In light of the other threads on economics and investing, I thought this the appropriate place for a link to Jack Bogle's life and investment philosophy. He invented and popularized indexed investment funds. He's on Fortune mags. 4 best investors list and the only one who always had the average investor in mind. Always. If you find the whole story is tedious, at least go to P. 6 for his 5 rules for successfully investing for the long term.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_pa ... alist.html
The included link to bogleheads.com works and may prove fruitful as well. His book mentioned is a classic though quite long. Good luck.