Trying to beat the market is only going to bite you in the long run. Unless you work for Goldman Sachs or have extensive finance training, you’re only falling victim to irrational psychological biases. Academic theory, especially the stuff coming out the U. of Chicago, has shown time and time again that the average person, no matter how-well intentioned, cannot consistent beat the market. If you want to risk retiring with nothing and having to live solely off social security checks that’s fine with me, but for your own sake and your family I hope you come to the realization that you are gambling, not investing. Try reading “A Random Walk Down Wall Street.” It will change your life.

Personally, I’m invested in index funds, 40% in an S&P 500 ETF, 35% in a MSCI International ETF, and 25% in a corporate bond fund. I rebalance once a year.