Trust, But Verify: Why the Fine Print Matters More Than Promises

[Chris Seveney]

Ever heard the saying, “It’s not the big words but the small print that matters”? Well, it couldn’t be truer in the world of investing. I’ve seen a bunch of posts here over the past six month on BP where people seem to be betting big money (some call it investing) based purely on someone’s charm and word. Sure, risking $100 on someone's word is one thing, but when we’re talking about the kind of money that buys a nice car? Oh, it’s time to stop nodding and start reading!

Let's face it, contracts are like your best friend at a party—they’ve got your back when things go sideways. The old playground rule of "cross my heart and hope to die" doesn't quite cut it in the investment world.

So, before you dive wallet-first into your next big financial romance, here’s what you should do:

1. Actually, read the contract. Yeah, it’s as long and boring as a bad movie, but you got to sift through it—or better yet, get a lawyer who loves that kind of horror show.

2. Question everything that sounds too good to be true. If their promise has more sparkle than a diamond store, demand to see those glittering details in writing.

3. Follow up in an email with what they said. Every promise, every clause, every little detail should be down on paper. If they said "X" on the call, put that in the email and ask to confirm where in the contract/ppm etc. it states that. 

Investing isn’t just throwing money at your screen and hoping for the best. It’s about being smart, skeptical, and a bit of a detective work.