Index Funds

I will admit that owning an Index Fund is boring. However, it will get you the best return on your money.

Managers of all the other funds are constantly trying to beat the market. How many of them are actually successful? Not to many. How many can do it consistently year after year? Basically none.
The costs of actively managed funds are too high. Most index funds have very low operating fees (.09%-.20%).

I want to make a bet with everyone. Put $1000 in a index fund that follows the S&P 500. And then you buy $1000 worth of stocks or other mutual funds. I will guarantee that after 10 years the $1000 you put in the Index Fund will be worth more than the $1000 that you tired to 'beat the market' with.

Here are a few Index Funds that you might want to look into:

SSGA S&P 500 INDEX (SVSPX)

VANGUARD 500 INDEX (VFINX)

Fidelity Spartan 500 Index Investor (FSMKX)

DOW JONES WILSHIRE 5000 INDEX (WFIVX)

Keep in mind that there are many more Index Funds from basically every brokerage company. Do not pay a transaction fee for any fund. Buying loaded funds or fund with high expense ratios is not a good idea.