<prompt> Human: Hi personalfinance,Im 51 and pretty much a financial idiot. A couple of mistakes helped me keep my money. When 911 happened all of my money was miraculously in bonds, the same when the 2008 fail came along.My money was in bonds both times by accident, so I ended up making money in 2000 and 2008. In 2010 I rolled all of my 401ks into an IRA and Ive left it there ever since. Ive been following paper trading some stock picks from the 2000 year old man, Richard Maybury, and Ive considered dropping all of this cash into defense stocks. I have 300 K in cash at scottrade. My 260,000 number is considering losing 20 if I decided to pull it all before retirement.Im a 9th grade drop out who has a great job in technology - Virtualization Architect. Im employed and happy.My wife is about the same age and is professionally employed as a controller in finance.All cars are paid for. No loans except a mortgage to speak of. We have 10 years left on a 15 year mortgage. 1350 a monthWe have a full time Nanny that we pay 530 a week after taxes are taken out, thats our only real expense.We have emergency funds in place for six months including checking and savings. Cash set aside for quick emergencies. 50k in savings not included in cash at Scottrade.I want to move to the beach early enough to enjoy retirement. Im just frozen in fear, i hate to put this cash back into the market and watch it disappear because of bad investments.At this point in our life, can you give me ideas how some of you would take what we have to secure your future? Im pretty sure my job is good for as long as I want to work, the same with my wife.Another three years or so and we wont need the Nanny anymore.I feel kind of stupid posting this as Im not in dire straits, but I could still use some help.Thanks,Mr. Throwaway.  <response>: 1. You mentioned your wife is professionally employed. Does she have any money set aside past the 300k mentioned here?2. If both you and your wife are 50, you both can contribute 24,000 each into your respective 401k retirement accounts. Even if the stock market stayed flat for the next five years and your employers dont have any matching funds, youd still double your nest egg in a little over five years.3. The automoderations FAQ links are -- for once -- germane to the conversation. In particular, the 401k fund selection is something you should read. Buying the market will give you more diversification than your suggestion of putting it all in defense stocks.4. Lastly, starting late affects your asset allocation. People preparing for retirement often reduce risk by transitioning from stocks to bonds, but bonds arent likely to give the catch-up returns you need over the next decade. Unless youre shoveling money into your retirement funds like mad for 10 years, you probably need to go with something with more stock exposure than a target 2030 fund. 