- 1997: Volume 6, No. 2 Trader's Coach

Dear Coach:

I have earned a good living from stocks for the last fifteen years. I've always made fun of the methods of commodities traders making decisions by following waves and such of the markets, but now I am beginning to find it fascinating. Should I indulge?

Looking at Surf's Up1

Dear Surf's Up:

You are already enjoying the process of making money. Why rock the boat? Look for a challenge in an area that won't cost you your investment money unless you really want the challenge, expense, time commitment and possible aggravation that go with getting into the futures market. Lie down on a surfboard in your pool. If you catch a wave, order another mai-tai.

Dear Coach:

My fiancee is becoming increasingly uncomfortable with me being a trader. Consequently, I question myself and as a result I am losing. What should I do?

Torn Between Two Lovers

Dear Torn:

Your choices at this point are to give up your fiancŽ, give up your trading, or educate your fiancŽ so she can support the profession that you have chosen for yourself. I can assure you her discomfort will become even greater when you are married. You need to handle this issue before going any further or you wont have any positive choices.

Dear Coach:

I can't seem to stop the negative chatter when I want to pull the trigger. Can you advise me?

Negative Chatter Box

Dear Chatter Box:

Listen to the chatter and write it down. If it is not reasonable, replace it with chatter that supports your taking action. Hear the new chatter in your head while mentally rehearsing pulling the trigger on a good set up. Repeat this until it becomes an automatic response.

Dear Coach:

My wife and I are retiring. I want some excitement so I thought I would get into the commodities business. My wife is scared. What do you advise?

In Search of Excitement

Dear In Search Of:

Your wife is smart to be scared since over 90% of the people who get into the commodities business fail. The fact that you want excitement from your trading is an additional reason for her to be scared because this is one of the fastest ways to lose your money. If you have a passion that absolutely must be satisfied by trading commodities, then tally-ho. But remember what they say about the fox. With what you have presented, I have to side with your wife.