This work identifies and explains those mutual funds and direct stock purchases available for nominal monthly cost. It offers small investors specific, prescriptive suggestions about affordable investments. Craig Israelson demonstrates the performance differentials over time between lump sum investments and investments made monthly - often referred to as dollar-cost averaging - arguing that because most publicly available information assumes a lump sum investment, reinvestment of dividends, no additional investments, and no withdrawls, that today's small investors are somewhat misled; their investment returns will seldom, if ever, match published returns. Historical data illustrates which funds are best suited for each different investment approach.
