[Nathans_Dad]

I do my own investing. I have had 2 financial planners in the past, neither of which I was very impressed with. Funny how the mutual funds they offer tend to be the ones that give them the best commissions.

I don't have too much in my accounts yet (less than $50k) but that will be changing in the next few years after I get out of the military. I know some people really just don't have an interest in the market or investing and want someone else to take care of it for them. For those people I would say get a planner. For anyone who has an interest, I think you can do pretty darn well on your own.

I have been doing my own investing for about 4 years now and have done better than either of my planners did. Plus I agree with the statement that no one cares about my money more than me.

I use index funds for the core of my portfolio, Vanguard tends to have the lowest fees that I have seen for indexes. It gives me a solid diversification in the portfolio, then I have about 30% in individual stocks. I am young so none of my stuff is in bonds or other more conservative vehicles.

I say do it yourself!!