7 market myths that make investors poorer

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http://www.marketwatch.com/story/7-market-myths-that-make-investors-poorer-2014-07-08

Financial markets are complex dynamic systems, populated by irrational and biased participants. Because of this we have a tendency not only to misunderstand how the financial markets function, but we tend to buy into myths that often harm our financial well-being.

But by better understanding the financial markets, ourselves and the behavioral flaws that drive these persistent myths we can increase our odds of achieving our financial goals. Here’s what investors need to watch out for:

1. You too can be Warren Buffett

Over the last 30 years the world’s greatest investor has come to be idolized. But the way Warren Buffett has amassed enormous wealth is often misunderstood. The myth of the simpleton from Omaha who just picks “value” stocks has driven an entire generation to fall for the myth that they can easily replicate what Buffett does.

Make no mistake — Buffett is not a simple value-stock picker. What he has built is far more complex and resembles something that few retail investors can even come close to replicating.

Berkshire Hathaway BRK.A-0.11% BRK.B-0.21% , Buffett’s firm, essentially acts as a multi-strategy hedge fund. Berkshire engages in sophisticated insurance underwriting, complex fixed-income strategies, multi-strategy equity approaches and tactics that more resemble a private equity firm than a value-based brokerage account. Replicating this isn’t just difficult — it might well be impossible.

A dose of practical realism. There's some solid advice in this article.

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1. Nice article

Basically says don't think you're a trader at Goldman Sachs just because you have a 401k mutual fund. Be realistic and prudent.