Part of my role as a financial adviser is to help clients
identify and avoid common financial mistakes. As I've observed
over the course of my 27-year career, even the savviest
investors can fall prey to these pitfalls if they're not
careful.  Here are a few common mistakes investors make:
Letting emotions drive investment decisions: Jumping in and out
of investments based on fear, excitement or other emotions
sparked by short-term market fluctuations is not usually a sound
investment strategy. Attempts to "time the market" can leave you
at risk for bigger losses and excessive stress if longer-term
trends do not work in your favor.  COMMODITIES: They can be a
portfolio hedge  RETIREMENT: Big mistakes by men and women
401(K)S: Rethinking the 4% withdrawal rule  A better approach is
to start by understanding your risk tolerance. Ask yourself how
you would feel if the market were down 5, 10 or 20%. What would
make you lose sleep at night?  A good portfolio takes into
consideration both your desired rate of ret