Yeah, doesn't seem to understand the difference between saving and speculation. There are investments across that spectrum, but his recommendations are all speculative.
Yeah, but I think the point Ben is making here is that time is slipping away, and saving it isn't enough, people need to grow it.
The only useful fact that I ever got out of college economics is that there are two ways to make money.
One is to earn money through working.
The other is to put your savings to work, so that your money earns money for you.
BTW, that is one great tag line you have there!
"...putting it in the Fidelity Fund (FFIDX) or the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSMX) until you're 55, then putting half of it into the Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FTBFX) or Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX)."
"When you get to 65, put half of it into a fixed or variable annuity -- chosen so you know what every dime in expenses goes for and without buying anything you don't need or understand -- and then know you won't totally run out of money ever (see "A Retirement Portfolio With Staying Power"). Or do something else with a reputable financial planner. "
That is not very speculative. You have a diversified portfolio that increasingly becomes invested in conservative vehicles like a fixed or variable annuity and investment grade, high rated bonds. It is very conservative, perhaps too conservative.