Buy financial products you understand

- To avoid dumb mistake number one. Overcome your boredom and spend more time reading the fine print. Don't hate me for saying that. You know you should. And then take it further. Ask tough, critical questions. So many smart people hesitate to ask questions of financial salespeople and advisors, even though they behave quite aggressively in other areas of their life. Fear plays a role here too. Many smart people are quite accomplished in their careers. They're used to being the experts. And when it comes to a subject about which they know little, they can fear looking ignorant or foolish. It's psychically easier for them to nod their heads and pretend they understand rather than risk embarrassment. Have you ever done this? I know I have. During my career as a financial planner, I often wished clients would ask me more questions, not fewer. By asking questions, clients weren't disrespecting me. Rather, they…