I have no experience with the "Snider Method" but the idea of attending a seminar for a couple thousand bucks brings back an ugly memory...

I flew several trips with a former Western Captain. He was in his early fifties and hadn't saved much at all. He spent the money and attended some Wade Cook seminars on "investing". He was convinced this was going to be his ticket to financial freedom and a nice retirement lifestyle.

Wade Cook ended up going to prison and I shudder to think what happened to that Captain's finances.

For those of you that have had some success with the Snider Method, I'm happy for you and I wish you continued success.

IMHO investment performance should be measured against a standard. For example, the Standard and Poor's 500. If you're up 15% but the S&P 500 is up 30%, that's not so hot. To take that one step further, the index you use as a benchmark should have a similar risk profile as your investments.

Orvil, your statement "Thus far, I haven't had any realized losses" sounds like accounting speak.

Suppose you had $10,000 and invested $5,000 in each of two stocks. Stock A was owned for exactly one year when it was sold for a gain of 20%. Stock B on the other hand dropped 50% in that same period, but is still in your portfolio.

The portfolio is now worth $8,500 (less than you started with). But you "haven't realized any losses".

I submit you've lost 15%, whereas you could claim you've made 20% because you are only considering "realized" transactions.