I may have missed it but before I read all this, I would like to understand who my teacher is. Can you please post your qualifications? Thanks much!
I'm a FReeper with an opinion... ;-)
I also run my own company as a business analyst for the financial community. I do not have a 'degree' or 'certification' in investment consulting, so take all I say as 'food for thought' and nothing else.
I spent the last seven years working in the Investment Consulting industry, specifically in the area of administering CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designations. Most of the investment professionals that obtain this designation are CEO's, VP's, and other highly experienced consultants from across the nation, and spanning many countries.
I learned a lot during those seven years and have formed my opinions based on that knowledge. Nothing more. Nothing less.
So....don't go sell your 401k because you think I told you to. :-)