

Final Thoughts

Staying away from losing financial trends requires a cautious approach and a clear understanding of the distinction between wants and needs. While investment trends may spark excitement and promise quick wealth, history has shown that many of these fads eventually fade away, leaving investors with little to show for their enthusiasm.

It is crucial to carefully evaluate the worth and longevity of a potential investment before committing significant funds. Additionally, keeping a well-balanced financial life and staying informed about the shifting landscape of financial services trends can help you make more informed decisions and safeguard your financial future.

By avoiding impulsive investments and focusing on long-term strategies, we can navigate the ever-changing world of financial services firms with greater confidence and resilience.

One Last Tip

When it comes to managing your money, everything needs to be balanced well.

Reserve some time to go over what you’re currently investing your money in and see how well-balanced it is—that means everything from your home to the stock market.

By doing this, you’ll know just how much work you need to do to center your financial life and prepare for any big investments!