| Hi again, Lulie, How are things? At an investment group that I've attended pretty well monthly for several years (subscribers to an ad-free money management magazine), the subject of Edward Jones came up a while ago. Not much was said, but I think that an opinion was expressed that the local franchisees (and they are usually small offices) are not inclined to offer many investment suggestions originated by themselves, but pretty well accept the recommendations generated by head office. As with using any financial advisor, it's important to scope out not only the level of training and experience in the financial industry that the person has, but experience of life, general outlook, etc. It's important that one feel really compatible with one's financial advisor, for most investors carry on a very close relationship with theirs, over a long term. It's important to learn how the person is compensated, as well. Quite often, if one has a substantial level of financial knowledge, financial transactions when investing can be completed through a discount brokerage system, where transaction fees are much lower - but they don't offer any financial advice, either. I've said to many during my twenty years as an advisor that no one cares as much about your money as you (except some folks that would like to transfer [some of?] yours from your pocket into theirs), so it's important that folks learn how to manage money. Some (including a psychiatrist who wondered a few years ago whether he could retire early) say that it's too complicated - but I say that when Mom buys a loaf af bread and puts a few slices on the table for supper, if young Jimmy, having been running around all afternoon, so arriving famished at the table, stuffs a whole slice into his mouth at once ... he has a problem. But munching through bread a bite at a time ... before long, the whole loaf has been transferred from the bag that came from the store into my stomach, whith no blockqqqages along the way. Same with learning about money - take it a few steps at a time. Don't let it intimidate you - and don't let the practitioners do that, either. Have a great week - learning more about how to manage your money effectively. ole joyful | 
