inflation concerns

[shultice24]

Inflation is not just the cost of money (interest rates). Commodity prices and value of the dollar are where it will hurt your pocketbook most if you don't have debt.

That's a really good point. For those who want to really take an active role in preparing for the possibility of inflation (or simply diversify some more), there are some index funds that give you direct exposure to the commodity markets.

One that I really like is the PowerShares Deutsche Bank Agricultural Fund (DBA), which consists of 25% holdings of corn, soybeans, wheat, and sugar futures. Other than actually growing your own food, there aren't many better ways to prepare for higher costs in the grocery store and elsewhere.

DBC is very similar, but broader than simply ag (Crude, heating oil, gold, etc.). I really like these two funds. They are structured as a partnership, so you have to deal with a K-1 instead of a 1099, but other than that it's pretty easy to get exposure to these markets.

[Brad VanGuard]

Hey I think that you've got some great quotes there. I really like the one that says what money you spend today will affect how you live tomorrow. Great quote.