[nmap]

ETFs are an outstanding choice, IMO. As JJ_BPK points out, they are in some ways similar to mutual funds. They are more easily traded than funds.

Some commodity oriented ETFs require the filing of form K-1 - so tax filing may be a bit more complex than with funds.

There's nothing wrong with your allocation, but I get the impression that you are trying to spread your investments across a wide spectrum. You might wish to consider coming up with a vision of what the economy and its components are going to do, then designing an allocation to match your expectations.

For example - you are long equities and long bonds. So your ideal situation is for interest rates to go down (causing bonds to appreciate) at the same time that stocks are going up. Will interest rates continue down from where we are now? Perhaps - one respected analyst believes they will. But he contends that this will be due to reduced economic activity, implying a declining stock market.

In addition, you have 50% of your portfolio long stocks (not counting REITs). Do you expect stocks to go up from here? Why? (Not agreeing or disagreeing, just saying it may be worthwhile to consider your reasons for taking this particular position). Are stocks great values based on historical numbers (No - they are not.). Are they in an uptrend? (Yes, they seem to be based on both trend analysis and Dow theory). So....if that's your basis....how will you adapt if things change? When will you liquidate a winning position - or, for that matter, a losing one? Will you just hang on indefinitely? If so - why?

Please understand that these are meant as reflective questions, not requests for information. They're just something to think about.

Bullseye Investing by Mauldin is a good discussion of stock values over the past century.

stockcharts.com offers some free charting services - in addition, they have lots of resources that discuss technical analysis

Barron's is an interesting weekly newspaper dedicated to investments. Perhaps it is available at your local library. If so, it's worth a look.

CNBC? OK, granted, one must take much of what they say with a generous application of salt, but it sometimes has some interesting bits of information.

For trading, I use Ameritrade, and I'm happy with them. YMMV!

Best of luck in your endeavor!