July 31, 2021 Issue, Page 23 of 32

Page Text

Community July 31, 2021 Fun for kids IC t Cher Brown works in her kindergarten classroom at Western Oklahoma Christian School. Classes begin August 11 at the campuses in Clinton, Weatherford Draw a picture on the chalkboard. and Elk City. There is still time to apply for admission by calling 580.323.9150 or going to www.wocs.org. Bitcoin: Investing “Concrete and carefree walkers are or speculating? not always compatible” Many people have decided business plans that bode well that bitcoin is the next big for the future. When they thing - and they are backing buy bonds, they seek those i, Caffectine Calana up their enthusiasm with dol- lars. Should you, too, consider with high credit ratings issued putting money into bitcoin or by the independent rating other cryptocurrencies? agencies. Focusing on qual- First of all, keep in mind an ity doesn't yield quick results, essential piece of financial ad- but it can instill confidence in vice: Don’t invest in something one’s investment choices. you don’t understand. And bit- They diversify their hold- coin is not easily understand- ings. If a downturn in the fi- able. There’s no physical bit- coin, nor is it backed by a bank nancial markets affects one type of asset particularly hard, er or government. It’s a digital currency, used for transactions and your portfolio contains With Andy & Renie Bowman on a decentralized network of a high concentration of that computers. The market's de- asset, your financial strategy mand for bitcoin largely deter- A daily two-mile walk is an a nose job and raise the cheek convinced that my nice friend mines its price, though other could be jeopardized. Long- excellent thing for many of us. do to this woman!” - can cause a factors are also involved. term investors reduce this risk formerly glassy-smooth stretch bones little, did we now? Well, will be forgiving of my suddenly And this price can vary by owning a variety of invest- Nothing like fresh air, exercise, of concrete to have ridges the I'm certain everyone will simply impolite behavior - whereas our widely. Since bitcoin was in- ments. While diversification and an invigorating conversa- size of Mt. Olympus. love it, once the bruising and rude sidewalk seems committed troduced in 2009, it has gone can’t guarantee profits or pro- tion with your walking buddy. ‘Thankfully, I didn’t land all that swelling goes away. But to unforgivable behavior akin to through periods of enormous tect against all losses, it can ‘Those four thousand + steps on my face. Much rather until then, you might want to a neighborhood bully. gains and precipitous declines. help reduce the impact of mar- can clear your thinking, give have sprains and fractures to avoid my little puppy, he scares Folks, keep exercising. Its short history has reminded market watchers of the burst- ket volatility on your portfolio. you more energy, and actu- complain about than have to rather easily, you know.” Keep enjoying what keeps you ing of the “dot.com” bubble in ally change your mood for the And here’s one more differ- endure facial reconstruction Am I going to give up active and smiling, But keep 2000 and the housing market ence between investors and better. and handle all the snarky quips outdoor walking? Nope, but ‘one eye out for aggressive and bubble in 2007. These results speculators: track record. In- Until one morning it doesn’t. and jokes that come with that Iam committing to ignoring bad-mannered sidewalks. One have raised the following ques- vestors put their money into A full-out body slam forward territory. “Well, hello there, my neighbor until I come to split-second encounter with a tion about purchasing bitcoin: companies that provide tan- Is it investing or speculating? gible goods and services, and onto concrete can change your Mrs. Bowman! Decided to have acomplete standstill. am vindictive piece of concrete can There’s a big difference be- life in just a split second. Leav- tween the two. Speculators en- these companies have histori- ing you to rely on someone else gage in risky transactions with cally grown with the overall for the simplest chores in your the hope of profiting from economy. Stocks and bonds daily living. Until your doctor short-term price fluctuations are established investment in various financial vehicles. vehicles with well-defined and (and your pain level) deems you Investors, on the other hand, regulated markets. Conse- able to accomplish things for yourself, Tasks like opening a Hammon 4-H @ FFA Booster Association BULLS stick with these practices: They follow a long-term quently, investors can assume pain pill bottle, or picking up a strategy. Real investors follow a certain degree of predictabil- ity, though, of course, stock glass of water to take that pain a long-term strategy based on their goals, risk tolerance and pill can be a little daunting, prices will always fluctuate in time horizon. Generally speak- the short term and there are when both hands are shrieking ing, long-term investors don't no guarantees against loss of at you for using them. $1500 ADDED MONEY| do a lot of buying and selling, principal. Cryptocurrencies, ‘The fractured elbow which saving on fees and potential on the other hand, are relative- also came with my fall doesn’t FOR BULLS taxes. But this “buy and hold” approach doesn’t mean inves- ly new, largely unpredictable easily lend itself to many parts tors put their portfolios on and will likely face increased of living that previously, I never $500 ADDED MONEY autopilot. Instead, they review regulation in the future, with gave much thought. Ever at- their portfolios at least once a the ultimate risk being an tempted to raise the footrest on FOR BARRELS year to make sure their invest- outright ban by some govern- your recliner when the lever is ment mix is still appropriate for their needs. ments. located on your helpless side? ‘They focus on quality. Long- You work hard for your mon- (Or worse, need to make a visit GOAT term investors stay away from ey ~ so think carefully about to the bathroom after drink- ROPING the flashier - and riskier - fi- nancial instruments. Instead, these investors seek qual- how you can best put it to use to help you reach your lifetime goals. ing a glass of water to take said pain pill, and find yourself ADMISSION 2921 ity. When they're considering trapped in that recliner with stocks, for example, they look the footrest up - because you This article was written by Bd- have ended up alone in the for companies with solid fun- damentals, including strong management teams, competi- ward Jones provided by Robert house for alittle while.) Stephens of Edward Jones Finan- ‘Take this writer’s word for tive products and services and cial Advisor. AUGUST 7 ETE DEAN RODEO it, folks, watch where you are walking. Taking for granted HAMMON, OKLAHOMA that the sidewalk is going to BARRELS FOLLOWED BY BULLS be smooth and level while you CASH ONLY ENTRY FEES: BARRELS - $50, BULLS - $100 are looking ahead to speak to. 100% PAYBACK Edward Jones, Member SIPC your neighbor? Not always ENTRIES OPEN NOW - 580-821-0206 a smart decision. Trust me, 2014 W. 3rd | Elk City, OK 73644 BOOKS OPEN AT 4:30pm EVENT STARTS AT 5:30pm eleteteces spiteful snickering trees that apparently can grow invasive Robert Stephens (580) 225-3156 roots overnight cooperating with a willing sidewalk, - “Hey Financial Advisor [email protected] guys, watch what we’re gonna