I have had a financial advisor for the last five years and I've just fired him. I got out of his index funds at 12,750 because I don't want to go through another bear market with those guys telling me to hold on (I'm 55). For the last year plus, I have been dabbling with 100K to teach me a little technical analysis and I made a little, main thing, I didn't lose. I subscribe to four newsletters and pay attention to what's happening, but when I'm working I have very little time. I work fourteen days a month and do have time to watch and study the other days. I'm in cash, gold and some emerging markets. My question is...........I have the assets in five different places, cash, Roth's and IRA's. How many stocks should I hold? Should I use Sector Funds or ETF's in some of the accounts to reduce the activity in some of the accounts? Taxes aren't really an issue. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.