[player24]

[ QUOTE ]
The first thing to learn in any gambling game is when not to play/fold your hand. I suggest you go with a diversified portfolio rather than try to 'make money'.

If you have less than $500,000 I suggest you spend your time on ways to increase your earned income. For example instead of reading investment books, read all material related to whatever field your are working in.
1) learn who the most important people in your field are.
2) learn who can give you a promotion (hint it is not likely to be your boss).

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree, in general, he is going to create wealth by working, not by generating 'excess' investment returns.

But, at $500,000 I think the bar is a bit high. Once he has a diversified core, there is no reason why he can't tinker around at the margin. He can establish a diversified core portfolio with $10,000.

Although his priority should relate to his employment/career, there is no harm in having a secondary priority (aside from poker, which should not be in the top ten, IMO).