Models for investing in the stock market...
Femur: I am an adherent to the Efficient Market Hypothesis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_efficiency) and thus try to capture the market (through index funds) and minimize cost.Ideally, the best way to do this is own multiple non-correlated indexes (Example: Gold and the S&P500 are negatively correlated).  I own my indexes through Vanguard.A well diversified portfolio that owns stocks (of all capitalization both foreign and domestic), bonds (treasuries and corporate foreign and domestic), real estate, commodities (Gold, Silver etc) and Cash (multiple currencies) will generally provide positive stable returns continually.In my opinion the big "to-do" with most peoples 401ks is that they are VERY poorly diversified and way to heavy in stocks.