I closed out 2016 with a heavy sigh of relief, grateful that the roller coaster ride filled with political drama, Brexit, economic uncertainty and a wishy-washy Fed was finally over. Personally, I’m ready to move on and embrace the new opportunities that are waiting in 2017.

For my final article of 2016, I listed four key things to form a plan of attack for 2017. I also asked you to write in and tell me what your No. 1 priority for 2017 is and what you’re most worried about. Here are some of the responses that I received:

From George

My biggest concern about investing is losing money. I am very new to the stock market, and I don’t really know what I am doing. I found an ad from Paul and subscribed to Profits Unlimited. I found out about you through that subscription. If I am fortunate enough to see gains, I would like to enroll in more programs. I feel like the more I am able to learn, the better off I will be in the long run. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a part of this program.

From Renee

Great service! I follow Paul mainly, and it’s been really fun learning and investing, especially since I became a stay-at-home mom this year after a 15-plus-year career in public health. I am a bit of a workaholic, but it’s tough to commit to too much work from home with my little daughter growing so fast. This service has allowed me to “work” and feel like I am contributing without stressing about my lack of time and ability to meet deadlines.

My concern right now (since you asked) is that I would like to make income as I go (i.e., for me that means swing trading) while investing in those long-term stocks as well, because buy and hold seems a bit risky right now, and investment income helps pay down student debt, etc. I don’t know if folks there would consider this a strategy or advise on it, but it would be appreciated since I am a relatively new trader.

Again, thanks for the great service. I always love reading the emails, and I’m looking forward to this year with Banyan Hill Publishing!

From Dan

Throughout the 2016 election process, I had conversations with friends of mine about what’s important to them. There were different answers such as welfare, health care and immigration. When they asked me what I thought was important, I had to say the No. 1 thing of concern for me is our national debt. To my surprise, they knew nothing about the topic. Our debt has escalated to heights unimaginable to me. Add the interest rate in, and you have an ever-growing amount that sooner than later we will not be able to control!

It’s kind of like when someone maxes out their credit card and proceeds to get another one or two. They start to pay more and more interest and less and less on the principle. Soon they can’t keep up on the payments and have no choice but to go bankrupt. Our national debt is on a much grander scale! I don’t think our country can afford to go bankrupt. I don’t know what can be done about this, but I’m all ears if someone has the answer!

From Juanita

I am looking forward, with great enthusiasm, to learning how to invest in “replay” stocks in other countries as well as in the United States. In addition, I am looking forward to reading Jeff Opdyke’s book, Replay. I look forward to making some money!

From Bill

Well, my only goal for 2017 would be to establish an income stream from the markets so that I could retire again from the rat race. I lost everything in 2010 to 2013 and had to return to work for income. I’m 62 and want to stay home and trade stocks for income. My daily goal is $500, and I want to get that done this year. I believe it is possible so my bride and I can get out of the rat race to focus on our grandkids and our two boys, two girls and their spouses. Even if I fell short and could get my wife out, which would only be $100 a day, that would be great.

From Jim

My 2017 concerns are as follows:

  • The wild card I voted for named Donald and his half-life.
  • The $20 trillion in debt they let us see and another $150 trillion kept nicely buried while Rome burns financially.
  • The blurred line between right and wrong, while daily sacrificing every ounce of decency and moral clarity for achievement at any cost.
  • Future generations of “adults” who have lost their ability to see, feel and find the truth on their own, remembering only what they were spoon-fed the day before.

Thanks to everyone who has written in. I am aiming to return to our “wage experiment” discussion next week, where I receive many more great comments.

To those with the goal of trading and increasing their wealth in 2017, I am excited to say that we will be launching a new free daily newsletter next week called Winning Investor Daily. We have brought on new experts, and the newsletter will be focused on ways to preserve and grow your wealth in the new year. In this new daily letter, you’ll be hearing from Chad Shoop, Paul and Michael Carr.

I am looking forward to conquering 2017 with you.

Regards,
Income, Debt and Winning in 2017
Jocelynn Smith
Sr. Managing Editor, Banyan Hill Publishing