<< I just came into a chunk of change from a relative's estate (a 401k which I rolled over into my name) and I would like to invest in the Foolish 4 or other sound method other than Mutuals....the problem is that I can't find any guidelines stating what I can or cannot trade regarding individual stocks, options, etc. >>

Did you receive this money in 2000? AFAIK you cannot roll a decedent's 401(k) into anything unless the decedent was your spouse. It's a taxable distribution to you, and you will have to pay income tax on it for the year you receive it.

The good news is that once it's been distributed to you, you can do anything you want with it, but in a taxable account.

These issues are covered more fully in IRS Publications 575 and 590 and the Tax Strategies board's FAQ.

TMF ExRO
Phil Marti