@gailcalled Ok Gail…there is always an exception.
If your mother has an expensive investment advisor who matches the index funds, then she is losing money isn’t she? Why doesn’t she fire him/her?
If you are merely matching the index averages, then you are not doing so well either, are you?
The field of investment advisors is rife with incompetents. I know…I am an investment advisor (for 30 years) The stupidity and herd instinct of most of the industry is ludicrous.
Lastly, (and I’m not saying it is) if your only measure of success is your record against the index funds, how about all the other investment venues and all the other financial matters that must be taken into consideration to manage your financial future?
Finally, your mother should fire her sorry advisor.
Oh, you might consider getting rid of yourself in the advisor capacity too. But then, if your friend cuts your hair, you may be one of those people who thinks “cheap” is the ultimate measure and value never enters the equation.