I had to mention something about this financial crisis that affects USA (and most of the world indirectly) and you (yes, you too, somehow!).

When things get complicated, it's easy to overlook the basics. This is the problem at the root of the financial crisis. Really, it's nothing complicated. Hidden beneath obscure layers of derivatives of derivatives of mutual funds, the basics were rotten.

Others, who are more knowledgeable than I, have written eloquently about this topic. I invite you to read two posts by Oren Harari, Leveraged rubbish and Don't wait until it hits the fan.