If you're worried about inflation, consider TIPS (US treasury inflation-protected securities) or an index fund that consists of them (e.g. TIP or VIPSX). That w

If you're worried about inflation, consider TIPS (US treasury inflation-protected securities) or an index fund that consists of them (e.g. TIP or VIPSX). That way you're less likely to lose a lot of your savings suddenly. The stock market can be flaky so the usual advice is not to invest money in stocks that you might need in the next 5 years or so. Also you might try going to the Bogleheads forums and ask for their advice, they are a helpful bunch: http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=1 http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=1