If you believe the adage "A penny saved is two pennies earned" or the pithier “Buck saved, buck earned”, forgoing the wrong hedge fund investment might be the most lucrative thing you ever do.

First, the wonkish answer. Considering financial costs only, the cost of renting is simply your 1) Actual rent + 2) Renter's insurance + 3) Difference in uncovered utilties between a rental and owned property.

Failing to plug financial leaks is much costlier than most of us imagine. This should take priority over trying to make a speculative killing. Here are some ground rules: Pick low-fee mutual funds and