From Personality Tests to Portfolio Changes – And My Husband Wants to Start Swing Trading

A number of years ago, I took an extensive leadership training course. I was skeptical when they handed out personality tests and took them under silent protest.

In hindsight, those tests taught me more than almost anything else.

I’ve learned why I react differently in different situations, and I’ve become better at understanding which of my traits is most useful at any given moment. Sometimes I even allow myself to use the “wrong” quality if it leads to the best outcome.

One of my strongest traits is that I dislike change. I’m extremely conservative by nature.

Our portfolio has been 100% dividend stocks for many years — with good results. But the world doesn’t stand still. My husband, who loves change far more than I do, and I have decided to evolve our strategy and add growth stocks as well. Although both strategies are long-term, I needed time to adjust. That adjustment period was barely over when he casually mentioned something about swing trading.

We’ve barely begun with growth stocks, and he’s already looking at the next step. Before I know it, he’ll probably suggest day trading too.

The fact that he hasn’t traded me in for a new wife after 32 years is honestly beyond me. I must have more personalities than I realize.