The Crow and the Pitcher
The Crow and the Pitcher is a famous Aesop fable. The crow is thirsty and stumbles across a pitcher of water, but he can’t reach the water because the neck of the pitcher is too narrow. The crow picks up small rocks and pebbles to drop them into the pitcher and raise the water level. His plan works, and he’s able to get his drink.
As investors, we can learn much from the action of the crow. If we invest a little money systematically, it will eventually grow.
Investing $100 per month into Vanguard’s S&P 500 index fund grew substantially over time. Here’s how much the account balance was worth after each decade.[1]
- 10 years = $23,812.
- 20 years = $64,815.
- 30 years = $180,228.
- 40 years = $673,745.
Ignore the market turbulence, invest always, focus on your long-term goals, and good things will happen.
A bird is three things: feathers, flight and song, and feathers are the least of these. ~ Marjorie Allen Seiffert
August 27, 2019
Bill Parrott, CFP®, CKA® is the President and CEO of Parrott Wealth Management located in Austin, Texas. Parrott Wealth Management is a fee-only, fiduciary, registered investment advisor firm. Our goal is to remove complexity, confusion, and worry from the investment and financial planning process so our clients can pursue a life of purpose. Our firm does not have an asset or fee minimum, and we work with anybody who needs financial help regardless of age, income, or asset level.
Note: Investments are not guaranteed and do involve risk. Your returns may differ than those posted in this blog. PWM is not a tax advisor, nor do we give tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor for items that are specific to your situation. Options involve risk and aren’t suitable for every investor.
Illustration credit = Campwillowlake
[1] Morningstar Office Hypothetical. VFINX, month end July 31, 2019.