Yes, we own/and have owned stock, in both private and publicly-traded companies. Of all the things I should have studied and haven't, investing well is probably at the top of the list.
I totally lack confidence in investing in equities. Have made some money, and lost a bit, too.
A few months ago, other than our Roth IRAs, I did a custodial sweep, and essentially all but closed my brokerage accounts. We hold most of what we have left, outside of the bank and land assets, in muni bonds, and one smaller side investment in some REITs. That last one I did against my better judgment. It was a diversification at the time.
A couple of months ago, I decided that I wanted every square inch of everything we owned to be totally free and clear. We were most of the way there, and some farms had never had liens on them; but, I wanted them all to be out of a bank's reach.
No one can just take what you have, if you have paid for it. The peace of mind of not owing anyone a payment for the first time in many years is worth the potential loss of earnings to me. We could have cashed out years ago, and didnt'...I don't know why; but, it's done now.
Next step is to continue to spread the savings around in several banks, staying beneath the FDIC limits of insurance in each one. I am also investing a bit as I go along in GS's 529 Plan, for his post-HS education.
My stock in our family's privately-owned corporation is worth a bit, but I couldn't really sell it off. That one is a sticky wicket...I'd rather not tackle it at present. I earn a few grand each year from what's invested there in my portion.
I would say that land has been and will continue to be our best investment. We are about 60% in growing timber, and that has historically been a decent position to take in our region. We are set to keep moving forward in contract hog production, and that has also historically paid us very well...compared to the stock market, it is at least the devil I know.
