Given the abundance of academic research on the subject of the efficient-market hypothesis, I think it is futile and foolish to try to "beat the market" by trying to pick individual stocks that are mispriced. Therefore, I own low-cost index funds and try to own the market as a whole.
I do try to shelter as much of my portfolio as possible since taxes reduce returns. I have a 401k, 403b, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 457(b)... (I've had a lot of jobs).
I just consolidated everything into an IRA, Roth IRA and a separate account this year (I put them together at the same custodian). It's made my life so much easier and I actually understand my portfolio now (before it was just a bunch of assets). The only thing that's left to do is dig a few stock certificates out of the safety deposit box and have them converted to electronic shares so that everything really is in one place.
I do try to shelter as much of my portfolio as possible since taxes reduce returns. I have a 401k, 403b, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 457(b)... (I've had a lot of jobs).