Have you invested before? ETFs like SPY are literally designed to index the S&P 500, and they have shown a pretty good track record too. SPY went up 700% during the past 20 years. And it doesn't matter if the companies on the S&P change over time, because the ETF handles the stock picks for you.
Obviously you move your portfolio into lower risk options when you're close to retirement, but when you're young there's no reason not to invest. The growth of the stock values doesn't need to match or beat the S&P; hell, it doesn't even need to beat the inflation rate if they're paying dividends. And if you're using tax advantaged accounts like a Roth IRA or HSA, then even better. Not having to pay any taxes on your growth makes a pretty huge difference in the long run.
Have you invested before? ETFs like SPY are literally designed to index the S&P 500, and they have shown a pretty good track record too. SPY went up 700% during the past 20 years. And it doesn't matter if the companies on the S&P change over time, because the ETF handles the stock picks for you.
Obviously you move your portfolio into lower risk options when you're close to retirement, but when you're young there's no reason not to invest. The growth of the stock values doesn't need to match or beat the S&P; hell, it doesn't even need to beat the inflation rate if they're paying dividends. And if you're using tax advantaged accounts like a Roth IRA or HSA, then even better. Not having to pay any taxes on your growth makes a pretty huge difference in the long run.