We learned that mutual funds can be used for tax sheltering, have built in diversification, have a manager, and have fees which are explicit and reasonable. When I studied Invesco's other funds, I changed from the bond fund into Technology, Industrial Income and Financial Services funds. Even in a large organization, I knew what I wanted which made it possible to customize my plan. District statistics reports that only 25,000 employees are making contributions out of a total of 61,000 eligible. These books show how people from modest backgrounds with modest incomes can attain comfortable wealth.
Themes are a frugal living style and knowing the important difference between saving and investing.
Ignorance of personal finances breeds a misunderstanding of risk. Some teachers are conservative with their money as if to tell me that I may be reckless with mine. A starting point is acknowledging that any choice has risk. We agree that doing nothing may be the greatest risk. From here on the definition of risk becomes individualized depending on your financial goals and tolerance for risk.