Consequences of Procrastination

As seen on the "Breaking News" ticker on most televised news broadcasts today, the global economy is in a rut and the stocks are slumping as a result. Senioritis hit me a bit hard yesterday and I neglected to keep a watchful eye on my investments, many of which are now tanking and as a result, I'm losing money. This experience is negative, but positive in that I can now discuss with first-hand accounts, the dangers of passive investing, even if just one day is spent away from the charts. There's not much else to say other than I will be selling stock in my worst performer, Walter Energy (WLT) and will await economic stimulation and/or big insider moves before making another purchase.

April 17 Totals:

• Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM)- Open $32.70 Close $31.02
• Total for 50 shares: $1551 ($69 loss) *sell if falls below $1350 total

• BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (BDSI)- Open $4.99 Close $4.82
• Total for 230 shares: $1,108.60 ($4.60 gain since 4/15/13)

• MetroPCS (PCS)- Open $11.10 Close $11.02
• Total for 51 shares $562.02 ($1.53 loss since 4/15)

• Rambus Inc. (RMBS)- Open $7.20 Close $6.82
• Total for 150 shares: $1,023 ($49.50 loss)

• Walter Energy, Inc. (WLT)- Open $20.00 Close $18.54
• Total after selling 50 shares: $927 ($103 loss since 4/15, $259.50 loss since initial investment)

• Treasury Bond- $2,000 

• Financial Adviser cost: $200 loss

Having not paid attention to my assets for one day, the result was a $218.43 total loss in the market and changes in my pocket money from $2,171.78 to $2,898.78, accounting for the financial adviser costs and recovered money from Walter Energy. Today was largely directed toward saving some funds more so than seeking growth, and loss prevention may be the strategy for a few more days. As a whole, I have lost $400 to advisory costs and $259.50 that I won't see from Walter Energy again, but will hopefully be recovered elsewhere.