Introduction

[empedocles]

7. Sorry about the interruption, 4 yr old granddaughter had to go to the

pool before leaving with her parents for a few days.

Reading the responses to our OP, they look pretty good.

Vanguard was a good option. Another is American Century. I have both, but like AmCent better. The reason is, if things get really, really bad; even if you consider it a minimal possibility AmCent could be the better option. If things get really bad, bad inflation is possible. Then there are very, few investments that make sense. Nothing, not even T-bills is perfect. However, at some point before inflation hits, some gold funds are a very good idea. They will appreciate and you will have some buying power in a tough world. [As a very rough idea, DJIA between 15000 and points lower are time to consider some dollars into gold. AmCent has a gold fund, and you can transfer into from your existing AmCent account with a phone call.

Most mutual funds will handle most of the work in transferring from your existing account, into the given reputable mutual fund family, when you provide your account number and signature of the transferring entity.

Self education is necessary to protect yourself. Hiring 'an expert' often results in advice that first benefits the expert. That's the way much of the industry works.

Hope this helps.