Where's the best place to invest your money these days?

@ 1st Lt Matt A. I am getting too old for another bubble burst. The reality is likely that one will occur, hopefullyh not deep and widespread but it will happen.

Matt, an index funds is exactly that, it follows an index. They have low expense ratios since they do not require as much management by the money managers. An S&P index fund (ie SPY) would be expected to mirror the index. In a bear market, it would not perform well, but historically has a greater return (as equities mostly do). A bond index fund (ie AGG) would mirror the aggregate bond index. It would be expect to perform better during a bear market (for equities). Bottom line, it all comes down to ones time horizon. Ask yourself, when do you plan on using these funds? Based on your apparent age (assuming you were thinking for retirement), you would want more equity's. Whether it's individual stocks, ETF's, mutual funds or a combination if them all. Go for it. If you like a specific quality company, buy it. If you like a certain niche market, buy it.

Just a size note Jeff, munis would serve no purpose in a retirement account. Muni bonds are use for the tax-free benefit.

Capt Matt A. Sir You are correct on Vanguard. I am not sure at this time I would gamble on high risk investments. I have what is considered safe stock and today's economy is a unknown.

Well, barring a robbery or a house fire. A friend of mine kept $50k hidden in his house. Alas, his ex-fiance robbed him blind in the process of becoming "ex."

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca Inflation will eat away the value of fiat money at an outrageous speed. Not to mention the risks SGT Jeremiah B. pointed out.

Speaking of quasi-precious metals, copper is likely to continue on the up and up

Cpl Jeff N. I haven't actually looked into Israeli manufacture, seems worthwhile!

Capt Richard I P. and the school of infantry have said it best.

I still have ammo I paid $6.00 a box for and 12 years later that same box of ammo is $14. I know there are some money wise guys on here and if any of them can double their investment in 12 years they would be all over it. Since I don't see the entitled liberalism going away any time soon I would say it is better than money in the bank.