If you want to invest in your retirement or your kid's college education, you can pick several options.  You can pick the safe investment choice instead of the risky stock market.  Over a long period of time, the safe option will yield a decent amount of return.  There are several safe investments you can choose from. 
You can consider bonds which has several types that you can purchase.  There are bonds that can be purchased from the government.  Bonds are like Certificate of Deposits, the only difference is that CD's are issued by banks.  Your investment can have the chance to double depending on the bonds that you purchase. 
There are also mutual funds that are relatively safe.  Mutual funds are formed from a group of investors pooling their money together to buy stocks, bonds, and other forms of investment.  The fund manager handles the fund and decides where to invest it.  You have to find a qualified and reputable fund manager with a prove track record to invest your money in.  Mutual funds can be riskier than bonds depending on the type of mutual fund you choose. 
Stocks as long-term investments can yield the highest return.  If you buy shares of stocks, you are buying ownership of the company you are investing in.  The value of your stocks depends how well the company does financially.  A company who does poorly will make its stocks drop in value which make stocks very risky.  You can invest in companies with good reputation and that are stable to keep your money relatively safe. 
It is important to do your part in research before investing to have your money earn long-term.  Look for well established stocks when purchasing stocks.  Find a good mutual fund that has a good track record and history to invest in.  If you are not ready to invest in stocks or mutual funds, you can go for the safe option of bonds that are backed by the government. 

A.J. Palmer writes about a number of subjects including loafer styles and moccasin from his site. 
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