By Adrian Mastracci
North Shore News
Business Section, "Loose Change"
Sunday, August 5, 2001

As you will see, the winning recipe to tame the daily burden of information overload is short and simple. First, let's explore if this scenario sounds familiar.

You try to keep up to the business and economic news of the day, both local and global. Your goal is to achieve your unique financial independence.

You can search the internet, newspapers, television, radio, journals, investment newsletters, magazines, annual and quarterly reports, press releases. just to name a few.

Some analysts point to signs that the recession is here. Not a day later, another source disputes whether the recession exists at all. Then there is hope about improving retail sales from the previous month. Next, you find yourself browsing about renewed fears of inflation.

Familiar stock names appear in headlines, some with notable regularity. One opinion says that prices have bottomed. Then profit warnings rattle the markets and lower bottoms appear. A short time passes, the expert opinion changes again. It seems that fortunes are poised to turn up.

Some reports say the economy's outlook is turbulent. Soon thereafter, someone else reports that the economy shows signs of recovery. It seems that for every prediction of gloom there is one of optimism.

Are you confused yet? Is this the classic case of information overload?

My question is how do you make informed decisions with mountains of conflicting information at your fingertips?

Let me describe my winning recipe for taming the overload. Here is the baking procedure:

• Prepare your written asset allocation plan consistent with your personal goals. Wealth accumulation is a marathon, not a 100-yard dash.
  
  
• Have complete confidence in your chosen strategy before the implementation begins. There will be plenty of temptation for second guesses along the road.
  
  
• Have the discipline to stay the course throughout the inevitable correction periods. Yes, more are on the way and some corrections can be dramatic, frequent and lengthy.
  
  
• Be patient with your chosen personal strategy. Investment markets are volatile; hence, a longer time horizon increases the probability of success. Investments can be risky when the time horizon is short, defined as less than five years.
  
  
• Have the courage to ignore the daily volumes of conflicting research, predictions and advice available instantaneously from various media, trade publications and market gurus. Listen if you want, just don't get distracted by the constant noise.

Those who adopt the winning recipe will implement the essential tools and information filters for successful wealth accumulation, achieve better long-term results, and sleep well during the process. Do you have some baking to do?

NOTE: The information provided above is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute advice for anyone's specific situation. Everyone should always first consult directly with their advisors to determine the appropriateness of any information contained above before taking any action. KCM Wealth Management Inc. assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance upon the above information.