Low Risk, High Return Investments

An investment company, etrade or ameritrade (?) broadcasted a commercial that caught my attention. It went something like this: The narrator (a Law & Order actor) seriously described a seemingly happy couple, "both 30-years-old, just finished graduate school with 2 kids." He posed this question noddingly, "behind?". Taken aback by his matter-of-fact tone as he explained how without a sizable "nest egg" for retirement they (meaning me) shouldn't, couldn't, wouldn't be satisfied with life. Despite the twisted message, it was terrific marketing...preying on the insecurities of my family's financial future.

Truly, I'm disturbed by the thought that the way to "catch up" in life is to "live" for the future. Nothing against a cushy savings in stocks and bonds, I mean, I prefer to save, not spend myself. But there's something wrong when, "Look, Mommy bought you the new gadget of the month!" is code word for "I Love You". Thankfully, I know that money isn't everything and is so unreliable and uncertain. The only real investment worth the time and effort are my relationships. Spending my interest with those I love boasts both low risk and high returns. I'd like to see ameritrade try to match that!