Ben Stein on Getting Rich

Say what you will about Ben Stein, but I like him. Probably known best (much to his chagrin I am sure) for his small role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day off” where he calls attendance and calls out, “Bueller, Bueller, Bueller….”. Good stuff.

Ben writes a column over at Yahoo’s finance section. He is probably one of the most down to earth, realistic writers out there when it comes to Wall Street, mutual funds, and making your money grow.

His most recent article, “A Formula for Long-Term Happiness” has a great quote in it that, more realistically than any other advise given out there, spells out how to have a secure retirement:

So, today’s lessons: Know your limitations; stay sober; be patient; and don’t swing for the fences — just save regularly and consistently in obvious choices like index funds. Those “secrets” will get you to a happy, confident later life.

At the end of the day there is no secret to investing. I completely agree with Ben that consistency and diversification is what is most important.