Why Invest?

Why should you invest? Which is riskier to invest or not to invest?  My answer like many others is that not investing is much riskier. The average inflation rate is more in the 2-3% range, so this is what you need to make just to break even. Most savings will give you a 1-1.25% return.  A 5 yr CD goes for around 2.02%.
So even a conservative investor can see that you really need to have your money make more money for you. Those dollars have to be your employees going out getting you various returns.  In this  highly volatile markets people are buying notes at negative returns for the safety of parking their money.
Most money managers, planners, investors, and so on will tell you these truth's:

1.You should have a retirement fund 401/IRA etc.
2. You should have 6 months plus worth of savings for emergency's
3. You should set up a portfolio that caters to your needs, time frame, and risk tolerance

It is true that with stocks, bonds, and cash you can weather many financial storms.
Using other investment options like forex trading and options trading with stocks or commodities is where you go for more aggressive returns.

So make sure you cover #1 and #2.  When you get to #3 you should be using all risk capitol. Money that can go away and not interfere with you life and all of the wonderful recurring monthly bills that come with it.
Where ever you chose to put your risk capitol, make sure you are comfortable with those markets, and have an entry and exist strategy for every move. For me any area that has liquidity, and you can put exact limits on loss or profits is where you want to be. I am a big fan of making initail investments and knowing that or less is the most I can loose.