Investing 102

[ErikLS2]

Oh Greg almighty! Have you taken a look at TSLA Tesla? I know it's had a huge run-up lately but it recently was rated the best car Consumer Reports has EVER tested. They are putting up their Supercharger centers quickly among other things. I'm fully hybrid trained and certified and all that, and thinking of trying to go to work for them, they don't even have service centers set-up in Phoenix yet.

I know it's speculative but thinking about putting a little play money (that I can afford to lose) in it and see what happens. Just wondering what the Investing 102 guru thinks? If their is going to be a big time electric car player it looks they they'll be in the running for sure.

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by ErikLS2

Oh Greg almighty! Have you taken a look at TSLA Tesla? I know it's had a huge run-up lately but it recently was rated the best car Consumer Reports has EVER tested. They are putting up their Supercharger centers quickly among other things. I'm fully hybrid trained and certified and all that, and thinking of trying to go to work for them, they don't even have service centers set-up in Phoenix yet.

I know it's speculative but thinking about putting a little play money (that I can afford to lose) in it and see what happens. Just wondering what the Investing 102 guru thinks? If their is going to be a big time electric car player it looks they they'll be in the running for sure.

A buddy just took delivery of his and absolutely LOVES it... last night a lawyer buddy was here for dinner and he's thinking he might buy one... dumping his MBZ S55...


So here's my take on it as an investment. If I was a young guy and had some play money - I'd be buying it. I'd also EXPECT it to be a bit of a wild ride... this is a new manufacturer - building a new technology - THERE WILL BE BUMPS IN THE ROAD. A battery recall - a new model that doesn't sell - etc... but I agree with you - they seem to have a good grip on what they're doing.

As a car guy -- we've all been talking about this company. The downside of this rather expensive car is either the lack of charging stations - the time it takes to re-charge - or the batteries capable of getting some range out of it.

Tony would like to drive it over to Sun Valley from Seattle - as we'll be over there... but can't figure out how it would work - because he'd need to make a two day trip out of what should be a one day drive. The reason - charging... but WHERE is he going to be able to charge....

He and my lawyer buddy just commute to downtown and home again for work -- and this car works flawlessly for that... the problem is doing almost anything else. And it's a chicken and an egg issue -- not enough cars to justify charging stations - not enough charging stations to justify buying a car... And NO STANDARD set for the type of plug in etc.

I think all this will be over come eventually.... and more people will want this technology.

[WSSix]

In my opinion, another thing to think about possibly is what is your particular take on their direction, goals, product etc. Sure, we are here to make money with our investments but another aspect is what/who are you willing to support. There are companies I flat out will not support so I will not invest my money in them regardless of how good of an investment it is. Maybe that's naive or flat out dumb but I don't care. Meanwhile, there are others I invest in simply because I believe in what they are doing. Now that Tesla has paid back their loan and to me is showing they are serious about making a car versus get government loans, receive fat paychecks, and then declare bunkruptcy I may start looking into them, too. Could it pay off in the long run? I don't know. I do however believe in supporting real alternatives to energy and transportation. So, I think I'll put my money behind my beliefs to an extent of course. I'm certainly not going to bet the farm on this type of investment. Your opinion may vary.

[GregWeld]

Trey -- That's good thinking -- and there's nothing wrong with investing what you believe in and leaving other stuff alone. I'm more of a whore when it comes to that stuff -- thus my investments in Altria (MO) even though it's tobacco and booze... and I do neither of those! I just like it that others are willing to pay me to go have fun while they kill themselves!


That's been the drum beat of this entire thread -- just look around -- invest in what you see and know and understand --- it's not rocket science -- and in fact, people make mistakes and loose money when they stray from that line of investing.

[GregWeld]

Well the last couple days were a little wild... hope some of you were able to get in on the two day sale!


Bought more LULU down at $66.... but regardless of where it goes from here I've hit my share limit (5000) so we'll kick back now and see where that goes. You guys can watch me get sliced and diced or (hopefully) see this play out favorably. It will take MONTHS.... because nothing is going to happen until the search for a new CEO is finalized. Depending on who they hire -- (MY GUESS) -- will make or break this investment. I really invested in the company (my initial 1000 share purchase) because I like the company --- then the big event (CEO "quits").... and the shares tank. Stuff like this happens in investing. You have to learn to deal with it. It's why you NEVER put money into ANYTHING that you may need down the road. Remember the little guy on Wall Street knows everything -- and he knows you're gambling -- and he'll know you need the money -- and he's there to kill you!!

Anyone in the gold or silver market??? You're getting absolutely killed --- and gold and silver don't pay you to wait. That market is like playing oil futures - better left for the big boys.

[GregWeld]

How many of you are learning to only buy on down days.....???

[toy71camaro]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

How many of you are learning to only buy on down days.....???

If i had new money to put to work.. i would. LOL. But then again, it all depends on where the market is "headed" which, of course, is some what of a crap shoot.

For me, its more important with my smaller budget, and longer long term horizon to just "get it in" the market, than trying to time a good/bad day. As a "bad day" might be a while down the road and i'd miss the good days between now and then...