In a recent LinkedIn post, Michael Merlin explores the critical distinction between picking the “best” investment and the “right” investment, emphasizing the importance of personal alignment over market trends and external validation.
Merlin challenges common investor mindsets that are often driven by fear of missing out (FOMO) or the pursuit of perceived popularity. He highlights these as pitfalls:
“I need the highest return.”
“Everyone says this is the best option.”
“I’ll follow the trend.”
“What if I miss out?”
According to Merlin, these statements represent a flawed approach to investing. He argues that true investment wisdom lies not in chasing the highest returns or following the crowd, but in ensuring that investment choices are intrinsically suited to the individual’s specific circumstances and objectives.
The Pitfalls of Chasing ‘Best’ Over ‘Right’
Merlin elaborates on why the concept of “best” is often a misleading metric in personal finance. He points out that what might be considered the best investment for one person could be entirely unsuitable for another. This is where clarity and self-awareness become paramount.
As Michael Merlin notes:
“Best doesn’t always mean right for you
alignment with goals and risk matters more than hype
understanding your timeline beats chasing returns
patience compounds better than impulsive choices”
This perspective underscores the need for a personalized investment strategy. Merlin suggests that focusing on hype or external validation can lead investors astray, diverting them from choices that genuinely support their long-term financial well-being.
Key Principles for Strategic Investing
Merlin outlines several core principles that define smart investing. These principles shift the focus from external market signals to internal self-assessment and disciplined strategy.
Defining Your Financial Landscape
Merlin emphasizes that a clear understanding of one’s financial goals is the foundational step. This involves more than just a desire for wealth; it requires specific objectives, whether for retirement, a down payment, or other life events.
Matching Investments to Personal Risk Tolerance
A crucial element, as highlighted by Merlin, is aligning investment choices with an individual’s comfort level with risk. High-return investments often come with higher volatility, which may not be appropriate for everyone.
Considering Practical Factors
Beyond risk, Merlin advises considering practical aspects such as liquidity needs, investment timelines, and the ultimate purpose of the investment. These factors, he argues, are often more critical than the investment’s current popularity.
He further advises investors to:
- Avoid decisions based solely on popularity.
- Stay disciplined, even when markets fluctuate.
Merlin concludes his post with a powerful reminder of the long-term implications of today’s financial decisions, stating, “The choice you make today, determines the freedom you have tomorrow.” He encourages readers to critically assess their investment choices by asking, “Is this investment truly right for me, or just the ‘best’ I see?”
Merlin also promotes his book, “Financial Longevity: Increase Your Wealth Span, Spend Money Guilt-Free, and Gain the Confidence to Enjoy Your Bigger Future,” as a resource for those seeking to develop a more aligned and resilient investment strategy.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Michael Merlin on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on June 20, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →