So unless you're a top sensei yourself, don't try to beat the market. Instead, cast the widest net possible using index funds. Buy a fund that tracks the S&P 500 or maybe even the entire U.S. stock market. If you're able to lock in the gains of the market--roughly 10 percent a year, historically--you will have accomplished a vast amount.

You can sign up for automatic savings with your bank and broker online. Have a specific amount taken from your checking account each month and put into an index fund, low-fee variable annuity, or diversified mutual fund. Arrange for a second deduction to be put into a foreign index fund. "Fire and forget," as they say about the military's smart weapons.