The Best Predictor of Investment Success: Cost

"In every single time period and data point tested, 
low-cost funds beat high-cost funds." 

Earn 10-12% with 10 low-cost mutual funds. 
Diversify in all markets, countries, sectors. 
Pay NO taxes and NO commissions/loads. 
You pay less and earn more. 

According to an unbiased Morningstar study, low-cost funds beat high-cost funds PERIOD. It is a myth of Wall Street that you must pay more for good performance. You are just paying for the Wolf of Wall Street's toys. Other Wall Street myths: Buy low, sell high; manager tenure; proven performer; get in on ground floor; concentrate portfolio. 
Warren Buffett, the master of investing, disagrees: 

"A very low-cost index is going to beat a majority of the amateur-managed money or professionally-managed money." 

Mr Buffett said, "My wealth has come from a combination of living in America, some lucky genes, and compound interest." 
Compounding high investment earnings is money earning money on its prior earnings over time. Simple but powerful. 
The only way to compound our money is to leave it alone and pay NO taxes and NO commissions/loads. Our investments can then compound at 10-12% per year over time. The average investor earned JUST 3.69% instead of 11.11% because of the Wall Street myths--paying higher fees and trading often.  Pay less, earn more!