Its only when you want something, you realise you don't have it. And with money, it's no different.
We all want to be rich and retire with enough money to satisfy our lifestyles. But it requires sacrifice and foresight. We won't get there by following what everyone else does because as the saying goes, what leads most people into debt? Trying to catch up with people who are already there.
We need to put in place a set of goals with a long-term perspective by planting the seeds of success early. That's why we go to school at the beginning of our lives, not the end.
In the words of Warren Buffett: "Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." Buffett planted his seeds in the stock market at a young age and has watched his fortune balloon. Growing it more in the last 25 years than his first 50 years.
It is in the stock market where even everyday investors can carve out a fortune for themselves. Between 1900 and 2010 the Australian stock market returned an average of 11.8% per annum. If you bought $10,000 worth of shares 40 years ago, your personal portfolio would now be worth $886,000. That's only $10,000 at the market average!
So if you're looking to sit in the shade (or in a Ferrari) when you retire, the obvious place to start sowing the seeds of success is in the stock market. Here are three top ideas you can buy today and hold for a lifetime.
The first of which is Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) which has a rich history dating back to 1904. It distributes the products of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO). The US giant was one of Buffett's greatest investments, which he purchased in 1988. He still holds shares today.
Cash Converters International Ltd (ASX: CCV) is also a bargain waiting to be snapped-up, its brand is renowned throughout Australia and the UK, but this is yet to be realised in its share price. It has plans to grow its presence in New Zealand and throughout South America.
Resmed Inc (ASX: RMD) is a developer and wholesaler of respiratory products throughout the world. It has a growing presence internationally but has a long-way to grow as more and more of us realise the benefits of getting a good night's sleep!
Foolish takeaway
Even if you achieve the average stock market returns, it'll be better than not achieving any at all. History has proven that if you buy stocks in sustainable businesses and keep your money in the market through thick and thin, you'll come out the other end wiser and richer. As the economist says, the best time to buy stocks was yesterday, the second best time is today!
