Don't Be Too Conservative With Your Investments

Just like you shouldn't bee too aggressive, you shouldn't be too conservative with your investments.  Long term rates of return for the stock market range from 8-12% per year.  If you get too conservative, you will cut that rate of return significantly and greatly reduce the growth in your portfolio.  And just think, after 25 years of investing the difference between an annual return of 5% and 10% is 745%!! (983% for 10% and 239% for 5%).  Make sure you at least aim for average returns, with more risk being taken in your earlier years.