I am risk averse. I only feel safe if my money is in the bank. What should I do if the stock markets make me nervous?

If you think the constant motion of the stock market makes you queasy, how does it feel if I guarantee that your plan fails by sticking your money in the bank? While I don’t want to minimize your fear of market fluctuation, I want you to understand that if inflation is 3% and you’re earning .5%, you are guaranteeing a loss of over 2.5% of your principal (including taxes) each year. Your purchasing power erodes year after year after year in which your assets do not exceed inflation and taxes. Step outside your comfort zone in order to move closer to your financial goals.