Simple is Sophisticated: My Grandchildren’s “Rich as Croesus” Strategy

Solon and Croesus by Gerard van Honthorst (1624)

My father-in law Dick Young wrote this timeless issue in May 2006 in his monthly strategy report: Richard C. Young’s Intelligence Report. Check back in a week or so for more on one of my favorite investing lessons. As you can see I have a somewhat vested interest in the results.

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Simple Is Sophisticated

Debbie and I recently made the pilgrimage to Vermont’s Authentic Designs (www.authentic-designs.com) to order much of the inside and outside lighting for a New England home we are renovating. At a most bucolic setting, skilled craftsmen turn out masterful creations with the aid of 150 year-old machines. On one such machine was taped the company’s guiding principle: Simple Is Sophisticated.

Authentic Designs & Simplicity

America’s oldest manufacturer of colonial and early American lighting fixtures likes to keep things simple and tidy. Whenever feasible, manufacturing operations at West Rupert, Vermont’s Authentic Designs are hand ones, helping to eliminate the cold, artificial uniformity created by mass production techniques. All exposed metal parts are individually cut, bent, and shaped, using methods employed two centuries ago.

Over the decades that I have been writing to you, I have steadfastly emphasized the “keep it simple” approach to investing. And henceforward, I’m going to embellish my keep-it-simple wording with Authentic Designs’ “simple is sophisticated.” I think this fabulous little old-world manufacturing company has beaten me to the punch with its great catchphrase.

Rich as Croesus

I want you to begin on your quest for sophistication through simplicity by focusing laser-like on compound interest. Here is an amazing story. I call it my grandchildren’s “rich as Croesus” strategy. (Croesus was the last king of Lydia from 560–547 B.C.)

Be sure to check out Authentic Designs.

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E.J. Smith - Your Survival Guy

E.J. Smith is Founder of YourSurvivalGuy.com, Managing Director at Richard C. Young & Co., Ltd., a Managing Editor of Richardcyoung.com, and Editor-in-Chief of Youngresearch.com. His focus at all times is on preparing clients and readers for “Times Like These.” E.J. graduated from Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with a B.S. in finance and investments. In 1995, E.J. began his investment career at Fidelity Investments in Boston before joining Richard C. Young & Co., Ltd. in 1998. E.J. has trained at Sig Sauer Academy in Epping, NH. His first drum set was a 5-piece Slingerland with Zildjians. He grew-up worshiping Neil Peart (RIP) of the band Rush, and loves the song Tom Sawyer—the name of his family’s boat, a Grady-White Canyon 306. He grew up in Mattapoisett, MA, an idyllic small town on the water near Cape Cod. He spends time in Newport, RI and Bartlett, NH—both as far away from Wall Street as one could mentally get. The Newport office is on a quiet, tree lined street not far from the harbor and the log cabin in Bartlett, NH, the “Live Free or Die” state, sits on the edge of the White Mountain National Forest. He enjoys spending time in Key West and Paris. Please get in touch with E.J. at ejsmith@yoursurvivalguy.com To sign up for my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter, click here.