Yes, the answer is obvious, save more for retirement.  This can be done no matter what you make.  I could work at McDonalds and still save 10% of my earnings every month with two kids.  What does that mean? It means living within my means no matter what, and "rationing" if necessary to achieve that 10%.  Why, because y...more

Large Cap Index Mutual Funds have NOT returned 6% on a consistent basis.

I am tired of these investment examples showing 6-8% average annual returns.  Come on Liz, are you kidding me!!  Stop spitting out the sales pitches from the mutual fund industry.  The S&P 500 returns for the last 5 years has averaged 1.3%.  Extend that period for 10 years and the average return is 5.1%.  I agree we ne...more

I thought this article would tell me "Just where in the 99% are you?.  It didn't.  It tells me if I make more than $343,927 I would be in the top 1%. If I make $32,396 a year, you're in the top 50% of wage earners.  Anywhere else, no answers.  How about a Pareto Chart showing the top 10%, 20%, 30%, and so on.  I wish I...more

People, it always makes sense to pay off your debt as fast as you can.  Don't use this silly article as an excuse.  Building a $500 emergency fund in the bank at 1% while you are paying 18% on credit card debt is totally stupid.  The article says that the risk is that if you have an emergency like a car repair, that yo...more

Hey J12120, what a great informative post.  I many others appreciate you sharing your past investment advisor experiences over the last 4.5 years.  I and others will benefit from you sharing this information.  Best of luck to you on your investments going forward.  At least you have stopped the bleeding and have learne...more