<prompt> Human: Ive noticed that over the last few years, Ive heard more and more people recommend stable index funds over more volatile investments. For the most part I think this is great as I also mostly use index funds for my investing. So Im wondering if its possible that this piece of advice is going to bite a lot of people in the ass like owning a house did a few years ago?Assistant: Sure, there could be a market crash. There will be one at some point. And then it will rebound again.Human: How would one protect themselves from said crash? Having a percentage in hard currency?Assistant: Just ride it through. If youre close to retirement then you should be less heavily invested in stocks.Human: Im in my thirties so not close to retirement, but old enough that I should prepare for any externalities.  <response>: You need to decide on your risk tolerance and decide your asset allocation just like everyone else. 