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E_Ransom comments on Open thread, 25-31 August 2014 - Less Wrong Discussion
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I'm wanting to start an investment class anyway. We have a lot of near-retirees panicking because the state's pension plan they're on is almost worthless. So a lot of patrons are wanting to find ways at the last minute to bolster their income. Not the ideal target audience, sure, but it'd be a start. I'm hoping to eventually attract the middle-aged and newly married who can really benefit from learning to invest now.
Who will teach the class?
"Here's how to open a (insert online investing resource here) account. Here is what percentage of index funds vs bonds to buy at different ages and risk tolerances. Here are which things to buy. Do not buy stocks. Go forth and invest."
You don't need a financial professional to teach that, but you might need a good teacher. You have to take an unfamiliar process and make it familiar and approachable so that people actually do it.
What makes you sure an online investing (=trading) account is appropriate for a given person?
What makes you think a mix of (presumably) large-cap equity and bonds -- and nothing else -- in a certain proportion is an optimal mix looking forward?
Do tell. Which things to buy?
I think that the library class that will do people the most good is one that just gets people with more than a month's budget in their bank account to open an investing account and buy literally two things, one low-risk moderate-return and one high-expected-return. My recommendations in the absence of actually doing research would be US federal bonds and an index fund of small-cap stocks - likely not optimal, but even more likely better than a saving's account.
I have a few potential resources in the area. One from a local firm. With the right resources and help I could also personally present the materials.