<prompt> Human: I graduated college and have been working a few years. I always hear people say take the risk now, youre young!! when it comes to investing. However, this message always comes from old people who already have cars, houses, etc. If Im saving to buy a house by the time Im 30 or so, is taking big risks a good idea? People say you have decades to make up for a loss but a loss hurts more when it could mean you dont have downpayment money for a car or house. Am I misunderstanding the meaning of this advice? Are they talking strictly about retirement investing?  <response>: Are they talking strictly about retirement investing?Yes. Matching investment timelines to the appropriate investment is very important. Savings for a down payment you expect to use in 2 years should not be in the stock market. Retirement savings to be used in 40 years should not be primarily in a savings account. 