This book employs scientific evidence to examine why humans tend to make poor investment choices. Most investors continue to see their investment results harmed by the book’s two main themes: fear and greed. Fear and greed are human emotions that are as old as history, even prehistory. The bible also cites fear, greed, envy, and desire as destructive influences, so this has been going on for a long time.

These emotions are so deeply rooted and strong. Unless recognized and dealt with appropriately, emotions will keep you from reaching your investment goals. Humans are hardwired to sell at the bottom and buy at the peak of a market cycle.

Don’t think that the news will help you determine the direction of the next market cycle. Fear or greed often will convince an investor to sell out at the bottom of a market correction. Many investors buy at the top of a speculative bubble. The news feeds the destructive impulses. Take a moment to reflect that the media isn’t your friend. Stop, reflect, and take a deep breath. In the book, I call that step "pause and reflect."

We humans are flawed. Our imperfections show up in the way we invest. With training, an investor can build good investment habits. Trust in the process as you listen about our ancestor’s trials and triumphs. Perhaps you will see how the pieces all fit together.

In conclusion, humans are not created with flaws. We are not mistakes. We are this way for a reason. We were given free will and the ability to learn and profit from the mistakes of others. Once you’ve gotten good at it, it is your duty to spread the good word to your fellow homo sapiens and show them the way.

Dale Buckner has spent his 25-year career as a financial planner helping people avoid the mistakes that wreck most financial plans. He has the academic credentials: a BS, MBA, the designation as a Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner, and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®.

Dale has hosted a financial radio program for two decades. He's heard it all while in the trenches, solving people's problems and helping guide them through some of the most violent market swings in the history of the stock market. His experience and sage advice can help you avoid tragic mistakes like selling at the bottom of a market cycle or buying into a bubble.

Dale helps clients achieve their financial and personal goals using Life Stage Planning, an advanced form of financial planning he developed with the help of the Certified Financial Planning® course work.

Dale is a Registered Principal and offers securities through United Planners Financial Services, member FINRA and SIPC. He holds security licenses Series 7, 24, 63, and 65, and has been insurance licensed since 1988. Dale offers financial planning and investment counseling through his Registered Investment Advisory firm, Dale Buckner, Inc. Dale Buckner, Inc. and United Planners Financial Services are not affiliated.