I'll call total bullshit on the idea that stocks provide positive returns over long time periods. (EDIT: note that you don't always get to pick the time period,

I'll call total bullshit on the idea that stocks provide positive returns over long time periods. (EDIT: note that you don't always get to pick the time period, life has that nasty habit of forcing the situation) Over the last 25 years, including the recent meltdown, the best investment was long US treasuries. My advice is to do your own research buy a small group of stocks you know very well, preferably that pay a dividend, and hold them. When they go down, if you are still a believer buy more. Stay away from mutual funds, they are loaded with hidden fees, their managers are like cattle, and they typically do well only in bull markets when everyone does well.