Normally, emails flooding my in-box seems like a nasty plague.

That isn't the case anymore. Since joining IU, the number of convoluted conspiracy theories and threats against the world have died to a dull roar.

This is a new phenomenon for me. I actually look forward to comments and suggestions made by readers these days. On the whole, they're thoughtful, intelligent and extremely civil.

One of those this week came from my sister. This is also a precedent-setting experience. She has never commented, either in person or in writing, about something I've written regarding index funds and ETFs.

But a recent column warning of the dangers in taking free investing advice too seriously apparently hit a nerve. She sent me the following note:

Mr. Coleman,

I may be related to the guy who says he isn't "the smartest arrow in the quiver." I say this because I don't get the point of the article. Is it that you shouldn't listen to anyone's investment advice if their name rhymes with Oprah? What about those of us who do NOT have the a) time, or b) inclination to "slog" through the financial research it takes to form intelligent decisions? Who are we supposed to listen to?

Signed,

Sis-of-Dull-Bow

Great question. And one I can appreciate. My sister works as a teacher. The hours she puts in are almost as unreal as the pay she earns. She raises a family and manages to still stick a little away each month for their future. Does she have time to read Larry Swedroe's latest book, let alone DFA-basking feature? I don't think so.

Some people probably think that's a cop-out. You can always find time for things you really want to get done. But I can't blame her for preferring to tuck my nephew into bed each night and cook her husband nourishing meals rather than checking out IU's discussion boards.

Should she be punished? Nope. But I can't claim to have any sure bets up my sleeve. All I can offer is my humble experience.

Saving Isn't Always Exciting 

When I was in the Army, many of my friends went out on the town every weekend. I stayed in, preferring to save money and make the most of Uncle Sam's offer of free room and board. It was awfully dull around the barracks at times, but I got out enough to see the world around me and still save money.

After only a year, I was able to stash a nice bunch of cash. Combined with previous savings, I took a vacation break to go home and look for a financial advisor. Much to my chagrin, I went from appointment to appointment with little more than a pat on the back. Nobody wanted to give me the time of day.

Finally, at the end of a long day, one young advisor working for a small local bank showed interest in my situation. We talked for more than an hour. We struck up a fast friendship and he guided me for several years to see fantastic gains in my burgeoning portfolio.

But then hard times hit. The markets turned down and I started to read everything I could get my hands on about investing in mutual funds. I soon came to understand that this well-meaning, perfectly honest financial advisor knew just slightly more than I did about mutual funds.

His idea of diversification was to put half my money into growth funds and the other half into aggressive grow.

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