

For most people, assuming they have disposable income, this is probably the right answer. One of the cornerstones of these forums is that trying to time the market is more often than not a fool’s errand unless you have inside information. Secondly, they rely on a long term view of investing. If you’re planning on retiring in 5 years, they’re a good start, but you’ll probably need more than they can offer. If retirement is still 10-20 years off, they can be very helpful in getting you pointed in the right direction. If you’re still in your 20s, they’ll have you set. I’ve often seen it said in these groups that if their strategies don’t work over 30-40 years, the economy probably has much bigger problems (like impending collapse)!
I would also add that the work you “put into” this is mainly in how you vote. We’re seeing the results of the “line must go up” culture in various parts of the world right now - most notably in the US. My biggest fear is that the global economy will need another Great Depression, probably right around the time I’m getting ready to retire, to realize that there is more to company stewardship that making rich people richer.