Need Help Investing

[Daseal]

Schneed. Few questions here myself. First of all, I'm relatively young (26) so I have my 401K (taking advantage of the max amount of matching) on the most aggressive setting it can go on, last quarter it did pretty well. Considering I haven't worked much, it wasn't a lot of money, but that will change in time. How long would you leave it on aggressive? I was thinking the first 10 years, then pulling it down to moderate.

I know you push stock, but watching my grandmother deal with stock has really turned me off. Cost basis BS, the fact that turning it in can skyrocket your income bracket that year, etc. It's been such a hassle I kind of want to avoid it. If it ends up being the most effective investment vehicle, then so be it -- but it seems like a huge hassle.

Where do you stand on IRAs? I was under the impression that the return from IRAs were quite good and that should be the 2nd thing, after your 401K, that you focus on as a young person saving for the future.

Thanks!