Q: YOU often recommend that workers retiring roll over their 401(k) into something called a self-directed account at a discount broker. What's that and why do it?  

READERS often ask where I get my ideas and information to write my personal finance columns, a task that I first took on almost 30 years ago.Well, one thing I tell them is that after 30 years I'm still a student, still learning the intricacies of investment products and strategies.  

Q: YOU often recommend that workers retiring roll over their 401(k) into something called a self-directed account at a discount broker. What's that and why do it?  

READERS often ask where I get my ideas and information to write my personal finance columns, a task that I first took on almost 30 years ago.Well, one thing I tell them is that after 30 years I'm still a student, still learning the intricacies of investment products and strategies.  

TODAY, let me pass on some interesting stock market insights that may help you figure out just what's going on:Dow theory: If you believe in theories, you may like the Dow Theory.