re: For those that had money invested in 08-09

It doesn't apply to the very few investors who have insider information. Also there are some, Buffet for example, who consistently win.

There are also professional gamblers in Vegas who make a decent living, but they are few and far between.

Being a day trader and a professional gambler are synonymous in my mind and I consider it playing with fire. It is not a lifestyle I want to be a part of.

Broad based diversification across the world market through low cost indexed mutual funds will accomplish the goal with the least amount of stress and effort. When I gamble I prefer to do it in vegas.