<prompt> Human: Lets say I need 100,000 cash to invest in some real estate property. It might take me 7 years to save up all that cash, and it seems like a waste to keep what Im saving in a savings account in the mean time.Would would you guys suggest? I was thinking a diversified stock index fund like a Vanguard fund but was looking for other opinions.  <response>: A safe place with low return would be long term CDs. So, save up 5k, buy a 5 yr CD. Next 5k and so on. Once you reach 5 years, then buy 1 and 2 year CDs. The return is small, but less risk than stocks or MFs. 