What would be the best way to invest money for say 20 years, safely?

Without a doubt investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks has during the last 20 years been an excellent investment. About 10% annual return. There is definitely risk to that. Stock can go for years with negative returns for example 2000, 2001, 2002. Bonds are not as safe as stocks, despite the reputation. They are very subject to inflation and to government monipulation of interest rates to sever their self interest. Quite frankly there is no "safe" investment. Read that sentence again.

What you want to strive to accomplish is to minimize the risks of investing with the hopes of beating inflation in the process. In my opinion the best way to do that is to invest in various different sectors of the world economy with the goal of offsetting a setback in one area with gains in others. However, a global depression would effect every asset everywhere with the one exception of cash. So a healthy cash reserve should be always be considered in ones investment strategy. Cash in the form of t-bills.

Buy gold.

A long-term investment depends on the risk factor. If you want a higher rate, the stock market returned 10.4% per year over the past 60 years. Bonds are closer to 3 to 5%, but with a very low risk. CD's are the safest and return the least, as oow as 1 or 2%. It depends on how much you want to gamble. I would tell a young person to try 70% stocks and 30% bonds for a nice mix.

You need to talk with an investment banker. I tried zero coupons for a 10 year term and almost doubled the original investment !!! But you need a professional to guide you. Just tell him or her exactly what you expect: a safe and easy way to invest your money with the best return possible and the best tax advantage possible.

Wish you luck!

umm dunno...

Bonds

purchase real estate or land Its the highest return of all Real Estate always goes up

Put it in a mutual fund that is aggressive. American Funds has a good reputation. Call the Edward Jones in your area. They will hook you up with a 20 year time frame.

nothing is totally safe but if you want little risk then you have to look towards bank CD's or online saving banks.

You have twenty years, make sure it's diversified. You should at least be able to get a 10% return and even 15% would be great. Go to your bank or credit union so you don't fall prey to any schmucks. When I was job hunting I had people call me to put me into financial sales and I didn't know squat about it - scary! Right now we're getting 17% and I allocated in a diversified manner which seems to be working right now.

go for exchange traded main index fund. u r buying the share market index. ur chances of losing principal are nil & returns will beat any other investment avenue hands down.

50% Total Stock Market Mutual Fund
20% Total International Stock Market Fund
20% Small CAp Stock Mutual Fund
10% Mid Cap Stock Fund

This is a sample of an aggressive fund set up I give to my clients. You are looking at a 12-15% with this.

For a more conservative approach replace the small and mid cap with total bond index. and look to return 7-10%

Good Luck

go to suzeorman.com. Ask Suze Orman. She will tell you.