A lesson in investing

Months ago, my husband and I thought we found a propitious investment opportunity. Being offered are five-year leasing rights for stalls in a newly built community market not very far from our place. Since his business involves buying and selling fresh fish and seafood, we thought this venture would not be unfamiliar. And so after checking out the market and weeks of discussion, we applied for a stall and had it reserved. We spent a big part of our savings to pay for the five-year right, stall renovation, water and electricity connection and some other necessities.


We were, in fact, so excited of the business prospect we really went hands-on in planning our next move. We even made friends with other stall owners who could promote our stall. Even though I was skeptical at first, eventually I was the one who could not wait for the grand opening. When it came, however, we were disappointed at its un-grandness. There were very few, if there were any at all, goers and almost no one bought. Even though it was just the first day, it was surely a bad start and we started to worry.

A month later, the situation got worse but the administration announced its plan to have a second grand opening. I was no longer interested, but my husband was still hopeful. I was convinced our decision to invest was a mistake, first because of the poor management; second because of a long-standing market very close to the new one, which makes it a bad investment choice after all. We knew this early on but the guys from the market office swayed us into believing that the old market will soon close. Soon enough, but too late since we have already paid the non-refundable down payment, we found out this was not true.

Setting aside the regret and disappointment over our wasted money, time and opportunity, we knew we learned hard financial lessons that came with costly repercussions. Study thoroughly every opportunity and consider the work done to earn precious money before putting it in for investment. Think of the additional work needed. Every new investment means new responsibilities. And spend a healthy time (at least a month) to think over and scientifically examine the pros and cons of investing.