[tommy2]

First of all, thanks to all who commented--there were some good ideas generated. I will open a Roth IRA this year and put my money into it. That should eliminate some of my tax concerns.

As to transaction costs hurting my returns: I hear ya. My thought is that this ends up being more like a forced savings program for me. I set it up and am able to put this money in without thinking about it too much. I like the Sharebuilder concept personally, it allows me to buy into BRK without having $2,700 + transaction costs. Maybe there is something wrong with that thought process, but there is some psychological gain for me to know that I am able to put my meager money in the hands of one of the best managers around. GeorgeF I would like to hear what your specific concerns are with this concept. Maybe I am missing something.

Finally, I do spend a good amount of money on myself and my career. This is just extra dough that I would blow on eating out or other such nonesense that I would rather save.

PS At what point do I have enough money to start talking to a FA?