Re: Motley Fool books and services
Dear Duck Rabbit,
"The Four Pillars of Investing -- Lessions for Building a Winning Portfolio" is probably a must for you.... The author is William J. Bernstein via McGraw Hill. This book has been recommended by a few other guys on this Internet site. I'm sure there are a few other good books out there, but other guys will have to recommend them. Also; Author Larry E. Swedroe's books are written by a guy who recommends no-load funds and an asset balanced stable of funds.
For guys starting out in IRA or preferably Roth IRAs; it would be best to buy no-load asset balanced mutuals funds -- funds like "Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 (VTIVX)." When you are young and only have a relatively small dollar amount in IRAs, it is best to start out with asset balanced funds -- the reason is obvious (it's hard to divesify when there is a minimum amount that can be invested in specific funds). Also when you are young; you want to be agressive as possible because you have time on your side (discounting all the factors and Monday morning quarterbacking -- if I knew 25 years ago what I know now --I conservatively estimate I would now have at least twice my current assets -- easily).
Say after 5, 10 years down the line; and your Roth Ira has a lot more $$ in it -- you can diversify with more individual specific funds such as the European, Pacific, Emerging Markets, etc, etc.
Duck, you are lucky to have some very smart guys on this Internet site who know the ropes. Good Luck
Carl
PS: Also learn about ETFs -- they can be a great asset to your investment methods. Use good extreme brokerage houses; and about the spreads (bid & ask) to minimize the somewhat hidden expenses when buying and selling shares.
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