Episode 202 - Want a More Prosperous Financial Future? Focus on the Things You Can Control. Advice from Jonathan Clements

Published: Sept. 20, 2017, 4 a.m.

b'Jonathan Clements spent almost 20 years as the primary personal finance columnist at The Wall Street Journal. He contacted Jim more than 30 times for quotes and recommendations to include in his column. They both share a passion for improving financial literacy. Jonathan is the author of multiple personal finance books, including How to Think About Money. Clearly, he has spent plenty of time thinking about how the markets behave and \\u2013 perhaps just as important \\u2013 how investors behave.

On tonight\\u2019s edition of The Lange Money Hour, Jonathan will share his reflections and observations on some of the financial topics that have occupied his mind in 2017, including:

Taming Your Instincts: One of the biggest hurdles investors face is learning to tame their hardwired instincts\\u2014good for survival, not so good for modern financial markets. Jonathan will suggest strategies for keeping your emotions in check, such as automating your investments and removing temptation, but he is also convinced that using \\u201csocial pressure\\u201d is an effective way to strengthen resolve and tame the beast.

Missing Ambition: When you help your children and grandchildren out financially are you sapping their desire to strike out and achieve success on their own? Is there an effective and responsible way to provide the next generation with a safety net without killing their ambition? Jonathan shares his thoughts.

Emerging Markets: Developing markets offer both low valuations and upward price momentum. Further, they don\\u2019t face the demographic headwinds that confront the developed world\\u2014an aging population that\\u2019s already hampering economic growth in the U.S. Learn why, despite the potential rollercoaster ride, Clements is a fan of emerging market investments.

Recognizing Luck: Don\\u2019t assume that everyone who has been successful financially is more skilled or knowledgeable than you. Jonathan will discuss the role that luck can play in the markets \\u2013 and why those who play the long game are typically the consistent winners.

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