Hello and Welcome to the Investing forum. I'd love to hear your questions and thoughts on investing.

Hi, good to have you here, Sandra!

My question: is investing in anything still worthwhile? Stocks and real estate seem to have been mistakes in this last decade.

with all of the turmoil in the European market, and some of the exposes that have been in Frontline, I would love to know about good, solid safe investing in todays market.

Nice for you to join us!

Your article on I bonds is right on target with a lot of fear potential investors have right now. I look forward to seeing your next articles!

Jilly, Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I think there are some good investments. For now I like bond index funds and stocks in consumer staples. Bonds I think will hold a while longer since I don't believe interest rates are going up for a few years. I'd think along the lines of what does anyone need even when times are tough and invest in the stocks or stock funds that provide them.

AKLisa, Thank you for visiting. A few good,solid,safe investments: Vanguard Wellesley Income fund has been doing well the last few years and gives a balanced low-cost approach. I like TIPS even though they don't pay much you're still keeping close to/up with inflation which is a big step in this low rate environment.

Sandra, thanks for the advice. I had not considered bond indexes/

Not that I have anything to invest right now but am always curious.

How about precious metals?

Jilly,

I think precious metals are too high right now. If you have any and need money, now is a good time to sell. Gold and silver prices may have reached their peak since lately investor demand has been weaker.

Welcome Sandra!

Thanks for the tips.

Yvonnie,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for visiting.

hasn't silver been inconsistent? I have some stuff - should I unload it now?

hasn't silver been inconsistent? I have some stuff - should I unload it now?

Oh, and Sandra, you can edit the icon on top of the forum any way you like. You have the power.

Just click on the edit button under your first post.

Jilly,

I agree silver has been inconsistent. It certainly took two big drops in the last year. I would say that if you purchased yours before 2010, I would sell it because you have made a nice profit.

Going forward, silver may rise to around $30 but demand for silver seems to have weakened along with the economy. Besides, silver just isn't used for as much as it used to be-like photography.

Most likely higher prices would be pure speculation.

Thanks for the editing tip, Jilly.

Hi Sandra!

I'm looking forwards to reading your articles and forum posts. I never learned about investing. Now that I have a nice steady job I really want to learn the basics.

cheers,
carleen

Hi Carleen and Welcome!

I'm glad to hear you have a steady job and I hope my info and advice helps you.

Sandra