Mostly me (I have a degree in economics). Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman are useless (I wouldn't trust either one of them with anything except basic advice on personal finances since their "good" advice can be found anywhere). I also consult with a personal adviser on occasion (I usually have to correct him/her) just to see if they have any insights into things I am missing. I do my own stock research (although most of my investments are in index funds that are diversified), and I read the business and finance sections of a number of newspapers and magazines daily, just to keep my finger on the pulse of the economy. And of course, you have to know how to interpret government data (which most people can't - you get a big picture from the reports, but very few journalists tie it together).
I had to ask myself, would the people I would take advice from be any more intelligent than me? If they are so much better than me, why aren't they rich and why are they working? I ended up picking the best performing asset allocation fund out of hundreds of funds available, based on my own observations. There are two kinds of advisors - one is a salesperson who has a vested interest in selling you a product which may not be good for you. The other is a person who may have different views about the proper mix of investments than you do.
My dad taught me a lot of the fundamentals.
My accountant.
My estate attorney.
My library (Learn to Earn, Millionaire Next Door, are two faves)
I make my own investment choices by doing my own research. I like ValueLine for individual stocks and you can get mutual fund stats anywhere.
I do enjoy the Motley Fool from time to time.
I have never read/seen Dave Ramsey, have occasionally seen Suze Orman (for pure entertainment), I don't read magazines like Money. I occasionally watch Jim Cramer because I think he's funny more than anything. I did listen to Bob Brinker from time to time a few years ago. Is he still around?
I cannot stress how important it is for anyone with substantial assets to have a periodic consultation with an estate attorney. That is stuff even an intelligent "regular joe" can't do properly on their own.
Dave Ramsey,
Ray Lucia,
Clark Howard.
Many other people whom I know, Who buy and sell real estate and stocks
