jps5976:

I've seen CWGIX recommended many times and it seems like the ideal type of fund that i would be interested in, but the load is what kills me. Why should a do-it-yourself investor have to pay the loads which are typically designed to pay a financial advisor?

Load funds sold through financial advisors is the American Fund's business model and it has served them well through the years.  There are many good no-load funds out there.  If you don't need a financial advisor, find them and invest in them.