gfp: I would add one caveat to the real estate idea. It would have to be real estate in a state, county and municipality that is not in serious financial problems. Because when those government entities start going belly up it will be the real estate owners who get gouged in taxes. Government salaries will not be reduced. Government pensions are not being reduced. But those taxes keep going up. A small rural parcel of 5-10 aces capable of producing a garden bounty would be wise. A multi family rental property could be productive, but if its in many of the urban areas in the US it is in danger of mass mayhem if the government tit goes dry. We're kicking around the idea of selling our Austin place while we're in a real estate bubble and downsizing to a smaller place, possibly outside town. My wife and I no longer need two floors, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 living rooms, etc. And the large yard is now more nuisance than pleasure. Our dog is ill and when he passes we'll probably start the process. We've been in our current house 11 years. Lots to sell and/or give away. But it's time.
