But what is the lazy investor to do with ordinary mutual funds? That hot-shot manager that drove the great returns has left to run a hedge fund, and the investor is now stuck with a mediocre replacement. And since this is a lazy investor, probably won’t ever find out.

Good point, PK. In that case, I’ll still look at the Morningstar report and go through this process to determine if the fund is any good. If not, I might be better off choosing one of the limited products in another asset class.

Also – “The reason I penned that particular post was simple. I was in the process of buying one.” I know that feeling!

Miss T, I just realized I forgot about my dartboard screen! I blindfold myself, throw a dart, and that usually gives me my best option.

Sometimes I crack myself up. I totally agree. If people don’t have a set of screens and criteria, they’re in a world of hurt.

Good point, Bichon. There isn’t a ton to gain from star counting. I’ll clarify. I’m lazy and don’t want to sort through every fund that meets my criteria, so I choose from a shorter list of funds that Morningstar has already screened as their top funds.