<THE FRIBBLE>
Monday, November 30, 1998

Testimonial Time

by Steven O. Argabright ([email protected])

Dear David and Tom,

Fool Nouveau here. After discovering your website about six months ago, I began disciplining myself in the Fool's School 13 Step program to Foolish recovery. I am a computer programmer with a wife and two preschool daughters. Believe me when I say that it is not always easy following your advice. Everything that I have ever learned about 401(k) programs has always been from the company's sacrificial spokesperson who was into the phrase "diversify, diversify, diversify." They would talk to me like they were my mother wagging her finger at me and saying, "You should have some of your money in this mutual fund, some more in this growth and income fund, bla, bla, bla..."

Armed with the knowledge you have provided us Fools (plus a copy of your recent foray into the mutual fund fee scam with the government), I was able to ask some pointed questions to the company spokesperson regarding his definition of the phrase "diversify" as applied to the Stock Index Funds. Oh boy, was that a kick! I have never seen anybody back-pedal so fast that their Oxfords leave skid marks!

I changed my 401(k) plan to a strict stock index fund, as per your advice, in January. Wow. I mean... wow. This is truly an impressive demonstration to the 401(k) ignorants everywhere. I have never seen such a viable increment in my retirement savings since I started this about a year and a half ago. My fund survived the recent October correction (i.e. It stayed in the black while all the other program funds sank like the Titanic). I only invest about 4% of my salary every month, and my company matches up to 2%. It is all I can afford right now since I am still working on that one step where you mention something about consolidating debt prior to becoming truly Foolish.

I really wish that I had learned this about 15 years ago. Your Investment Workbook was the perfect Dick-and-Jane primer that I have been looking for. The two of you have helped me greatly in the realization of my goals for my retirement and my children's education, and for that I thank you. I apologize if this sounds a little slobbery, but I promised my wife that I would write you and thank you for your inspirational and educational advice.

Fool Nouveau out.

Sincerely,

Steven O. Argabright

<% =headlines %>

Have a similar tale?
Talk about it in the Fribble Message Folder!

</THE FRIBBLE>