I am surprised nobody mentioned index funds. While more risky, investing in diversified (including international) equities for the long term is expected to at

I am surprised nobody mentioned index funds. While more risky, investing in diversified (including international) equities for the long term is expected to at least keep up with inflation (minus crazy volatility in the short term) since you are effectively buying businesses whose value of produced goods and services should effectively raise along with inflation, unless major demographic and economic shifts happen (in which case your CDs or bonds would likely be just as screwed).