<prompt> Human: Personally, I think investing in stocks through low cost-index funds is, over a long period of time, a good investment I read the sidebar haha. But occasionally, I run into friends, coworkers, etc. who dont invest in stocks at all - not even though index funds. The arguments commonly made are:1 Its too risky. 2 If you had bought before the market crash in 2007, it would have taken 6 years before you regained what you lost.3 You might be dead before you take your investments out 20-30 years later. 4 If youre alive by then, you might have to take it out during another market crash.5 They have better things they want to do with their money buy a house, spend it on their familiesI usually counter with how on average the stock market has grown 7-11 on average per year since the 20s. But theyre not really wrong. It even makes me think a little.  <response>: 4 If youre alive by then, you might have to take it out during another market crash.A key part of long-term investing is moving your investments to safer investments as you reach your expected withdrawal dates. By the time youre 5 years out from withdrawal, you should be heavily into bonds and other stable funds that will survive a market crash. 