# Gavin Andresen # 2010-12-24 16:03:12 # https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2434.msg32974#msg32974 @s{quotedtext} @s{quotedtext} @p{brk} TIPS (Treasury Inflation Protected Securities), which are sold by treasurydirect, compensate for inflation. They are a good place to put money that you're pretty sure you will need "soon" @p{--} within the next 5 years or so. Assuming you trust the US government not to default on its debt (I do@p{--} I think the government might try to inflate away the debt, but won't outright default). @p{par} Money you won't need soon aught to be invested in something productive@p{--} invest in some business or person that is making our lives more efficient or pleasant. That should give you the best long-term return and will make the world a better place, too. Stock market index funds are an inexpensive, mostly safe, mostly inflation-proof way to invest. @p{par} If you have some 'playing around' money that you can afford to lose, you might want to invest in Bitcoins. But bitcoin is a startup currency, and should be treated like a high-tech startup company@p{--} high-risk, but very high potential reward. You might lose your entire investment or it might turn out to be the best investment you ever made.