A New Model for Investing (In Things That Matter)

I've been watching the stock market in the last month or so run through an amazing array of ups, downs and sideways. Like most folks, I have become increasingly skeptical of the math, science, psychology and technology behind the stock market.

I've always known the market was skewed toward the big guys - but I used to think that if you followed in the tracks of the big guys, you might still fare well. It's clear from the massive typo a couple of weeks back that caused the market to tumble almost 1,000 points, that's just not true anymore. It's left me even more leery of the machinations of the markets of late.

Not that I have piles of money to invest anyway. But the money I do have to invest is staying close to home these days. I've decided that the best way to manage my money is to spend it on important things - like fixing the leaking faucet, getting a few new plants for the front porch, or buying really high quality food to cook and bake with.

When it's all said and done, the old cliched adage really does hold true - the best investment is in yourself. Granted, the notion of what that investment looks like has changed over the past decade. In the height of economic prosperity (aka bubbles), that investment seemed more like buying the latest 52" big screen TV. Now, after a painfully recessionary squeeze, that investment has been boiled down to basics - what you do to invest in your health, wellness and happiness. After all, those are investments that gain in value and as any wise investor will tell you, those are the ones to look for.

Healthy food is a great place to start that investment since good, healthy, organic food forms the foundation of good nutrition that supports health and wellness at every age. Invest in exercise and active leisure activities - from golf lessons to hiking to kayaking or mountain biking. [Not sure where to look? I'm a big fan of REI.] Try something new and exciting and active. What great dividends you'll earn from that investment.

After you've taken care of yourself, you might want to look at how you can invest in your local community. There are millions of small companies across the nation that no longer have access to bank funding or equity (investor) capital. They still need capital to expand and they form the foundation of your community as well as our country's economy. (shopOrganic.com is one of them - click here for details).

Look at the business practices of the companies you do business with - whether locally owned or part of a larger, national company. Do they treat customers, vendors, employees and their community well? Do their employees seem content or even (gasp) happy? Local or not, there are some companies whose business practices are stellar and investing your shopping dollars with those companies is another way of investing intelligently.

Invest in local businesses - start a local investment club or support your local business with your purchases. You'll find you have a lot more control than spinning the wheel on the stock market and you'll benefit directly by supporting a sustainable local economy.

Thoughts? Comments? Love to hear 'em.

Now, go out there and enjoy your day!