Smart investments

[Inconel710]

I agree with BadShot. Don't just go with what your buddies are doing - get advice from a professional. A certified financial planner is not only going to advise you on investing, they're going to look at your whole financial life. Do you have life insurance? Do you have college funds for the kids? Are you carrying too much debt? Do you have a will or an estate plan? There so much more to it than just investing. If you're not ready to talk to a certified financial planner (I haven't - yet) at least pay attention to what they are saying. For financial advice, I've come to really appreciate the honesty and professionalism of Ric Edelman and Dave Ramsey.

Edelman has written several books (The Truth About Money and The Lies About Money are probably the best) and has a weekend radio show. I don't know if it's on any of the radio stations around here because I get the podcast version and listen when I can. He gives solid, no nonsense, investing advice and preaches diversification. He also gives a lot of free advice on his website. I used it as my guide to diversifying my investments last year and it's served me well.

Dave Ramsey is on a bunch of radio stations around here for three hours everyday or you can get a one hour podcast free everyday. Dave's advice is more about handling your financial life in general - getting on a budget, setting goals, getting out of debt, dealing with creditors, etc. He's also got some books and does live events (I'm going to his event in the Springs on March 26th), but he comes at from a Christian perspective which puts some people off.

When you do talk to a planner, be wary of salesmen. An easy test is to ask them how they feel about annuities. If they think annuities are great and everyone should have them, you should RUN - all they're thinking of is the fat commision they want to earn off of you. There's alot more to it - Edelman lists 18 questions to ask a prospective CFP - but that's an easy one.

Good luck!

[Great-Kazoo]

i don't have shit but our house. and i'd off that for good deal. of course the garage is kind of small and not much area for toy projects.

[2008f450]

Gold is what im planning on for futre funding. I have been prospecting for it for years and have been able to put a fair amount away in the safe.

[gnihcraes]

Fixed Index Annuities

put a bunch of my money in one recently, instant payback, guarantee that I get my whole amount back + interest in 10 years. No market fluctuations.

Sometimes it's good to have a financial advisor, sometimes it's not.