Opt for a fixed-rate rather than an adjustable-rate mortgage.

Opposites may attract, but I wouldn't put my money on a relationship of financial opposites.

I have never been a fan of bond funds. Unlike a direct investment in an individual bond that you can hold to maturity and be assured you will get your principal back (assuming no default), a fund has no finite maturity date and most funds are actively traded.

Every portfolio benefits from bonds; they provide a cushion when the stock market hits a rough patch. But avoiding stocks completely could mean your investment won't grow any faster than the rate of inflation.

The world does not need another credit card.

People often panic when the markets go down and sell off their stocks - but then they aren't in the game when the markets are doing well.

Bad debt is sacrificing your future day needs for your present day desires.