If you had $10,000 laying around...

[Muzzle of Bees]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I think you will be unlucky to lose money investing in an index fund over the long term. It simply mirrors the health of the U.S. economy. Over the long run the U.S. economy will do better. How the average worker in that economy fares over the long run is another matter but big companies will keeep on keeping on.

As to your second point, It will be too much effort to sustain employment after age 65 if you fail to invest at all.

But I agree, the average investor has wasted a lot of time and money trying to pick and choose their way to positive long-term performance in the stock markets.
Assett diversification, over the long run is a better use of time and fees. However that diversfication needs to include at least some stake in the stock market, preferably as Mr. Buffett has demonstrated, in a fund that simply buys the whole U.S. stock market without any active management fees. A very simple investment that any worker, no matter how educated, can take advantage of. And is nearly impossible to beat over a 10 year period to boot. win win. Just make sure you don't have all your money in stocks, or all your money in your house, or all your money in some gold coins because Richard Petty buys gold too.

I did not say dont save or invest. You can still save money and ivest in items you feel will appreciate. I just dont think its wise to give money to investment firms or ask for their advise. I was in the market for about 13 years and when I did the math I barely made any money when I sold out. It is crap shoot not a guarentee.