The best form of investing is the type done over the long term. The common mode for most individuals is usually a 401k account or other related employer based models. While the current economic environment has in many cases yielded little growth if not loss for the last several years, historically the stock market and the various mutual fund investment options associated with it have typically yielded healthy rates of return.

The problem of late for many has been that the severe downturns in the market have occurred too close to their anticipated retirement dates. This reality has left many investors with the realization that they will not see a return to their previous level of funds, let alone positive growth. This is unfortunately one of the challenges that must be faced by all who play the market.

As a result, many are increasingly turning to models which in short offer little real growth but provide a greater degree of security. An example of this kind of investment would be a bank account that pays out interest on any money deposited in to it. This "safe" kind of investing is generally low yield and builds up over a long period of time. Some accounts including certificates of deposits may earn slightly higher interest than others, but this is usually tied to some limited access to your money over the investment term.

Other individuals are turning to precious medals in light of the decline of the dollar and the anticipated rise of interest rates in light of the ballooning federal deficit and looming federal debt. Precious metals like gold and silver have proven to be safe havens during most economic crisis and often increase greatly in times of economic turmoil. The challenge of a collapse in silver or gold prices however can occur once economic stability returns. This can cause prices to severely drop. The best approach then is a mixture which gives the investor the best possible safeguards for their investments.