That's why midlife investors have little choice but to stock up on stocks, the only investment that has beaten inflation handily over time. Inflation, meanwhile, averaged 3.1 percent. Putting the bulk of your savings into stocks may seem like a high-risk proposition, particularly after last year's dizzying swoon in share prices. But while stock values can fluctuate dramatically over the short term, they're among the safest investments you can own over longer periods. Build the Wealth You Need to Live Your Dream .
Stocks win that race hands down.
That's why it makes sense these days for people in their 50s to keep no less than 75 percent and perhaps as much as 100 percent of their long-term savings in stocks and stock funds. All rights reserved. AARP Webplace Privacy Policy .