A way to save on policy premiums is to accept a very high deductible and keep a small fund around to pay the first few hundred dollars yourself. The insurance companies avoid costly nuisance claims and lower rates accordingly. Makes good sense. There are two common mistakes car-owners make. Until Congress changes the rules substantially, it's going to be very difficult for people without group coverage through work, Medicare, or Medicade to find affordable health insurance.
Research is worthless.
The costs of management virtually guarantee the that average fund will underperform the market. Management's selling of stocks creates tax liabilities over which fund owners have no control. One can pay taxes on a fund which has declined in value. If mutual funds appear the most desirable vehicle, at least stick to the index funds. They are cheap to operate, incur few taxable selling events, and will outperform most other funds over the long haul.