So what can you do to get better results than those achieved by average investor?

Bogle is known for his support of index funds to reduce fund costs. We agree that this is certainly part of solution. We also feel that you should choose fund companies and products whose management fees are among lowest.

But, unfortunately, indexing to S&P 500 would not have helped you a great deal during last 5 years; total return for this itself somewhat undiversified index of U.S. large cap stocks has been a miserable -1.6%. And, unfortunately, human nature, and changing financial and personal circumstances make it all more difficult to hold any investment year after year for a decade or two, as would have been required to emulate results above.

Even if you are confident in your own research or rely on data provided by a trusted resource, I still recommend that you consider how above data might be affecting how well you are really doing in your investments, year after year.

For more thoughts on how to avoid losing above 6.6% annual return, largest part of why average mutual fund investor underperforms, you should invest a little time checking out some of relevant articles at my site at http://funds-newsletter.com

4.Shred any receipts and documents containing account numbers, policy numbers, or other personal information that could aid a thief in taking your identity. Trash diggers are known to target dumpsters for personal financial information.

5.Opt out of pre-approved credit card offers. You can opt out of receiving these annoying and potentially dangerous offers simply by calling toll-free at 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). You will be mailed a form asking for your Social Security Number, however, in this case, it?s safe to give it to them so they can remove you from their database.

Don't let someone else live a life of leisure at your expense. Taking these simple steps to protect your identity will pay off for you long term by saving you countless hours of time and aggravation trying to restore your credit and your good name.

Monica Ricci has been an organizing specialist since 1999, and her motivational presentations teach effective organizing and simplifying techniques for home and work. She also offers free email tips and ideas on how to make life simpler and more organized. Her topics include clutter control, paper management, time management, organizing space and procrastination.Contact Monica at 770-569-2642 or Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com.