How safe and realistic is earning 6% in the markets? (ETF, Index fund)?

Question

Consistantly, without losing principal over a 30+ yr period.

Answer 1

Considering 7.5 is rather easy over 10 years .I`d say too easy. Course your 6% and somebody else`s 6% will be two different numbers altogether. Not everyone invests the exact amount. if you have 100,000.00 your 6% over 30 years will be a large sum - taxes and fees .

Answer 2

Should be fairly easy.... Try FNMIX for awhile...plus  20% in HTE..( until 2010 )   you should have a nice headstart...then go with funds like FAIRX..CGMFX...NBGEX... or cautious with FGBLX.

Answer 3

  IT DEPENDS HOW HEAVY YOUR THUMB IS ON THE SCALE. HA-HA. Start off mall, and then talk to someone who is qualified,and is willing to sit down and share his knowledge.  good luck!   Eric S