"Know when to hold - and when to fold"

'YOU GOTTA KNOW WHEN TO HOLD - AND WHEN TO FOLD".

Great song by Kenny Rogers. But how do we know when that is?

Always a puzzle for me to solve when the question involves personal investments. Let's just say
I wouldn't be all that anxious to tally up my score on Facebook.

However, based on the ever increasing almost daily swings before the bell rings at closing time, it would appear I'm not alone. Many folks have struggled with the conumdrum  posed by Kenny.

Failing to fold at the right time is not limited to the market either. Folks have won and lost fortunes after debating their final choice at the betting window. Quite often they've backed the wrong horse  and spent a lot of time searching for someone else's tickets strewing the grandstand floor.

Decisions - Decisions- Decisions.

Some of these challenges we pass on to our thoughtful kids, especially when Hallmark or personal calendars suggest to them it's time to buy Dad that "just right" gift for the appropriate (?) occasion.

.The thing is that - at a certain age for most of us middle class guys - we basically have all the creature comforts necessary to enjoy retirement, and thus present  a tough target to hit..

My answer is either, "don't need anything but much appreciate the thought", "put it on your kid's student loans" etc.

One response that appears to be workable for both parties is:"Hey, I can always use a gift certificate for  Amazon."

The thinking here is that although there is nothing on my gift bucket list, maybe that will change.

Perhaps down the road while sitting in the recliner and attempting unsuccessfully to turn on CNN and NOT get a commercial immediately, I may spot something there I can't possibly do without.

Could be I'll feel a sudden and possibly irrational desire to get one of those robot sweepers that picks up marbles before docking itself and awaits you to mosey over with an outstretched hand and stroke the head of the sweeper in a well deserved display of gratitude.

Then, possibly, as a feel good confirming follow-up, I'll mutter something totally indiscernible like:  "Looks like our work is done here, Tonto.".

So, let's sum this up and possibly reach a conclusion to our search - one that in my case is usually accompanied by gazing deeply into the bathroom mirror for a heart to heart talk with myself:.

"Let's see - you're semi-comfortable financially, you've learned your lessons on picking stocks that
immediately fell off the grid, your floors are relatively clean, you've satisfied a comfy need for both you and your kids, and you're turning into a Liberal after over 60 years of voting Republican?"

Hmmm, maybe you Have mastered that whole "hold and fold" thing.

Thank you Donald.