<prompt> Human: Hello, everyone. Im a long-time reader of rpf but I created this account to ask a fairly controversial question.Im just starting out, making about 40kyear. I have no debt and live within my means, so for the first time in my life I am making more than I need to live apartment, unmarried, no kids. So now I have some money piling up and I dont know what to do with it. But over the past few years I have watched the economy nearly collapse, only to be saved by the the creation of money out of thin air. Our currency seems to not have any real value, and I worry that if I try to invest in ANYTHING I remain at the mercy of the central planners.Therefore I hesitate to participate in my companys 401k plan. I hesitate to open an IRA, invest in the market, or even have a checking account with more than the bare minimum.My trust in our financial system has greatly deteriorated, but is my lack of trust warranted? Any help you guys could provide to set me straight would be greatly appreciated.  <response>: Investing is a risk, but failing to invest is a far greater one. Yes, you could possibly lose a lot of money in a worst-case scenario, but by forgoing investment you will probably lose much more. I strongly suggest you look at investing returns over the years, which have been quite positive on average over the years--sometimes dramatically so.People have been afraid of imminent global collapse for centuries--seriously, read essays published throughout the ages--and now is no exception. Things will probably be fine. I do recognize that global collapse is a possibility, albeit slim, but so is getting cancer, dying in a car accident, or being struck by lightning. A broadly-reaching catastrophe probably a lot less likely, though, than the first two--or all three. Everything in life involves risk. Youve just got to go with the risks that on average have the best turnout. Financially speaking that means wise, diversified long-term investing. Dont let fear dictate your course through life, because it will always distort your thinking and lead you astray. If shit happens, it will happen, and we will all find a way to deal with it when it happens. At least were doing whats most prudent in the environment we currently find ourselves in. 