How monopoly is like investing

[Matthew Paul]

I was playing Monopoly with my 2 boys this afternoon . It was an experience . They are 11 and 14 . My 14 year old was the greedy landlord who laughed as he collected the rent . until his younger brother put hotels on boardwalk and wiped him out the next turn . The 11 year old thought he was smart and cut a deal with me to buy park place earlier in the game , but part of the deal was he wouldnt charge me rent on ANY property HE owned . It wasnt long till he realized how BAD of a deal he cut . And he soon had to sell me HIS properties .  Naturally they both complained this wasnt "fair" .  I just started laughing .  " Boys I live this every day for real , not a game , life isnt fair , never make a deal based on emotion . Having lots of properties and no cash isnt a good thing . When you have LOTS of cash , put some away for emergencies . "

Then one said " Dad you didnt let us win "   

Thats right guys I didnt , and I dont let people beat me in real life either . If I did we would be poor . Life lessons guys , if you come in second , you still lost .