If you're uncomfortable with your financial advisor, it's probably with good reason.

Avoid greed and fear. These are the investor's Achilles heels. Keeping all your money in the bank earning 3% interest is just as foolish as dumping your entire savings into the market thinking you'll make a quick buck.

When a corporation goes into the marketplace to buy back its own stock, it means management thinks the stock is undervalued. This is a smart time to buy.

Invest in vanity. Buy stocks in high-profile companies whose products are designed to make you feel good and look good.

Sell before the holidays. Stock prices tend to rise on the last trading day before major holidays.

Bet on black. Buy low-debt or no-debt companies. When the economy is in trouble, these companies usually have enough cash on hand to stay out of trouble. And they seldom need to borrow when interest rates are high.

If you're uncomfortable with your financial advisor, it's probably with good reason.