What is the best investment for 25-30 year olds with a long-term outlook?

Many books and articles talk about the best investments for people who are relatively close to retirement, but do not give as much guidance for people who are a couple of decades away.

If you don't know very much about mutual funds, then the best solution is one of the Target (targeted to around the year you will retire - now 67 years old) funds from Vanguard, Fidelity or other large (usually means lower expenses) fund companies. These very diversified (holding many types of stocks) funds start out somewhat aggressive, such as Target 2045 due to the 39 year time horizon, and very gradually become more conservative as the year draws near. There's also a 2040, 2035, 2030, etc. After you learn more about funds then you can always move it to another fund at the same company or elsewhere. Above all else, SAVE FOR YOUR OLD AGE, Social Security won't be there if you're under 40 now. It's expected to be depleted around 2030. It's alright to be young and poor but certainly not old and poor.

Mutual Funds such as Vanguard or Fidelity. They allow you to call them and they ask questions and then they give you a range of Funds to pick from. Individual Stocks are a hard game to play. Finds are easier because you have someone looking after the fund.

Exactly. I find that I am in the same predicament right now. I am 24, and I am not sure what to invest in. The 401K plan sounds great...but for when you retire. I need something more immediate. My suggestion would be to invest in your company's stock (if applicable,) or look into investing in stocks on websites such as etrade.com. Other than that, I have heard that mutual funds are good, but the rate of return is lower, while government treasury bills have an even lower return (but they are the safest place to put your money.)

uummmm. Stocks?

For most people, their best bet would be a very broad-based index fund. Either one of the various S&P 500 products (SPDR's, Vanguard 500, etc.) or one of the total stock market funds like Vanguard's Total Stock Market Index Fund. (Symbol: VTSMX)

small - mid value funds...

That's where my $, my families $, and my clients $ is.... who are in the catagory you described. There are other alternatives to "diversify" risk.

Investing is "never so simple" as picking 1 or 2 funds... financial planning should involve everything from your car financing, your mortgage, your 401(k) <or equivalent>, insurance protection for yourselves, your cars, etc...etc...etc.

Good advice... find a Financial Advisor/Investment Advisor, etc that you trust (or has been being trusted by friends/family) and get good advice on YOUR situation. If they don't ask about all these other issues when meeting with you... then they are "stock brokers" by another name... and run.

Yes you could learn invest by yourself. it is your money, you should know how to do with it. for starter check this site out.

http://www.pathtoinvesting.org/index_fla...
http://www.stockcharts.com
>...http://www.streettalklive.com>... university. a lot amount of information. It will serve you well
I accumulate in good amount in 401k at the young age.I could share with you. when consider invest in stock market. you should consider basic 3 things:

fundamental analysis==(economic data,finincial health, management, business model, competetion)>>what to buy

technical analysis==(chart+indicator)>> when to buy

Sentiment/schycho analysis==>>mood of investor, Contrarian point of view.
Market cycle===>> check out book Trader Almanac by jeff hirsch will give you inside stuff
When you combine 3 thing, It is one of the powerful knowledge goinh with you for the rest of your live

At the age of 32. my 401k is amassed 71,000.00 and 30000.00 in taxble account. by follow simple rule

HI, Mutual Fund maybe a nice choice for you.

this is a 2-page introductory knowledge about Mutual Funds. it also includes something about how to invest mutual funds.

http://www.bernanke.cn/what-is-a-mutual-...

wish it will help you. Good Luck!