I just pay a CFA to manage my funds. He charges me 1% annually, and that's what I netted in 2013 after fees/tax. It's mostly fixed income, technology, oil/gas, REIT, type of investments in the stock market. I make occasional trades, but I don't do it full time.

Interesting because if it wasn't for 2008, I wouldn't be nearly as wealthy as I am now. I lost quite a bit of money in 2008, but also made more than double my money back as the market recovered. Which is why I don't worry too much when people warn of market crashes...if I could survive 2008, and come out on top, it doesn't seem like there is much to be afraid of. I could be wrong, but it doesn't appear that way.