Many people fear the stock market.  They view it as something that works against them and not for them.  But the stock market (for long term investors) can be one of the greatest tools to accomplish some of your financial goals.  The financial markets have rewarded long-term investors.  People expect a positive return on the capital they supply, and, historically the stock and bond markets have provided growth of wealth that has more than offset inflation.  Since 1970 many bad things have happened; Arab oil embargo, savings and loan crisis, Y2K scare, Dotcom Stock crash, 9/11 terrorist attacks and subprime mortgage crisis - just to name a few.  Long term investors were still rewarded when maintaining a disciplined approach.  Missing just a few days of strong returns can drastically overall performance.  The message is simple; knowledge = confidence, confidence = discipline and discipline = success.  Are you a disciplined investor?