One good thing (perhaps the only good thing) coming out of the current financial meltdown is that I no longer have to listen to the self-serving hype of financial "advisors" claiming to know what is best for me ... such as:

1. "There is no better investment a person can make than buying a house."

A particular favorite of real estate agents and the National Association of Realtors.

2. "A diversified stock portfolio is the best investment...