Microwaving Contacts, And Other Mega-Goofs

"I thought I was an absolute genius," he said.

In 1998, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. When she died two years later, Bartlett received $150,000 from her life insurance. He thought at the time that the best use of the money was to continue investing it in the technology sector. He had planned to use part of his returns to help send his granddaughter to college.

Around the end of the 1990s and into early 2000, many technology stocks began to tank.

In the end, Bartlett lost about 90 percent of that $280,000.

"Now, I realize that I'm not a genius, and am quite careful about where I put my money," he says.

The lesson here for investors comes down to just one word -- diversify.

Bowles and Flaherty each win $25. Bartlett will receive $50.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest. Please know I will be sharing your stories in future columns or in my online e-letter. Perhaps others will remember your mega-money mistakes and avoid their own blunders.

Research assistant Charity Brown contributed to this column.

· On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

· By mail: Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

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